A Day in Amsterdam

Surprisingly, I've never visited Europe before. Of all my travels, I tend to head south of the Ecuador, or exotic destinations involving a wildlife or nature aspect.

So, after a 2 week whirlwind journey, I wanted to take the opportunity to break up the trip, spending a day checking out Amsterdam and resting before the trip home.

I chose to stay at the Hotel De L'Europe, a 5* property, and Virtuoso hotel and one of the Leading Hotels of the World. Upgraded to a Deluxe 1-Bedroom Suite with balcony overlooking the water, I was happy to be 'home' for a few days. The rooms are classical European in style, deep rich reds, dark wooden furniture and high ceilings, large marble bathroom with separate shower and big speaker tub. The lighting is a bit dim, I've noticed a thing for hotels with dim lighting lately, yes it's nice, but it can be super annoying when you're trying to get ready, arranging luggage.

The hotel is centrally located across from the Flower Market, great shopping, bars and restaurants, and a 10 minute stroll to Dam Square and the Royal Palace. I like to be close to the action, but being here over a weekend, the late night noise can spill into the rooms, a problem if you're a light sleeper. I however, slept like I was dead, the super comfy king bed with plush fittings was exactly what I was looking for.

Overall I had fantastic service at the De L'Europe, the front desk staff was always willing to go the extra mile. The food was great, fast service, and overall welcoming atmosphere.

What to do in Amsterdam with one day??? There is so much to see and do here, and quickly realized that it's a great place to get lost in, and will surely back.

A late start, I purchased a 24 hour tram pass for EUR7.5, city map in hand. Beginning at the flower market, meandering in and out of cool shops, I found some great finds for Christmas presents. The shopping here is wonderful! There is something for everyone and could easily spend a full day just shopping. Making my way up to Dam Square and the Royal Palace, plenty of action, people watching and eclectic vibe. Pumping music and a growing crowd next to the National Monument, I wandered over to check it out. Chatting with a couple gals from London, they said they heard on Twitter that Klohe Kardashian was on her way. As the crowd grew and time went on I thought to myself, "Do I really care to see one of the Kardashian's?"...not really but, why not. Finally a parade of tinted out black vans drove in, and the crowd went wild. So much for the security fence, the masses rushed screaming and going crazy with their phones in the air hoping for a snapshot of her. I didn't see her, and didn't try, but thought it was comical to watch.

Making my way to the tram stop walking through quieter side streets, I loved the peacefulness and old world charm. The slower pace to just grab a coffee, chill out on a bench and look around.

Hopping on the tram, I headed towards the Zoo...destination: Dutch Resistance Museum. I was a bit nervous getting on the tram not knowing if I was going to get completely lost, but the system is efficient and pretty easy.

The Dutch Resistance Museum was of interest to me as I was headed to Anne Frank's House following, and wanted a better understanding of the Holocaust and what took place here in the 1940's. Overall the museum was quite well done, however found it confusing to follow the flow as there are lots of side rooms to get a deeper perspective, and at times would jump ahead and then fall back between events. The museum does do a good job of explaining the resistance movement from 1940-1945, the propaganda that took place, difficulties and triumphs.

A quick beer and tapas and I was back on the tram heading over to Westermarket, for the Anne Frank House. I knew I should have bought my ticket online a few weeks earlier when I was planning my trip. I decided not to, as I wanted to have no commitments here - but say it’s a MUST for anyone visiting. I waited in line about 45 minutes, in November - not bad all considering, but for anyone trying to get in during high season, good luck!

The Anne Frank House was amazing! Anne's story is told so well as you make your way through the various quarters of the house, stories told along the way, quotes written along the walls, the blacked out windows make you realize what the family lived like during those times in hiding. As you make your way through Anne and Margo's room, you can see magazine clips and pictures that she pasted on the wall - climbing the steep stairs up to the kitchen and attic - the whole experience is thought provoking. One of the concluding parts to the museum is a video of Otto Frank, talking about Anne's diary - a striking quote that I will never forget: "And my conclusion is," he said, "since I had been in very good terms with Anne, that most parents don't know really their children.”