Easter Trip Day 2: Zaanse Schans & Amsterdam

A slightly awkward pose of me in giant clogs welcomes you to Amsterdam!!

After we arrived on Friday we grabbed a quick bite to eat and went on a walking tour of the Red Light District. I do not have any photos of it as you are naturally not allowed to take any in the district. I don't have too much to say about the district but if anyone has any questions, ask away.

Before I start the picture post, I just wanted to say that the hostel (St Christopher's Winston) was amazing. It was nice and clean and private enough, and the breakfasts were spectacular. An excellent spread of meats and cheeses and a variety of breads, as well as the standard cereal, granola and yogurt. Mmmm! 

First thing after breakfast on Saturday we headed to Zaanse Schans, a small tourist village just outside of the city. We got a nice clog-making demonstration before perusing the gift shop and taking some pictures.

Heather and me in some oversized clogs.

Following the clog demonstration, we got to go learn how they make cheese. This woman was very friendly and we got to sample all of their cheeses. I can't even talk about how good this cheese was so I think everyone should just go to Holland to try for themselves! To DIE for.

Duck pictures might be a standard in my trips. Only time will tell.

After filling up on cheese and souvenirs, we headed back to the city for a canal cruise. It was about 45 minutes long and we got to see a lot of Amsterdam via boat! I think my favourite thing was seeing how differently all of the houseboats were decorated, both on the exterior and interior. 

This was Anne Frank's hideout home.

After the cruise we decided to head to Anne Frank's house. On the way there we had to walk across Dam Square and I remembered that it was International Pillow Fight Day! So I got a good action shot.

Amsterdam has quite a few street performers and I thought the colours on this guy would make for a fantastic picture.

I didn't take anymore pictures of Anne Frank's house because well, even if you were allowed to it didn't feel appropriate. The house was well preserved and set up really nicely, it had a sort of chronology of her time there with quotes and tons of photos. I feel lucky to be able to see the house after reading her diary so many years ago... It was quite somber, but unfortunately because it is a tourist attraction some less reflective people (and rampant children of course) definitely detracted from the experience. Regardless, I am glad we went.

Saturday night was a good one spent with friends, Dutch beer and dancing. Some late-night frites were had as well and they were as good as the cheese!