After arriving to Amsterdam it was evident that the difference in culture compared to America was like day and night, It didn't sink in my head that I was in a different country until I heard a much larger variety of languages and a severe difference in public behavior.
The first thing to impress me was the many different mediums by witch people commuted, at first it seemed a bit unorganized to walk side by side with what they call the RAM.(the main public metro in the city) there were very small streets and even thought there were very few traffic signals if not any in some areas, it was like people had rehearsed when to stop and than go, first the RAM, than the cars, than the bicycles and next the motorcycles, last people, than the same all over again and not necessarily in the same order.
As far as Fashion goes, it was not extremely impressive it was almost like a non stop variety of jeans and very flat sneakers, The man's hairstyles seemed a bit grown out but shaped, the fawhawk seemed to be faded and replaced by a longer groomed all around cut. There appears to be a particular trend of jeans going on among both man and women, in my opinion from the horse-riding pant. a very particular jean cut mimicking the very low style hip hop jean look, the waistline is kept as a regular fit, but the seem line below the zipper is kept very low, between the knees and the crotch.
As far as hair for women there was not as much going on, a bit more color and shorter than it is currently worn in the US, This was a bit surprising as it is winter and for the most part longer hair dominates during this season. A very masculine sense of fashion dominated the streets among women, very strong and lacking femininity,
I also sensed a very severe change in wardrobe among areas from one section to the next, particularly as you entered the south of Amsterdam, it was as if you knew what area you were in just by looking at the people and the way they looked. however even thought the clothing changed the same masculine feel remain among women. In the south the look seemed a bit dressier and polished.
There also appeared to be a lack of patience among people when working at establishments to want to explain to the tourists their way of doing businesses, it was almost as if they expected you to know what to do and don't u dear ask them, they are all too busy waiting on nobody else. Overall what impressed me the most was the fact that even thought you are free to smoke marijuana, practice prostitution and be who you are as you want, I did not feel I was being bombarded with obscenity or tacky sex appeal, even when nudity was used for marketing or a story it was done tastefully and beautifully you did not feel ilk you were starring at a vagina you felt like you were drawn into a page that made you wan tot read more, or see more.
There is much toe learned in the United States from this place as far as freedom and acceptance, as when these are used I noticed it truly brings peace and a sense of belonging. there for you never feel like you are not part of society for being different, be it sexual preference, choice of work, creative outlook and/or life style when you can truly choose with out any rejection you live happier and if you are happier your performance as an individual improves, there for enhancing the collective over all.
I used to think that every artist should visit France because of its history, well now I feel every body should visit Amsterdam because of its sense of acceptance and freedom. Amsterdam reminded me a lot of New York, but the difference is in New York people are looking for a break and in many cases for their identity, in Amsterdam I got the impression people know very well who they are, and they are not afraid of their identity or yours.