We climbed the three stories to a small room, packed with ‘foreigners,’ of all shapes and sizes, each one of us eager to get the green light to stay in China. But unfortunately, there’s nothing eager about the pace with which we’re given the chop. (China’s regularly used word for the official stamp that certifies just about everything.) People are waiting idly for hours on the straight-backed, sea green Formica chairs, gazing into space, while a bored Ava attempts to cartwheel across the floor. Then without warning, we’re ushered over to the desk manned by staff in navy police-like uniforms. It’s our turn. The Chinese woman who’s helping us from the hotel, insists we just need to smile brightly at the head boss when she comes out and we’ll be issued our visa. She’s right. A few ‘Ni hao’s and gummy grins’ later, and we’re successfully chopped. Turns out we’ve got good ‘Guanxi’ (pronounced something like Gwarn Shee) and that has helped us get ahead of the pack. (Thankfully no need for a full medical check like the first time we received our visa. If you want a laugh (at my expense), check that out here.) Translated into English, Guanxi means connections or relationships. And despite being introduced in times long ago when Emperors ruled China, it’s a concept that is still alive and well in China’s 21stcentury. Why Giving Cash for Favours is Par for the Course in China. Embedded in society from the ground up, good guanxi is used by everyone from the average Chinese person in the street to any government official. In fact, many will say, having ‘good guanxi’ is crucial to success in the developing nation of 1.4 billion people, especially when it’s still very much, survival of the fittest. Desperate to get your child into a good school? You’re probably going to need to give guanxi to the principal or school owners. Want your child to get top marks, a little Guanxi with the teacher won't hurt. Want police to patrol an event you’re having? I.e. your hotel is putting on an event in the ballroom, well the police may just ask you to give guanxi in the form of fifty complimentary buffet vouchers or a free room night...because, you know....guanxi and all. And if you need surgery and want the doctor to perform at his very best on the day, and not just give a mediocre performance, you’re most likely going to have to show some guanxi for that, too. Guanxi is often misunderstood as being a relationship between two people, but in China, it’s a web of relations, a circle of influence, if you like, where someone in the circle is called on to help someone else, even if they’re not direct friends. Say for example, you're pregnant and want to get into one of the better hospitals, perhaps you know someone who knows the head Obstetrician there. You can give your friend some guanxi and some for him to give to the Obstetrician in question and voila! The concept of ‘face’ (another story for another day) helps to maintain trust and social order through the networks of guanxi, because, if favours are taken advantage of and not returned, the offender will lose face with all members of the network they're in, which for a Chinese person could be disastrous. As a BBC documentary put it: “Guanxi is thoughts and communication, but at the end of the day, it’s actions. It’s really like (being) the first person to put money in the bank. And it may be saying something nice, it may be doing something out of your way, and it may be when you’re in a deal together, you make sure you don’t take the last dollar off the table. The actions that you do, they mean even more than words and thoughts.” It’s not too far from that old adage we like to churn out in the West: ‘It’s not what you know it’s who you know’. The difference being guanxi connections often involve the exchange of cash for a favour. I distinctly remember a particular hotelier and some of his employees being given a ‘hairy crab’ as a gift from a new business associate. Not so unusual during hairy crab season, but on top of the hotelier’s chiller box, an envelope with $2000 cold hard cash. For the record, he didn’t accept it. One expat who’s been in China for 20 years puts it succinctly, “Guanxi is not what it used to be, there used to be real relationships, no benefits, you were doing a favour, there was no monetary transaction. When you pay money, it becomes corruption.” And, this is where, somewhere along the way, lines have become blurred. When does normal everyday guanxi become corruption? Current president Xi Jin Ping is trying to stamp out corruption from the top down and generally politicians are no longer allowed to accept anything from anyone, not even a buffet dinner! We’ve seen politicians of all political persuasions in Australia come under fire in recent years for accepting cash from Chinese businessmen, in exchange for secret meetings and special treatment. Rightly or wrongly, giving money to influence an outcome is par for the course in China, and before doing any deal with China, it pays to understand the beast that is Guanxi. While money is one aspect of today’s guanxi, it’s much more than that, it’s social currency. In Chinese business, it can take years to build up the levels of trust required to be successful. It takes many many meetings (aka lunches) with your business partners, where you’re not actually talking business, at all and wonder if you're ever going to get anywhere. It’s also about giving the right guanxi, which is often a thoughtful gift over direct cash which can be seen as unsavoury. Whichever way you use guanxi, know that at some stage you may be called on to return the favour. I know of one story where a man picked up the daughter of a successful businessman from school every Friday and fed her dinner for a year, all in an effort to ‘curry favour’ for the future. There’s a saying in China, ‘With guanxi, nothing matters, without guanxi, everything matters.’ This is China. … [Read more...]
