Feb 10-12 (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Feb. 10

On Friday, we took the train to Brussels, trained to Amsterdam then tramed to our hostel (the Flying Pig Uptown). This hostel was quite different than anything we had experienced. The reception was located behind the rowdy bar of the hostel (yes, it was rowdy when we got in at noon), there was a “smoking room” which was not intended for cigarettes, and the hike up to our room was just that- a hike!

After putting our stuff in our room, Whitney and I went to the Van Gough museum. It was 14 Euros to get in, but it was definitely worth it. The paintings were beautiful and so recognizable.

We met our group back at the hostel at seven and joined the rowdy folks at the bar for a few drinks. Some braved the smoking room others went to check out the “coffee shops,” but the majority of our group headed out to dinner around 8. From there we went to a few different clubs- all playing American music, which we have gotten used to at this point. Each club also had a “smoking room” and one even sold weed! A definite culture shock.

At the Flying Pig Bar

Me, Whit, Katie, Olivia and Gina

Feb. 11

After sleeping in until 11, I leapt out of bed and ran downstairs hoping to make the free breakfast! Of course, the one day I sleep in, the one day there is free breakfast, it is over at 10:30. We ended up going to a place called Bagels  & Beans (a chain in Amsterdam). It was great! I got my first bagel in Europe and enjoyed a great coffee!

After breakfast, we went ice-skating in our shoes on the frozen canal (first time it has frozen in 15 years!), took pictures at the “I Amsterdam” sign, and toured the Anne Frank house. The Anne Frank house was my second favorite part of Amsterdam (I will explain my first later). It was so amazing to be in her house and learn more about her history and what happened during that time.

Standing on the canal!

Whit, Marlee, Nichole, me, Naomi, Kelly

Following Anne Frank’s house, we did a little shopping then saw the Red Light district, another culture shock for me. There are 200+ windows with women standing behind them in small rooms. These women ranged in looks and were often beckoning to the walker-bys. The area is quite literally lit up with red lights and it was very uncomfortable to walk through.

Now my favorite part. Every time the canal freezes (not often), there is a competition for the youth of Amsterdam. Whoever wants to can strap on their skates and compete for Emperor or Empress of Amsterdam. There is an ice skating race of about 100 yards and thousands (I am not exaggerating) of people line the streets to watch this traditional event. Whitney, Marlee, Kelly and I climbed up onto a moveable light pole and got what one could argue were the best seats in the house!

Ice Skating competition.

This night, some of us just stayed at the bar in the hostel, while others found more clubs. Now, at the Flying Pig, there is a cat that hangs out around the bar. This cat was nothing but friendly and social and we had a lovely time together the whole night. As the night was winding down, I got my phone to try to send out a few emails. Apparently Buttercup (the name we had given her) did not like being ignored and preceded to pounce on my arm and start biting me. I was obviously very frightened and jumped back from the table where I had been sitting. She began making her way around the table and attacking everyone who was in close range! A very strange way to end our night.

Whitney and I with the cat... before the attack.

Feb. 12

We got up early Sunday morning and caught the 8a.m. train back to Lugano. It was a ten hour train ride with one switch and we all just slept the entire way. A very long but very fun 10-day adventure! This weekend we are heading to Venice for Carnival, next weekend is Rome, then the weekend after that is our next ten-day already (and DAVID IS COMING!!!!).