Amsterdam.

Because I was working in London, I figured I should take at least one weekend trip to a place I hadn't been, in continental Europe. So I went to Amsterdam. I researched ticket prices, and it turns out that the best fare I could get (that worked perfectly with the time I needed off work) was to take an overnight ferry to Holland, and take a train into Amsterdam.

Turns out, the ferry is like a poor-man's cruise line and it's AMAZING. Here's a picture of my room, my dinner, and the rockin' food court (near the bar, casino, and duty-free shop-- which contained, of all things, an AUTOMOTIVE section...in case I needed to buy a license place holder with checkered flags on it....) But I digress...





The weather was stunning and because Amsterdam is a city built on canals, it's easy and enjoyable to walk around. (Of course, the organization and intersection of the streets was designed by someone with a sick sense of humor.) I think the whole goal is to intuit your way around...











I wanted to eat these.


This, on the other hand, did not look appetizing.


I wanted to go to Anne Frank's house (which is now a museum). But this was the line to get in.



I took a moment to privately stew about the idea that an important piece of history had been turned into some sort of tourist attraction with a line stretching, literally around the block and noting that on the second floor prime corner real estate had sprung up (later, after visiting the museum, I realized that that was probably the main offices of some sort of peace-loving global anti-violence organization and then I felt bad for being so judgmental...) I fumed about consumerism encroaching on the sacred, in full doublethink while I impatiently scanned the line stretching down the block. Then I heard a shrill American voice: "You guys do this and I'm gonna stay out here and smoke, 'kay???" That was the last straw.

So, determined to feel the heroic austerity of the Jewish plight, I headed for the Jewish Museum...

...And I came away with a much more comprehensive knowledge of Judaism, its traditions and core values, both in the local region and worldwide. :)

Later I went back to the Anne Frank house, waited in line (which actually, only took about 10 minutes) and went into what I can only describe as the most memorable and touching museum experience I've ever had. No pictures were allowed inside, but if you're interested, you can check out more here.

http://www.annefrank.org/content.asp?pid=1&lid=2

After visiting the Frank family's home and business, I definitely emerged a changed person. Hands down, the best museum I've ever been to in my life.

This is the church next door to Anne Frank's house.


This is the hot dog stand in front of the church next to Anne Frank's house.



I was not surprised to hear this man speaking German.


Amsterdam is known for its cavalier attitudes about sex and parties. This was the pub I chose. Why? Because I'm happening.



My suspicions were confirmed that Amsterdam is indeed a hotbed of criminal activity.


I met a cool friend and he took this picture of me with a bag of peanut m&ms.


There was nothing good to write about my hotel room (not unless you think that paying $70 for two nights [one of which I wasn't going to use at all] in the top bunk of a bunk bed in a room with three dudes, none of whom I actually spoke to qualifies as "good"...) But that's okay, because the city is up late and I wanted to get up early, so the room was the least of my worries. I didn't even take a shower. (But I did on the night back on the ferry!)

I took a picture of this coffee shop for my friend Ben Radatz. Interestingly, he's the one who turned me onto the idea of a blog. Thanks, Ben!


Inside the coffee shop.


Meanwhile, this cat does not speak English.