Amsterdam

January 01, 2015

Amsterdam

"We exited the highway and there were the row of houses of my imagination leaning precariously toward canals, ubiquitous bicycles, and coffeeshops [...] It looked nothing like America. It looked like an old painting, but real - everything achingly idyllic in the morning light..." - A Fault in Our Stars

Thanks to Mai for the photo! My camera skills did not capture the beauty of Amsterdam that well.

Amsterdam is such a contrast from everything I have experienced so far in Europe. Even the flight over has been one of the most pleasant experiences thus far. My KLM flight led me to Schiphol airport. From the moment I walked into the airport, I was overwhelmed by a wonderful display of Christmas decorations. Garlands and Christmas trees covered in ornaments and lights greeted me as I headed out to where the buses stopped by. I hopped on a bus headed to the center.

I arrived at my hostel where two of my Fulbright friends, Matt and Mai, were already waiting. We went in search of a place to have dinner. We found a cozy pub, were we indulged in XXL burgers and fries.

Mmmmmm burgers....

Afterwards, we hopped on over to another place, which had lured us in with its inviting display of holiday happiness. We indulged in deep conversations and Glühwein, which cured me of the sudden cold that tried to take over my body the night before.

Smiling like an idiot in front of the Christmas tree.

Doesn't it feel like Christmas?!

This first night was very relaxed, but it left me with the best impression of Amsterdam. Walking down the street, a man tried to convince us to come and have dinner at his restaurant.

"Friends, come and have dinner" the man said.

"Sorry man, we already ate" replied Matt.

"Don't be sorry, be happy!" shouted the man.

Matt and I headed to a jazz club and later, a cozy little whiskey bar. The bartender was kind enough to give me a lesson on whiskey selection and drinking.

Nothing says Christmas like whiskey!

The next day, Matt and I went out for bagels. Oh, how I missed them!

Bagels and beans provided the delicious bagels and fresh squeezed juices. We sat next to the two most adorable Dutch girls, who were probably about three and four years old. Switching back and forth effortlessly between English and Dutch, they colored away in coloring books. After finishing our bagels, we awaited the arrival of the boys who invited me. We found a delicious Thai place for dinner. We spent the rest of Christmas Eve, exploring Amsterdam on foot, drinking coffee and taking in the sights.

The boys and I on Christmas Eve.

The next day, Karsten, Adam, and I headed to the Anne Frank house. If you decide to visit Amsterdam, make reservations for the museums. The line was incredibly long, despite it being Christmas day. Luckily, we had reservations. It was an experience I won't forget. This young woman, so eloquent with her words, continues to share her experience with thousands of people each year, long after leaving this earth. After we left the Anne Frank house, we decided to walk around the Jordaan neighborhood. The rest of Christmas day was filled with walking and eating fried dough. We had Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant and finished off the night with some more Glühwein.

The next morning, we had more bagels and headed off to the Rijksmuseum. We said our goodbyes. With hesitation, I headed off to the airport.

All in all, it was a short trip, but one that left quite an impression on me. This beautiful city, surrounded by canals and filled with bicycles on every street, is one of the happiest places on earth. There's no doubt in my mind I'll be visiting again soon.