The Amazing Amsterdam

I took an early morning express train to Amsterdam without any idea I was arriving on a holiday. I got off the train trying to penetrate through mobs of people dressed in orange flooding the streets. April 27th is "King's Day", when the entire country celebrates the King's birthday. It's one of the biggest holidays in Holland and people from all over Europe come to celebrate. I was traveling alone with a desire to meet people so I decided to book a hostel not knowing what to expect. I arrived at my hostel and had a good first impression. It was small but cozy, clean and welcoming. No one was there and I was relieved that I could rest for a bit without any distractions. I rested, settled in and hit the streets to see what this holiday was all about. I was a bit overwhelmed at first. It was like a huge party all over downtown with DJs on every corner while everyone is drinking, eating, dancing, celebrating. There were numerous boats filled with people cramming the canals and blasting music. I walked around, got some food and observed everyone around me. I was alone feeling out of place while everyone is with their friends. As I started to head back to my hostel, a gentlemen approached me and

we connected a friendly level and walked the streets, eating more food and sitting around the canals together. Later, I met some more people on the streets who were also traveling and we all kinda became like a group. I felt relieved that meeting people was easier than I expected as long as I was social enough to connect with them. We spent the rest of the evening all together wondering the streets.

I was excited to see Amsterdam in the morning for what it actually is rather than what I saw last night. I introduced myself with everyone in the hostel room in the morning and we easily connected. We sat outside our hostel for a bit over a cup of coffee, telling our story and yesterday's experience. Later, we walked the streets and tried to see Amsterdam. Unfortunately, there were just too many people outside that were left over from yesterday who wanted to explore. It made it impossible to enjoy so I decided to save the exploring for another day. I checked out the Red Light District in the evening and was left in shock of how prostitution can possibly be legal. Sadly, the district was packed making it was like a tourist attraction. It was absolutely outrageous to see.

On Sunday, I met up with a friend who I met earlier and we grabbed drinks at the Sky Lounge that has high ceiling windows overlooking Amsterdam. Although it was rainy, we managed to see the city from above. After, we walked the streets, looking at everything that

Amsterdam has to offer. It's such a beautiful city with so many canals running through it. Almost like a better version of Venice. I love the brown colored, castle looking buildings that made Amsterdam feel like a fairy tale. I also got to try some Indonesian food which is quite popular there.

I was really sad when my last day arrived because I was really enjoying Amsterdam. I really wanted to rent a bike and cruise around but the rainy weather was permitting that. Instead, I met up with some people that I met earlier in the week. We got a quick bite and played some indoor golf waiting for the rain pass. After, we checked out the "I Amsterdam" sign and took too many pictures. I finished off the night by grabbing dinner with a friend and seeing the last of the cold streets. I really loved my time in Amsterdam, mostly because of the people I met along the way who made me feel like I wasn't alone. It's such a small, intimate, free spirited, care free, friendly, and just an awesome city all around. I had the best experience and am really looking forward to returning one day.