Amsterdam

The day after Bethany and my family left Seville, I hopped on a flight to meet up with college friends, Tyler and Dan in Amsterdam. Never, would I ever think that there would be THAT MANY PEOPLE in Amsterdam, not to mention their lifestyle is EXTREMELY different than our own! The first day, Thursday, when I got there, my friend Dan was waiting for me at the train station to check into our hostel. We went to a local bar area had a drink and went back early since we wanted to get up super early and hit all of the main sights! Tyler and his 3 friends got in around 11am the next morning. From there, we went to see the Van Gogh museum, the main park area, and the Heineken factory. Since we walked everywhere, it took us quite a long time to get into these exhibits. However, they were all very cool and very distinct. Later that night, we visited the dreaded red light district and also went to a local karaoke bar to embarrass ourselves in a new city.
I could not help to be completely intrigued by the way this city is so different from the rest of Europe. It definitely has been an experience, to visit so many different cities. The coolest thing, I would have to say, is the architecture of the city. There are 2 rivers that flow right through the center, many house boats, and also, slanted buildings! The buildings almost looked fake, as if someone is trying to draw them like a Halloween character’s house or something! All of the buildings literally lean into one another making them look lopsided, it’s so bizarre!
The next day, we went to visit Anne Frank’s house, which was extremely sad! But, the saddest part was that my camera batter y was dead because I didn’t realize that the power had clicked on inside of my purse! Any who, as crazy crowded as this exhibit was, the hour and a half wait was worth it. The sad ending came forth, as Anne’s dad was the only one to survive this terrible event, the traditional feel of the building had such a dramatic affect on everyone who entered it. The original book case that “hid the secret attic”, in which Anne and her family hid, is propped open so you can enter the corridors. It was very cool to see! Went on a pub crawl, later that night, and wound up in bed early to get some sleep before my 9:00am flight out of Amsterdam the next morning. Woke up, and have been travelling ever since! It is around 5pm, Spain time, and I am trying to finish up a TON of homework that is due this week before I leave for Italy on Wednesday! Hope all is well with everyone back home!

Miss you all and love you dearly!

Laur

“Tengo una pregunta. ¿Dónde está el distrito de luces rojos? (I have a question. Where is the red light district?)” Follow the spot lights. --- I forgot that Spanish wasn’t necessary in a different city… Whoops!