Now, on the Zeedijk in the middle of Amsterdam s Chinatown, that has changed. Last September, the Queen opened the first Chinese temple in Europe. The holy house of Buddhism has assumed a solid niche, not just in the Chinese community, but also among the Dutch. It is snowing. On the Zeedijk in Amsterdam, just behind the Red Light District, the snow has become a grey mess.
Addicts shuffle restlessly through it.
They relentlessly scan the cobblestones in search of drugs, or something to buy drugs with. Yelling, gesturing wildly, they haggle over their petty possessions. The image is in stark contrast to the Chinese Temple He Hua, which radiates serenity. Most just look around in the high spaces full of images of the Buddha. It's amazing how, in the context of the kitschy wedding cake, the fake gold can still radiate a holy vibe.