Yesterday morning I met Stephanie at Dam square so we could go to lunch and then to the Anne Frank House. We spent some time trying to find the street where Anne Frank's house is as I had heard of a great pancake restaurant there. Unfortunately we walked the wrong way for a little while before we realized and then we had to turn around and walk back. Good thing it is such a beautiful city to wander. Just one block from the museum we found the Pancake factory, which apparently has the best pancakes in Amsterdam. Steph and I both had salads to start (I know, but when travelling you order a salad when you see one!). My greek salad was so delicious, but covered in garlic. We both thought it was strange that there were about 15 cloves of garlic mixed in to the salad like croutons. Finally at the end I convinced Steph to try one and she said it didn't taste garlicky. It was pickled garlic and it is delicious! I ended up eating them all! Haha....then I realized what a mistake that was, but no garlic breath after all! I then had a pancake for dessert. It was the size of a crepe but thinner than a pancake. I poured some of their traditional syrup on it, which they called molasses but tastes better than ours. It was very tasty....but not better than a crepe! :-)
Afterwards we went to the Anne Frank house. Neither of us had read her book though we both knew the story. It was sureal to be in the same spot that she lived for 2 years. It is so hard to imagine being in her shoes and I count myself very blessed that I can't. I look forward to reading her book now that I have some insight into her life.
Last night I was so excited to be meeting my cousin Jo's boyfriend, Sander, who lives here in Amsterdam. I met him at his flat, which is right on the canal. We waited for his room mate to get home so we could borrow his bike and go to a local place Sander wanted to try. I was a little nervous to be riding a bike in Amsterdam, at night, but it wasn't bad at all! The bike was a bit big so slowing down was tricky and stopping was a full on dismount but I had a great time! Sander is so wonderful and it was fantastic to meet him and hear about him and Jo! I look forward to seeing him again in the future....and Jo too!
Afterwards I met up with Steph again and we did a quick night tour of the red light district! It was very interesting! Haha.....it was short and sweet as I had to catch the last train back to my hostel amd didn't want to miss it!
This morning I was meant to meet Steph again to rent bikes and see the windmill on the canal. Unfortunately we missed each other! :( I went on a bike ride anyways and it was the best day for it. The sun was shining and I was finally able to take off my coat! I rode to the windmill, which thankfully was in a quiter area. But once I understood the way of the bike paths I set out into the heart of Amsterdam. Riding a bike gives you a new sense of power in this city and I finally understood why bike riders don't stop for pedestrians and act like they own the road, they have to! The city is so busy and they would never get anywhere if they didn't take control!
After I returned the bike I jumped on a tram to go back to Waterlooplein where I had seen a market from my bike. I explored the area and found many little bargains, though I refrained from buying! I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring and getting lost. It was wonderful and with the sun shining it was a magnificent day!
Returning to my hostel I was pleasantly surprised to find a farmer's market at my metro stop! I spent a little more time exploring as I wound my way to the Hostel. The market had a lot of cheap new clothing and fruits and veggies so I didn't stay too long.
I am considering going back and doing the night canal tour as it is my last evening here. One more day tomorrow and I have to decide what to do!
No comments:
Post a Comment
I would love to hear what you have to say!