Post 11: Amsterdam

Amsterdam was incredible! My friends and I had such a great time, even better than I anticipated. It might be my favorite city so far. I really hope to go back some day.

First of all, there were bicycles EVERYWHERE. The ratio of bikes to people was probably 2:1, in all seriousness. And they were whipping around too, weaving in and out between cars and people. It didn't take very long to figure out that if you walked in the bike lane, you would be run over, no questions asked.



The first day, we got settled into the hostel and checked out the area. The hostel we went to, the Flying Pig Uptown Hostel, was absolutely fantastic. Although it was a little more expensive than others, I would recommend it to anyone. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and I felt really comfortable. It had its' own lounge area, bar, and smoking room, as well as complimentary breakfast every morning. The rooms were not bad either, although we stayed in a 12-person room. We made some friends with fellow England-ers that were also staying with us.



Later, we visited the Heineken factory where they taught us how to pour and drink beer... sounds pretty good right? But we also learned a lot about the history of the founding family, their brewing recipe and traditions, and how it grew to be the international success it is today. I had no idea that 94% of the beer is just water...

We also went to the Anne Frank house, which was truly awe-inspiring. I learned so much about her and her family, as well as the people who helped protect them. Just like when we went to Auschwitz, I was overcome with emotion. These people were just like us. They WERE us. The Holocaust is, without a doubt, one of the darkest events in human history - a pockmark on the chronicle of our race. I stared at the photos of Anne, and I found myself thinking that she looked like the face of innocence. She always wanted to become a writer... well, Anne, you did it. Millions of people have read your writing and still are moved by your plight every day.

Later, we went on a cruise down the canal. It was absolutely gorgeous. When we boarded the boat, the sun shone down on the houses and shops lining the canal. The essence of picturesque. But that was nothing compared to the view once the sun set. The city simply lit up. The lights reflected on the water and cast colored shadows over the buildings. We floated under lighted bridges in pure peace. I am so glad we decided to take the cruise because it was worth every moment.

Of course, we had to go to the "I am Amsterdam" structure. We were lucky enough to have a BEAUTIFUL day. It took a little bit of time to take over the sign for a group picture because it was super crowded. How am I so lucky to have such amazing experiences like this? It all feels so surreal. Until next time readers...

Post 10: Auschwitz

Emily, Jenna and I flew to Krakow, Poland to visit the infamous Auschwitz camp. First, we checked out the city center, ate a number of perogi dishes, savored one of the best cups of coffee I've ever had, and did some shopping. Leave it to Emily to find a three-story mall in Poland! Later, we went out in the heart of Poland's nightlife.

The following day, we took a bus tour of Auschwitz. We visited both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II, the latter being known as Birkenau. In fact, there were three locations under the one title of "Auschwitz," allowing it to become the most devastating mass killing center ever created. We walked the same streets that millions of innocent people did before going off to their death. Every step I took felt heavy with the weight of that realization.

Our tour guide gave us head-sets so we could wander but still hear her narration. We walked right under the infamous sign saying "Arbeit macht frei," or "work makes you free." Cue immediate chills.

I found myself staring at the electric fences - structures of oppression that surrounded this compound and served as a death sentence for many desperate souls. When the pain and grief became too much, some threw themselves into the electrically charged barbed wire to take their own lives.

On the tour, we were able to enter three of the barracks that had converted some rooms into exhibits. One room displayed a mountain of human hair behind a glass pane with a sign saying 7,000 kilos of human hair was found upon liberation. Likewise, there was a room filled with eyeglasses - just a sea of glasses taken from those poor people. That was overwhelming for me. It's the little things that really hit home.

We were able to walk inside the crematorium, too. The feeling I had when walking through there... it was beyond eerie. This stale, heavy smell hung in the air. It was almost as if I could feel the memories locked in that awful room. There was only one thing running through my mind: I'm standing right where they murdered millions of innocent people with Zyklon-B. How did this even happen? And why?

We got back on the bus and drove three miles away to Birkenau. This is the camp that you would typically picture as a death camp. There were huge gates and train tracks leading directly inside the enclosure. In... and not out. There was snow on the ground covering the mud and crunching underneath our feet. I could just imagine all the people I'd seen in the pictures - confused and ushered off the train into the selection line or, worse, straight to the crematorium.

It was something I will never forget. Although I cried numerous times, I am so glad I went. I bought a book in the giftshop entitled, "I Survived Auschwitz" by Krystyna Zuwulska. The author was able to get forged papers with a new name before getting arrested by the SS. It's a fantastic read given that it's an insider look at how the women, in particular, were treated. There is so much that history teaches us.

Anyways, signing off for now...

Cheers