Amsterdam ! Wow what an interesting place this is. Today is our last day as we're heading to Sweden tomorrow yay!

So far, yes we have been into a few coffee shops throughout Amsterdam. You can't come to Amsterdam and not check them out. Apart from all the marajuana, pre rolled joints and space cakes, the coffee served at these places is really good. Just like a Melbourne coffee! We went to a coffee shop called Baba's and I tried a space muffin. It tasted just like a chocolate muffin. It's so odd seeing people smoke inside, and just causally buy the stuff over the counter. It was fun and relaxing and I'm glad I tried it. It lasted for ages!

Anyway, our hostel is just down the road from the Van Gogh museum. The long line was definitely worth it. The place is set up with works throughout his whole artistic life. It was interesting reading how he tried heaps of different techniques with his paintings, especially layering. I also found out he was influenced by Japanese paintings too. It took me back to primary school when I saw the famous painting of Van Gogh's bedroom.

On Saturday we caught the tram to Waterlooplein market. There were so many little stalls set up with jewellery,
antique furniture and ornaments, various clothes and stores selling pipes and things. We then ate lunch in the nearby by Wertheim park. It was peaceful sitting by the canal, but everyone who sat near us decided it was a good idea to smoke weed. So it was a bit smoky. Oh yeah the supermarkets here are so good! They have so many pre made meals and salads. I had rosemary chicken the other night with beans and potatoes that only took 8 minutes in the microwave.

We also visited the the red light district the other night. Boy was that weird. All these girls just stand in red lit windows basically auctioning themselves off to guys. It's pretty demeaning but was interesting to see. Molly tried to take a photo, and this prostitute got really mad and started smacking the window haha. We went to a show as well which was set up like a cinema. Thank god a contiki group was there because they kept getting pulled up on stage. I think my eyes are probably scarred for life now, but when in Amsterdam ey? The bright neon lights coming from the red light district actually look really pretty at night as they reflect onto the canal.

Yesterday we got up earlier then usual to try and visit the Anne Frank house for the second time. The first time we tried to go, it was bucketing down with rain and the streets were crowded with people and umbrellas. We assumed it was the line for the Anne Frank house. Little did we know it was actually the 10th anniversary for some classical concert that goes on in Amsterdam. We couldn't squeeze through the sea of people so decided to go another day. So yesterday we did make it there and I really loved it. It was eerie walking past the original bookshelf that hid the opening to their hideout. The rooms were empty and only some pictures on the walls and quotes from Anne's diary were there. It was so dark and depressing inside. I've read the book and I understand how writing was her escape now. They played videos of Anne's school friends who survived and also her father Otto, who published her diary. On our way out, we donated some money to the foundation as well.

It's amazing how many people get around on bikes here. It's like pedestrians don't exist and bikes always get right of way. Today we tried to hire bikes but left it a bit late to do so. We had to drop Laura off at the bus stop so ended up just getting a drink at a bar next to a canal. Molly and I are definitely hiring a tandem bike somewhere! Maybe in Rome.

Off to Sweden now !
Xoxo Alice