Haarlem & Amsterdam

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Nearly a month ago now I was able to join my uncle, aunt, and cousins on another European weekend. They live in Germany, and when family (this time my mom) come to visit they often travel somewhere near(ish)by. This time it was Haarlem and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Haarlem is a small town just outside of Amsterdam and like all Dutch towns (I'm guessing) it is lined with canals, bicycles, and distinct architecture. It is all so charming. We stayed here and really enjoyed the quietness of it. The first night there we strolled around, toured a windmill, and I chickened out of riding a carnival ride that flips you upside down because apparently age 30 is when I become afraid of carnival rides. We picked up some cheese and things for dinner and ate at home. I never relax on holiday so this was a nice change of pace. If you know the story of Corrie ten Boom, this is the town her family is from. Their watch shop/home, which served as a hiding place sheltering Jewish men and women during WW2, is now a museum where you can revisit their story.

It took us longer to get our bearings in Amsterdam and I'm actually surprised none of us were hit by a bike (or car) while there. Eventually, we made it to the Rijksmuseum and then mostly spent our time strolling to/through Jordaan. We stopped by the Anne Frank house though we weren't able to get in. The cheese and tulip museums let us in though! On a rainy day, one of the best parts was ducking in someplace for lunch and being happily surprised by what a perfect place it was. They had tons of great beers on the menu and everything we ate was delicious. There is so much to see and do in Amsterdam. I hope I can return next spring with Craig.

















Anne Frank House 











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