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Ajax Amsterdam and Its Stadiums
Have you seen the Ajax Amsterdam playing their part in the football championships? Or, are you familiar with Ajax Amsterdam? Well, Ajax, as many people love to call it, is one of the famous football clubs in the world. It is a club with a very rich history. Accordingly, the Ajax Amsterdam started as a club with a group of friends who got together in their spare time. From this group of friends, the club grew until it became world famous, known for its beautiful and attractive football.
A century ago, Ajax Amsterdam played soccer on a barren little The small Pitch. However, since the club has always been closely connected with the places where it played its matches, the team had moved several times until it settled to a new bigger and more impressive stadium, the Olympic Stadium.
- The Small Pitch (1893-1900) – Before the official foundation of the Ajax Amsterdam in 1900, the club had played soccer on a small pitch at the end of Overtoom in the municipality of Nieuwer Amstel, which had been designated in 1881 as an extension for the Vondelpark. For fifteen guilders, the club was allowed to play on a field for a period of six months. And, it was only during 1896 that the City of Amsterdam pushed through its building plans. The field was then incorporated into the city borders, and so the players had to look for another pitch. Fortunately, they found the Amsterdam North.
- Amsterdam North (1900-1907) – In 1900 until 1907, there was a great shortage of football fields in Amsterdam. This is the situation that tempted Ajax Amsterdam to play alongside farmer’s fields in the Builsloterham, Amsterdam Noord. The place was quite a trip for the spectators as it took them to travel with a chain ferry and a quarter-hour walk to reach to field. Dissatisfied with this far away location, the club moved to a playing field only a five-minute walk away from the ferry.
- The Wooden Stadium (1907-1934) – In 1907, the building plans for a new housing at the location in Amsterdam Noord forced Ajax Amsterdam once again to move and find a new playing field. There were actually two football fields found at Middenweg, which was again located in the middle of nowhere in a typical Dutch polder. However, it was here actually that for the first time in the club’s history real stands were established around The Small Pitch. This stadium underwent expansion until it grew to a much bigger field. It is also here where Ajax Amsterdam won four league championships in succession and the number of their spectators increased rapidly.
- De Meer (1934-1996) – The Ajax team moved once again as they realized that the value of a football stadium is not determined by the building costs, but by the team playing in it. The De Meer stadium was to became Ajax home base for 62 years, and it was here where the legendary players built up the worldwide reputation the club now has. But again, the club successes and outside pressure were reasons to move. As the stadium could no longer accommodate the large numbers of supporters, they looked for another bigger place and that they found the Olympic Stadium.
- Olympic Stadium (1930-1996) – The Amsterdam Olympic Stadium has played an important role in the history of AFC Ajax. The area was used for matches for which more than 20,000 spectators were expected or which had to be played in the evening. And, although this stadium had not been intended for football games, Ajax Amsterdam had played many important matches in the stadium.
The New Amsterdam Theater in New York
In the history of Broadway, the New Amsterdam Theater is a name worthy to consider. It is considered as the oldest house for Broadway, being opened in 1903, the same night as the Lyceum Theater was opened. It was built by Marc Klaw and Abraham Erlanger and its elaborate design was said to be a collaboration of a number of painters, sculptors, and designers.
The New Amsterdam Theater in New York was first decorated in mauve, green and dull gold, and it is from these colors that the beauty of the New Amsterdam Theater earned its name “The House Beautiful” from the New York Time upon its opening. Many have said that during the opening of this theater, three motifs were used in the decoration. The first is the history of New Amsterdam from Henrick Hudson to 1903, the history of the theater, and art nouveau floral and fauna.
The first show staged in the New Amsterdam Theater is Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream. Although the theater could accommodate up to 1800 people, making it the largest theater in New York, it was fully packed when the first show was staged. From then on, several plays and musicals were performed on this theater. Top the list are She stoops to Conquer, George M. Cohan’s Forty-Five Minutes from Broadway, and The Merry Widow. It was in the 1913 that the New Amsterdam Theater became the home of Ziegfeld Follies. The Follies were the ones who brought a number of the greatest Broadway actors and actresses to the theater.
