More Amsterdam

Hey All!

We finally got internet, but unfortunately, I can't upload any pictures. After we left Paris, we made a stop in Brussels, Belgium. We got to try the famous waffles and walk around town. Sadly for me and my entire wardrobe of summer clothes, the weather is in the 30's and I am absolutely frozen. Last night, we got into Amsterdam, checked into a beautiful hotel, and then went to dinner. After a long day on the road, we were all exhausted, but our tour guide Herbie, (a.k.a Herbs) took us on a long walk through the famous "red light district" in the freezing cold weather. Needless to say, Amsterdam is an interesting place. Since prostitution and marijuana is legal here, we had the unique oppurtunity to see some STRANGE and TERRIBLE things. haha. What's funny is that Amsterdam is a gorgeous place. The landscape is lush and green, with sheep, dairy cattle, and birds everywhere. It truly looks like it came out of a picture book.

This morning, we had an early wake up call, and for the first time, a yummy breakfast. We started the day off with a bike ride about 20 minutes outside of town. It was about an hour long, and even though it was cold, we had the chance to see the great countryside, and even the beautiful canals that run throughout Holland and the greater part of the Dutch Countryside.

After this, we went to a CHEESE FACTORY, and got to see how authentic cheese was made. We got to sample everything and I bought some yummy cheese for Dad..(hope you like it dad!) Then, we got to see how they make the Dutch clogs. The demonstration was funny and informative, even though I dont understand how anyone can wear those heavy clogs!

Around noon, we went to "The Heineken Experience" This is the factory that produces all the Heineken beer in the world. The factory was really fun and interactive, and we got to try the beer and see how the process works. I actually liked this one alot more than the Guinness Factory in Dublin.

We had a couple of hours of free time after the Heineken tour, and we chose to go to the Anne Frank house. I have always been so intrigued by her story and her life, and how brave and strong she was. Seeing where she spent her last years in hiding before she was sent to Auschwitz truly sad. The space was so small and sad, I cant believe that eight people lived there for so long. They didnt have a choice. What a truly inspiring young woman, who would have been older today than my Mamaw.

After the Anne Frank House, the tour met up again for a group Indonesian dinner, which I loved, and then we had a boat tour along the canals of Amsterdam, and then we headed home.

I did some laundry in my sink and then headed downstairs to happily find internet! Sorry this post is all over the place, we are leaving at 5 in the morning for Cologne Germany, and we aren't supposed to have internet there. The next place I have internet I will post pictures and have a less harried post!

I hope everyone is doing well...I miss home alot and can't wait to be back!