Buildings, Bikes, and Bridges

Saturday, 2.15.2014:

Everyone got up early to get ready for a full day I exploring Amsterdam. One of the worst things about getting ready was the fact that my shower was freezing. Once everyone was dressed and ready we headed out to McDonalds to get some breakfast and plan out our day.  We decided that it was best for our large group of 13 to split up into smaller groups. Once the McMuffins were gobbled up we walked over to a bike shop to rent some bikes for the day. A couple of the groups decided that they didn't want to do it but my group thought it would be lots of fun. My group spent the morning riding around and seeing a lot of the city. Since it wasn't raining, it was the perfect way to see the city. And let me tell you Amsterdam is gorgeous! All of the buildings were fascinating and riding along the canals was a pleasure because you go to see all the boat houses and the boats. In the middle of our ride we stopped at the I Amsterdam sign and went into the Van Gogh museum. Getting a chance to learn about Van Gogh's life and studying his paintings was extremely fascinating. Just so that everyone knows I am still learning things while I am abroad. Here are some facts I learned while being at the art museum:

Fun fact: Although he is said to be a self taught, he actually took a couple of lessons.

Fun fact: Van Gogh decided himself to move himself into the psychiatric institution.

 After our morning ride we went to get lunch at a little cafe near our next stop for the day: the Anne Frank House. Lunch was delicious and since it was a gorgeous day out we sat outside and people watched everyone walking by. While enjoying our sandwiches and milkshakes we looked at the time and realized the Anne Frank tour started in 5 minutes. We quickly ate the rest of our food, paid the bill, and wrapped up the French fries to go. We then ran to the Anne Frank House. We frantically tried to figure out how to get in the building without waiting in the ridiculously long line. Once we finally got into the building and talked with the security guard we were walked to the room were our tour had already started. We slipped in and sat in the back while our guide talked about the history behind the Frank family. Although the info session was very informative Joel, Ali and I kept focusing on the smell of the fries we had taken to go from lunch. Once the guide was finished talking we all got a chance to walk through the house and see how the Franks lived while in hiding. It was incredibly sad to walk through the home and see what life must have been like. There was one point when I was looking out the window of the attic that it hit me these people didn't get to smell fresh air, or feel rain on their faces, or bask in the sun for over a year. It was at this point the sadness hit me. Another part that very sad was hearing Otto Frank testimony at the end of the house tour. I can't even imagine the remorse he was feeling that he was the only family member that survived. After the tour, we met up with Catie, who didn't go on the tour, and we all just walked around the city for a bit looking at different shops and what not. We even had a chance to walk through this charming outdoor market. After walking around for a bit we decided to do a boat tour through the canals. Although this was fun and a good way to see a lot of the city, all of us were getting very sleepy as the boat chugged along.

Fun fact: 15 to 17 thousand bikes are thrown in the canals every year.

Fun fact: When people move out of their homes all the belongings go out the windows instead of the doors.

Once the tour was over we hopped back on our bikes and headed back to the shop. Riding through the crisp air woke all of us up and once the bikes were returned we decided to try a crepe shop down the street. I can't speak for everyone else but my crepe was delicious and it hit the spot.

Catie and Joel decided to go back to the hostel while Ali and I went to find some wifi, which basically means searching for a Starbucks or a McDonalds. Since Ali wasn't staying at our hostel we went our separate ways after getting our wifi fix. I spent the walk home walking in and out of a variety of different shops looking at all the souvenirs. I was in search of a Netherlands flag to add to my collection (I am trying to collect a mini flag pin from every country I visit). Once my souvenirs were found I made my way back to the hostel. At the hostel everyone got ready for our pub crawl  and compared their days. One thing we learned was that it was the 150th anniversary of Heineken so all admissions were free - my group was really bummed that we didn't go. Once we were all ready Joel and I went to get a slice of pizza for dinner before walking over to the first pub. The pub crawl was pretty fun, but our group for the pub crawl had a couple of older people so it wasn't as fun as it could have been. I felt like if we were with other 20 year olds we may have had even more fun. Once the pub crawl was all over some people stopped to get food at McDonalds before heading back to the hostel for some much needed sleep.

Cheers,
Jenny