Amsterdam💐

20241018-1022

After a not-so-glamorous night bus from Paris (to save money), I rolled into Amsterdam in the early morning being sleep-deprived but determined. First stop: the Rijksmuseum. Entered at 10:00, eyes half-open, but still wowed by the grandeur. The paintings? Gorgeous. The people in them? All giving "I know something you don't" energy. there were some people interviewing tourists but I dodged it.

At 15:00, I shuffled into the Van Gogh Museum, still running on adrenaline. His work hit hard. It was soft, vivid, and a little heartbreaking. I loved the way they guided the tour, it's like reading someone’s diary in full color. Emotional damage, but in an artful way.

The next day was my tourist attractions marathon. I wandered from Dam Square to Bloemenmarkt to Waterloopleinmarkt. Left at 11, got back at 22. I bought zero practical things and somehow still managed to weigh down my bag. my legs threatening to quit.

 Zaanse Schans

on the third day I took a break from city chaos and visited Zaanse Schans, a literal fairytale land of windmills, wooden clogs, and free cheese samples that I absolutely abused. although the place was without a doubt breathtaking, the weather was way too windy and for the most of the day I could not feel my face at all. After that, I stopped by Zaandam—home of that stacked green building and oddly comforting snacks. I was back at 16;00 to have dinner with my companion, fully convinced my legs no longer belonged to me.

My last full day was vibes on vibes. Explored Albert Cuyp Market, ate the best stroopwafel of my life, and wandered into Red Light Secrets(the museum of prostitution)

 Red Light Secrets

at 17:00 out of pure curiosity. Was it intense? Yes. but also genuinely fascinating. I learned so much about a profession that’s often misunderstood. The space was intimate, respectful, and surprisingly human. it gave a voice to stories people usually overlook.

Missed my FlixBus at 20:55? Tragically yes. I accepted my fate and let it become part of the Amsterdam experience. i'd like to think that I earned an extra day. The next night, I got to the bus station an hour early. No drama. No missed departures. Just a quiet ride, a full camera roll, and a head full of soft, slightly chaotic memories.