Don't mistake
it, this title was certainly not for a lack or creativity nor was it a typo.
But rather I wanted to express how truly amazing this semester has been. The
fact I can say I have been to, in my opinion, two of the greatest travel
destinations in the world within one month of each other is remarkable. I think
that shows what kind of semester this has been for me.
In case you
hadn't already seen the photos (which are worth checking out) I went to
Amsterdam last weekend. Those who know me know I am a first impression kind of
person. The first thing I see when I put my foot in another country says a lot
about how I will remember it. And Amsterdam, like many other countries in
Europe, was like taking a journey back in time.
The train
station is centrally located to the city and upon walking out onto the street
for the first time you're greeted my cable cars (no metro because it is
essentially a floating city), bicycles, cobblestone streets, bicycles, old Dutch-style
houses, bicycles, and canals. Oh, and lots of bicycles.
Know for
having more bicycles than people (seriously, look it up) Amsterdam is the
biggest bicycle city in the world. It seemed as though it was legal to lock a
bicycle up anywhere as the bridges, light poles, and bicycle rakes were covered
in old, unique looking bicycles.
As you work
your way away from the train station you get closer to the center of town where
everything is happening. It's impossible to get lost for several reasons: every
building looks different in its own way but still manages to have the same
classic feel to it, the streets are laid out in what I would consider to be a
NYC layout, and every third block has either a vertical or a horizontal canal.
To figure out where you're going look on a map, count the number of bridges you
have to cross and you're there.
It's equally
as beautiful a city at night as it is during the day. Whether the canals are
lit by sunlight or street lights you can't help but take our your phone to take
a picture every time you walk over a bridge. Locals ride their boats down the
canal and canal tours are even available for relatively cheap.
All this and I
haven't even gotten into the delicious food, the number of museums, and the
unique experience of the Red Light District. I'll make it quick…
Food:
Thick-cut French fries covered in an array of sauces, amazing Mexican food, Argentinian
Steak Houses everywhere (still not sure why), and they claim to have some of
the best Chinese food in the world.
Museums:
-We started at
the Anne Frank House Wednesday night and were absolutely blown away. It is the
most emotional and rewarding museum you will ever enter. Simply reading about
the tragedy her and her family endured does not do their horrific time justice.
-Thursday we
visited the Van Gogh Museum, which I quickly dubbed the Van (don't) Gogh
Museum. Apparently "Starry Night" is in New York, which was a huge
disappointment. Secondly, it cost more than it should have for a 45-minute walk
through of a museum that included still lives and scenery paintings. I think I
could've learned more by reading his Wikipedia page. Still, however, I am glad
I went so I can say I did and now I know I never need to go again.
-Friday was by
far my favorite when we went to the Heineken Experience. It is actually really
difficult to describe what made it so great other than to say they showed me
the old factories and took us through the entire process of making their beer
step-by-step. It was a great experience and I will forever feel like an expert
on Heineken.
The Red Light
District:
-Something you
only ever hear about in pop culture that was truly something to experience
because of how unique of a concept it is. As you walk down the streets you are
constantly passing large doors and windows lit in red. Through the windows you
see prostitutes attempting to lure in customers. I was actually very surprised
to see that most of the people walking around were doing exactly what we were:
acting like tourists and taking in the experience of a lifetime.
All-in-all
Amsterdam was a unique city with an incredible vibe, nice people and a city you
cannot experience or see anywhere else in the world. I am already looking
forward to going back.
And hey, the flight wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would - always a bonus.
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