DAY SIX: FINAL DAY
Our final day was spent exploring the city of Amsterdam and its hidden treasures. I quickly began to fall in love with the city, it has a beautiful relaxed atmosphere that made me feel welcomed.
Our first stop was the Van Gough museum which I wasn't particularly looking forward too as I have little interest in art. However the tour was surprisingly enjoyable and interesting, and I managed to pick up alot of information about the deceased artist.
Next, I took an optional visit to the Rijksmuseum, which is the museum of the Netherlands. It is the Dutch equivalent of the British museum and is filled with thousands of artefacts from all across the world from different time periods. It was really interesting, but I just wish I had a better sense of where I was going as I kept getting lost around the huge maze of the museum.
After the Rijksmuseum, we had five hours of free time to have lunch and do some shopping in the magnificent city. There are so many sights to see in Amsterdam, many of which are not very significant, but are just beautiful. Amsterdam also holds an array of shops, including a vast amount of vintage shops!
Unfortunately I did not manage to purchase myself anything as I was too focused on purchasing my family cute souvenirs. However, next time I go back to the city I will be doing a large amount of shopping!
We then headed back to the hostel and had dinner; it was a pretty tame night to say the least but the next day we had a lot of travelling to do!
So there you have it! My travels are now over and I'm pretty upset to say the least. It was an amazing experience, and I got to do so many things :)
Thanks!
xxx
DAY FIVE: Amsterdam!
With just a few last sights to see in Belgium, the whole group were fuelled with excitement for our next stop, Amsterdam.
We stopped off to see the Menin gate, Langemark German war cemetery and Tyne Cot, which were all incredibly moving. The sights of war never seize to amaze me; every single time I am overtaken by a sense of guilt and sorrow.
Then, after these few stops, we headed to the city of Amsterdam! I had no idea what to expect of the city but I had heard many positive comments about the city, and could not wait to experience it.
When we arrived our first stop was the Anne Frank museum, which I had been waiting to visit since I was about twelve years old. I'd always been inspired and interested in Anne Frank; I remember going to my local library and reading every book I could about her and her diary. Visiting the actual place where she lived was truly amazing and eye-opening, I could not get over what I was experiencing.
After the museum we arrived at the hotel and got prepared for the night ahead, which included dinner and a walk down the famous red light district. Oh yeah, I walked down the red light district...which surprisingly wasn't as bad as I once thought! (That sounds awful I know but...)
My next post will be the last one of my travels *cries hysterically*
Thanks xxx
DAY FOUR: DESTINATION BELGIUM
We departed early and made a pit stop at the Sacré Cœur, which was beyond beautiful. After clambering up the many steps whilst being attacked and harassed by souvenir sellers, we finally made it to the top and the sight was truly breathtaking.
The inside of the Sacré Cœur matched the outside; it was also very beautiful. Even though it appeared a tad commercialised, it was lovely to walk around and enjoy the peace.
We then did a tad of shopping along a street near the Sacré Cœur, which included various souvenir and chocolate shops. After this we soon departed for Belgium and waved goodbye to Paris.
Once again the drive was tiring and long, but I was kept entertained through singing (it turns out that French radio stations are pretty good).
Before we arrived at Ypres we made a quick pit stop at Oostaverne wood cemetery on the outskirts of Ypres; a cemetery which holds the grave of my Great Uncle. I had visited the cemetery previously, but was given the opportunity to visit again. Once again I was moved and got a tad emotional when visiting, but felt privileged to visit again!
The night involved checking into the hostel, having dinner and of course hitting up the legendary chocolate shops! But, in addition to this, me and my friend were given the opportunity to lay a reef at the menin gate memorial. Of course, we were honoured and took part in the ceremony, which was, to say the least, nerve raking.
After the ceremony a large group of us went out in the town and spent the majority of the night in a very small bar, nevertheless it was rather enjoyable.
