Brussels and Amsterdam

I have midterms this week, so naturally it seemed like a good idea to go to Belgium and Amsterdam. 

I went with two girls from my program and had a lot of fun.  It was quite an experience in cultures I had never ever experienced.  But, given the fact I didn’t study much on the trip (I did study a little though!), I actually promise to keep this short.

We flew into Brussels on Friday and took a train to Brugge.  It was a gorgeous city, “The Venice of the North.”  We stayed there Friday and Saturday night.  Mainly walked the city, climbed a tower, went to a museum, and ate some waffles.  It was so charming.  The city looks like a city in a snow globe.  Not sure how to better describe it!

Sunday we went to Amsterdam.  The Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank’s house were great, but overall I really disliked the city.  We stayed in the red light district (sketchy!) and it was insane.  Many theatres with live porn shows, prostitutes everywhere, and the clientele to support the district.  The shops in Amsterdam were full of pornographic postcards and really really disturbing souvenirs.  The two girls travelling with me didn’t react quite the same as I did.  They found my horrification to be quite entertaining.  Meanwhile, I was pretty sad, having just lost faith in humanity and all!!  The two girls also told me how they think the majority of men solicit prostitutes. I disagreed, adamantly and hope my disagreement is the truth!  Then, they told me that my dad has surely had several lap dances from strippers in his life.  My horrification grew.  Called Dad, and I am happy to say I rightfully defended him.  My mom, on the other hand…

Okay, maybe I just went into too much detail…

Oh, and the hostels!  Everyone would be so proud of me.  I am pretty sure these beds and sheets were of VERY questionable sanitary integrity.  For a germ phobic kid it was a nightmare!  But, I managed and am still alive.  No signs of mersa yet. Phew!  I did call my mom from Brugge to interrogate her on disease transmissions…haha, yes I am a bit weird.

I will upload the pictures soon!

Love to all, Jane