Amazing Amsterdam!

From last Thursday up until yesterday (Sunday), I had the opportunity to train my way up to Amsterdam to meet three of my closest friends from Santa Clara who are also studying abroad.  The trip exceeded my expectations.  I knew of course that Amsterdam would be unlike any other city that I had been to, but I feel like I really got to experience a lot while I was there.  My friends and I actually stayed right outside of Amsterdam in Leiden, a small college town in the outskirts of Amsterdam.  I must say, the absolute highlight of my trip was the Anne Frank house.  Unfortunately they did not allow for any photos to be taken, but I certainly snapped a lot of other great shots around this gorgeous city.  Another highlight, of course, was being able to see my friends (who are studying abroad in London and Rome) who I was so used to seeing nearly everyday back at Santa Clara.  Without them, my experience would have not been nearly as much fun, I am sure, and I would not have had nearly as many laughs. 

I think pictures speak for themselves so I'll post some shots that sum up my weekend in Amsterdam, for the most part.

Hey, what street do you live on?
We came to realize the Dutch language has really, really long words.

Everyone owns a bike in Leiden/Amsterdam

Really, everyone.

It's hard to tell here, but most of the buildings along streets and canals lean inward!

My friend Joe in a giant wooden clog.

Windmill in Leiden.

Highlight of the trip. In my mind,
everyone should have this museum on their bucket list.

Van Gogh museum.




Largest floating Asian restaurant in Europe.
It was huge!

 


NEMO, Amsterdam's Science Center.







Amsterdam's architecture museum, that was unfortunately closed :(





Another view of the architecture museum.





View of the city from the top of the NEMO.



Another view of the city from the top of the NEMO.





I amsterdam overcrowded with tourists

 



My initials!




How much for that house??









One of the over 2500 house boats in Amsterdam.