AMSTERDAM

Fresh off our flight from Bristol we arrived our first stop, sunny Amsterdam. We were lucky enough to have with us our very own Dutch tour guide, Becca, who had grown up in Amsterdam. Our accommodation was mediocre at best, and still exhausted from the long shifts at work, mixed with the heat of summertime in Amsterdam, I don't think we got the most out of our stay. There's a lot more I would've liked to see if we had more energy and time. However, some of the highlights included but were not limited to: drinking beer in Vondelpark, being harassed in the red light district, a canal ride, a visit to the Van Gogh museum and a very memorable first hash brownie experience. I was constantly fascinated by how 4 modes of transport could fit on one road i.e. cars, trams, pedestrians and bike. And, how everyone has just accepted that there are now fast food vending machines (yes, this is the future of our dining experience). Amsterdam is a fascinating and liberal city, but despite the reasons why most young people like to visit, I think it has more to offer. Home of  Anne Frank's house, a variation of museums and row upon row of beautiful houses and canals, this city has more culture to offer than one might first think. If you are in Amsterdam take time to look around not just head straight to one of the nearby coffee shops, the novelty wears off pretty quick anyway.