There's a first time for everything. Every time I go away, I'm ready to come back to Roma. I love Roma. There's no city as great as Roma, right? WRONG! I have a new love... not in place of my Roma, but rather, in addition to my Roma. Ladies and Gentlemen, please give a warm welcome, and a big round of applause for... AMSTERDAM!
Ok, ok, now... before I get ahead of myself, I should start from the beginning. :)
Weeks and weeks ago, Rebecca and I had decided that we ought to take a trip together. As our schedules and trips were not matching up, we were left with one choice, Amsterdam. What 20 year old studying abroad doesn't want to make a stop there? To add more bliss to the equation, Rebecca has family there that we were able to stay with.
Early friday morning, I made my way to the airport, and a short nap later, I was there! Rebecca, Veta, and Bert picked me up from the airport, fully stocked with sandwiches. It was great! lol Though the weather was a bit miserable, we decided to continue on with the original plans of seeing Holland.
Our first stop was the small little village of Edam. It was very cozy, and it had a very old school like charm to it. Bert gave us a very thorough tour. I was quite impressed with all his historical knowledge. We showed us the oldest building in Edam, and city hall, the leaning tower, the cathedral, and even pointed out the menorah trees. We even got to see an art exhibit. It was very nice.
From there, we were off to see how cheese is made. Holland is very big on cheese, and so are me and Rebecca. This was a match made in heaven. There's nothing like free samples of cheese! They also had these cookies that Holland is known for. They were delicious!
Once we could eat no more, we walked over to where they make clogs. Rebecca bought some for Asher! They're sooo cute! I bought myself a wooden tulip. Hollan is known for its tulips, and its wooden crafts. This seemed like the perfect souvenier.
Next, we ventured to the town of Voledam, which is on the coast. It's a bit of a beach town. While there, we found a shop where you can dress up as dutch women. Obviously, we couldn't resist. Plus, Bert told us that these get-ups would make us irrestible to all the charming dutch men, such as himself. haha... While we waited for our pictures to develop, we walked around, took pictures with random statues, and had lunch. It was really lovely.
After lunch, we made our way to a Castle. It was called Het Muiderslot. Though the castle was closed, we still had a chance to walk around the grounds and the gardens. Veta, Bert, and I began to sample the many fruits and vegetables growing there. It was quite a sight to see. We were all laughing. There was a fruits and vegetable garden on one side, and an herb garden on the other. Though most of the herbs were sage and rosemary, we did find the herb that absinthe is made out of. It had a very interesting smell to it... kind of minty. lol We also saw the Theaterbastion, which is their outdoors amphitheater area. It doesn't quite compare to Rome's Colosseum though. ;)
At this point, it was time for a nap, and so... we made our way to Veta and Bert's house. When we got there, their younger son David greeted us. David's 12. He speaks 5 languages, and is quite the little gentleman. I'm kind of in love... if only he was older... <3
After a short nap and a shower, it was time for dinner. Their older son Pavlik, and his girlfriend Meike were waiting for us at the restaurant. We ate at a Japanese/Korean restaurant. Obviously after two and a half months of Italian, Rebecca and I were quite excited for the Asian treat. It was pretty delicious. We share a bunch of appetizers, and then each had an entree. I had the tempura udon. Yumm...
Following dinner, we hopped in Pavlik's car and all made our way to his and Meike's apartment. It was just outside of Amsterdam in a very up and coming neighborhood. They have a lot of space, and it's decorated in a very modern and trendy fashion. I really liked it! We had some tea... Veta, Bert, and David left... and we were off to explore the city!
Pavlik, Meike, and their friend Tan gave us a tour of the city. First stop? Red light district. :)
Sex, drugs, and rock n' roll. Oh my! It was wonderful. Everything was just out in the open. There was nothing to hide, and no reason to hide. Women seduced men through their windows with their attire, gestures, and come hither stares. The red lights set the tone for people to give into their desires, and dare to do what they maybe would not normally do. Sex shops lined the streets. Erotic Museums and Marijuana Museums/Stores followed one after the other. Coffee shops were on every corner. We checked out the Green Place. Totally groovey. haha
The next morning/afternoon, we made our way to the Van Gough Museum. The line was down the street, though it moved rather quickly. Once inside, we had four floors to conquer. Slowly, but surely, we made our way through each floor. As you move through the exhibit, the art follows the time-line of Van Gough's life. It was interesting to see how his art changed as he went through different personal experiences throughout his life. I also thought it was interesting that he was completely self-taught. I guess practice and hard work really is the key.
When we got out, we decided to take a canal tour. On the way there, we saw the famous Rijks Museum, and the I AMSTERDAM sign. Once in the boat, the canal cruise took us through all of Amsterdam. You really do get a different view from there. It was really cool. As we floated through the canal, we got to see various homes, churches, and other points of interest. I've decided if I become rich one day, I'm buying a second house in Amsterdam... a boat house... near the red light district... and opening a sex shop. What do you all think? haha
After the Canal tour, we walked over to the Anne Frank house. Again, the line was longer, but it went by rather quickly. Once in the museum, we took our time reading the quotes, and the time-line set up. It was a very moving and inspiring experience. At the end of the exhibit, there is a virtual monument to Anne Frank. They ask you to leave your "leaf" on the tree to show that you have been inspired, and will try to live by the ideals Anne Frank lived by.
Pavlik picked us up after the museum, and we went to a Turkish restaurant to pick up food to bring home. After dinner, it was time for the pre-party. We got dressed, and made our way to one of Pavlik and Meike's friend's apartment. The party had already started when we arrived, but since it was a pre-party, we were just on time. Caperinja's and Mohito's all around. They were soooo good. The guy who lived there is a bartender, and a really good one at that.
From there, everyone slowly made their way to the main attraction... the 10th Year Anniversary Party for one of the hippest clubs in Amsterdam. It's called Paradiso. It's an old church that was transformed into a club, so it's very big! It had three floors to party on. It was insane. It was this crazyyy rave with a million people and deep/progressive house music... lots of cool lights too. haha... The pictures speak for themselves. We were there til 5am.
The next morning/afternoon, we woke up and had the most delicious breakfast. Meike made apple/banana pancakes. Yum, yum, yum! Then, we made our way back to the city to do some walking around and shopping. I bought a shirt that said, "Good girls go to heaven. Bad girls go to Amsterdam." haha...We ended our day at the main square, where the palace is located.
Then, it was off to the airport... If only I could stay just a few more days... <3
Oh well, it's back to class tomorrow...
Signing Off,
Ciao Bella...
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