Spring Break: Amsterdam

Fun fact: contrary to popular belief, weed isn't actually legal in Amsterdam, it's just decriminalized. But that doesn't mean coffee houses can't overtly sell it or people can't smoke conspicuously in the streets, because in general, officials don't care what people do as long as it's not harming lives or business. There have been high amounts of deaths from illegal drugs lately, so signs around the city warn people not to buy hard drugs off the street because "coke" dealers often sell white heroin. If you visit the site provided on the signs, one of the safety tips listed is to let one person try the drug first to make sure it's safe. Quite the opposite of any official advice you'd hear in the U.S.

The canals in Amsterdam are so pretty, and a boat cruise is the perfect chance to admire all the adorable homes.

In the words of the tour guide, "It's not that you're way too high right now, the buildings really are leaning."

The Red Light District live up to its reputation of tons of prostitutes. They stand behind glass doors but are very nonchalant, some playing on their phones or having a snack while waiting for customers. It's very casual and doesn't feel nearly as seedy and dangerous as people make it out to be. In a way, it's like any other business district.

The Anne Frank House was an obvious site I wanted to see while in Amsterdam. Seeing the small, dark place where her family and the WHO?? had to hide was incredibly moving. There's still a bookcase set up so you can walk through feeling the same as they would have in the 1940s, which made it feel all the more real. It's one thing to see a Holocaust memorial in Berlin, but it's another thing to put a face to a victim and learn so much about her thoughts and feelings. I'll confess I never actually read the diary, but it's next on my list of things to read.

For obvious reasons, the Anne Frank House blends in with other homes in the
area. It looks like the inconspicuous flat-roofed one reflected in its window.

One thing I didn't expect to love as much as I did was the Heineken factory, fittingly called the "Heineken Experience." Before the tour I wasn't even that big a fan of the beer, but as soon as I stepped through the door I got excited. It was really interactive and fun, almost reminding me of an adult version of the Discovery Center.

The Heineken Experience was just that — quite the experience. We got to taste
the beer before alcohol was added and stir some of the grains as they cooked.