Amsterdam

Some of the most fun I have travelling is interpreting signs.  I enjoy seeing how other countries convey basic traffic rules, how they advertise their products, and really get a kick out of seeing how American products are portrayed. Here is an especially Dutch traffic sign:

Very helpful, but there was another one for cars and pedestrians and sometimes they would not all be green at the same time even for people waiting to go the same direction.  Here’s one that made me chuckle a little

He’s very focused and purposeful.  This one confused me until I used Google Translate

I thought it meant no bikes or scooters, but it actually means do not enter “except” for bikes or scooters.  Clearly there are cars in the “except” area though, so I’m still a little confused, maybe it’s one way for cars?

This one I appreciated for the sentiment on the bottom, which I think was added by locals.

“Non-violent zone”

Near this sign was this one on the ground which speaks to the sentiment I am trying to convey

I found it amusing, or maybe ironic not sure which, that this was in a small square next to this

But sometimes, you don’t need things translated especially if you’re hungry

Though the offerings might confuse you.

The translations can also make  you grin

Mc Drive?

Perhaps you’d like more choices? No problem

No doubt Tony Stark would be pleased. How about some Vietnamese?

Mexican?

How about Chinese?

Chicken and ribs?  No problem

Now, if you need a caffeine fix and you know nothing about Amsterdam except that it’s located in the Netherlands you’re going to be confused if you go here

Because they don’t specialize in coffee, they specialize in another plant.  (I originally took this photo because the mascot of the school I work for is a Bulldog, didn’t notice the ‘coffee shop until later.) If you want caffeine you can always go to a kaffe shop or look for the ever ubiquitous shop in this photo

Sometimes eating at restaurants in other countries can be risky, unless they have this claim

At first I thought this advertisement was clever because it was suggesting having a Coke with the artists

Later in a supermarket I saw Coke bottles with common Dutch names on them; what a great idea, you could buy a Coke with your friends name on it!  While sharing a Coke with your friend you could shop here

Though shopping at America Today you might run into this

Sad, and embarrassing, though I’m glad it’s on a toilet.

I also got a kick out of graffiti, posters and stickers on poles

That’s a little harsh

Arrrrrrrrr…….

I agree.  I’ll end with this one that made me laugh.

In context