One Final Hurrah! Amsterdam 1/6

Today is my last day in Europe! Sad, but also I'm ready to head home. I am currently in a hostel in Amsterdam and had a wonderful day today. I've enjoyed writing about my days as they happen - it will be fun to look back on the trip and remember everything that I did. However, in the coming weeks I plan on writing a few posts about what went well versus what I plan to differently next time - as well as some reviews of apps, hotels etc.

Anyway, as for today, I had fun! I said my goodbyes with Coletta, Erwin, and Pepper this morning and Erwin dropped me off at the train station. I headed into Amsterdam Centraal. From there I walked about 10 minutes to my hostel no problem.

Then I was off to the Anne Frank House! I walked through the red light district to get there. Hoo! That was an experience. Anyway, the Anne Frank House was definitely very cool and while I have been there several times before, I'm glad I went back as an adult. I couldn't take pictures inside, but I did get some nice shots of Amsterdam on the walk there! I'm excited to see how they turn out. When I get home I am going to have SO many pictures to upload! I also plan on doing a post about my favorite pictures from each city.

Next I decided to take a leisurely stroll over to the flower market. Along the way I found a little grocery store and decided to take a look inside. I found a Mountain Dew! I got some of my favorite cookies that I had all the time when I was little and set off to find a place with a view from which to enjoy them. Unfortunately I accidentally sat in a little outside section of a restaurant! Oops! It was across the street from the place so I didn't think it was attached. A guy came out and asked if I wanted something to drink - I felt dumb so I just bought a hot chocolate. He was really very nice about it.

After my snack I explored the flower market a bit and just took my time. I then decided I wanted to see the Rembrandt House. At this point my iphone died with 40% battery  - I had been using an amazing app to navigate my way around the city (expect a post on that soon).Um cool. So I had to use a paper map. Unfortunately I was on a very small street that wasn't on the map. UGH. I got turned around a bit and because I wasn't in the best area I didn't want to pull out my ipad and use that (it also had the app). Long story short, it was just fine. I walked around, found a nice area and pulled out my tablet and found my way back to the hostel no problem! I even passed the Rembrandt House on the way.

I am now taking a breather for a bit. I went all the way up to my room (I'm in the attic!) and decided to just chill out for a bit. This hostel is quite nice. I'm in a room with 4 beds and it even has a sink. However, it looks like there may be only one plug in here! Luckily I have a USB back up charger (courtesy of Christmas from my parents) and the flight tomorrow should have a USB charger so I'm set.
Anyway, I am going to go back out for dinner and check out the area just a little bit before calling it a night. I'm really tired and I have an 8 hour flight home tomorrow. I need to try to stay awake on that flight so I can hopefully re-adjust to US time.


Expect more posts soon! My next trip is only 4 months away! I think I am going to Germany, and maybe London :)

Malena