Amsterdam May 2010

Amsterdam again?  I think so.  I took a three day mini vacation to Amsterdam over my birthday weekend this year.  It was a great time of the year to go, and my sister is currently living there.  I was down in the Twin Cities and left from the Minneapolis airport on Thursday the 19th and arrived in Amsterdam on Friday morning.  I got upgraded to business class on the Airbus 330 that I rode.  This was my first experience riding up front and I completely enjoyed it!  When you walk into the cabin they ask you if you would like champagne, orange juice, beer, or any other beverage.  What!? The meal was also phenomenal.  Appetizers, a wonderful soup and salad, and a filling main dish.  To top it all of, they had a variety of deserts including ice cream sundaes.  Yum.  In addition to the food, we got seats that leaned way back and foot rests that came up.  What a great ride.  I didn’t sleep a wink the whole eight hour ride, but the seat was nice.

I arrived in Amsterdam, got off the plane, walked to baggage claim, and found my box of Diet Dr. Pepper and Reese Cups my mom packed for my sister was not there.  I then proceeded to feel sick to my stomach.  Air travel + no sleep = sick Isaac.  Luckily I know how to get over it pretty quick.  Anywho, after waiting for twenty minutes to get some train tickets, I too the train to Amsterdam Centraal.  I was supposed to meet my sister at a nearby hotel, but my plane was late, my box didn’t arrive, and it took me a long time to get a train ticket.  She wasn’t there, but I was able to track down where the hostel was and met her there.  Then I took a four hour nap.  The rest of Friday was relaxing and meeting the people that my sister works with.

Saturday morning started with breakfast, the market, and World Press Photo 10 (http://www.worldpressphoto.org/), which is a compilation of the best press photography from the past year.  Great stuff.  After the World Press Photo exhibit my sister and I went to the Amsterdam Historical Museum.  We didn’t make it very far, but what we did see was well displayed and interesting to see.  After the Historical museum, my sister had to go to work and I got to hang out with some of her co-workers.  We rode our bikes around town and enjoyed the day.  Later that night me attempted to make some smores for the people that weren’t from the US.  I did say attempted because they do not have the same kinds of food that we are used to.  It turned out pretty good though.

Sunday was also a busy day.  We started with church in the morning.  This church was very small and was in both English and Dutch at the same time.   I was tired after trying to listen to both.  After church and lunch, I left with my sister’s co-workers for Muiderslot castle and gardens.  It was abotu an hour bike ride outside of Amsterdam Centraal where I was staying.  I couldn’t have picked a nicer day to be out and about.  There were some nice sights on the ride there and the castle itself was had a very interactive display.  In the gardens area there were two men suiting up with full armor and demonstrating techniques.  I didn’t understand much of it because it was all in Dutch.  We rode back into the city and celebrated my birthday with a large group of people.  I was told we had the best apple tart in Amsterdam (someone please give me the name of the place.)  There was some more late night hanging out and then it was to bed.  Enjoy Jochen riding the ramp Amsterdam style!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW_pjesy4wc[/youtube]

Monday morning came quick.  A little too quick.  I woke up late!  I wanted to pick up some items to bring back with me so I was going to wake up early and go to the store.  I wasn’t able to do that anymore.  I made it to the train station, back to the airport, and to the gate just in time.  I again got business class, which was so great!  I don’t think I could travel in coach anymore after that.  Seriously….  I arrived home ready for bed.  Great trip.  I think that I will do it again soon.  Check out the photos below.  There are thirty of them so make sure that you hit that little 2 below the photos.