I have an uncanny ability to catch four hour buses at literally the last second. The first leg of our adventure definitely tested that skill. A late shuttle from the airport caused for some sprinting around Brussels Noord in frantic search at 4:29 for a bus that left at 4:30, thankfully waiving our boarding passes at the bus pulling out of the terminal was enough to secure our transportation. After a painful four hour bus ride we finally reached our first spring break destination: Amsterdam. Once we checked into our hostel right off of Dam square it was about 10 pm. Realizing none of us had had a single sip of any liquids or a bite to eat in over twelve hours we just about sprinted to the closest restaurant we could find.
When we booked the hostel we had laughed at the reviews about the treacherous stairs many customers had complained about. We said clearly they hadn't seen the stairs in Italy, clearly we hadn't seen the stairs in Amsterdam.
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| The original bookcase |
The next morning we got up bright and early and headed out in search of coffee and the Anne Frank house. Thankfully we got there early and didn't have to wait in the line outside which is rumored to be longer than three hours on some days! Inside was the best put together and most organized museum I have ever been in. Stepping past the original door that was hidden by a large bookcase, it was chilling to see her diary unravel and come to life right in front of your eyes. Each room guiding you through a segment of their two years spent in hiding. On each wall there were quotes from Anne Franks diary, illustrating how quickly going into hiding forced her to grow up quicker than any child should ever have to. The quotes are enough to send chills down your spine, but nothing can compare to the heartbreak found in the single photograph of Otto Frank in the empty attic after the liberation.
While it was a heavy morning, I can honestly say it was the most memorable thing I did in Amsterdam. From the museum we meandered down one of the canals stumbling upon an authentic dutch cheese museum! In the States I stick to a nice Cabot extra sharp cheddar, in Italy it's usually fresh mozzarella, in the Netherlands I don't even know what kind of cheese it was but it was amazing! Inside we met the delightful cheese man who was eager to teach us about each of the delicate cheeses. We sampled everything from a pesto-pepper cheese to smoked Brie.
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| The Cheese Man! |
From the Cheese museum we found The Pancake Bakery where we tested out our first Dutch pancakes. Feeling adventurous I ordered the "Spring Special" of Poffertjes, which are tiny pancakes. I admit that I have quite the sweet tooth, but damn these were sweet! The Poffertjes were topped with chocolate flakes, blueberries, whipped cream, ice cream, and too much powdered sugar, the first few bites were awesome and then it was too sweet for even me. From there we wandered down to the Red Light District, it was so saddening to me to see those women selling themselves in the windows, their faces just looked so empty..
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| Helping the brewing process |
The next morning we braved through the whipping icy wind to the Heineken Experience, a museum dedicated to the history and brewing of the legendary beer. Once we walked through the doors we were handed bracelets that entitled us to two free beers and a bottle opener souvenir at the end. We watched a video that was kind of like a roller coaster and you "experienced" the brewing of the beer. Then we were taught how to properly taste the beer, winning extra taste glasses because we got the questions right. From the tasting we saw the horses that pull the Heineken cart in parades and other fun things about the beer. We finished the tour off with our two beers that we enjoyed in the "World Lounge" received our bottle openers and were on our way. It was an "experience" for sure, if I were to go back to Amsterdam I probably would not do it again but it was fun nonetheless!
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| The World Lounge |
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| My delicious pancake! |
Back through the wind we made it to the famous Pannenkoekenhuis "Upstairs" for our 2:30 reservation. It was the smallest restaurant (you have to make reservations in half hour increments), with the BEST pancakes ever. I went for a savory pancake this time with cheese, bacon, and pineapple, it was delicious! All four of us were completely silent while we inhaled these works of art.
Our last day in Amsterdam we went out in search of the "I amsterdam" sign and of course some last pancakes. Nothing compared to Pannekoekenhuis, but still pretty damn good. The sign was a tourist trap and we had to wait to snag the I for the "must-have" tourist pictures. From there it was back on the metro where another four bus ride awaited us..