However, during the depression period, the New Amsterdam Theater was greatly affected. While shows produce inside the theater remained fairly constant through the early thirties, the rooftop theater had suffered, and in 1936, the theater was closed. It was only reopened the next year, but for radio use rather than live productions. Then, it was transformed into a movie theater, but again the further project was cancelled when certain problems were discovered in the main supporting beam.
The New Amsterdam Theater was brought back to life when the Walt Disney Corporation purchased it in 1993 at a cost of $34 million. The theater was then restored, and it was noted that from the outside to the inside, the restoration is stunning.
The grand opening of the New Amsterdam Theater happened in May of 1997, with a concert staging of King David. Later that year, a stage version of the highly successful full-length cartoon The Lion King was performed at this theater. It was actually The Lion King which went on to win the Tony Award for best musical in 1998 and has been playing to capacity crowds since its opening. The Lion King is still staged at the New Amsterdam Theater up to now.
Today, purchased and restored by Walt Disney Corporation, the New Amsterdam Theatre has been considered as the focal point of the recent Times Square revival. It is now considered as Disney’s premiere showcase for its stage shows, and much to your surprise, tours are still given on Mondays and Tuesdays and cats from The Lion King seem to play the New Amsterdam Theater in New York forever.
Cheap Hotel in Amsterdam
For many people, Amsterdam is a great place to visit. It has been considered in fact as one of the top city break destinations of Europe, possessing all the possible characteristics of a wonderful place: a blend of the past, the present and the future. Although a small city, Amsterdam prides itself for being one of the greatest small cities in the world, and with a wide choice of lodgings in the area perfect for a short vacation, it’s no wonder that many tourists from across the globe visit Amsterdam for business or vacation purposes.
Speaking of lodgings, it is worthy to note that Amsterdam offers a wide selection of cheap hotels that could provide you the best accommodation and complimentary dining possible. If you want to know even just a few names that top the list, then look no further. Below are the top-rated cheap hotels in Amsterdam where you can enjoy an ultimate vacation experience.
Renaissance Hotel Amsterdam
Conveniently located in the very heart of the city, between the Dam Square and Amsterdam Central Station, the Renaissance Hotel is a five-star property that blends in well with the traditional gabled houses in the area and offers a pleasant, informal atmosphere combined with the high level of service you would expect from a luxury hotel. Form this place, the Magna Plaza, a famous shopping area, is just one kilometer away. And, outside from its well appointed rooms, this cheap hotel in Amsterdam has a conference facility which is the 17th century domed Koepelkerk, situated opposite this cheap hotel in Amsterdam and connected by an underground passage.
Park Hotel Amsterdam
Another well-known cheap hotel in Amsterdam is the Park Hotel, located in the center of the city, overlooking one of the many city canals. This hotel is also just a short stroll away from the famous Leidseplein. As maintained, the public facilities at this cheap hotel in Amsterdam cover an underground car park, the De Stadhouder Restaurant and the Inn On The Park bar and lounge. Also, it is interesting to know that the rooms provided by this hotel are fully furnished to an excellent level and even include in-house movie channels, cable TV, and a lot more. With all its wonders, Park Hotel Amsterdam is no doubt a good choice for a short vacation in the greatly planned city of Amsterdam.
Marriott Amsterdam
The Marriott Amsterdam is an ideal place in the center of the city, close to canals and the picturesque city center. This cheap hotel in Amsterdam is even stone’s throw away from the famous Van Gogh museum as well as Rijksmuseum. What is nice about this cheap hotel in Amsterdam is that the guests can greatly enjoy a diversity of entertainment, night life, and shopping options within walking distance. There are also some restaurants, outside terraces, pubs, theaters and movie houses that could give you the fun and excitement you want most.
