I loved Amsterdam right when I stepped out of the train station. It was so beautiful, and I loved the architecture. Amazing old buildings mixed in with canals make beautiful scenery.  

The city also has rich history which can be seen through the museums. One of my favorite places in the city include the Van Gogh museum where one could get a good picture of who Van Gogh was. Apparently the Dutch way to pronounce his name sounds more like “Hogh” with the gh sounding very throaty. I pronounced it Van “Go” to a Dutch person I met and he had no clue what I was saying. 

Another one of my favorite places in Amsterdam was the Anna Frank House. Such a powerful place where you really get to see what it was like to hide in a place during WWII. I recommend that anyone who goes to Amsterdam come here.  

Among the rich history and beautiful scenery there are glimpses of brokenness as well. Amsterdam is a very tolerant city. Smoking weed is legal in the coffee shops. Prostitution is also legal as well as is apparent in Amsterdam’s lively Red Light District. There is a mix of both beauty and brokenness in Amsterdam, which I think can be the same in any of us. There are beautiful parts of ourselves… things we want others to see. But there are also broken parts or ourselves as well. Things that we may keep hidden and quiet from others. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Amsterdam. I was more on edge in this city though since it is well known for pickpocketers. I am glad I went and hope to return someday.