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Amsterdam……a VERY strange city. I enjoy the fact that there are bicycles everywhere here. I am more concerned about getting run over by bicyclist than cars. In Paris, I was worried about cars and their driving after the light is red. In London, cars have the right away. Amsterdam is basically a bicycle city and I really enjoy that. The city is so small that after one day of traveling I feel as though I know my way around the city. The second I got off the train I smelled marijuana. I couldn’t believe people were doing it so early in the day. We dropped our bags off at this random hotel we found in Amsterdam. It had the best breakfast we have had yet. It consisted of croissants, cake, toast, cereal, ham, eggs, and canned fruit. I love this hostel for the breakfast alone. The rooms actually fit 9 people and I was the only girl out of the entire group. I did meet some really nice Switzerland men and a Canadian. My two switzerland friends were so COOL!! Their attempt to teach me swiss German....was hilarious....i need more practice!
The first thing we did was the Heineken experience. We got to learn how they make Heineken. We actually got a chance to learn each step and help make some Heineken. The Heineken worker informed us that if the tourist didn’t crank enough of the barley he had to do it. Hahah the tourist are useful for something. We received three beers and a chance to watch old Heineken Commercials. During the experience, we got to make a music video that was Nick and I trying to sing the Dutch anthem. Needless to say that only Mom and Angela received the ridiculous video. There was a certain room in the Heineken experience which seemed like it could be a club. It had Heineken bottles on the ceiling and comfortable chairs. I could have stayed the entire night in this area, but unfortunately I had more to see.
The next stop was the Van Gogh Museum where I was yelled at for taking pictures. The museum was not what I expected and it was not that interesting. I liked certain Van Gogh paintings, but I think I could have done something more interesting. I was a little disappointed because I thought that it would have a larger exhibit. I was also disappointed with the Rijs Museum for the same reason. I thought there could have been more exhibits.
I really enjoyed the Anne Frank house. I never expected it to be so small. I read the book when I was in 8th grade and did not truly understand her suffering or agony until I stepped in that house. The house was so small and her room was so gloomy. The entire house is empty because Otto Frank did not want it to be redone as it was when he lived in it.
Now the red light district was so SHOCKING. Women were literally half dressed I a box trying to antagonize men into paying for their service. I could not believe it and it was just so odd for me to see men actually doing it. The entire district is shocking. My brother compared the women to picking out fruit. I think the entire thing is disgusting. I mean don’t they know about STDS….
I did some shopping in Amsterdam at Lezipleg. I took a boat ride tour of Amsterdam. It was a very disappointing tour. I don’t feel like they showed me anything, but I did get to at least be in a boat.
I got to see the old church in Amsterdam. It was really crazy that people are buried in this 1300 year old church and that I could actually walk around in the museum. I could sit on the benches if I wanted to…..there was no one telling me not to take pictures of the ceilings which were made of wood. I couldn’t believe that they were not worried about the church being destroyed.
On Saturday night I went on a pub crawl in Amsterdam. It starts off with a small fee of 17 Euro and you get to go to 5 bars and get drinks for free at 5 bars. The first bar there are people walking around giving away free shots for 30 minutes. I think I had around 3 or 4 shots in the first hour. Then once everyone is done drinking we go to the next bar where when you arrive they give you a shot. It was crazy how much drinking was involved…..needless to say I really enjoyed the pub crawl because we ended up at a club at the end of the night. I got a chance to meet another Penn State student who recently graduated an Argentinean, a group of Aussie women, and so many more. The night was full of dancing and drinking.
Holland is famous for windmills and so we went to see some windmills. We took a tour of the windmill and learned how is used now. I didn’t know it was used for to make flower. Harlem is a nice quite town compared to Amsterdam. It was very nice and relaxing that I took a long nap right in front of the canal. I didn’t get sunburned and it was so relaxing. Then I went to eat some ribs, fires, and salad for 10 Euro (best meal deal I have had yet).
Next stop Berlin
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