I didn't think it was possible. I didn't think I could manage to get myself on the metro, to the airport, passed security, to the gate, and on the airplane towards Amsterdam. But, I did it. Of course there were a few hold ups along the way; I took the wrong street towards the metro, took the wrong metro, had to back track to the correct metro, dealt with a two and half hour delayed plane, sat on a plane while the ice was cleaned off, ran around baggage claim... but I made it and there was Nick waiting at the arrivals area for me. We were at last reunited after a very hectic evening. Of course during all of the struggle to get to Amsterdam, Nick was in the dark because we obviously had no way of communicating. But the snow in Copenhagen didn't keep me from making it to him.
Looking back I'm not really certain why I chose to spend my Thanksgiving in Amsterdam; it just seemed like a fun place. There is some tourist atmosphere, but it's nowhere near as much as other cities I'd been to. As for activities, I relied on the opinions of others as well as the guide book my mom left for me.
I bought tickets in advance for the Anne Frank house beforehand for Saturday morning, which was a wise decision since the line stretched around the block. The museum isn’t really a museum—it’s the actual house Anne Frank and her family hid inside for many long days and nights while the Nazi regime took over Holland. The house was actually larger than I pictured it. But even if the size was somewhat seemingly sumptuous, it’s important to keep in mind how many occupants were there. I don’t remember the exact number, but I imagine it was quite 
cramped. While walking through the house I tried to recollect what I’d read in Anne Frank’s Diary back in the sixth or seventh grade. Even though I couldn’t remember every detail or many of them at all actually, it was still surreal wandering the house that has become so famous and is a symbol of the holocaust.
Next, Nick and I visited a much more light hearted museum—The Erotic Museum. It was… interesting. And that’s all I’ll say about that. It was a very large contrast between the Anne Frank house and the Erotic Museum. But that’s Amsterdam. The rest of the evening we wandered the canals and the chilly streets.
The next morning Nick and I hiked our way to the Van Gogh museum. I was somewhat disappointed with the museum. Although it did house many of Van Gogh’s great pieces, the layout was not very appealing. I’m not an art buff and don’t know many of Van Gogh’s pieces, but I was hoping to see some of the famous masterpieces, like Starry Starry Night. But either I couldn’t find it or it’s not there.
We casually strolled down the Red Light District during the night. From what I’ve heard of Amsterdam, it’s a very liberal city. I found it odd walking along and seeing the girls in the windows with red lights shining. It’s like window shopping—but for women.
The rest of our time in Amsterdam, we mostly wandered around. I wouldn’t say that Amsterdam is the most beautiful city, but it holds some sort of charm. Maybe it’s the free spirit. It wasn't like Thanksgiving at home with turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. It really didn't feel like Thanksgiving at all-- especially because I wasn't with my family. But of course I feel very fortunate that Nick was able to visit me in Europe. And Amsterdam was only the beginning of our European excursions.
