Amsterdam Diary
Hey my loves,
The next morning we were awoken to heavy rain, that completely sabotaged our idea of a morning walk to the Van Gough Museum (again another museum I would recommend booking in advance!) However, another thing I noticed is how friendly the people are to help, and after some stressful platform hopping we got on the tram to take us to the museum! The museum itself took about two hours to look around, and it was so interesting being able to view so much of Van Gough's work, whilst delving into his personal life and relations with his family. There were some really heartfelt letters to his brother Theo, and the museum also included other painters that helped inspire Van Gough, that made each one of his painting so much more significant.
As the rain turned into a full blown thunderstorm, we took shelter in a little café called Blushing, that served the most aesthetically pleasing healthy food, and offered a wide range of vegan coffee options. After lunch, we decided to head to the Rijksmuseum across the road until the lighting and thunder had cleared up! This museum was absolutely huge, I couldn't believe how many things a museum could acquire, I felt a bit like I was entering an organised hoarders attic. One of things I loved the most though was the dollhouses! It reminded me of The Miniaturist that was on the BBC last Christmas, and it felt odd looking at a 'dollhouse' that was almost double the size of me!
After the museum's slightly scary announcement to leave, we went outside to see the thunderstorm was over, so we could take some pictures by the 'I Amsterdam' sign. On our way back we stumbled across the Torture museum that was actually very interesting to see what devices they used to use to extract the truth, but also very creepy in a tiny little stoned (lol) building. One other thing I noticed about the Amsterdam architecture is that a lot of the buildings are very narrow and high (okay I'll stop I promise) so you're guaranteed for a good quad workout exploring this city! To finish the day we visited the Marijuana and Hemp museum, that was actually so insightful finding out how the substance has been incorporated into modern culture and production.
Thursday 6th September 2018:
On our last day as we knew we had to get our flight home, we left a couple of attractions that were closer to the hotel, so as not to miss our shuttle (that did end coming 45 minutes earlier than we were told which was an adrenalin rush and a HIIT sprint for my 5 foot legs!) This included the sex museum that is just the most random experience you will have if you go, and also the Museum of Prostitution: Red Light Secrets. This museum really changed my perspective on prostitution hearing it from a prostitutes perspective about it as a business. It also had some interesting stories, and even a murder case. After browsing some souvenir shops we just about made our shuttle and headed to the airport.
Coming away from Amsterdam, their liberal culture is filled with so much history and so much to do, that I would definitely recommend for a city break! Everyone out there was friendly and I didn't feel at risk at any point, and I hope to go back there one day.
All my love,
Odette x
Amsterdam marks the final destination on my summer travels. I was initially quite apprehensive to go because I wasn't sure if I'd like it, but my opinion changed completely and I absolutely loved the place! My friend and I went as our joint (aha aha) 21st birthday present, and we stayed for two nights, giving us three days to explore the city.
Tuesday 4th September 2018:
After arriving in the land of bikes and Tulips at 9:30am after a super easy 40 minute flight, our very confused shuttle driver took us to our hotel that was located quite near the red light district. Our hotel room was very strange though as we were given this oddly shaped attic room right at the top, with four twin beds instead of two! However, once we were checked in, we quickly set off to explore. Our first stop was the Body Worlds museum. One of my friends at uni recommended us to go here, and it was very interesting but also quite creepy seeing actual body parts and learning about how it all works! As we continued down the street (that is filled with shops and more museums) we reached Dam Square and the Koninjlijk Palace, that was beautiful both inside and out. My friend and I were also quite surprised seeing the palace so accessible to the public- compared to the gated Buckingham Palace we're so used to.
After having a browse in a very grand looking Magna Plaza shopping centre, we started our route towards the Anne Frank House. One tip I have for anyone who wants to go to the Anne Frank House in particular is that you should book way in advance. My friend and I booked over a month in advance and were only able to get a slot for the day at 5:45pm! However, as we were so early, and quite tired from walking so much, we decided to look around the canals and take some pictures. One of my favourite memories of the trip was when we just decided to sit by one of the canals and people watch; as spiritual as it sounds, there was something so comforting and chilled just being able to sit and observe a different culture. After the canal-people-watching-episode, we found The Fault In Our Stars bench, and sat there until we had had enough of the canal cruises, as every time they passed by they asked if we were fans of the film.
We then headed off to the Anne Frank House. The house itself was an experience I will never forget, it was haunting and heart wrenching, but it carried a message so strong and powerful that I would advise everyone to experience if they visit! It was seeing the little pictures still stuck on the wall of Anne's favourite movie stars and her seeing her diary in the flesh that was the most emotional to see, but it was admirable at how kind some of the people were risking their lives to hid them, and how they tried to make some form of normality and a home out of such a tiny and creaky space.
After a heavy afternoon, after some dinner we decided to experience more of the culture in the form of the Red Light District. It was so surreal walking down the street at night compared to day; the energy was so much more buzzed and it's so different seeing a culture that is so much more liberal!
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| The Palace |
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| The Bench |
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| One of the canals |
We then headed off to the Anne Frank House. The house itself was an experience I will never forget, it was haunting and heart wrenching, but it carried a message so strong and powerful that I would advise everyone to experience if they visit! It was seeing the little pictures still stuck on the wall of Anne's favourite movie stars and her seeing her diary in the flesh that was the most emotional to see, but it was admirable at how kind some of the people were risking their lives to hid them, and how they tried to make some form of normality and a home out of such a tiny and creaky space.
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| Anne Frank's House |
Wednesday 5th September 2018:
The next morning we were awoken to heavy rain, that completely sabotaged our idea of a morning walk to the Van Gough Museum (again another museum I would recommend booking in advance!) However, another thing I noticed is how friendly the people are to help, and after some stressful platform hopping we got on the tram to take us to the museum! The museum itself took about two hours to look around, and it was so interesting being able to view so much of Van Gough's work, whilst delving into his personal life and relations with his family. There were some really heartfelt letters to his brother Theo, and the museum also included other painters that helped inspire Van Gough, that made each one of his painting so much more significant.
As the rain turned into a full blown thunderstorm, we took shelter in a little café called Blushing, that served the most aesthetically pleasing healthy food, and offered a wide range of vegan coffee options. After lunch, we decided to head to the Rijksmuseum across the road until the lighting and thunder had cleared up! This museum was absolutely huge, I couldn't believe how many things a museum could acquire, I felt a bit like I was entering an organised hoarders attic. One of things I loved the most though was the dollhouses! It reminded me of The Miniaturist that was on the BBC last Christmas, and it felt odd looking at a 'dollhouse' that was almost double the size of me!
On our last day as we knew we had to get our flight home, we left a couple of attractions that were closer to the hotel, so as not to miss our shuttle (that did end coming 45 minutes earlier than we were told which was an adrenalin rush and a HIIT sprint for my 5 foot legs!) This included the sex museum that is just the most random experience you will have if you go, and also the Museum of Prostitution: Red Light Secrets. This museum really changed my perspective on prostitution hearing it from a prostitutes perspective about it as a business. It also had some interesting stories, and even a murder case. After browsing some souvenir shops we just about made our shuttle and headed to the airport.
All my love,
Odette x
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