Thursday Activities:
1. Anne Frank Museum
Despite waiting an hour in the freezing cold, the museum was an incredible experience. During high school I went through a period where my choice of books consisted primarily of WWII and Holocaust stories. Of course, Anne Frank was one such book. For anyone who has not visited the Anne Frank house, Otto Frank (the sole survivor of the eight who lived in the secret annex), chose to leave the rooms permanently unfurnished to symbolize the loss of life. Walking through the tiny rooms of the annex was a sombering experience and seeing the actual diaries of Anne Frank punctuated the reality of what occurred in that space.
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| Bookcase entrance to the Secret Annex |
2. Lunch
After walking around for a couple hours, we stopped at the cutest soup and sandwich shop. And, as much as I have loved turkish food, a Danish meatball sandwich and savory pumpkin soup was a divine change of pace.
3. Vondelpark
More walking.... to Vondelpark which was located more on the outskirts of town. We sat on a bench by the water for about 5 minutes before realizing that it was way to cold to sit. I guess I shouldn't have given my parents all my gloves and hats to take home last week.
3. Attempt one of the Van Gogh Museum
We walked to the Van Gogh Museum only to find out that it was being renovated and all the art was moved to another building 30 minutes away. Fortunately there was this giant "Iamsterdam" sign where we participated in the touristy activity of climbing on the sign and taking a bunch of photos.
Unfortunately, by the time we got to the new location, the museum was about to close. At least we got a good walking tour out of it!
4. BREIF walk through the Red Light District
The illusive red light district is interesting because I feel as though Amsterdam gets a bad rap because of it. It was surprising how small area actually was - consisting of maybe two streets! The area was just so uncharacteristic of the rest of the city which looked like a movie set - clean, with cute store fronts, cafes, and bike paths. You will have to ask Maddie how many times said the words "It really does look like a movie set" in the first 8 hours.
Movie set pictures
Friday Activities:
1. Move to New Hostel
I would say that 90% of Amsterdam is walkable. Our first hostel was walkable. Every museum was walkable. But, we decided we wanted to stay in a boat for a night because Amsterdam is home to many house boats. Guess I didn't read the listing properly, because we ended up on a replica pirate ship on a random canal that was a ten minute bus ride away. At least the beds were comfortable right?
2. Van Gogh Museum
.... whoops no cameras allowed.
However, I can comment on the fact that I have become a Van Gogh admirer. I had previously only known his more famous pieces, but I came away with a new appreciation for his work and his dedication in making himself into an artist.
3. Heineken Factory Tour
We learned how the company was started, how the beer is made, how the beer is suppose to be poured, and, of course, how it is suppose to be drunk.
4. Cafe
After two long days of walking, we spent a couple of hours sitting in a cute cafe drinking coffee (which I have missed in Istanbul!) and eating apple tart. I guess I could have gotten a picture of the cafe, but my lens gravitated straight to the delicious tart.
1. Noodermarkt
This cute food and clothing market springs up every saturday morning. Maddie and I each bought a block of cheese and spent the rest of the day nibbling on it as we walked through town. Oh, and we also got Danish waffles.
Maddie collects masks from every country she goes to. Thanks to the Noodermarkt she found one in Amsterdam!
2. Climb Westerkerk Tower
This church is the highest in Amsterdam and located directly next to the Anne Frank House. The climb to the top (up some VERY narrow stairs) offered an incredible panoramic view of the city.
3. Almost missed our flight...
.... because who wouldn't lose track of time when you are sitting at this cute cafe on a canal. (I would also like to point out that because the sun was shinning and it was a whooping 45 degrees our server was wearing a short sleeve shirt.)
Great weekend in Amsterdam!
