The Red Light District... The Hunt for The Barocco
07 November 2009
0019 hrs
This time, I had the directions that I had scribed in the coffee shop the other day from the individual in the forum that I frequent and mentioned a few times in previous installments. He is also the one who inspired this hunt. Passing by Lijnbaansgracht on the way to catch the tram for my return to Red Light District, I thought about his telling me that he lived over the Saloon on the third floor by the Heineken sign and walked down the street, closer, so I could get a good shot of the building...
Since I was in the neighborhood, I decided to stop by my favorite coffee shop for something exotic before treking over to the district. Caffe Latte it was with a little something called Northern Lights which puts Morning Thunder to shame. With just the pick-me-up that I needed, I headed over to the tram station.
Dam Square Station
Once in Dam Square, I oriented myself as per the instructions that I had brought with me.
With the Royal Palace at my back...
The Hotel Krasnapolsky to my right...
The famous department store, De Bijenkorf to my left...
While standing in Dam Square...
A momentary distraction
The entrance to the Red Light District, Dam Straat and the area of the tavern that was known as The Barroco was straight ahead.
The directions said there used to be a big Chinese restaurant on the right hand corner upon entering Damstraat. This had me somewhat confused. There was a large Chinese restaurant just over the first bridge that was over the first canal on Damstraat that led into the Red Light District. However, it was on the left hand side of the street.
I had erroneously copied the most important part of the instructions. I pulled up the original email while I was sorting the photographs taken yesterday and preparing today's edition of The Hunt for the Barocco. In the text of the directions, it was mentioned that to find the bar, just prior to the first bridge over the first canal on Damstraat, take a right turn down that street and I would find that the tavern was the third establishment on the right. I had written down that the third establishment in the first row of taverns on the right side of the street after crossing the first bridge over the first canal was where his bar was located. Thinking that I had found it, I took the following picture of what was not where his establishment had been.
The incorrect assumption of the bar's location is to the left of the the Amber Cafe as shown above
So much for that. I should have checked the email for the accuracy of my hand written directions before I left the hotel. Evidently, I should have made a right from where I stood while taking the picture of the Chinese restaurant shown earlier.
Inversely, a left turn should have been made onto the street that's over the canal after the coffee shop, Extase. That's the street that runs along the side of the building with the street sign as shown in the above picture.
Venturing onward, the following series of photos were taken as this photographer approached the heart of the Red Light District, once again, but with the covert camera in hand.
Directly across the canal from the above house of ill repute was a friendly bar with a long bench outside, where one could sit, drink a brew and check out the sights. This thirsty photographer ordered a large Heinekin and definitely enjoyed the view.
The Hells Angels from their Switzerland chapter were enjoying the sights as well.
In the shots below, taken from different angles, their Harleys can be seen on the left and right sides in each photo, respectively.
What a thunderous roar was heard when they cranked over their hogs while leaving last night. It reverberated throughout all of the Red Light District!
Another Bevy of Swans...
Parting Shots
Tot ziens, Amsterdam. I shall fondly remember you.
07 October 2009
0730 hrs
I'm packed and ready to go. I've got to hop on the tram to Olympic Stadium to go and pick up the Fiat and return to check out.
I'm leaving Amsterdam with a heavy heart as I love this city but I shall return. The last and final leg of this tour of Europe is bringing me back to the UK where I will be arriving tonight. It's 337 miles (542 km) from here which will take me away from the Netherlands, through Belgium, France, over the English Channel from Calais to Dover and finally to London.
The next and final installment of 30 Days Across the Big Pond will be coming from London and most likely will be tomorrow. See you then. Click Here
