amsterdam - you sexy beast
We arrive in Amsterdam while asleep, I draw back the curtains to discover I am at a meeting and very underdressed. Our ship has pulled into port and is so close to an office space, I could reach across and grab a coffee. Grateful that I do not need to be in this meeting, I get on with my day.
A solid walk is needed, and I am eager to meander through alleys and dodge a highway of bikes. Canal houses line waterways in a very relaxed manner. They seem to have exhaled over the centuries and lean at varying degrees against each other. Channels are bustling with small boats transporting everything from tulips to tourists, and spring has flung open every door as cafes spill out into the streets. Imagination is liberally applied everywhere, and nothing is off limits.
Today’s afternoon destination has been unearthed by Trevor, and our stroll finds intention near the hour of lunch. Pesca comes into view, and we enter to find a small fish market with a number of selections for the day. This is the theatre of fish. The Turbot looks delicious and is weighed before being sent to the kitchen and prepared by chef with seasonal ingredients.
Next, we are led to a small wine section where we choose a bottle to enjoy with lunch. Seated in the dining area, we take in the eccentric 70s decor, which is full of character. Given free rein to play with ingredients, our lunch arrives as a surprise and is delicious!
The whole experience of Pesca culminates with genderless bathrooms where Dutch comedy is played over the speakers. I have no idea what jokes are being told, and also - I love this! We leave in high spirits and rave about the imagination here. Amsterdam is electric with ideas, which they know how to present in a fun and cheeky manner.
This is not the only experience on today’s agenda. Tonight we are invited to Supper Club. After a small respite, I don Trevor’s bowtie and we head out into the evening. Locating the entrance, we enter an unremarkable door and are met by a man dressed in what I can only describe as S&M sequins, and a mask to match. He invites us down a dark hall with mirrors, then towards a staircase in black lit only by a vintage chandelier. At the top, we enter the juxtaposition of a cathedral all in white. At the pulpit is a DJ. Animated projections paint the walls and dance along to the music.
We are shown to our table, which is a bed, and find friends are already here and imbibing. Removing our shoes, we crawl up and join them to recline like hedonistic deities. This is like nothing I’ve ever experienced, this is a house of worship to celebrate the sultry and creative.
Conversation flows as we lean against pillows and each other. We all notice a solo man dressed in a tux, he looks a bit forlorn, and we wonder if he’s been stood up. Our sympathies are misplaced after he leaps up and begins to sing, kicking off the night’s entertainment.
Our first course is served, and conversation resumes until a stunning girl in full-body spandex is suspended from the ceiling with silks. The room is once again silent. She winds herself around long material with the grace of a floating ballerina. The music is raw and laced with an ethereal voice. This has the flavour of Cirque du Soleil.
We enjoy courses intermingled with sultry performances. The most captivating is a duo between an artist and his muse. She arrives in only a thong and stiletto heels, the artist begins to paint this muse with acute concentration. The more he paints her, the more she comes to life and is possessed by the energy of the music. Once he is complete, he gazes upon her with utmost reverence as he leads her around the room. He looks at nothing but her. This is one of the most intensely stunning performances I have ever witnessed. The whole room is turned on.
Our evening culminates with shots, and we dance - on beds, on platforms, with everyone. There is nothing but joy and celebration here.
Though we only have a short visit, Amsterdam has delivered the most delicious, creative, and unique experiences! What a sexy city!
