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International Marketing Study Program 2006
Amsterdam - Social Report
16th and 17th January 2006
After a short flight from London, the group of inspired marketers arrived in the exciting city of Amsterdam. Met by chilling weather we arrived at the Die Port Van Cleve hotel located in the very heart of the city just across from the royal palace. The hotel is well structured in a small complex with nicely furnished rooms. We headed off to the restaurant inside the hotel where we had a great taste of the traditional Dutch dishes, such as the “Hutspot” and the renowned steak prepared by renowned chiefs. This enabled us to quickly find ourselves comfortable in this beautiful and unique city and we were impatiently looking forward to what the next day in Amsterdam would bring.
Early in the morning we walked in the cold and dark to the central train station to visit Nike’s European Headquarters at Hilversum Sportpark, just outside of Amsterdam. The group was delighted by the opportunity to experience the Dutch train system and contemplate the wider surroundings of Amsterdam. We arrived a little late, as we missed a train connection, Ian needs to improve his Dutch. We had a great visit at Nike where we were warmly welcomed by a Monash graduate, Christy Kilmartin. On completion of our visit we returned to the hotel well aware that we had a short time in Amsterdam as we were leaving the next morning. An elegant Dutch lady Fanny, who had been organized to take us on a guided walking tour of Amsterdam, gave us a very warm welcome in the hotel lobby and then took us on a tour of some of Amsterdam’s historic and interesting sights. Many pictures were taken as we walked through the Central Square, past some of the major attractions of the city, such as Amsterdam’s oldest Cathedral, the Royal Palace, a WWII memorial, not to forget, of course, breathtaking Amsterdam canals. As we walked we came across the famous Red Light District, the graphical representation of the “Red Light Spirit” crafted in the road gave us a stunning feel of this exciting but somewhat sordid place.
As we continued walking along the streets, we saw numerous canals and bridges. Not far away from the Chinese temple we had a delicious lunch in an arty café, tasting a warm Dutch apple pie and other local delicacies. Later on, Fanny was interviewed by a Dutch TV reporter who was recording in the square outside where we had lunch. We were excited to take part in a national television show, as this was a fantastic opportunity for us to say “hello” to the local Dutch people, however all conversations were in Dutch so we were not sure about what was being said.
Near the flea market, the group split into two. The first one proceeded to the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum for a historical and cultural experience using the local tram system to make the trip. The second paid a visit to the Rembrandt Museum located in the house in which Rembrandt had lived and had been restored and packed with artifacts of his time. We were also well aware that we needed to do some shopping in the local shops for some memorabilia as we were leaving the next morning by coach for Epernay in France.
Later that evening and not wanting to waste any time groups of eager Monash students went to the coffee shops and experienced some of the night life in Amsterdam. “It was an interesting experience” to say the least. At the end of the day, everyone has been charmed by the very contradictory, yet beautiful city. Happy times fly quickly, but the pleasant memories will always stay with us. Thank you Amsterdam, we look forward to seeing you again soon as there is still much to see and do!
Truly yours, MIMSP gang
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