What a whirlwind weekend! I arrived home Monday morning from my final trip...to Amsterdam. It is so strange to think that my next flight will be my Delta flight to SFO. I have been flying so often I have mastered the art of packing the night before and have a separate set of toiletries all packed and ready to go.
Friday, after working on a million projects due to the Office Manager being out sick, I managed to get off at 3 in order to make it to the train station on time. I met Avery at the gate at Gatwick, and an hour later, we were landing in Amsterdam. I was immediately impressed by the cleanliness of the city-no trash in sight. We found our Stayokay hostel (located right near Vondelpark) and set off to find our Madrid friends, who had arrived the day before. Amsterdam is such a beautiful city-I know, I say that about everywhere I go, but Amsterdam stands out in terms of its quaint architecture and beautifully molded buildings. With its 100% tolerance stance and the clean sidewalks, it feels like some sort of weird utopia where everyone gets along and does what they please. We found ourselves in the middle of the "Red Light" district later in the evening, and found myself thinking it looked a lot like the Haight in San Francisco, minus the women in the lit up windows. It was such a culture shock to see clearly lit stores offering services deemed illegal in the majority of other countries. I finally got my fill of Chinese food at a wonderful take out restaurant, Wok to Walk. I plan on starting a franchise in Winston-Salem when I return.
Our breakfast the next morning reminded me of our Dutch au pairs....plain yogurt with granola and toast with chocolate flakes on top. First stop of the day was to the Van Gough museum. Quite an experience to see his work up close. I particularly loved the Iris painting, one of his most famous. Heineken's main factory is in the center of Amsterdam and located next to our hostel, so we took the tour there and learned how to correctly prepare a Heineken. The process of serving beer is an art, and they take it pretty seriously. Dad, I'll show you when I get home
Sunday morning was rainy and cold, so we decided to visit Anne Frank's house before it got busy. Well, apparently it's busy-all the time. It was a long wait but well worth it. I kept thinking about Keelin and our sophomore year production of Anne Frank. It was a very eerie feeling walking in the exact house where she stayed for almost two years. I continue to be amazed by the fact that 1 million people visit every year...she has quite a lasting legacy.
Sunday evening was spent on pins and needles anticipating the Tri-Delt slate (list of officers for the next year). I am very honored and excited to mention that I will be the new President for the 2010-2011 year.
Got home early Monday morning....luckily, I have a relaxing week to catch up and anticipate Catherine's arrival in London!!
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