The last two places I visited in Europe were Amsterdam and Frankfurt. I only spent 1 day at each place which was really unfortunate. I decided to stop by Amsterdam on the way to Frankfurt, which was the place I was flying back home from.
Although my visit to each of these places was short lived, I definitely still got something out of the experience. I wish I had a camera to more accurately capture the beauty of each of these places, but my memories will have to suffice.
Amsterdam
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| Not my photo: But, canal in front of Ann Frank house |
The reason I wanted to go to Amsterdam so badly, even if only for a day, was to see the Ann Frank museum. I know most people want to indulge in a crazy 4:20 experience, but I was more curious to gain an insight on the Holocaust. The Ann Frank house was eerie, powerful, and incredibly emotional. To be able to see the place where she hid and peek out the same attic window was an experience I would encourage to have. It is hard to imagine living in that situation and being there made me reflect on the bad but also good parts of humanity. Just outside of the Ann Frank house is beautiful canals and charming shops and restaurants. It is hard to picture this place being one of chaos versus what felt very peaceful to me. After the Ann Frank house my host had instructed me to get french fries at Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx, which is supposed to be the best place in Amsterdam to get them. There was a long line, but it was certainly worth the wait. Of course I got them with mayo and peanut sauce, which is the way they are eaten over there. They were absolutely delicious :)
That night I briefly walked around the Red Light district by myself. I know that sounds really sketchy, but I found myself wanting to understand. It was different and I am not entirely sure how I feel about it. As a strong feminist, it was certainly difficult to be faced with the realities of this industry. There was so much more to see in Amsterdam but I was very limited by time. Things I want to do if I have the chance to go back: ride a bike through the canals and see the famous tulips that are nearby.
Frankfurt
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| Bratwurst at the Christmas Market |
After Amsterdam, I headed to Frankfurt for a day. Well, it was more like 1 night because the Megabus took so long. Although it was such a short time, I had the most wonderful host who made my time in Frankfurt special. Her name is Manu, and she gave me the best Couchsurfing experience I have had to date! First, when I arrived she gave me a gift, which I was completely shocked by! It was so thoughtful and extremely kind. She took me to a lovely Christmas market where I tried Bratwurst for the first time (and attempted to order it German with her help!) Luckily, Manu took a picture to document the experience. She had also traveled to India so we talked a lot about that as well as Germany vs. the USA. It was awesome to hear her view points in such an open, honest, and warm way. In the morning we woke up early to make breakfast together. She made a mango rice pudding as well as a blueberry tart. It was absolutely delicious! Afterwards she took me to the airport to send me off. Once I got home, it didn't end there. She sent me additional recipes as well as German music to listen to. Manu embodied the Couchsurfing spirit and we truly had a cultural exchange. I need to stop back in Frankfurt just to have the chance to meet with her again.
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| Yummy Rice Pudding |
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| Blueberry Tart in Manu's flat |
xoxo,
Becca
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