Do You Want to Work Overseas? Tips for Choosing the Right Country.
Where Should I Move? Ask anyone who’s moved overseas for a work stint for either themselves or their partner and I'm pretty sure they'll tell you, it was a mind-altering and mind-expanding experience, and one that is likely, never to be forgotten. Even if it wasn’t quite the job of their dreams or the place they’d hoped would become their home away from home, people generally come out of these experiences a little wiser (and jaded). No just kidding! I mean fulfilled, of course! Changed forever. So, if you just happen to be toying around with the idea of moving overseas or find yourself in the enviable position of being offered a job abroad, this post might be for you. Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself first. Does the Culture of the Country Interest You? Now, here’s a good one. We all know that experiencing a different culture is a life-changing experience, which can be both good and bad. When I think about our time in Hong Kong and in mainland China, the cultural experiences we had, still blows my mind. Was I interested in Chinese culture before we moved to Hong Kong? Truthfully, not overly, but I had been to Hong Kong before and at the very least, the glittering harbour city had me intrigued. It was so different to anywhere I’d ever lived as far as everything from the traditions to the customs, foods, ways of living and thinking. And when we lived there, whilst my mind felt like it was on a continual roller coaster ride, absorbing new knowledge faster than you could say, "I want to get off," it was invigorating. Of course, the more I found out, the more I wanted to learn, and the more addicted to living life on the edge, I became. And of course, as you know, we then moved to the mainland and that was a whole different beast! But one I was eager (if a little naively) to go head to head with. Suffice to say, your transition to your new home, will be much more rewarding if you feel positive towards the country and take an active interest in that country's culture. If the country you’re transferring to is completely alien to you, chances are you can expect to feel some sort of culture shock (which is a very real thing, trust me) and adjusting isn't always easy. The more mentally ready you are for it, the better off you'll be. Ask yourself if you can handle the differences in living standards, language barriers, food, cultures, etc. Imagine what it's like to be somewhere where the usual holidays and traditions you embrace aren’t even celebrated, not even Christmas. It might be a tough ask but you'll definitely find out what you're made of. For some, there are things that are simply deal breakers. And that's ok. Not everyone's cut out to live away from home. You need to really want to experience something out of the ordinary and be prepared to stick it out for the long haul, hurdles and all. Try to find someone who's lived and worked their before, to get their views on what to expect. And if you can, having prior knowledge of the market your new role will operate in it will definitely be to your advantage. There's every chance, you'll hit the ground running with limited opportunity to do this. It will only make you more effective in your role if you can reduce what can be a super steep learning curve. Are You Allowed to Be There? This is an obvious one, but you’d be surprised to know how difficult it can be getting work visas for some countries and it often comes down to your home country’s relationship with the country you're transferring to. Obviously, if you're going with a company whose sponsoring you, they will endeavor to support you in every way possible and the transfer process is likely to be a lot easier. You'll still need to comply with all the regular rules and regulations of getting a visa in that country though. Take our first visa experience in China for instance, you can read here for some idea of what we went through! Chaotic and confronting, to say the least! Oh, and there’s nothing worse than getting everything ready to move, both mentally and physically, only to be told you can’t get a work visa. This also goes for spouses accompanying you, make sure they’re up to date with the country’s laws and their expectations aren't going to be crushed when they arrive. Some partners might expect to start a job instantly too, but just because you’re living there with your employed spouse, there are many countries you simply won’t be able to work in. And make sure your visa doesn’t expire while you’re there. In some countries this means grave consequences, like deportation or even imprisonment. And do make sure you dig out all that paper work and pack it safely in your luggage. Here are a few expat mistakes I've learned along the way, that you can hopefully avoid. ;) What Job Prospects Are There For You? Chances are you will want more than just a ‘living’ wage when you make the gigantic decision to move