I am very sad that terrorists bombed Brussels. What did Brussels do to anyone? The airports will be hell, and my little party of 4 is freaking out a bit over the train station. AMS Centraal is a prime terrorist target. Looks like we will take Uber or some sort of Taxi from the airport.
Bummer, as I really love the first sight of AMS when exiting Centraal Station. The walk out, the hustle and bustle of the city, and that first glorious outdoor toilet to your right as you exit the station and walk to the right (near the massive bike storage area).
One of my fondest memories involves that little area to the West of Centraal. The West is your right hand side when you exit the station (or your left as you approach). Many of you know the best route from Centraal to the Jordan, which is to hug the right side of Centraal, continue walking as if you are going to pick up your bike at the bike storage multi-plex, then you will find a nice little path that will get you to the Singel by going UNDER Prins Hendrikkade.
Prins Hendrikkade is what I dub the busiest intersection in the entire world. If you are still reading along, I encourage you to pull up a map. Prins Hendrikkade crosses the Singel and instantly Stromarkt, Droogbak, and Singel all intersect at the Singel canal.
If you approach this intersection from the street level as you exit the Station, you won't think a whole lot about it other than it is aggravating as all get out. Crossing involves a lot of waiting, a whole lot of head-on-swivel as you watch for speedy drivers trying to make the signal light and even speedier bicyclists zooming here and there. Wait, step out, no step back, OK cross to a safe area, wait more, step sideways, so on and so forth. You feel like you are in a real life game of Frogger!
Eventually, if you, say, rent a houseboat in the Jordaan, you will inevitably find yourself wandering around in this area to either: (1) get train tickets for a later date so you don't have to rush around morning of to get a train ticket; or (2) popping over to gaze at the really cool weather vane that indicates the direction of the wind (it is on a tower on Centraal Station).
Usually I find myself suddenly wandering in this area for no particular reason. Maybe I went to get herring near the entrance to High Street (Haarlemmerstraat)? Maybe it was to mosey down High Street to check out what is on the menu? Maybe I'm on a mission to get a train ticket for the next day in order to avoid the rush? Hell, for whatever reason, I will find myself on that street level at the most random of times.
On one of my earlier trips in that particular area after a few days of smoking, my sister and I were walking around. We had been in Siberie to purchase muffins, which is the last thing I distinctly recall until I found myself at that God-forsaken intersection. Thirty minutes later, we made it across! At least I think it took us 30 min. to cross that intersection. The crossing took all of our collective wisdom and experience to make it safely to the other side.
My sister, who is a fairly well versed traveler, spoke the first words after we crossed over. I distinctly recall thinking, "That crossing was the most complicated thing I've done in a long, long time." As if reading my thoughts, my sister voices, "That's the busiest intersection in the entire world."
Yes, I strongly agree.
If you have not had the pleasure of experiencing the busiest intersection in the world, I highly recommend that you make a pit stop on High Street, then amble over to Centraal Station via street level of Prins. Hendrikkade. It is a noteworthy experience.
The One about the Busiest Intersection in the World (or at least AMS)!
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OneHighMofo
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Re: The One about the Busiest Intersection in the World (or at least AMS)!
Brilliant - thanks 
Re: The One about the Busiest Intersection in the World (or at least AMS)!
I land early and will take train to central. I will not give it up , that feeling of joy when exiting station. The idea I would let those thugs win ,Live free or die trying 
Roll on 420
Roll on 420Re: The One about the Busiest Intersection in the World (or at least AMS)!
We, too, are taking the train. My little pregnant wife is a bit concerned, but she likes getting off of the train, too. She is excited as this trip is her 8th to AMS.
Re: The One about the Busiest Intersection in the World (or at least AMS)!
have a great trip 
Sending out the good vibes to those that need them right now
Re: The One about the Busiest Intersection in the World (or at least AMS)!
ftcarer, I appreciate that link. Thanks so much!
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OneHighMofo
- Posts: 1720
- Joined: Wed 25th Feb 2015 06:04 pm
Re: The One about the Busiest Intersection in the World (or at least AMS)!
+1LLMReb wrote:ftcarer, I appreciate that link. Thanks so much!