I have been dreaming of wandering those picture perfect streets for years now.  To witness the wind turn the blades on the windmills.  And finally, after months of doing no planning…. because I whim things now a days, I was finally getting the chance to see the infamous canals of Amsterdam.  There were every bit of beautiful that I imagined they’d be. I arrived during their spring so everything was blooming and showings it face.

My flight landed rather late on a rainy day so I explored the immediate surroundings of my hostel and then got a little cozy in my room and prepared for an early morning rise the next day.  I was recommended by a friend to head over to a beautiful little town called Zaanse Schans.  It was a quick 20 minute train ride and I was left to wander to a beautiful little nook along the river to the smells of the chocolate factory and views of massive windmills turning in the wind.   It was the cutest little thing.  I am glad I spent the morning wandering those streets.

I ventured my way back into the heart of Amsterdam to wander the canals before my session that night. They were beautiful!  I actually preferred the canals from above rather than from below.  I took the canal tour but it wasn’t all that great.  I preferred just walking the canals so if you ever go, just wander around. Though, be careful where you wander.  I was just admiring beautiful architecture and was wondering why people were staring at me. After a few more steps I realized I wandered into the Red light district (the lights were not nearly as obvious in the day time). Needless to say, I turned around and got out of there quickly haha.  Not my crowd. I finally made my way to the Anne Frank house but was sad to see the tickets were completely sold out for the entire week!  I was a bit heart broken but was fortunate to see the outside of the home.  It was still crazy to stand outside of the home.  You learn so much about that house and the story of the family who lived there during such a horrific time in history.

I didn’t spend much time in the city and thats something I hope to change one day. I spent a total of 1.5 days in Amsterdam,  2 if you count the half day I spent on my journey back home. I need to see more of this beautiful and welcoming country I highly recommend heading there!