This weekend I decided to put on my clogs and venture to the land of the Nethers. Amsterdam is a country that has never really been high on my list of places to go simply because I did not know anything about it, and I really don't appreciate the way the Dutch conduct themselves in the realm of professional soccer. However, many of my friends had told me that I would love it in Amsterdam and I trust them sometimes, so I took a chance on it, ABBA style. Boy, am I glad I did.
The Dirty Dam was a dream. It has now come in at a close second to London as my favorite European city that I have visited thus far. I am starting to think that I'm partial to northern Europe because it's essentially just a better America. No offense, America. I'm still a loyal patriot! I just find my fellow English-speaking Euro cousins a little bit nicer and a little bit cuter than the majority of American strangers I meet. Is that so bad? I'm going to stop talking now before someone accuses me of being a communist.
After the DUBLIN DISASTER 2K15, I was ready for a relaxing weekend. Luckily, my set of travel pals were on the same page as me and were down to not really get down in Amsterdam. By that I mean we slept and stuff. These sorts of basic needs have a habit of not being met during my weekend travels, so we really were #blessed. Our air bnb was exactly what every weekend getaway should be; a private space with giant comfy beds and nice facilities and couches and HOUSE PLANTS and a rug that looked suspiciously like the skin of a bear. I let that one slide. Here are some photos involving my favorite vaycay bed thus far, to give you an idea of what I'm talking about:
The Dirty Dam was a dream. It has now come in at a close second to London as my favorite European city that I have visited thus far. I am starting to think that I'm partial to northern Europe because it's essentially just a better America. No offense, America. I'm still a loyal patriot! I just find my fellow English-speaking Euro cousins a little bit nicer and a little bit cuter than the majority of American strangers I meet. Is that so bad? I'm going to stop talking now before someone accuses me of being a communist.
After the DUBLIN DISASTER 2K15, I was ready for a relaxing weekend. Luckily, my set of travel pals were on the same page as me and were down to not really get down in Amsterdam. By that I mean we slept and stuff. These sorts of basic needs have a habit of not being met during my weekend travels, so we really were #blessed. Our air bnb was exactly what every weekend getaway should be; a private space with giant comfy beds and nice facilities and couches and HOUSE PLANTS and a rug that looked suspiciously like the skin of a bear. I let that one slide. Here are some photos involving my favorite vaycay bed thus far, to give you an idea of what I'm talking about:
After we arose from our beautiful slumber, we ventured out to find food. There's something about sleeping for an extended amount of time that makes me absolutely RAVENOUS in the morning. What is the root of the word "ravenous"? Does it have something to do with ravens? Because I feel like they don't really eat that much. They have to peck and stuff, cuz they have beaks. They're also birds, which I hate. Anyway, here's a short photo series from breakfast, which I will call "Schenkstroop":
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The best breakfast there has ever bean. (See what I did there?) After we were properly fueled, we set out to see what we could see. The sun was shining, the tank was clean, and autumn was in full swing. We bopped in some shops, strolled on some canals, admired some architecture, and then hopped in on a lil boat tour of the city. Our guide was named Paul and wore a little blue beanie on his bald head. He was a character for sure; cracking jokes right and left. Something (I don't remember what) prompted him to articulate his opinions on Abercrombie & Fitch, which I have written down word for word in my phone notes for your reading pleasure:
"They (don't remember who "they" are) have a little store called Abercrombie & Fitch. They sell pants in there. I only went in there because the kids said I would like it. When I went, it smelled a little weird, was very dark and they had nothing in my size, so I will never be going back there again."
Wise words, Paul. Wise words.
After our boat tour, we paid a visit to the Rijksmuseum, as one does. It was very large and maze-like. I saw some art, lived some life. It was good.
"They (don't remember who "they" are) have a little store called Abercrombie & Fitch. They sell pants in there. I only went in there because the kids said I would like it. When I went, it smelled a little weird, was very dark and they had nothing in my size, so I will never be going back there again."
Wise words, Paul. Wise words.
After our boat tour, we paid a visit to the Rijksmuseum, as one does. It was very large and maze-like. I saw some art, lived some life. It was good.
^ best shirt sample I saw all weekend. People are very stylish in Amsterdam, I applaud them.
Naturally, we went shopping. I have never had such an extensive or more wonderful shopping experience. Here are some pics because honestly, there are no words.
Naturally, we went shopping. I have never had such an extensive or more wonderful shopping experience. Here are some pics because honestly, there are no words.
Thinking about it now, I truly miss the Dam. It was a beautiful place. Everybody is so calm and relaxed and tolerant of each other and their different walks of life. It is a little bit unreal, but that's okay. I'm sure that they have their problems, like high property taxes (among other things...) but for me, the Dam was a dream. A DREAM!!! The food was delicious, the shopping was expansive and abundant, and the spirits were high. Additionally, Amsterdam seems to be permanently stuck in the mid-90's, music wise. It was like they literally crafted a country out of my soul. Every establishment (bars, cafes, clothing and home ware stores) played obscure songs from big 90's rap artists. What more can you want out of a daily soundtrack? Nothing, that's what. Here is where I drop the proverbial mic. Goodbye.