Our trip began according to plan. We walked to the bus stop leaving plenty of time to get to the airport when our first good omen arrived. A taxi pulled up having just got off the night shift and offered to give us a ride to the airport for only 7 euros each. A cab ride beats a bus any day! When we arrived in Amsterdam, we had no problems getting into the city, despite being surrounded by a language we had never heard and tolls we didn't know how to read. We had no problem finding our hostel when the second good omen appeared... We were actually staying in more of a budget hotel. We had twin beds and our own bathroom, and it was only 25 euro a night. From my European travel experience... this hotel was Luxury with a DEAL! On Saturday we wondered about the city, to see what it was all about. The canals were beautiful and omens brought sunshine (still freezing temperatures) instead of the predicted snow and sleet. It was chilly wondering around, but we were prepared and discovered the whole city on foot. It is a beautiful place, the buildings have kind of a Georgian feel to them like Dublin, but they look more as if they are leaning over the streets. The buildings don't seem to be very tall, but when you walk inside, the steps are incredibly steep and the ceilings are very high. There is definitely an aesthetic appeal to Amsterdam with its canals, architecture, and culture. Nearly everyone rides bikes. I would imagine that there are far more bikes in this city then cars. Bicycles lined street corners, filled alleys, and were locked in a long rows all along the canals, over the bridges; everywhere I turned I saw more bikes. It was more difficult to cross the street with all the bikers than with the cars.
On Sunday we went to the Anne Frank Museum and to the Van Gogh Museum. The Anne Frank Huis was so much cooler
than I thought it would be. It is hard to believe that the Frank family was hiding there for so long before they were found and taken away. It is a very sad story to hear, but standing in the rooms of attic hideout put into perspective the realness of the Holocaust.
The Van Gogh Museum was also spectacular. There were so many paintings I had forgotten about that when I saw them again. the real deal. right in front of me, it not only inspired me, but made my stomach fly. I think my favorite is "Almond Blossoms" and although I like Van Gogh, I think I like the Portraits Gougin did better as he worked along side Van Gogh. There was also an exhibit on Dutch artist, most of which were pencil and ink drawings from the 18th and 19th Century. I wrote down many of the artist that caught my eye because I think that ink drawings can bring out such unique character in a picture.
The Van Gogh Museum was also spectacular. There were so many paintings I had forgotten about that when I saw them again. the real deal. right in front of me, it not only inspired me, but made my stomach fly. I think my favorite is "Almond Blossoms" and although I like Van Gogh, I think I like the Portraits Gougin did better as he worked along side Van Gogh. There was also an exhibit on Dutch artist, most of which were pencil and ink drawings from the 18th and 19th Century. I wrote down many of the artist that caught my eye because I think that ink drawings can bring out such unique character in a picture. 
Amsterdam was a great city to see on foot, a great city just to watch, the omens brought us sunshine, luxury, and a safe trip back to Dublin... and I still made it to my class this morning! What a trip!
