A Spartan in Amsterdam

Written by: Marguerite Bysshe 

Amsterdam feels exactly like you would expect Europe to feel. The old, low rising houses line the complex maze of waterways, connected sometimes by single lane bridges that can barely fit two people side-by-side. The entire city has a damp smell that does start to grow on you in a charming sort of way. While I spent less than four full days in this quaint little city, I certainly got the most out of it. 

Some highlights: 
The Anne Frank Museum is so hard to get tickets for for a reason. Visiting the actual attic the late family stayed in was an eye-opening experience and made a lot of the events of WWII much more real to me. 
Eating fish! While I am by no means a pescatarian, the seafood in Amsterdam was phenomenal. Plus, you can find fresh fish almost anywhere, and for relatively cheap prices! A side with the fish that you have to try is frites with “fritessaus”, which is basically mayo. It may not be something I ever try again, but it is an Amsterdam classic. 
There are lots of little flea markets and food stands throughout the city, especially in the warmer months. They are super fun to explore and filled with unique clothing pieces and some real hidden gems. 
My favorite part of my trip by far was the bike trip I took just outside the central part of the city. We ventured less than a half hour by bike into the Netherlands countryside where we were introduced to original windmills and some of the cutest little villages I have ever seen. The fields and animals were beautiful, and when paired with a nice sunny day with the wind blowing through my hair, there really was nothing better. There are plenty of places to rent bikes, as biking is by far the most popular way to get around. Even if you just want to stay inside the city, biking is fun and efficient. 

Overall, Amsterdam was the host of some incredible food, amazing kind, understanding people, and experiences for anyone. Obviously, there are a million other things to do in Amsterdam. In fact, if you start packing now, you could probably make it for tulip season and view all the tulips in bloom throughout the countryside, with a backdrop of windmills and blowing wheat. 


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