Our first activity of the day was a canal cruise throughout Amsterdam and the Red Light District. The sun was out and barely a cloud in the sky… perfect boat weather. We discovered a great deal about Amsterdam’s architecture and the history of many types of buildings during this boat ride. According to our captain, the width of your home revealed a lot about your social and economic standing, and the larger the front of your home, the wealthier you and your family were. But there was no rule against building up, which is why the buildings are so tall. It was quite an experience to observe the city from the water as we navigated through all of the canals, taking in all of the remodeled and deserted houseboats and the countless bridges connecting the different streets of Amsterdam. After about an hour on the boat and waving to a lot of people, we walked away having learned a lot about different landmarks and some very eco-friendly but expensive house boats (shown is a boat house listed for over one million dollars). Afterward a few of us went to get some lunch on the top deck of the biggest library in the Netherlands. I had a sandwich and a very good chai tea.
After lunch everyone met up to continue our day of tours. Our first experience was a chocolate tasting at a local shop called Cacao and Spice. I learned that the Netherlands is the largest cacao harbor in the world. We were told the best way to taste chocolate was to smell it first, and then take a bite. My group had actually presented about Cacao and Spice before this trip and it was amazing to see it even better in real life. They are all about how they strive for sustainability in everything they do. Including selling other small businesses chocolates. I liked the Mexican chocolate the best. Cacao and Spices largest supplier is Original Beans. Original Beans also strive for sustainability and equality, making sure to plant a tree every time one of their chocolate bars are sold. I learned that Africa is one of the largest suppliers and producers of cacao plants but they on make up a tiny percentage of the worlds chocolate that is produced. We did get to try MIA chocolate which is Made In Africa that was really good. Compared the to US, I have yet to find a chocolate that is this detailed about fair trade and sustainability. The last thing I learned from Cacao and Spice is that the whole cacao bean can be used. For example, white chocolate is naturally sustainable because it’s made of the cacao fat, the shop floor was actually made from the outer shell of the cacao bean, and you can make a cacao juice during fermentation (it tastes like pineapple juice). The bean never goes to waste. Increasing the cacao industry income and sustainability.
After our chocolate tour we were lead around the red light district, but this time on foot for an up-close and personal guide of the city. We were given a new perspective of the city and the people who live here. Our guide, Ian, has longstanding connections to the city that stretch back years, so he was able to share a wealth of insider knowledge that many others were unable to. With some informational history, some fun facts and a cheese shop, I can now say I think I know this city pretty well. With some extra free time we went souvenir shopping and got some delicious pasta dinner. We even mastered the tram and found our way back to the hotel.
This was yet another amazing and tiring day and I cannot wait for the tulip farm tomorrow!
