Amsterdam; the city of bicycles, sweet scents, and clogs!

Amsterdam was very different than I had expected, but definitely in a good way. We arrived easily off the Eurostar, and quickly began to navigate our way around the city. Upon arrival, we visited Anne Frank's house, a depressing, but at the same time unbelievable experience, and wandered around aimlessly through the canals. We visited coffee shops, ate exceptional Indonesian food, and passed (very rapidly) through the famed Red Light District. It was quite interesting to see the way in which people live their lives in places throughout the world, as it is so drastically different than life back home. While many disagree, and I of course can not even fathom their daily routine, it was still a very enlightening experience. Anyways, on Saturday we had the best breakfast bagels and lattes to date and then headed to the Van Gogh Museum. From there, we explored everywhere, walking and walking for hours till we had ended up back at our accommodation. I think this is the best way to see a city, especially one so small. While it is useful to have a map and a guidebook, sometimes there is that great little vintage shop you come across just taking a stroll, or a moment you encounter off the map that will stay with you a lifetime. Saturday night we found a classy little bar, had some good wine, and sat under the heaters listening to the sounds of the city. Surrounded by water, Amsterdam was an amazing experience. It was cultural, lively, and at the same time adorable. It's definitely much more than grass and prostitutes, that's for sure.