Ibis Hotel Amsterdam
Ibis Hotel Amsterdam is a three-star hotel located very close to Amsterdam Central Station. This place offers comfortable accommodation in all 187 of its well appointed guest rooms. What is nice about this cheap hotel in Amsterdam is that its hotel staff provides efficient, warmth and friendly service, making your stay a memorable and comfortable one. Ibis Hotel Amsterdam is also within walking distance from the well-acclaimed Amsterdam red light district, great museums, and flower market.
Where to Book a Flight to Amsterdam
Thinking for a vacation to the greatest planned city of Amsterdam? Looking for a particular portal online where you can book your flight to Amsterdam? If your answer to these questions is affirmative, then this article will help you find the right place to book your flight to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
I have here below a short list of the most commonly noted and widely visited companies online that cater booking services for those who wish to visit the lively and liberal city of Amsterdam. Just note however that what will be presented here are just a few of the many booking sites online that serve flights to Amsterdam. If you are really serious with your search, then look no further.
UKNetGuide.co.uk
UK Net Guide is a particular booking outlet that will help you find great deals for flight to Amsterdam and other parts of Europe with their leading travel partners. As a customer, all you need to do with this site is to search for all the leading brands of European airlines they have listed on their site. This can be done with their Flight Search that allows you to find the best flight deals on the internet. Just enter the required details, search and compare.
EasyJet.com
EasyJet.com is but another place to visit online for booking your flight to Amsterdam. This site first allows you to select a cheap flight with Europe’s leading low cost airline. Note that there are 222 routes across 67 key European airports here. And, before you can access their booking service, you have to register for you to access and change your bookings online if needed. The customers are also encouraged to sign up for easyJet Mail for them to be among the first to hear of promotions, new routes, and schedule launches. If you wish to check your booking online, then you can do so by looking up at the flight number, departure or arrival times, booking reference number or request a replacement confirmation email at any time before your flight to Amsterdam.
eBookers.com
EBookers.com is another great place to book your flight to Amsterdam. This site now maintains a selection of worldwide travel offers, making it one of the leading pan-European travel agency on the net. Actually, eBookers.com offers the leisure and business trekker a wide selection of low airfares, as well as deals on hotels, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and some other travel offers. As a well-known travel agency, eBookers.com now innovates more to provide their customers with the best travel experience they want most. Aside from finding a cheap flight to Amsterdam, you can also get access to hundreds of thousands of holiday bargains, late deals, short breaks, package holidays, and a lot more through their service.
TeletextHolidays.co.uk
At TeleTextHolidays.co.uk you can also find fantastic deals on world flights. All you need to do with this site is to search for the available offers, but note that this company generally trawls 1000’s of flights from scheduled, charter and low cost airline in one go. If for instance, you are really prompt with your booking request for your flight to Amsterdam, you can actually call them by phone.
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The Amsterdam Red-Light District
Probably you have heard about the Amsterdam Red-Light District as this is a very famous section in the Netherlands. Much to your surprise, what you may have heard is true! Here are some facts about the Amsterdam Red-Light District, a place unlike any place else.
The famous Amsterdam Red-Light District covers a large area in the oldest part of the city. It has been servicing the personal needs and desires of locals and visitors for five centuries, and thanks to the old buildings leaning at odd angles overlooking the tree-enshrouded canals that a certain charm tempts you to linger longer in the area. In this district, music of every genre can be heard along the streets from a dozen or more places late at night. And, it is the classier restaurants, redone streets, and revamped facades that transform what once dark and dingy into one of the most attractive parts of town – the Amsterdam Red-Light District.
Prostitution in the District
Did you know that prostitution is legal in the Netherlands? Yes, it is! It is most concentrated in the Amsterdam Red-Light District where it has enjoyed a long tradition of tolerance. It has been reported that since October 2000, window prostitutes have been allowed to legally ply their trade. Much to your surprise, the prostitutes in the Netherlands are also taxpayers. However, discrimination is still very much part and parcel in this kind of trade as a number of the prostitutes reported that some banks even refuse to grant mortgages for instance.