to a new country. You’ll be leaving behind much of your support network and you’ll likely incur a lot of expenses during your adjustment period. Obviously, it’s a far better option to have a job waiting for you in your destination country, but if that's not the case, be sure to arm yourself with enough savings to last you, until you are, at the very least, employed. In fact, even if you have been guaranteed immediate employment, it can never hurt to have savings for that rainy day. You never know what can go wrong and in a strange country, this could make or break you. Check out the country's wage and tax structures and make sure you know the legalities on filing tax returns there and back home. What salaries and living expenses can you expect? While we’re on salaries, when you’re talking about lifestyles in different countries, gross salaries aren't always the perfect predictor of the quality of life you can expect. Different countries can mean vastly different costs of living as well as perks that don’t necessarily reflect how enjoyable (or unenjoyable) a country can be to live in. For instance, a developed country like Japan, Singapore or Hong Kong with an excellent public transportation system may have relatively high living costs, but being able to move around easily and affordably can make all the difference. I'm thinking of Hong Kong with its affordable and efficient train systems and 'cheap as chips' taxis. There's no urgent need for a car, which is a huge savings. If you are presented with a 'job package' before you decide to take the plunge, keep all that in mind. The salary may be lower than what you're used to but there could be considerable tax breaks and lifestyle savings. Comparably, in mainland China, the cost of living was relatively cheap, but the quality of life was also significantly more challenging than back home. For us at least. Look at how much food costs, power, internet, petrol, cars, schooling etc. All of these expenses can be game changers if you’re not prepared. Oh and if you want to know some of the cheapest cities to rent in. Check this post out. While we're on schooling, if you are taking children with you, it pays to know exactly what sort of schooling your country of choice has. Are there international schools, do they speak your child's language, is the curriculum on par with theirs at home and how much are school fees? Moving overseas can be just as tough for our kids. Here are few tips to help them. How Safe is it? Naturally, political, cultural, and economic strife can be cause for concern, and these issues can directly affect crime rates and YOUR safety. Even things like the traffic situation, as well as the state of public works and infrastructure, can have a direct bearing on your health and safety. Think about how well buildings are made and what sort of weather conditions impact the country. For example, is it a place regularly affected by typhoons? If so, does the infrastructure reflect this. What about hygiene standards? Do you need to be cautious about what you can and can’t eat? Are there quality hospitals and medical facilities in place? Before you move, check whether the company you’re working for provides health insurance. If not, I can't stress enough how important it is to invest in international health insurance. There are plenty of packages targeted at expats and overseas workers. Now Health International and other specialized insurers are usually able to offer wide coverage for lower rates. How Important is it to Have a Support Network of People? Some countries are especially popular destinations for expat workers, whether it’s because of the living conditions, geographical location, work opportunities, tax breaks etc. Moving to a new country or even just a different state or province can be incredibly difficult, and while I believe there will always be an adjustment period (I give it nine months, just like a pregnancy), having likeminded people who’ve moved out of their comfort zone, around you, will make everything that much easier. Of course, you want to try and meet the locals as well, but bear in mind, the more unique a host culture is to your own, the harder it might be to find fellow expats who’ve got your back. Before you go, think about taking language classes and studying as much as possible about your prospective host culture. On a work level, if you're in a key expat city, join some local organisations, such as InterNations or the relevant Chamber of Commerce. Otherwise, seek out other expats in similar roles. It's a great opportunity to learn and connect with likeminded career professionals and you won't feel so alone in your new role. No matter how hesitant you feel, if you’ve got the bug, I say, go do it! We only live once, right? No matter how challenging and different to your own country, and no matter how long or short your stay is, one thing I’ve learned is you’ll never regret it. Go forth and conquer! … [Read more...]
