winter vacation 2011 - amsterdam pt 2

Amsterdam, December 29-30

I spent these days hanging out with Bart (from Poland) and Sayuri (from Japan). We visited the Van Gogh museum, ventured through the Red Light district, sampled vending machine-like things that popped out hot foods and visited the "I amsterdam" hot spot. As we wondering around, we saw a huge outdoor chess board with actual live-sized pieces with two gentlemen playing a round. During the evening hours, we, along with a few other friends, went to a live house that played really great music (soft rock to jazz music). 

I've said this before, but I am absolutely in love with the architecture in this city. Many of these houses are really narrow with tall narrow windows to match. Quite a handful of these buildings, however, are tilting as you can distinctively see in one photo. It was really odd when I first noticed this, but it adds to the quirkiness that is Amsterdam.

Photo of us at the "I amsterdam" sign was taken with Sayuri's cellphone.

going solo isn't all bad

I traveled to Amsterdam solo last winter, however, I was rarely alone. During the week I spent in Amsterdam, I was solo for only about half a day! This is mainly thanks to the hostel that I stayed at. Being in a hostel is a great way to meet people - many of whom are traveling solo as well. I became fast friends with a Bulgarian girl and befriended many other people from various countries.

 

My bar hopping buddies in crime: Fred (France), Bart (Poland) and Anzela (Bulgaria).

winter vacay 2011 - amsterdam pt 1

Amsterdam!! 
I arrived here on the night of December 26th from my 12 hour flight from Narita Airport in Narita, Japan. Needless to say, I was worn the heck out! To make matters worse, I got lost on my way to the hostel by taking the wrong train to Amsterdam Central. I didn't realize I was going in the opposite direction until I asked a passenger if this train was indeed going to Central. Yeah, this almost always happens to me when I'm in an unfamiliar area. I seriously have no sense of direction, but hey, I like to just write it off as being part of the experience!

When I arrived in city I was surprised to see how filthy it is. I dunno, maybe I've been too used to living in sparkly, clean Japan, but seeing cigarette butts on the ground everywhere wasn't a pleasant sight.  Anyway, as soon as I arrived at my hostel, I went to bed. Yup, straight to bed without eating dinner, I was simply too exhausted! I felt fully refreshed, however, the following day and set out into the city with a Bolivian girl I befriended at the hostel.