Amsterdam

This past Monday through Wednesday I spent in Amsterdam. Of course for me to get there, I took the "backpackers budget" route to get there (by bus). It was a mere 11 hours each way!! I must say it was a better trip than to Edinburgh because the heaters worked and the seats reclined, but by no means was it painless. On they way there, we crossed the channel on a ferry. We actually got to get off the bus and go upstairs where there were couches to lay down on. On the way home, we were in this creepy cargo-like box on a train under the Channel.
Monday we checked into our dingy, to say the least, hostel and cleaned up a bit before we went to the Heineken brewery tour. Then we went out to dinner and called it an early night.
Tuesday we got up and walked to the Anne Frank house tour. The house is just a bunch of empty rooms. I wish that I had read the Diary before going so I could appreciate the situation more. Needless to say, it is now on my "to-read" list. After Anne Frank we went on a canal boat tour around Amsterdam. It was a wonderful way to see the city and learn a little bit about the city. After the boat cruise we did lots and lots of walking around. We walked through the infamous Red Light District as well as some popular sqaures and shopping streets. For dinner we ate at a terrible tapas restaurant next to our hostel. Everyone was really disappointed. After our tapas we headed to a nearby square that was Christmas themed for a drink at the pub and then dessert at one of the many pastry stands.
Wednesday we were on a mission to find the " I AMsterdam" sign. It actually lead us right to the Van Gogh Museum as well. It cost 14 euro to get in (almost $20) so we opted out and decided to just walk around the city more. The only problem with this was that it was extremely cold out! We were nearly numb by the time we got back to our hostel to catch the train to the bus station.
Our hostel was probably the worst ones i've been to. Not only did everyone just light up a cig whenever they want but the rooms were ridiculously small. The bathroom was down the hall and the shower was basically in the check in room. There was no shower curtain or separation between a shower stall and toilet.
Everything aside, I did have a great time in Amsterdam. It is a beautiful city. I don't think it is on the top of my returning list but I am glad that I went and experienced it!