Leaving Bruges our train had to pass through Antwerp on the way to Amsterdam so we were intrigued and figured "Why not stop there for lunch and a break from travel?" So we did.
Upon exiting the train in Antwerp one is swept up into a magical world of an old, train station. Majestic was the word that actually came to mind.
The next couple of hours took us down the main shopping area, through the "diamond district" (area right outside the train station - close to the station due to historical reasons), to the river and around various historical areas. We popped into Subway for lunch; Yes, not super original but satisfying and we got to try some interesting chip flavours. ;)
Silvius Brabo. Killed the giant who cut off people's hands.
Fun fact: Antwerp (Antwerpen) means "hand thrown"
Not to be confused in any way with dill pickle chips. :s
Our time in Antwerp was brief but....Amsterdam was awaiting us!
Now...let's just say that there are some places where when you pop onto a train it's very apparent that it's a train only meant for very short journeys. Also, a word of advice: if the connection is tight then yes, you must RUN to the next train. If the crowd starts to run, go with it and follow like a sheep.
We were staying at a pool house just outside of Amsterdam (well...like an hour from downtown by bus, 35 min by train) so we arrived in Amsterdam Thurs night with a couple hrs to spare before heading out there. So ditching our bags at the train station, which was the busiest place I've ever seen including some of the major airports I've been to, we took to the streets to find some food.
Whew! Amsterdam has staked a reputation for itself and that was quite apparent within the first few minutes we were there. Let's just saw one may have to periodically hold their breath as they walk some of the more 'progressive' streets near the station ;)
On a whim, and a perusal of the area, we popped into a little Argentinian restaurant that served to satisfy our appetites nicely. It's quite fun experiencing different restaurants their accompanying decor. Let's just say our little tiki hut that night was quite cozy.
Our heated marble slab "couch" (which will all thought
was one of the beds lol). Useful in warming us up after the chilly evenings.
Friday was our "Hello Amsterdam" day. Our day began early as we had a trek ahead of us to get into the city and we were hoping to visit the Anne Frank House. As reports say, be there early because the line is quite extensive (we were there at 9:10ish and waited for 1.5 hrs to get in). Thankfully we were meeting up with a couple others from our school so they had our line place held already.
Of all that I knew of Amsterdam, that was the one thing I definitely wanted to do: go the the Anne Frank House. I'd read Anne Frank's diary many times as a young girl and have always been interested in learning about WWII. Walking through the House (Huis) was one of the most emotional journeys I've experienced. To be standing in the rooms where Anne Frank and her family hid, to see where their freedom ended, to visually begin to put the diary and her journey together was....amazing, heart wrenching, a kaleidoscope of emotions really. One of the things we found most interesting was that Otto Frank, Anne's Dad and the only survivor of the holocaust from the Secret Annexe, had decided to keep the rooms empty of furniture to show the void that Jews were left with. As simple as a look this gave, the power it held was magnificent. Definitely recommend going here if you're ever in Amsterdam. The wait is well worth it!
Our day continued with sightseeing via canal cruises and Chinese food for supper (a meal some of us were salivating for).
Albeit brief, we got quite a taste of Amsterdam as our time away came to an end. While I only saw a portion of Amsterdam, I'd definitely like to go back as I know there is more to discover in that vast, wondrous city.
Tomorrow.....Home.
As sad as that sounds, I had a great time, saw many beautiful places, had an adventure of a lifetime...... but it's nice to get back. :)
As sad as that sounds, I had a great time, saw many beautiful places, had an adventure of a lifetime...... but it's nice to get back. :)
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