Amsterdam, Day 3

Amsterdam is an absolutely stunning place. For all the stereotypes that go along with the city, it has far exceeded our expectations especially in the areas of beauty and culture. If any of you ever travel around Western Europe, we highly recommend coming here. It is spectacular. Just yesterday we were walking around this gorgeous park in the Museumplein, the museum district. There was this extravagant building/castle behind us, the greenest park with small fountains and pools in front of us, and a small carnival to our right. We sat down by the fountain and watched two Dutch children (whom I will call Hansel and Gretel), with the whitest hair you've ever seen and the bluest eyes, were frolicking by the fountain. At one point the little boy, Hansel, sat down and started yanking at his boots and socks. The little girl, Gretel, grabbed his socks and starting pulling to help him out. They were laughing and smiling. It was such a sight. Hansel then proceeded to dip his boots into the fountain to fill them with water and then squeeze his foot back in the water logged boot causing water to spill out everywhere. His mother was groaning and gently scolding him in the background. Now imagine them speaking Dutch, which is a great language to begin with but is even more adorable when spoken by laughing children. We were definitely not helping the matter by laughing along with them.

Amsterdam is filled with amazing sights to see. The city is arranged radially so it is VERY easy to get disoriented and lost. We spend a lot of time consulting our map. But, since we are on vacation and have no urgent need to get anywhere, we are just enjoying the long walks. The city is filled with canals that hold little boats. The main form of transportation is cycling. Cycling is so prevalent that the street lights even have lights specifically for bicycles.

Our hotel is fantastic, Hotel Prinsenhoff. The location is perfect, great walking distance from the center of town and the museum district, but not too close to the bustling main streets. We have a room on the top (4th) floor and have to climb very steep and narrow steps to get to the top. Everyday, you fear you will break your neck on these things. Our room has a slanted ceiling and a window that overlooks the city. It feels really authentic and cosy and certainly surpasses the Dublin airport or the bunkbeds in terms of comfort.

We went to the Van Gogh Museum yesterday and this morning we went to the Anne Frank Haus which was incredible. I don't think either of us have read the diary since we were in middle school, but seeing the place where this family hid for two years was so moving. The house is clearly one of the biggest attractions in Amsterdam; we tried to go yesterday but the line to get in was around the block. It would have been quicker to get on Space Mountain than to get into this place! We woke up earlier and arrived at the house before it even opened this morning and we still had a good 45 minute wait.

We fly out to Switzerland tomorrow. Our last day in Amsterdam will be devoted to visiting the Torture Museum and Vondelpark, Amsterdam's largest park.

P.S. Phil, if you are reading this, we are constantly quoting you from the bridal party picture at the church when John, the photographer, was moving backward into the street. "A little further..." It really caught on.