Easter Weekend: Amsterdam

Amsterdam, it's named derived from the dam created by the river Amstel, felt like a combination of New York flats, Venice canals, and the cleanliness and charm of a small town with almost as many bikes as there are people. After landing Thursday mid-day, we got a 3-day travel card and walked around before heading off to the Anne Frank House at 3:30.

ANNE FRANK HOUSE

I would suggest buying tickets months in advance, or get to the line well before 3:30PM when it opens for those without tickets! Even though we looked to buy tickets a month before our trip, they were all sold out, and although we arrived at 3:45PM, we ended up waiting in line for 3.5 hours before we got inside. I would also suggest packing for cold weather, as Marrissa, Karina, and I would take turns standing in line so one of us could stand in the sun or walk around to keep warm. Here are some pictures I took while walking around:

It was amazing to finally witness the hiding place in person after reading about it through Anne's diary. Although it was bigger than I thought with multiple rooms, it makes sense that she would feel cramped given the situation they were in, and how restricted they had to be in their movements after 8PM. After seeing the physical red diary and reading translated excerpts from it, I reflected on how neat her handwriting was, and how maturely she wrote for her age.

Entrance + exit of the museum.

Despite the long lines, it was a very powerful experience and I would recommend everyone who has the chance to, to visit.

Sunset as we left the Anne Frank House.

For dinner we went to The Pancake House, and unlike American pancakes, they are between the thickness of the American version and a crepe. For something hearty to warm you up, the thick Erwtensoep (Dutch Pea Soup) really does wonders. For their pancakes, there were so many options to choose from, but if you're getting a sweet pancake, I would suggest sharing with someone since it is a lot of food...and sugar!

CANAL TOUR

We started the next morning with brunch at The Corner Bakery, and then headed off to a canal tour.

For guided history of the city as well as protection from the weather, this is a fine choice. However, for photo opportunities, I would rent a pedal boat instead to go at your own pace; just prepare for rainy weather!

Back then, beer was healthier than water because of how contaminated the water was, but now their advanced water systems flush out dirty water to the North Sea and brings in clean water from the Rhine River. Despite the fact that they are very susceptible to flooding, Amsterdam has over 700 years of experience in controlling the tides and learning from past floods, and with their water engineers, this city is one of the most prepared for climate change's rising sea levels.

NEMO: A science museum that also has a beach, grass for picnics, and rooftop concerts for the public to enjoy during the summer.

MUSEUMPLEIN

We went to Museumplein next to visit the Van Gogh and Moco Museum. This is also where one of the famous I AMSTERDAM signs are located, and where you can get food like hot stroopwaffles at the food stands.

I amsterdam sign covered by tourists.

VAN GOGH MUSEUM

Two Van Gogh paintings were stolen in 2003 but were found and recovered 14 years later, hence the exhibit name Van Gogh Returns. Here we also saw many variations of his self-portraits, as well as his Sunflowers and Wheatfield with Crows paintings. Pictures were allowed in certain areas, but not in others.

Van Gogh's paint and palette.

The Moco Museum was right next to the Van Gogh Museum, which is where we went next.

MOCO MUSEUM

Featuring works from Banksy until August 30 and Salvador Dali, this was the museum I've been looking forward to all day. The first floor and upstairs included pieces of Banksy's thought-provoking work -- some I've never seen before and others saved from the streets. The downstairs housed Dali's dream-like pieces as well as some of his sculptures.

Despite being known as the "king of street art," Banksy also makes art for the indoors on materials like canvas and wood.

Girl with Ballon: Evoking the idea that hope is essential, this image is meant to give people the motivation to continue on in life despite dreary circumstances. Another meaning is saying that love, symbolized by the balloon, is a fundamental human need and must be cherished.

"Raising the Steaks"