Xin Nian Kuai Le! Welcome to the Year of the Pig…
"It likes sleeping and eating and becomes fat!" Yep, google the Year of the Pig, and that's one of the first things that comes up. As someone who's born under this particular Chinese zodiac sign, it doesn't come as too much of a surprise. Eating and sleeping, I'm happy as a pig in mud. Mind you, that's not all we're about. I was pretty happy to read, it's perfectly ok to be a pig. The humble Swine has a 'beautiful personality and is blessed with good fortune in life!' High fives to that! And, not to brag or anything, but this was my favourite quote (not that I was searching or anything). ;) "The pig is gourmet, faithful in friendship, stylish, perfectionist, and hardworking. She is a tolerant being, recognised by her friends for her kindness and generosity." As I delved a little deeper, I discovered as the 12th of the 12 year cycle of animals, its 'lucky last' placing is because (as legend goes), just as the Emperor was about to call it a day, an oink and squeal was heard from a little Pig. The term "lazy Pig" comes in here, because the little Pig got hungry during the race, and promptly stopped for a feast then fell asleep. After the nap, the Pig continued the race and was named the 12th and last animal of the zodiac cycle. I like his style. Apparently I am in good company, with Hillary Clinton, King Henry VIII, Ernest Hemingway.... oh and Kendall Jenner, all pigs. ;) Us pigs can expect to be successful in all those things we endeavour to do in 2019 and new friends are on the horizon. We do need to keep an eye on our health though. More sleep? But as billions of people around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, what does it actually mean for all of us this year, even if we're not a porky 'pig' by astrological measures? Each zodiac year is also represented by one of five elements, metal, wood, water, fire and earth, which has a significant impact on what happens. This year is the Year of the Earth Pig and he's going to be roaming our pastures until January 24th 2020 and get ready, because we can expect a lot of relaxation and serenity. And according to the Chinese astrology , 2019 is a great year to make money, and a good year to invest. It's predicted to be a year full of joy and a year of friendship and love for all the zodiac signs. It's an auspicious year because the Pig attracts success in all the spheres of life. Hear! Hear! Given it marks the end of a complete rotation cycle of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac, it's also a signal for everyone to take a well deserved break and take the opportunity to reflect on previous years. If you're a Rabbit, Monkey or a Rat, you're in luck. These are the luckiest signs for 2019. Not sure what your Chinese zodiac sign is? Check out this link. For luck, go for red and white in the colour stakes. Mind you, can it all be taken with a grain of salt, one wonders? I read Pig's specifically born in my month and year are 'good with money and keep track of spending'. Ah, no. Let's just say we do believe though, the pig gets on well with other pigs, rabbits, goats and tigers (lucky for both the Hotelier and Small Person). So, let's farewell the Year of the Dog and say 'Nihao Nian de Zhu!' To all of you, Xin Nian Kuai Le. Happy New Year! Oh, and of course, I've written lots of other posts on Chinese New Year in the past. If you want to know what the rules are surrounding those lucky red envelopes, check out this post: Lai See: Lucky Money. If you want to know the dos and don'ts (aka the rules) for CNY, like not cleaning your house or cutting your hair and wearing red undies... check this post out. And if you just want to see what it's like in China on New Year.... read this one because it's pretty cool and look at these amazing videos. And the best bit, what it's like for a child at New Year...because they definitely have the best fun! Painting the Town Red: Chinese New Year through a Child's Eyes. … [Read more...]
