Amsterdam, Netherlands

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After the ferry ride from Copenhagen to Amsterdam, I felt a familiarity with this place. I leave the main train station, and feel as if I know exactly where I am going. I had been here just a few short years ago, and nothing had appeared to change. Still lots of people, still the smell of marijuana in the air, nope not much has changed.

I find my hostel, check in, clean up a bit, and make my way to the canal area. I decided that I would just walk today and see what I could see. As it was already into the evening, there really was not much more I wanted to do on this day as far as sight seeing, so I just strolled up and down the side streets by the canal. I have to be cautious, for when it gets late, there are several alleys that are in the red light district. These were full of men, and quite frankly quite a few women walking and gazing into the windows on the streets. So many people just tucked in so close together. If you are claustrophobic, this it definitely not the place for you. I walk up and down each street a few times, and then I decide it is time for me to turn in and get some rest for tomorrow.

I awake and I am still undecided as to what I want to do, I made the decision that I would take the Heineken Tour. Heineken was founded in Amsterdam, and what better place to take this tour. This tour allowed you to go inside the Heineken brewery and see how they made their product. I did this a few years back, but I just seemed to rush through it just to say I had done it. Now, I really wanted to pay special attention. I did the tour, and I was just amazed at the process. My brain just does not comprehend what it takes, and the time allotted from start to finish. Patience is a virtue in this industry.

I decided I wanted to see the IAMSTERDAM, so I make my way there. Good and bad news for me. The good news was that there was a festival going on, and I was able to walk around and enjoy that. There was music, different exhibitions, and of course, free stuff. The bad news was that the IAMSTERDAM was partially covered by some of the festivities going on, so I could not get a clean picture of it. Oh well, win some, lose some. I stayed at the festival and watched the activities for a while and then I decided I would again tour the Anne Frank house. I did these the last time I was here, but I felt as if I rushed through it. This time, I planned to take my time, and enjoy just being there in that place. I did this, and spent ample amount of time reading the significance of each room, and other interesting attributes about this location. It felt just awesome when I walked up those hidden stairs that were behind the bookcase. I still cannot even imagine how that must have felt to be in hiding the way that family was. I spent two to three hours here, and decided this was enough. I make my way back to the outside of the entrance and once again just walk by the canals.

As I was only in Amsterdam for such a short time, I think I have done what I wanted to do here. Amsterdam is such a lovely city, and it has so much to do. I really enjoy visiting this city, and I hope I have the opportunity to come here again one day.

Another European trip has come and gone, and I am so thankful that I am able to do this year after year.

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