Now, as a legal profession, the government ensures that all prostitutes are able to access medical care and work in better conditions by way of regulating and monitoring working practices and standards. Also, it is worth noting that contrary to the popular belief, the Amsterdam Red-Light District is actually the safest area in the city as clusters of policemen and private bodyguards employed by the girls themselves are always on duty.
The Chinatown
The Amsterdam Red-Light District is one of the few places on earthy where you can authentic and really tasty Chinese food. The restaurants in this district are easy to find as cooked Duck is typically hung in the front window. However, Chinatown in itself is misleading as there are also dozens of Malaysian, Indonesian and Thai restaurants and cafés scattered along the beautiful canals. Besides the restaurants, there are other Chinese businesses in the Amsterdam Red-Light District, including a well stocked supermarket across from the Waag, near the Nieuwemarkt.
The Red-Light District Today
Amsterdam now prides itself on its wholly liberal and tolerant attitude. The city embraces, with the Amsterdam Red-Light District, embraces the fact that people may be into prostitution, pornography and soft drugs. So, instead of criminalizing everything, Amsterdam wears its heart on its sleeve. What you see is generally what you get. So, how do you get to it? The answer basically lies on which Amsterdam Red-Light District you are looking for. There are actually three Red-Light Districts in the city: the main area is in the Walletjes area, the Singel, and de Pijp.
Amsterdam Tour
Are you planning to visit Amsterdam, Netherlands? Talking about the city it is very hard not to imagine misty cafes and scantily clothed women moving provocatively in windows with red lights. Many of the travelers from across the world return to this ultimate city of “sin” because of these sights alone. Most of them are busting with tales of the unexpected and if you get chances to visit the place, I’m sure that you will also create your own tales to tell.
Well, Amsterdam is not just about sex and drugs; it has all the great things that Mother Earth has to offer. The Netherlands has in fact that most amount of great museums per square foot than anywhere else in the world. If you take a tram ride 10 minutes from the heart of the city, you can overwhelm yourself with those narrow streets occupied with nothing else other than the cyclist and a car every now and then. The city is in fact so quite, but interesting.
Things to See in Amsterdam
The greatly planned city of Amsterdam is one of the few cities in the world where the people, the streets and the atmosphere are an attraction in themselves. It is in fact well-known throughout the world as the sole city where marijuana and hashish are sold legally. And, the worldly known Red Light District is just as much an attraction as a favorite hub for young men full of testosterone to go at night.
But as mentioned earlier, there is far much more to the city than drugs and prostitutes or sex. The city has long been considered as the “Venice of the North” because it was built on a cobweb of canals. You can greatly see most of the city from a canal boat, and from there you’ll surely appreciate the unique architecture that Amsterdam has long been proud to offer.
Furthermore, Amsterdam is heaving with a culture. It has a lot of great museums and libraries. Of all the interesting museums in the city of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Museum and Van Gogh Museums are names not to be missed.
Where to Eat
When you stroll around in the city of Amsterdam, you’ll surely find a high volume of restaurants. As commonly noted, you can see sandwich boards in front of the many restaurants advertising their daily specials and from a minute walk down the Damrak, the street facing Central Station, there are some neon lights saying “pizza”.
If you delver further into the city, you can find the Damstraat, the street on Dam Square, also peppered with eateries. Further down again towards Leidseplen, the Leidsekruisstraat and Leidsetraat have their good share of restaurants too. It is necessary to note however that the streets mentioned earlier are located in some of the city’s most touristy areas. So, if you wish to steer clear of such commercial centers, you have the chance to visit the Jordaan as some of the city’s coolest restaurants are found there.
In case you prefer to eat out in a restaurant beyond your budget during your tour, there are also some fast food outlets all over Amsterdam where you can get pizzas, chips or kebabs. However, just be careful when asking for mayonnaise on your French fries for they will be completely drowned.
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