Red Light District Image On The Canals Of Amsterdam

Now that I have your attention, please read on. I will talk about the headline in a bit, but first, allow me to share why I was in the Netherlands and a few things I learned while there.

I’ve Been Around The World

I consider myself a well-traveled person. I’ve been to many places in my lifetime, but until recently, I’d never been to the Netherlands or Holland, for those who call it that.

I was in Holland for two speaking engagements and to visit with my friend Daan, who hosted the events. Daan and I go back many years. He is Co-Owner of Schmidt Communications, Holland’s premier marketing firm, and Storybrand Netherlands, the Dutch version of Donald Miller’s Storybrand.

In addition to speaking, I got to spend time with his wonderful family and eat lots of cheese with them. More about that further down the page.

Holland Cheese Shop Interior With Cheeses On Display

I’m A Foodie

I like foods from different countries. I find sharing a meal with locals has a way of bridging the divide and creating a great place to have conversations, learn about cultures, and of course, share stories.

My close friend Daan invited me to join him and his family for a traditional breakfast at their home on the Sunday morning of my arrival. A bit tired from my flight, I drove an hour to my hotel to wash up and drop off my bag. Though it was 8 AM and not even close to check-in time, the staff at the hotel was more than accommodating, allowing me a place to shower, change, and of course, leave my bags before heading to breakfast.

I arrived at Daan and Liz’s home around 9 AM, greeted with hugs, smiles, and a table loaded with pastries, nuts, and cheese… lots of cheese.

I was excited to try everything and grateful I recognized Gouda cheese. Yes, the cheese we Americans call Gouda isn’t pronounced the way we butcher it. Gouda is more than cheese, it’s a place. The proper pronunciation is How-duh with a little throat-clearing sound at the front.

Gouda is the place in Holland where Gouda cheese is made, and there are different types of Gouda cheese. The age of the cheese, the seasonings added in the making, and the humidity all impact the intensity of the finished cheese flavor. Pasteurized or unpasteurized changes the flavor too.

So… one thing I learned is Gouda is the place that makes the cheese. Also, the shitty Gouda we eat in the USA is NOTHING like the intense, flavorful, and amazing Gouda of the Netherlands.

Come To Think Of It…

You all know I am an ad nerd, so for those of you old enough and nerdy enough to remember the ads for Heineken… come to think of it, I’ll have a Heineken.

I don’t know why it took 55 years for me to learn that Heineken is a Dutch brand and not a German beer.

I know… you too, right? For those of you who are not Dutch and know this, congrats! You should try out for Jeopardy.

Stop Calling It Amsterdam

Americans, listen up. New York is a city in the United States of America.

Amsterdam is NOT the country. I’ve heard many Americans call the Netherlands, Amsterdam. Let me help you understand this.

Amsterdam is a city in the country called Holland or the Netherlands. It is NOT the name of the country. Clearly, our schools have failed us. But we already knew that.

So There I Was Drinking Beer And Window-Shopping… For Prostitutes

Amsterdam has a very unique vibe, one that borders on bohemian and refined depending on the part of the city you find yourself strolling through. But the Red Light District is its own unique beast. A reasonably small section of Amsterdam along the canal banks of the city center. It feels like a college town loaded with pubs, prostitutes, and passersby.

Yes, I visited the Red Light District. No, I didn’t pay for a good time.

I decided to visit this infamous part of Amsterdam to see for myself what all the buzz is about. About three blocks deep, I found a pub, there are many, and parked myself outside with a cold brew in hand. I enjoyed watching people explore the district and was fascinated by the brothel displays. Much like a department store display, the brothels have individual display windows where the sex workers display themselves and entice customers to come in for a visit. You literally window-shop for a prostitute. Then, when you find the one that floats your boat, you stop window shopping and go inside.

What grabbed my attention, aside from the live sex show and weed museum, was a group of school kids on a day trip. They walked the canals of the district like it was nothing, the teacher speaking to them in Dutch, because there, it is nothing. Since prostitution is legal in Amsterdam, it’s not a taboo subject. It is part of everyday life.

Business Traveling Should Be Enjoyed

I hear many people who travel for business complain about the long flights and the different places, but I have a different perspective.

When traveling for conferences, to speak, or for meetings, allow yourself a few extra days to be an explorer. Tap into your childlike curiosity and discover the cool and interesting things about the place you’re visiting. You might discover business travel is great and not a grind.

To wrap this blog up with a bow, I’ve included a small photo tour of my downtime in Holland. I hope you enjoy it and remember to do the same on your next business trip.