Next stop… the Netherlands! Mid-day arrival in Amsterdam and check in at the first of our hostel adventures. Bunk beds, reasonable locker size, clean washrooms, girls only floor, cozy kitchen and lounge, cheap towel rentals, and Christian focused so less likely to be noisy and rowdy! A quick settling in and we were off to explore the capital city of Amsterdam.
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| Shelter Jordan Hostel |
Throughout the day we wandered around the canals, through the red light district, by the Bloemenmarket (flower market), and in and around the city squares and streets, ending the day with an authentic Indonesian dinner. A truly international city, yet one that continues to inspire and adopt a bohemian yet traditional lifestyle. Despite the mass numbers of tourists and non natives living amongst and within the city and red light district, the Dutch cycle throughout the city in business suits, skirts and heels, on rusty dilapidated colourful bicycles with baskets and bells, and an ardent fierceness commanding greater awareness and recognition than the vehicles on the road. Rows upon rows of bikes line the streets and canals; many are propped along buildings, and most creak and rattle in ancient harmony as the new modern aluminum framed ride is not favoured here.
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| Indonesian dessert with toasted coconut! |
An early night, so we thought, ended with us settling into the hostel just after 10pm, however, we were surprised to see that the rest of the bunks were occupied with sleeping travellers, and for once we were the night owls! A climb up to my top bunk and an unexpected night of good sleep completed another fun yet exhausting day.
The next morning was spent browsing along an outdoor market and stopping to smell the tulips and flowers along the Bloemenmarket, with a treat of fries and mayo thrown in! A short train ride into Amersfoort and we were enjoying Dutch beer in a quaint historical town with other Canadian travellers! A stroll through town and an appreciation of the quieter small town existence and we were off to experience the Dutch culture and lifestyle in all its hospitality and warmth! The remainder of the day was spent with good friends of Anna’s learning about their hopes, realized dreams and traditions. A true cultural experience encompassed in humanity and understanding.
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| Bloemenmarket |
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| Amersfoort |
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| Amersfoort |
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| Amersfoort |
The following final day was relaxed and rainy, touring the Anne Frank house, and then meeting up with another friend of Anna’s for coffee and lunch before embarking on the next of our capital tours to London!
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| Anne Frank House - a moving & inspiring tour |
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