I Minded the Gap

Hi all!

I, once again, have lost track of where I left off – but I am no longer in London! I didn’t end my stay quite with the bang I had hoped for due to a miniature cold, but I did enjoy myself. On my last day in London, I met up with my Aunt and we took a trip up the Thames River to see the O2. The O2 is like a giant concert arena, surrounded by lots of places to eat, a movie theater, and a few other exhibits. There was loads of Gleeks everywhere because there was a Glee show that night. No, I didn’t meet any of the cast. But it was still a cool coincidence. 

The boat trip up and back on the river was nice though – very relaxing and a chance to see more of London I hadn’t seen before. There’s some sweet architecture that has been and is being developed along there.

After getting back to central London, we had intended to wander around, maybe stop and relax somewhere and get a drink – but the onset of my baby cold saw this not happening. Thankfully, I was put back on a train with some cold medicine and a new pack of tissues and well wishes. I made it home in one piece (though this was the one and only occasion where I manage to get on the wrong train in the wrong direction), and after a nap, started to feel better. 

It was really great to see family in London – something I’ve always missed out on. It was one of the few times I’ve felt bonded to some Aunts, felt like I know cousins, and I got to enjoy the brag-about-your-baby-second-cousins moment :)

But, even though the family time and stay in London was short lived, some friends and I successfully ended our time in England the right way – at a pub with fish and chips and a drink. And then I headed to bed afterwards so that I didn’t have my cold worse when I woke up at 5 AM the next morning.

Waking up at 5 AM was quite delightful, as I’m sure you can all imagine. After a mildly sketchy breakfast, packaged in a box complete with long lasting milk (don’t think about it, you’ll shiver less), we were loaded on a bus to our ferry. Most of the crew enjoyed a two hour nap, and woke up at the dock. To those of you who warned me of sea sickness and the unfortunate ferry I’d be taking… I think the ferry has changed. I’m pretty sure I was on a miniature cruise ship. I slept for a solid five hours in comfort whilst aboard and it was glorious. Though, don’t worry, the food aboard was still ridiculously overpriced.

After the ferry, and a rough hour or so bus ride, we finally arrived in Amsterdam. It was almost ten o’clock so we made a very quick walk around our hotel to find dinner. I was quite happy to go to bed afterwards – and I’m glad I did because today was exhausting!

We started with breakfast, then a lecture, and then a few hours of free time. We wandered up the street, window shopping in a few shops, until we found a local museum we looked through. Afterwards we found some frozen yogurt. I was asked if it tastes better in Europe. We decided most things are better in Europe – even Katy Perry music. If only the difference wasn’t reflected in the price.

After lunch (which came after the frozen yogurt – dessert first, of course), we met up with our group to go to the Rijksmuseum. Another delightful place. Lots of Vermeer and Rembrant, which I enjoyed. All these paintings we see in passing – so much better in real life. I’m so excited for the Van Gogh museum tomorrow! That will be phenomenal, I’m sure.

What was also amazing was visiting the Anne Frank House. I don’t even have many words to describe it – it’s definitely something that needs to be experienced individually. I definitely suggest it if any of you ever make it to Amsterdam!

By that time in the afternoon/evening we were pretty beat so we grabbed some dinner before plopping down in the lobby to use the free wifi and simply sit after a day of walking.  Plus we couldn’t use all our energy if we’re renting bikes tomorrow! I’m pumped for that. Except nervous too because my track record as a driver and a pedestrian are bad. I feel like my success as a biker will probably be doubleplusungood. Cross your fingers for me, though!

Lucy