This past weekend four of us took the hour long flight (also there was a 30 min walk to the station, 2 hour train ride, 2 hour security queue, and an one hour delay) to Amsterdam. It was great. Heather is an apparent genius at directions and maps so she figured out the transportation system when we got there so we knew how to use the trolleys. We got up very early the next morning and were 8th in line for the Anne Frank house. Everyone knows the story, but a small refresher...Anne, along with her mother, father, and sister moved into an annex behind his shop when the Nazis invaded the Netherlands and started to force Jews into concentration camps. Her family, another family of three, the van Pels, and a family friend all lived in the annex for two years. When you enter the museum you go to the front of the house where Otto Frank's business was. During Nazis occupation Jews were no longer allowed to own businesses so his Jam business was signed over to another worker. The family lived in an area, behind the bookcase, and relied on the employees to risk their safety sneaking them food and help. Once you pass through the bookcase it is chilling. You realize the story you have read, seen, and know is literally right there. The first room is where Margot, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank lived. Next was Anne's shared room. On the walls were glued pictures of celebrities and the royal family of that time. They are still on the wall today. The second floor of the annex had the common room and kitchen and is where Mr. and Mrs. van Pel lived then Peter's room. At first I was shocked about how large it actually was, but the realization that they lived there for two years without hardly ever coming down is unthinkable. Then their betrayal (it is still unknown who called and reported them to the German police) hits you like a brick wall. In Anne's diary there are a lot of references to how the members of the annex did not get along and how annoyed she was with others (it was her diary after all, which we got to see) but, none of this came out in the museum. Although there are prime suspects in who actually betrayed her, they were not mentioned in the literature. No, the museum was a dedication to her spirit and the spirit of all the Jews and those who helped them. It had a strong connection to acceptance and community and an emphasis on the helpers that aided in keeping them safe and alive.
That somber feeling only lasted a little while though, as it was Gay Pride Weekend. And boy was it. Amsterdam is partly canals. A lot of the nice real estate is on the canals as are cafes and such. The parade took place in the canals and onlookers either parked boats on the side of the canal or stood on the bridges and sidewalks. There are some pictures that you can't even tell there is water in them because of all the boats and people. The interesting thing about it was there was not a lot of activism and no protest associated with it, it was truly just pride. I guess in a country where gay marriage is legal (the first country to do so) you can have more positive events like that. Some couples were even married on the canal during the middle of the parade. Each boat had a theme, like sexy sailors, or equality in different countries (they had the flag on the back of their speedo), safe sex where they waved large condoms, and many many more. Then the music was great with ABBA, Lady GaGa, "It's Raining Men", and Queen being the major staples. Everybody was dancing and singing and drinking and having the best time. People agreed it was even crazier than Mardi Gras. At one point a canal tour boat had to cross the canal. Everyone inside was at least 65. All the scantily clad men ran up to the edge of their boats and waved and cheered and posed for pictures. The look on the tourists faces were hilarious, but they warmed up to it. The demographic of the people at the parade was great too. There were little kids there dancing and running around, straight people on the boats, gays, lesbians, and people from everywhere! We met a lot of fun people that were so happy we had come out to support and more importantly have fun. But, honestly our presence would not have been missed. I have never seen that many people in my entire life. The one thing we agreed that was better about an American gay pride parade though was that there would be souvenir stalls that we could buy a flag or crazy tshirt from. The color of choice was pink and luckily I was wearing a black dress with big pink circles on it, so I did fit in and got to show my support.
We did a lot more like go to the van Gogh museum and take a canal tour, but those are the two things that I will always remember from Amsterdam no matter what. They were both distinctively related to that city. There are only a few places in the world that would not try to sensationalise the story of Anne Frank or have no backlash to such a flamboyant large and exciting Gay Pride Celebration. Yes, Amsterdam can be deemed open and liberal because of the legalisation of pot and prostitutes, but that sentiment is present in a lot more areas and it creates a great city and culture.
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