Buying Your First House? 9 Tips for a Stress-Free Move
I don't take a lot of guest posts on MMM but when I do, I want to know that they're going to be interesting for you, my lovely readers. This particular one from freelance writer Allison Hail piqued my interest, given we were in a similar position not all that long ago. If you're about to jump into the housing market and buy your own home, this one's for you. *** You might be wondering what's the easiest way to move out of your rental property. There's definitely a lot to consider, but if you follow a few key guidelines you’ll save yourself a truck load of stress. Don’t rush things Yes, if you're anything like me, the first house you view might seem like 'the one' (take it from me, I had my heart set on every one we saw) but don’t buy it on a whim just because you’re so excited to finally stop renting and have you're own pad! Finding a worthy space is bound to take a while, so give yourself plenty of time for planning sessions, researching the market and area you want to live in. Commit yourself to the process and be in it for the long haul. Treat each viewing as if you are a potential landlord critiquing it, investigating assets and features such as accessibility, distance from your workplace and necessary amenities, house structure, and positioning for sunlight. (This one's a biggie because you'll regret not knowing which way is north facing when you feel like you're living in a dungeon!) Noting all the potential negatives as well as the things you love will ensure you aren’t looking at outwardly appealing properties with rose-tinted lenses – after all, you'll be the one living in the home and responsible for fixing any problems that arise, like that pesky mould issue or the aircon that doesn't work in summer. 2. Budget for your mortgage You might be up for paying more for your mortgage than you are for rent, or you might be looking at a similar figure – but make sure you budget well for your payments. A mortgage isn't as easy to back out of as a rental contract. If you can, regularly put aside money as a safety net, which will help you to feel secure and ensure that you don’t fall behind in payments if something adverse happens in your life. Even if you're choosing to pay 'interest only' on the mortgage for a period of time, make sure you still have the full amount put away, if necessary. 3. Stay organised Naturally, buying a home requires a great deal of paperwork, so it helps to be organised and to know what to expect. There will come a time when you're hightailing it into the city to get a cheque for 20 grand, and you'll need all your ducks in a row. Carefully research your obligations as a unit owner, and make sure you are prepared to meet them before signing a contract. Some people choose to invest in an agent who will take care of all of this for you, but it comes at a hefty price and unless you're out of the country, I don't recommend it. And if you are moving from overseas... here are a few tips for repatriation. 4. Remember your landlord So, you’ve finally found a place you want to buy! Don’t get so caught up in the elation that you neglect to consider your current place of residence. Remember to check the notice period for your rental property so you can offer your landlord advanced notice. It's all in the timing. You don’t want to be forced to pay a month’s rent for a place you won’t be living in, and it’s good to consider all parties involved – ending a contract or agreement on good terms is always a wise move. 5. Plan your move How are you planning on transporting your belongings? If your new place isn’t too far from your current residence, you may be able to recruit your friends (with the promise of a six pack and a pizza) to help you pack and move your furniture. (My tip: Start collecting those boxes early.) However, if you're moving house across cities or internationally, hiring professional movers will save you so much hassle. Just make sure you keep out all of those things you'll need sooner rather than later, because (especially if you're coming from overseas) shipping can take weeks if not months. International moves can be exceptionally stressful, as you will be separated from your belongings. You might like to consider renting a shipping container – built for durability, shipping containers are large enough to hold a decent amount of furniture and can be insured for peace of mind. Also, think about whether you'll be transporting all of your current furniture to your new home. If you won’t need all of it or are planning to redecorate (aka serious retail therapy), lighten your load now by donating, selling or even swapping your furniture for pieces you will soon need. Gumtree is a good one to get started on, just be prepared for lots of knocks on the door and potential buyers who suddenly back out. 6. Make yourself a toolbox When renting, you most likely had someone available to fix your fridge or a leak in the ceiling soon after you reported a problem. In your own home, any issues are your responsibility, so be prepared! Buy the necessary tools for repairs and ongoing maintenance. FYI, Ikea does a great mini drill! 