On the 26th of September and the 10th of October, all 1st year students visited Amsterdam. Not (only) for leisure purposes, but primarily for a course called “Tourism Principles and Practice” (TPP). In this course our teachers Michael Marchman and Jeroen Nawijn lecture about key tourism concepts, and the connections between tourism, economics, politics, cultures and environment.
The course also involves a group assignment. First we had to choose two areas in Amsterdam that we wanted to compare (like Dam Square, 9 Streets, Jordaan, Red Light District etc.) . The question we need to answer is: “What are the differences between the two chosen areas in terms of demand, supply and tourism impacts, and what are the potential causes of these differences?”
Two weeks after the first field trip, every group went to the chosen area for their research. This time there was no presentation about Amsterdam, but instead we had a meeting at the Prostitute Information Centre (PIC). We were welcomed enthusiastically by Mariska, the founder of the PIC. 20 years ago, Mariska had been a prostitute herself. She had the need to inform people about prostitution, as the image that people have often does not match reality. She was very open about her history, and for example told us why she became a prostitute, but also about how things go in terms of freedom. The prostitutes working in Amsterdam’s red light district aren’t “owned” by pimps, but are independent workers. They set their own price and decide whom to accept as their client. Afterwards Mariska showed us around the Red Light District and told us more about the places.
After finishing the research, quite a few students decided to spend some extra time in Amsterdam. Some enjoyed a fair at the Dam square and after dinner it was time to discover the pubs in Amsterdam, preferably places where they had TV-screens to watch the soccer game Netherlands vs. Kazachstan. We hopped from pub to pub, and after running in to one of Holland’s most famous music bands (Di-Rect) the party people went on clubbing.
If you are reading this as a future BSc student this is a good advice: book a room in a hostel in advance! That way you can enjoy your night without worrying about trains back to Breda. With 5 people we spend the night at the WoW hostel, a very colourful place. After a short night we could enjoy a free breakfast to start the day off well. After check-out we went back to the city centre for some final moments of fun (even the rain couldn’t destroy our ‘gezelligheid’), and before dinner-time Amsterdam was safe from BTO-students again.
Written by: Saskia
