Amsterdam

Although it was a 3-day trip, only 1 of those days was spent in the city of Amsterdam. I had heard it's an expensive place. Luckily, we saved money by staying with friends. All museums cost 18€ (yikes), so instead of spending money on something I would feel rushed to enjoy, we just explored the city on foot for the day. Everyone else had already been to Amsterdam, so they kinda let me lead the way. And despite the cold weather (mid-May and a sweater + jacket barely kept me warm), it was a nice time.

In many ways, the highlights were exactly what I was expecting: bicycles parked everywhere, tons of bridges over tons of canals, taller people, flower markets. But I liked the architecture even more than I imagined. Brick beauties! And thanks to an in-flight magazine, we were quick to observe the large hook hanging off every roof. Those are to hoist up furniture since the staircases are narrow to save space.

And as far as typical Dutch food goes, I enjoyed a stroop waffle in the market. Two thin waffles (with cinnamon, I think) held together by a layer of caramel syrup. You can get it hot in the market, or smaller cookie versions in any grocery store. Yummo!