“Writing in a diary is a really strange experience for someone like me. Not only because I’ve never written anything before, but also because it seems to me that later on neither I nor anyone else will be interested in the musings of a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl.” -Anne Frank (June 20, 1942)

Little did she know, her diary would become one of the most important books of the 20th century and be published in over 60 different languages. One of the many places I visited in Amsterdam was the Anne Frank House, where Anne, her family and a few others, hid for two years before someone turned them in. It was so strange walking through the house, seeing the rooms they lived in for so long without being able to step outside. Even though I read it in school a few years ago, I bought a copy of her book there. I think after seeing the living space they had and having a little more background on the other people she was living with, it will be an even more eye-opening story than before and I can’t wait to read it. If you’re ever in the area, make sure you take the time to explore the museum; it will definitely give you a new perspective!

Okay so I’m not a big art museum person. I respect artistic talent, and I definitely enjoy looking at it, but spending hours upon hours reading the microscopic sentences outlining every single detail about the piece it is not really my cup of tea. However, I figured I’d give it a second chance and check out the infamous Van Gogh Museum, and I was pleasantly surprised! I loved the way the museum was laid out. It was set up so that you would walk through the museum in the order of his life, showing the progression of his works, with explanations of what was going on in his life as well as in the world. It made it very easy to see his development as an artist, and how the things surrounding him affected his artwork.

Anne Frank’s a pretty inspiring little girl and Van Gogh painted some pretty cool stuff, but you’re probably wondering about the Red Light District and Coffee Shops as well. Don’t worry, we explored those too, and I must say, even with some background on the city, it was still kind of shocking seeing how nonchalant it was. Walking past the windows with women standing in them or posing on beds was kind of unnerving, especially when we spotted the functioning Kindergarten sandwiched between two of them.

I do think Amsterdam has a pretty unfair reputation though. People tend to assume that the city is this crazy place with a bunch of people smoking weed and paying prostitutes, but I never felt I was in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation, and actually the city was really beautiful and had so much other stuff to do! It’s a really fun atmosphere and very laid back. I’d love to go back again at some point.

Oh but just a warning… If you’re ever visiting the city, watch out for the bikes! If you hear the bells you’re probably too late. The locals have no mercy.

Location: Amsterdam, Holland