Amsterdam

A city known for its canals, bicycles, and vices, Amsterdam never fails to entertain and excite the senses!

First on the itinerary was brunch at this marvellous hole-in-the-wall restaurant called 'The Pancake Bakery'. I had the bacon, mushroom and cheese omelette for my entree and mini pancakes with butter and sugar for dessert. This melt in your mouth concoction is simply to die for! If you find yourself in Amsterdam, this is a definite must try! 

The Anne Frank house was next, but the line was unbelievably long - going all the way around the block that we decided to go elsewhere. It must have been a stroke of luck to have been able to get in in less than five minutes last year!

Spent the next few hours shopping at Dam Square, where numerous shops and restaurants are located. Here you can find artists eager to sell their wares and street performers waiting to be applauded for their talents in mime and dance. Dinner was at Haejes Claes, another popular restaurant whose staff was so obliging to accommodate our reservation for 10 at such late notice.

We then made our way to the Red Light District. This, I believe is the essence of why Amsterdam is the way it is. This is what makes them distinct and unique. Sex and eroticism is celebrated and played to the hilt. Courtesans in all their glory line the streets, separated only by full length glass windows from a gawking public, waiting for prospective clients. Once a deal is closed, a red curtain is drawn. Coffee shops selling cannabis are a common sight. Erotic museums are scattered everywhere and the one we decided to see was hilariously weird! We had so much fun that we got back to the hotel at 3 AM!

It was a one of a kind experience. Definitely one for the books! If you plan to go on a European sojourn, Amsterdam is not one to miss! 

The Bulldog: first coffee shop in Amsterdam

Disneyland Paris

The happiest place on earth! Get ready for a photo dump! You can never say no to a trip to Disneyland. My Friday started with a 3-hour French class, so I was relieved to be in Disneyland by 2 PM. My friends and I immediately rode on the Indiana Jones roller coaster! It was an intense ride for me, since I always avoid them. It gave us such a rush that we decided to have a second go!

It was then a flurry of food, rides, parades and, of course, photos! There are actually two parks in Paris - Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios. However, we only had enough time to go to the first. Fun fact: there is a dragon's lair under the Castle of Sleeping Beauty. All the castles in other Disneyland parks around the world do not have this feature, which makes the one in Paris unique! They went for a "fairy tale" design inspired by the classic book illustrations. 

It may be all the kids around the park or the music playing, but there's no doubt that Disneyland brightens your mood and gives off such a positive vibe. I felt like a little girl who wanted to be a princess all over again! 

Bruges

Another Belgian adventure a few days ago in the city of Bruges. We started the trip with a boat ride through the canals, where we saw old houses, yachts, and numerous restaurants by the water. Also known as the Venice of the North, a lot of people bike around the city since it is one of the most convenient ways to get around. 

A quaint and interesting city with a few tourist attractions, it was an unforgettable experience as we tried their famous Belgian Beer! A first for me as my drink of choice has always been water, I opted for something light, a Boscoli - cool fruit beer - which I surprisingly really liked! Another hit was the Hoegaarden Rose.

When it was time to go back, my friends and I had an unexpected detour (blame it on the beer!). We took a left on a corner where we were supposed to go right, so it was chaos for the next 30 minutes as we tried to find our way back to the bus. Thankfully it didn't leave without us! Embarrassed, flushed, and relieved, it was an exciting day of firsts!

Ypres

Memories of World War I. Last Wednesday, we visited the town of Ypres in Belgium. The Tyne Cot Cemetery was the first destination. There were hundreds of thousands of graveyards for people who died during the World War.

We arrived in Leper afterwards, and visited the Menin Gate. Names of soldiers who did not get the chance to have a proper burial were engraved on the walls. The 'In Flanders Fields Museum' had numerous weapons, suits for war and the like. Events from the World War were meticulously portrayed. The place was so quiet as a form of respect.

The city itself is very old. There aren't too many new buildings, the streets are narrow and mostly one way. They have a ceremony at the Menin Gate everyday at 8 PM to honour all the soldiers. 

On a lighter note  we visited the best waffle and ice cream place in town! If you ever find yourself in Ypres, go to Il Gusto D'Italia! I recommend a waffle with toppings (I had Nutella and bananas) or one with ice cream (they have Oreo, Smurf, M&Ms to name a few) on top. Yum! 

Tyne Cot Cemetery 

Menin Gate

In Flanders Fields Museum 

In Flanders Fields Museum

Lille

Of brick roads, old buildings, churches and wonderful people, Lille is a beautiful city! It is located in the North of France. It has the perfect mix of urban and rural life! They use old buildings for modern shops and theatres, which gives off such a different vibe. There is an efficient transportation system - with buses, trams, and a metro - which makes it fun to explore. And it isn't too big of a city, so it's easy to find your way back home.

Can't wait to learn new things, both in and outside of school! It's such a different experience to stay in a dormitory with 7 other people, and to be in a new environment with a completely distinct culture.

Spent my first few days here exploring the city and meeting the other exchange students. But it's time to hit the books for now!