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Travel Photography. Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Part 2

By Ashleigh Cropper

December 23^rd, 2016

my New Favorite city

We actually almost didn't visit Amsterdam. We had crossed it off of our list of places to visit on this trip. I am beyond glad we didn't do that because Amsterdam is officially now my all time favorite city EVER! Yes, seriously ever! We trained from Brussels to Amsterdam (about 1.5 hours). Immediately we walked out from the train station and almost got killed by all the bicyclists (um, hello...they need some warning signs about this!) As we drove to our Airbnb via our Uber driver, I just instantly loved this city.

We explain Amsterdam like a combo between Portland, Seattle, and Venice. Our friends who lived here steered us in the right direction with staying in the Jordaan District. It is full of quaint walkways, bikes galore, bridges that connect the streets, canals running everywhere, boats tied up, trees lining pathways, people sipping cafes out along the water, inviting shops full of the best interior design items...I could go on and on!

We decided to extend our trip before we left for another 5 days so that was dedicated to visiting Amsterdam and a few extra days in Paris. By far the best decision we made!

Travel Photography. Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Jewish Quarter Memorial

My grandfather was from Germany and escaped during the Holocaust since his family was Jewish. With scrambling and trying to get everyone out of the country, my grandfather and his youngest brother were sent to a Jewish children's orphanage in Amsterdam until his parents could make it to New York City and send for them. What should of been just a few months, turned into a few years of hell for him. Hell is really the only way to put it. Can you image being 8 years old and being told to care for your younger brother in a new country, with hardly any food to eat, and the rest of your family leaving across the Atlantic. Growing up I was told to ALWAYS finish my meals at their home. I found out later it was because of him and his circumstances in Amsterdam that not a drop of food would go to waste ever again with my Poppa around.

I was on a mission in Amsterdam to find the orphanage. My grandfather actually went back to Europe for his 70th birthday so I knew the orphanage didn't stand any longer and now stood a monument to recognize those who lived in the Jewish quarter during the Holocaust. That monument is where he, and so many children, lived for years waiting and hoping to be reconnected with their families. This is also just a few blocks down from Anne Frank's house. I saw some photos my mom found that he took when he visited. The same boat still sits there in the back tied up (I visited about 20 years after him).

I stood there and looked around and thought about what he saw when he lived their. What would a terrified little boy think standing in that place? I honestly can't imagine but it made me miss my Poppa so much.

Highlights of Amsterdam

1) Renting a scooter and scooting around Amsterdam!

2) Wandering around Vondelpark and seeing all the well groomed dogs!

3) Anne Frank's house. It was a must on my list. I had people tell me it is "boring." I'm sorry, but what? It was powerful. It showed every day life at a time that was desperate and critical. Walking through the home and seeing how life was for years for the Frank family was heart wrenching. There is NOTHING "boring" about this. Honestly, I think every person needs to go through that museum and reflect on how we treat one another. There is no way you can exit without your heart changing for humanity.

4) Having my cousin, Chad, randomly come into town the same time we were there for business. Having dinner with him at the cutest and most delicious restaurant made my week, especially since I rarely see him anymore.

5) Eating GLUTEN! I tested the waters to see if the legend of gluten intolerant Americans can actually eat gluten. For me at least it is true! I had croissants, pizzas, sandwiches, baguettes, cake (!!!!), you name it! I felt normal and my healthiest ever in Amsterdam.

6) Meandering along the walkways and canals. Seeing all the cute front door entrances with greenery growing around them, the narrow tall homes, watching thousands of bikes go by, sitting at cafes drinking hot chocolate. Life could not get any better than those moments.