amsterdam adventure \\ day three & four

Carrying on from where we left off...

Preparing ourselves for some epic Stroopwafels from a famous market, we bought some shop-bought stroopwafels to line our stomachs. The secret is to the leave the caramel waffel on top of a hot beverage for a while and then eat it when the caramel between the layers has gone all gooey. You're welcome. 

In the morning, we went to see the famous 'Amsterdam' sign which is located behind the Rijksmuseum. We got some obligatory touristy photos but my favourite letter was the 'd'. Made for perfect sitting. Afterwards we went to the famous Albert Cuyp Market and there our food journey began. We kind of did everything backwards but we started with baby dutch pancakes which was lain on top a huge chunk of butter. A little after, we found the Stroopwafel man and one king size Stroopwafel later, I was ready for a food sleep. A two minute walk later we found ourselves grasping at a cone of chips and experimenting with a mystery fried food substance that was like stovies in texture mixed with some random meats, deep fried in breadcrumbs and served in a softie. To this day, we still don't know what that was. But it was tasty.

We took the tram to see Anne Frank's house. The queue wasn't that long and we made our way around the museum in just over an hour. After walking 2 miles in the wrong direction, we turned back and found The Pancake Bakery. Having our regular YOLO moments, we went in and ate more food. Standard.

The one thing we hadn't done yet was the infamous red light district. We somehow managed to merge in with a Chinese tour group and walked round in a huge circle but we finally made it to the sketchiest neighbourhood ever. There's nothing much to say about the district. I'm sure you all get the jist of it.

It was late in the evening and we made our way back to the accommodation for the last time and finished up our packing. It was a bittersweet and fleeting visit but I enjoyed my mini break away from the 'real world' for a little while.

Vanessa

x

amsterdam adventures \\ day one & two

Feels like yesterday that I was soaking in some Dutch culture in the amazing city of Amsterdam. I have condensed my posts into two as the other two days were spent travelling and really didn't need a post of its own. So, here we go...

After I finished my last ever nightshift at my job, I rushed home to change and picked up my suitcase to head for the train station. We were flying from Glasgow and managed to cut down the price by about half! I was obviously very sleepy but very excited for my mini break away. After an eventful travelling day i.e. delayed flight and navigating the confusing train and metro lines we made it to our accommodation. We stayed with a host who rents out rooms in her apartment to travellers. She was a freelance graphic designer and was so lovely! Would definitely recommend her if you're ever planning a visit to Amsterdam.

After a well earned rest, we made plans to do some exploring in the city. We didn't make any plans as to what we wanted to see or do on our first day, just to explore and have a walk around the city. Let me tell you now, there are bikes EVERYWHERE! You would literally need two pairs of eyes to cross the road. So dangerous!

We sampled some of the local cuisine, chips. Or more specifically, street side chips which are a popular snack for the locals. They were pretty tasty actually and quite inexpensive. After a walk around the city, we headed back to the accommodation for some tea and a rest before going out for dinner. We went to this place called The Butcher which was voted Amsterdam's Number 1 burger. Oh my. It was good. Me and my friend ate in complete silence as we devoured our burgers. 

We then hung out in a beer garden type thing and sampled some Amstel Bier. I slowly introduced my friend to the wonders of beer and she surprisingly liked it. Absolutely shattered, we went back to our accommodation to rest for the next day's exploring.

Day three and four will be coming your way in due course!

Vanessa

x

adventures | RBS Museum Lates

I'm kinda a museum geek. Put me in a museum and I can be there for hours! When my friend suggested attending the RBS Museum Lates at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, I pretty much cancelled all my plans and booked a train ticket down. The Museum Lates theme was DINO NIGHT! For £10, the museum gallery put on special activities and exhibits for over 18's only. I think the pictures pretty much explain everything...

We signed up for Animal Handling. Amongst holding the cutest tortoise ever, I also held a python. That's right, a PYTHON! I had to hold it with my friends though because with one broken wrist, I don't think holding a python by myself would have been a good idea!

We queued up for just over an hour to get our faces painted. No regrets though. Sparkly bones for the win!

The night was such good fun, amazing atmosphere and brilliant exhibits. I would definitely keep my eye for the next Museum Lates in the Autumn time. 

Do you love museums as much as I do?

Vanessa

x