7. Consider the furniture a new home will require Often, having been a renter means you haven’t had to worry about purchasing every single piece of furniture needed for a home. Don’t let yourself be caught out – make a list of the new furniture and appliances you’ll need, and arrange for them to be ready either before or as soon as possible after your move date. Sometimes things take time to be delivered and you don't want to be caught short without a couch or TV for several months. You'll also want to consider getting things like the internet and cable TV sorted before the big move. 8. Meet your new neighbourhood Before you move, get yourself acquainted with your new neighbourhood’s amenities. You’ll feel much more at home when you move in, if you already have a feel for the area and know where you can pick up food or petrol on a whim. If you've got children, of course schools are going to be a priority. Make sure you're in the right catchment for the school you've got your heart set on. Sometimes the same street can be split right down the middle and you're just a few houses out. 9. Enjoy the experience You’re finally paying your own mortgage instead of somebody else’s! If you follow your plan and treat the experience as exciting rather than terrifying, you’re sure to love the freedom that owning your place will give you. Moving to your first home is always rewarding – happy nesting! Allison Hail is a freelance writer residing in the North Island port city of Wellington, New Zealand. She especially enjoys discussing anything related to home living, travel, and lifestyle. To read more of her articles or simply say hello, visit Allison’s Perspective. *** Psst...If you're planning on staying in the renting game a little longer you might want to check out this post on the most affordable cities to rent in, in the world. Oh, and (shameless self promotion alert) if you haven't voted for Mint Mocha Musings in the 2018 Asian Expat Blog awards, it would be super appreciated by yours truly (Nicole). It's easy, just click the link and vote for me. :mrgreen: … [Read more...]
Amsterdam: The Land of Canals, Clogs, Cycling and Coffee Shops
To be honest, we chose Amsterdam for a quick adventure because it was close. Close to the UK that is. Less than an hour's flying time and there you are, voila, in an entirely different country, complete with a different culture and language! Mind you, we all know about those one hour flights that tease you into thinking it's going to be akin to getting in your car and driving around the block, not half a day trudging through airports, stripping down for x-rays and waiting for your bag that's having its own strip search because you forgot to put your Blistex in a clear plastic bag. Anyway, we made it... and the minute we stepped foot into Dutch territory, I was blown away by how friendly this nation of people is. The normally sullen, slightly intimidating Customs folk you come to expect at airports were anything but, wishing us a great trip in Amsterdam before sending us on our merry way. Say what. It only got better, the taxi driver from the airport insisted on carrying all our bags, calling us Sir and Madam and even gave us an estimated time of arrival. And the cab was a Merc! Typically, we didn't have much of an itinerary mapped out for our brief three day visit, but the city centre was pretty much our starting point. We caught a tram/train in, which was also a ridiculously easy and smooth ride and popped out of the underground station into the middle of a European wonderland. So picturesque was this little slice of Europe, I was completely taken aback. I'm not sure what I'd been expecting but those childhood images of Holland and an abundance of windmills, clogs and tulips weren't too far off the mark (except for the Tulips which are only in Spring). But what surprised me the most was that the Dutch capital is set on a maze of canals winding through the city like silk ribbons. Nicknamed the Venice of the North, Amsterdam is nothing short of charming. It's enchanting atmosphere was clearly hypnotising because we immediately boarded a boat, which may well have been any boat. It was the first boat we saw that seemed to be piling excited tourists on, so we followed suit, eager to join the fray. In hindsight having later seen a number of other boats cruising the canals, we may have been wiser to wait more than