Amsterdam

08.05.18 - 11.05.18

Our adventure began in the beautiful city of Amsterdam. Canals, bikes and coffee shops can be found in every direction amongst the hustle and bustle. The city is surrounded by canal channels that were once used for merchants and their ships, but are now an attraction that draws in tourists from all over the world.

The best part about Amsterdam, is its simplicity and beauty. For a city, it doesn’t feel overpowering. There are no sky scrapers or neon screens. The buildings stand tightly together, supporting one another, rich with history.

Tourists and locals alike travel on bike and via Tram, but don’t be fooled, bike riders are just as dangerous as cars- I’ve learned from experience. Everything about Amsterdam invites you in. The shops, gardens and easy-going lifestyle create the ideal way of life- it is a place I never wanted to leave.

Five MUST DO’s in AMSTERDAM

1. The Anne Frank House:

If you don’t already know the story of Anne Frank, then you need to visit this astonishing, emotional and beautifully displayed museum. Anne Frank hid in the attic of her father’s shop during the second world war, along with her family and other strangers (all jewish) in need of a sanctuary from the Nazi regime. While in hiding, Anne kept a journal, which is now a New York Times Best Seller, that describes her day to day life of living behind the bookshelf. After being in hiding for two long years filled with whispers and a longing for freedom, the Frank family was found by the Nazis and sent to concentration camps. Only Anne’s father, Otto, would return.

This museum takes you through the store, behind the bookshelf and into the attic where the Frank family lived. It tells their story beautifully and educates visitors about the horrors of the war and how Anne managed to see the light in such a dark world.

I highly recommend visiting this piece of history!

To get tickets- either order in advance online or you can try to buy tickets on the day of, but those are nearly impossible to get.

2. Do a Walking Tour:

On our first day in Amsterdam, Sydney and I did a free walking tour with New Europe Tours. This was an amazing way to get to know the city and learn about its INSANELY rich history. Not only is it free, but the tour guides are always so friendly and helpful. This is a great way to see the sights and learn about Amsterdam!

3. Explore the red-light district:

Sydney and I also did a walking tour of the red-light district. I recommend the walking tour (same company), however, you don’t need a tour guide to help you find this busy night life scene. When the sun starts to set, the windows open and the lights turn on. The history of the red-light district is actually extremely interesting, here is a brief explanation: when Amsterdam was first built, it was a huge port where merchants would travel to, to exchange their goods and resources. Now after months of travelling and being away at sea, the sailors would dock their ships in Amsterdam and the women (prostitutes) would be their waiting for them. These days there are no merchants or sailors, but the ladies in the windows draw in thousands of tourists every year. There is more to the red- light district than the prostitutes, there are shows and coffee shops (coffee shops are actually shops that sell marijuana, but they’re called coffee shops because you can’t technically sell marijuana in Amsterdam, so if you want to buy some, you have to get a coffee- they charge you for the coffee and you get weed with it) and of course the sex palace.

As part of the Amsterdam culture, Sydney and I decided to do something out of the box. While most people take advantage of the legal cannabis, we decided to go a step further.

On the opposite side of the canal from where our tour ended was The Sex Palace, where, for two euros, you can watch live porn for one minute

It is as ridiculous as it sounds.

We walked into a small closet and closed the door behind us. As we stood trying not to touch the VERY sticky and dirty walls, we inserted our two euros into the small slit in the wall like into a vending machine. Then, the blinds on the window fell and revealed two people having sex on a rotating circular bed. That is not even the most awkward part though, because surrounding the two people are open windows of every other person who paid to see this minute of awkwardness watching with you. And while you want to look away (SO BADLY), you want to watch because everyone else is watching to see who can’t be mature enough to keep their eyes glued to the people on the bed. Let me tell you, people who say a minute isn’t that long, have never been to the Sex Palace. Needless to say, once those blinds finally came back up, Sydney and I left in half a state of shock and half a ball of laughs and giggles. It was definitely a memory we won’t forget.

4. Have a picnic in the park:

Amsterdam is home to some of the most amazing green spaces and gardens I’ve come across. The iconic IAmsterdam sign is perfectly located at Museumplein park, right behind the Rijksmuseum and near Van Gogh museum. This park is ideally located near shops, museums and the Tram, allowing for easy access and for a variety of activities. The green space stretches far and wide. People can be seen having a picnic, taking in the beauty or catching Zzzs on the grass.

5. Visit the tulip market:

Along the canal, you’ll find the tulip market. These unique shops sell anything from food, to touristy apparel, to of course, tulips. It is a great way to enjoy the canal with a coffee or tea and peruse the venders and see what the Netherlands are famous for!