Let’s be very clear before we start, there is one notable
exception in this ‘Amsterdam -Through a window’ blog post and that’s the views through
various assorted windows in Amsterdam’s famous red light district. Sorry to disappoint but that just wasn't going to make it to my blog page.
However on my recent weekend trip to this beautiful city it
was this very experience (educational and shocking as it was) that led me to
seek out alternative windows that displayed the culture, History, innovation
and diversity of this melting pot of a city.
Here are just a few that I found and want to share along with a few principles that are worth remembering.
This collection, like Amsterdam is eclectic and diverse and I’ve
saved the best Window to last.
Windows that make a
statement
The Condomerie shop window around which a crowd of tourist
were gathered to peer at the colorful and eclectic display really aimed to
make a bold statement. Established in 1987 by two visionary women concerned
about the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases. It bills
itself as the world’s first condom specialist store.
It must
have taken real courage and a degree of fearlessness on the part of these
ladies back in the day. As with all Innovation endeavors bravery and a passionate
belief lies at the heart.
Windows to surprise
Now where to start? Virtually every window in Amsterdam
promises and delivers a visual feats of surprises in one way or another. Take
for example the shop that offered you a Haircut and or espresso. The options
yours, come for either one individually or both. In reality a tiny shop with
coffee at the front and Barber chairs at the back but filled with a feeling of
warmth and welcoming.
‘The Darling’ shop likewise offered you a cup of tea and a
cup cake while you browsed for a new dress. Cupcakes spun around on turntables
in the window alongside the display of clothes. Even the price tags were
cupcake cases and although the shop was no bigger than a walk in wardrobe you
felt immediately very ‘at home’.
The Dutch
have cracked the ‘break the rules’ principle of innovation and seem to have a
philosophy that says ‘Why not’ Rather than ‘No we cant’.
Windows of wonder
At the newly restored Rijksmuseum I stood and wondered in
awe at this cathedral dedicated to Art. In the Grand Hall with its vaulted
ceilings and painted walls there is a wall of stained-glass windows featuring
images of famous Dutch artists. And why not?
The Dutch
know how to celebrate and be proud of their achievements and this window is a
testament to the skills and craftsmanship not only of the glass makers but the
Artists it depicts.
Windows of History
My
weekend came to a close with a visit to the House of Anne Frank. A moving and
very emotional experience. It felt as though we were somehow eavesdropping in
on her inner most thoughts thanks to the remarkable diary she left behind. Anne’s
diary provides a window on history from a unique perspective of a teenage girl
in hiding from Nazi persecution.
What was most poignant as we walked around the house was the
shuttered and blacked out windows. Anne and her family in hiding couldn't risk
anyone seeing them from the street so virtually lived for two years in fear of
getting too close to a window. Anne yearned for the freedom to simply breathe
fresh air.
How strange is it that only a few years ago that this only
known footage of Anne was discovered. It shows Anne leaning from the window of
her parent’s apartment watching a wedding procession just before she was forced
into hiding.
The lesson I took from this final window in Anne’s house is that everyone can do something, even a young teenager
in hiding from the Nazis.
I think a quite from Anne's diary says it all.
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a
single moment before starting to improve the world.” –Anne Frank
So finally my personal lesson is that every second of every
day is a chance to start over...to recreate or
reinvent either yourself or the world around you. It takes small steps by many to make a big change.
Instead of walking over that piece of rubbish, pick it up. Instead of
complaining about the decline of our society, volunteer just one hour a
month. Isnt it amazing that we humans have potential to learn from our
tragedies while moving forward helping ourselves and our fellow earthbound
souls.
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