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Published: December 19th 2005
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view from plane
i couldnt move, but atleast i had a window with this gorgeous view So, we got back from amsterdam on Friday. I had a blast. It is such a cute city. Out of all the cities I've been to, this is the one I could really see myself living in. I feel like I get all the advantages of a city, but you still get a small town feel. The city is like Venice with lots of canals running through it. It was so nice to walk around. The weather wasn't bad either. It was supposed to rain the whole time but we didnt really get any, atleast not while we were out. Oh, and flying was so much easier and quicker, although the seats were very tight and the guy infront of me had to push his seat all the way back and the lady behind me kept hitting my back. I literally could not move an inch. Thank God it was only a 2 hour flight. I felt like an idiot though. I honestly had no idea where the netherlands were. I kinda thought it was located above germany so i was surprised to find out it was located on the west coast pretty close to england. We stayed at a christian
train station
best train station ever, so cute hostel that was ok, not the best but decent. They did have amazing free hot breakfasts including eggs, cheese, and ham on toast, pancakes and french toast the last day. We went to the anne frank house the day we got there. I just finished reading her diary before we went, which really made the tour more interesting because i had all her experiences fresh on my mind. I cant really explain how it feels to go through the house. It was a very emotional experience. We couldnt understand how they managed to say so quiet; the floors squeaked so much. So, traveling around amsterdam on bike is very popular. Bikes are everywhere, they have their own lanes in the streets, people wear reflectors, and they use hand signals. The bikes with the spots for kids are so cute. There were even parking decks full of bikes. It was really easy to walk around town; we never had to use public transportation. We also went to the Van Gogh Museum which was amazing. My favorite picture was "Almond Blossom", a painting he did for his nephew. It has a gorgeous blue background with the tree branches with beautiful white blossoms.
bikes, bikes, and more bikes
this picture is not even a good one to show the super abundance of bikes I loved it. There was so much to see; we spent hours there. We also got to see a free concert at the supposedly famous concert hall. The performance ended up being Indian music with a sitar and violin. It was very interesting. We stopped at a few cafes. Laura and I tried this bread called krentonbol vanaf, basically a bun with raisins and cinnamon, pretty good. We also had pancakes one night that really turned out to be one huge crepe, but good nonetheless. We got real pancakes the next morning so all was well. I also tried dutch pea soup at the hostel and it was fantastic. We walked all around the city including the red light district. Everything you can imagine. We talked with a bunch of people our last night at the hostel including this one girl from west virginia who had been working there for nine months and is actually going home today. She told us some really horrible stories about how some of the prostitutes are tricked and trafficked into prostitution. A lot were from africa, torn from their homes and many were dutch. Its a really sad story. It was really weird to
turkish place
very close to the hostel and really great cheap food see a row of windows with the girls in them and a church right infront of them. We were very cultured on this trip going to many museums including the sex museum. Wow. That about sums it up. A little disturbing at times, but they really put a lot of effort into this place. Very historical. We got back Friday like i said and made dinner that night. Laura and I went crazy and had a really nice meal with pork and roasted potatoes and green beans and really good bread from a turkish place from amsterdam. Saturday we finally made it to St. Peters. We climbed up the tower, over 500 steps but not bad. As you got close to the top you were almost climbing on your side because it was so slanted. The view was amazing. It was a little cloudy, but you could still see so far off. Then we went inside the basilica which is enormous. Absolutely breathtaking. We finally got to see the pieta by michelangelo. So beautiful. Saturday night we hung out with some Italian friends at our place. One of the girls is a student here in Rome and is actually coming
laura and sarah
enjoying their turkish food to Fayetteville with another guy to study for a semester. She is planning to room with cassie. They were really nice and interesting. Yesterday we got to go to mass at the north American seminary school because James invited us. Then we went to lunch afterwards and had an amazing time. We got a four course meal, plus we sat with some of the priests in training and they were so great and funny. Very laid back and just having a great time. I really appreciate James inviting us. We didnt want to leave. We were having too much fun.
Then we spent the afternoon packing, which was really sad. Its horrible to see the place empty. Only 2 more days. Man, its really coming to an end. Last night we went to Emilio’s, our art history professor, and had a little party. We had no idea the man could paint. I loved his work. I was very impressed. Plus, he had some pictures from his past and I can honestly say he was a very attractive man. We had plenty to eat. It was a little sad because a lot of people were already gone. Sarah left today. We
met for breakfasts this morning to say goodbye. She’s actually in the air flying to england at this very moment. She also has an over night layover but she got a hostel. Jealous. 20 hours in Gatwick. Its going to be rough, but just knowing ill get to be home soon will help. I cant wait to see everyone, but its very sad to say goodbye to Rome. Its been home for the past four months. But hopefully some day ill be back. Well, i guess this is definitely my last entry in Rome. Its been a blast, an experience of a life time. Every student should have this opportunity at some point in college. I hope to have another. Ciao for now.
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jessi
non-member comment
wow
well right now i'm visiting your sister and had access to all your adventures (well not all) sounds like you had a great time. i know that i visited some of the same places as you did...i even think i stayed at that christian hostel in amsterdam. hope you are well and able to adjust back to ar work and life. love, j