a split second before saying ahoy, because we saw some sleek open top vessels gliding down the canals with cheese laden tables and bars bearing buckets of champagne on ice. Next time. Nonetheless, we still managed to get a good glimpse of Amsterdam in all her glistening glory. In a nod to the Renaissance style, it's fascinating architecture is a mishmash of tall, skinny, multi-coloured, slightly crooked buildings with white framed windows, like something out of a fairytale. Apparently, they built them extremely narrow back then, given the cost of the house was dependent on its width. Hence they also have steep narrow staircases making it next to impossible to move furniture in and out. Because of this a metal hook has been fixed to the top of each building to hoist heavy items in and out through the windows. Genius. True to form, everyone in Amsterdam cycles. It felt like we were the only ones who weren't on two wheels. I was desperate to try out a Bakfiet, the bikes with the big wooden carts on the front, but with just three days, we were pressed for time. You can do bike tours though, that give you the full Amsterdam experience! Once off our canal cruise and on dry land, we wandered the Old Town - a magical labyrinth of cobblestoned laneways, flanked by shops laden with cheese, enormous pizzas stuffed with mouthwatering toppings, waffles and poffertjes. And, of course those other cookies you can get your hands on in almost any retail shop. Whether it's cannabis cookies, space cakes, marijuana brownies or chocolate cannabis, it's all there amongst the Dove chocolate bars and Brie Cheese. If you've heard anything about Amsterdam it's probably that the city is renowned for its 'coffee shops' where you can partake in a little Mary Jane action. My imagination ran away with pictures of people puffing away in every cafe, restaurant and bar, but it wasn't quite that obvious. To my surprise, despite the profusion of coffeeshops, marijuana is not actually legal in the Netherlands. It is, however acceptable under gedoogbeleid - meaning a 'policy of tolerance' and the authorities will turn a blind eye to those in possession of 5g or less. Coffeeshops are allowed to store a maximum of 500g of cannabis on the premises at any one time. Either way, roaming around this part of town was definitely a mind boggling experience. The other thing Amsterdam is known for is its famous Red Light district or 'de Wallen' and it's set right there amidst the bustling shops and restaurants. Prostitution has been legal in the Netherlands since 1811 and is a thriving industry today. Skirting one of the city's splendid canals, rows of buildings with shop front windows each divided into the size of your average shop fitting room is lit up with neon red lights and occupied by scantily clad women, known as 'Window Prostitutes.' It's not until after around 9pm when the district really comes to life. Of course, it had to be seen to be believed, so we sidled past the 'windows' for a sticky beak. It actually didn't feel sleazy. Most of them were young and gorgeous women who I discovered (upon my stealth like investigations) each hire their own (fitting) room for the night, charging around 50 Euro for 15 minutes. The price and 'activity' is generally negotiated with a knock at the glass window, which is actually a door that opens. Once the deal is done, the red curtain is pulled shut, locking out the prying eyes of tourists! Whilst waiting, many of the girls were on their mobile phones, others were doing a little jig in the window, while some were just shooting the breeze with the girl next door. Mind you, we did see a lot of drunk tourists knocking on the window for a chat. As a prime tourist spot though, everything is super laid back and it's definitely one of the safer Red Light Districts in the world. Not too far from the hustle and bustle of this laneway precinct is Dam Square, the city's historical centre surrounded by some spectacular buildings. And pigeons! Lots of them! Beware the man who gives you rice to feed them. Of course there's so much to do in Amsterdam it was nigh on impossible for us to tick everything off in three short days. From the Anne Frank Museum (which I recommend booking in advance) to the Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt's House and the Rijksmuseum, The Jewish Museum and the Corrie Ten Boom House in Haarlem, also known as the Hiding Place which saw the Ten Boom family provide a hiding place for Jewish people and the resistance members during World War Two. Oh and don't forget the plethora of magnificent windmills dotting the city. For more on what to do check out the Trip Advisor Link here Until then, when in Amsterdam.....wear clogs! … [Read more...]
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