Amsterdam, The Netherlands. A city that houses some 800,000 residents who are invaded by over 18 million tourists per year. In this week’s Travel Man, our man Richard Ayoade is one of them.
Apart from the odd visit to a museum or animal farm, “debauched” Amsterdam doesn’t seem like the type of city Ayoade would normally add to his holiday itinerary. Luckily, he’s joined by the far more willing comedian Joe Lycett, and the clash in their experiences is priceless.
Paranoia #1: weed
Perhaps he’s already stoned and he doesn’t know it? Source: SBS
No, it's not the slight current of the canal’s water (although that isn’t to Ayoade’s liking), but the persistent proximity to canal-perched coffee shops. You know, those places where tourists smoke weed that’s way stronger than what they claim to be able to handle.
For Ayoade, what should be a pleasant ride along one of the city’s most famous waterways ends up making him worry he’ll somehow contract a contact high.
Paranoia #2: elevator from hell
Someone should paint Ayoade’s face here, frame it and hang it next to a Rembrandt. Source: SBS
As the elevator began its ascent, music blares as flickering lights of every colour turn the little box into a futuristic space capsule. While Lycett dances around, likening it to a gay club, Ayoade dubs the lift as “the elevator from hell”.
Paranoia #3: over the edge
Ayoade, longing for a local suburban park. Source: SBS
Unfortunately, he and Lycett are forced to brave Europe’s highest swing called A’DAM Lookout – an attraction that comes with the nightmarish slogan “Over the Edge”. Sure, enjoying panoramic views of Amsterdam while you're a free-fall away from a watery death is an experience, we’re just not so sure it’s the experience Ayoade needs.
Man, he’s even freaked out by bikes…
No helmet? Source: SBS
Watch Travel Man on Tuesday 28 November at 8:00pm on SBS VICELAND. Missed the previous episode? Watch it at SBS On Demand:
