I took in plenty sites and just enjoyed the weather and culture. In Dam Square I saw the Royal Palace and a street performer juggling fire to a crowd of amazed onlookers.
And on the other side I was humbled by the National Monument which depicts a crucified Christ, men in chains and howling dogs. The history behind this monument is the Nazis occupied Holland from 1940-1945. They deported 100,000 Amsterdam Jews, driving many, including young Anne Frank and her family, into hiding. Near the end of the war, the "Hunger Winter" of 1944-1945 killed thousands, and forced many to survive on tulip bulbs. This monument is now considered a monument for peace.
I also visited the popular Flower Market. This busy block of cut flowers, plants, bulbs, seeds and garden supplies attests to Holland's repuation for growing flowers.
One thing that is pretty interesting to me is that is pretty common to have to PAY to use the restroom. I don't mean just tipping the bathroom attendant. I mean if you go to eat at a restaraunt...the bathroom facilities are not free. Even in McDonalds there was a woman sitting outside the door waiting for 30cents.
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On my way home I went grocery shopping and since most of the items were in Dutch....for the time I was shopping, I truly knew what it felt like to be illiterate. I looked at the items and tried my best to guess what I was buying. So aside the always recognizable fruit.....I think I have milk, I think I have cereal and I think I have some chips.
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2 comments:
OMG OMG OMG!!!! Now i am really jealous...i would be shopping til i drop...u took that picture of Louis Vuitton and Chanel to spite me didnt u! U know thats my weakness LOL.
Ur grocery experience is hilarious. I'm still ROTFL that u dont know what u bought. I didnt even think about that.
Wow who knew using the restroom was such a privilege. I'm not so sure that if i sit in front of a bathroom in McDonalds and wait for people to pay to go in that that would work! Oh people here would be throwing something at me, but it wouldnt be money...hahaha.
Girl! Talk about culture shock. When I was headed to the restroom and that woman was sitting there with her cup I'm like..."Wha...What you want?" I could not believe I had to pay to use a damn McDonald's bathroom. At first I'm like...maybe it's because I just came in here for that and didn't buy any food. But nope...their customers were lining up paying 30cent. You are right....that would NOT fly in the US. That lady would have gotten hit upside the head with a hamburger bun.
And the shopping. I can't stop myself. I'm getting up early to do some more. Salvatore Ferragamo just may very well get my Fall 2008 tuition! And I'm buying more groceries. Oh goodness! I'll let you know how that works out. I hope that I can do better than I did last time. Before...I bought some eggs...and I kinda think that they were pigeon eggs.
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