ciao for now: amsterdam

We started our second (yes, you heard that right) spring break in Amsterdam, and I think that I now may have a new favorite European city; Amsterdam. The canals and the scenery, its all so beautiful, and even despite the presence of the Red Light District, there is just such an interesting contrast in the city that made me really think it was cool.

We arrived on Thursday afternoon and immediately started out to see the city. We walked around a bit, and being tired of traveling we ended the night early after dinner and Geisha, an amazing Asian fusion restaurant.

Friday we got up early to try and make it to see the Anne Frank house before the crowd, but little did we know that getting to the museum at opening time was considered being late. The line was already 3 hours long so we decided to give it a try later and instead go an try the famous pancakes from Pancake Corner, and I have to admit I was not impressed. I think our Mickey Mouse pancake maker at home can whip up a better one...

Banana Nutella Pancake

After brunch we headed to the Heineken factory and the I am Amsterdam sign to check some more "must-dos" off the list.

Casual Cow-uch (get it?) at the ticket office

The tiniest Heineken ever

Damn.Dam.Amsterdam.

Peace y'all

We then ended the day with visiting the Anne Frank House, and I was completely moved and given chills the entire time walking through the house just thinking about the courage and fear and pain that Anne and her family endured. It was truly amazing to be able to walk the same halls that she did and see the infamous attic where her family hid. We weren't allowed to take pictures in the house, but this is a wonderful quote by Anne Frank that I love.

Saturday we took advantage of the sun and walked around the markets and got lunch outside before heading to the zoo (Lizzie insisted it's one of the best so we thought we'd give it a try...). As soon as we walked in the zoo I knew that it was quite different from any zoo I've ever visited in that there are no gates or walls really separating us between the animals. Either they are more well trained or Europeans can run faster, but it was a little nerve wracking...