So you want to visit Amsterdam...

HALLO!

I laaaaaaaaave when people ask me what to do in Amsterdam. LAAAVEEE. After living there for 6 months I feel like I have mucho knowledge on this. I was able to experience the touristy things and the local things as well. So here is my Amsterdam guide...

FOOD

I'm starting with food because I think it's the most important. 

Places to Eat:

Restaurants of all kinds are ALL over. It's very hard to go wrong in Amsterdam. Check Yelp or Trip Advisor too. If you are staying in an Airbnb or a place with a kitchen and need a grocery store, I would go to Albert Heijn or Lidl. 

• Bagels and Beans: I think I ate here about once a week. BEST hot chocolate ever. And the bagels. omg. I can't. Great for breakfast or if you are me, anytime of the day.

  

  I mean come on. Sesame seed bagel with chive cream cheese, tapenade, pine nuts and sundried tomatoes 

• Wagamamas: Asian fusion. This place was DELISH
• Wok to Walk: Fast, easy. It's like chipotle but Asian
• Febo: A must try. Best drunk food evaaaaa
• Restaurant Gerb. Hartering: If you are going for a really nice, fancy meal, I highly recommend this place. My mother said it was probably her favorite meal she's ever had. And she's old, so she's eaten at a fair number of places. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
• Tempo Doeloe: This in an Indonesian restaurant. The Netherlands used to "own" Indonesia back in the day so there is a great Indonesian influence here. This place was recommended on Anthony Bourdian's Amsterdam list. It was a fantastic meal. 

Here are a few more food links for restaurants to try: Amsterdamfoodie, Eater.com, and Dutchgrub.

I found some of the best restaurants just by walking around and exploring. It never crossed my mind to jot down the names of the restaurants back then but everywhere I stumbled upon was good! Can't really recall any bad meals.

Foods to Try:

• Chips: if you are American, like me, we call these fries. They have them all over the city, I don't have a favorite location because I wasn't really sober every time we had some. Recommend with the mayo.

• Stroopwafels: A MUST. It's like a caramel waffle cookie. They sell them hot and freshhhh at the Albert Cuyp market. (Details on the market below). Don't buy them at the souvenir shops. Go into a grocery store (Albert Hejn) and go to the cookie isle, they have a huge pack for like 2 euro. *Pro Tip: Place a stroopwafel over your hot tea or coffee to heat the insides to make it nice a gooey.

Ohhhh when the stroopwafel is warmed from the steam of your coffee. ohhhh lord

• Pancakes: These aren't your normal flapjacks my friends. They are kind of a pancake/crepe hybrid. I would get the cheese and bacon one. I also like the strawberry and Nutella ones obviously. The hardest part is deciding if you are in the mood for sweet or savory. 

• Profiteroles: They are like mini pancakes. If you catch yourself in Amsterdam during Christmas time, get them fresh at a Christmas market. It's also entertaining to watch them being made.

• Pickled Herring: Did I try this? No. Do most tourists? Yes. So I'll let you decide how adventurous you are feeling. 
• Cheese: I tried lots of different Dutch cheese all around the city center. Since I lived there, I always bought my cheese from the grocery store (Albert Hejn). When my sister and mom visited me that is the cheese I bought for them. Cheese stores in the center do have samples though!

Must See:

I hope you are spending more than one day in the 'dam so you can experience as much as possible. I think getting an I Amsterdam card is a good idea if you plan on going to one or more of these sites. It even includes transportation. Click here for more info on the card.

• Anne Frank House: Must visit. Get there early to avoid the lines. In the summer expect huge lines. Book tickets online before your trip. Be prepared to feel all the feels here. 
• Van Gogh: Personally, I am a huge Van Gogh fan so I really enjoyed the museum. The layout is kinda weird but that's my only negative.

• Rijksmuseum: If you are pressed for time, I'd skip this museum. Unless you are a huge history/art fan. This place is HUGE. Smaller than the Louvre, but still huge. The outside of the Museum is GORG. And there is usually someone playing music in the tunnel that runs through it.
• Iamsterdam: The famous Iamsterdam sign is located in front of the Rijksmuseum. Usually surrounded by tons of people trying to get a pic on top of a letter. Also in front of the Rijks is where the ice rink is in the winter. In the fall it was a huge pond with a fountain. It seemed to always change.

• Vondelpark: SOOOOO pretty. I used to bike around there or lay out with my friends on a nice day. In the summer there are a lot of concerts.

• Bloemenmarket: This is where they sell the tulips! Great to see if you can't make it out to the tulip fields between March-May. It's a good substitute. Just remember, if you buy bulbs, buy the American ones. And you will have to go through customs and get them checked and what not when you fly back. I personally just bought tulips from Costco when I got home.

• Dam Square: Super touristy but still a must see. If you are exploring the city center already, you will most likely stumble across Dam Square. Watch for pick-pocketers. There is also a huge souvenir shop right on the corner. Best place to buy gifts.

Mini Trips: 

If you have the time I highly recommend taking a quick train ride to these locations. All of these places are accessible from the train station in the city center.

• Keukenhof: The biggest flower fields in the world. I was in Amsterdam in the fall/winter so I never got to experience this but it's 100% on my to-do list for next time. They are open from March 23rd- May 21(ish). 

Google image Keukenhof and you will be verrrryyyy impressed.

• Windmills at Zane Schans: This is the best place to see the famous Dutch windmills. They also have a cute little town there. 

• Haarlem: A quick 20 min train ride from the city center puts you in my second favorite place in the Netherlands. I ABSOLUTELY loved Haarlem. The shops were all so unique and amazing, great churches, beautiful canals. I found a tea shop called "Babette's Tea" and it's one of my favorite places. It's walkable from the train station. Everything is walkable, honestly! Could not recommend Haarlem more. 

It's like a mini Amsterdam

I highly recommend the Babette's blend tea and the scones

• Bejlmer Arena: For those of you who are soccer fans and want to see the arena. This is also the area where I lived. So if you want to go over in that area let me know and I can give you more restaurants and things that are in that area.

See the little yellow star? That's where I lived! Could I hear every soccer game and concert? INDEED.

Things to do:

• Canal boat ride: There are a ton of different tour companies with similar prices. This is such a great way to ride throughout the canals and get a great look at the city. Try and fit this in if you don't have much time. You get to see so much.
• There are pizza cruises, wine cruises, architecture cruises, history cruises, dinner cruises, night cruises, etc... Just search the web for the one that fits best for you and the time you have there.

• Rent a bike: No better way to experience the Dutch way of life than riding a bike around! Don't rent the brightly colored orange or green ones because those have a greater chance of gotten stolen because it screams TOURIST. Most hotels/ hostels should have some you can rent from them. Ride to Vondelpark! (please be super cautious and be really aware, the Dutch don't stop. And they do yell at you if you are in the way.) Also, be aware that there are sidewalks AND bike lanes that look alike if you aren't paying attention. Red brick = bike lane. Still confused? Watch this helpful, hilarious video.

• Heineken Experience: Great way to learn how Heineken beer is made while enjoying two free beers. 
• Sex Museum: Take your mom!
• Red light district: And then take your mom here! Won't see much during the day. Night is the time to go if you want to see some ta-ta's. No pictures. Security guards will take your phone.

Shopping:

• 9 straatjes- Literally 9 streets in the Jordaan area with the cutest shops and restaurants. It's like the hipster part of the city. Greaaaaat place for instagram photos.
• Kalverstraat/ Liedjesstraat: Main shopping streets. You can find just about anything here: Forever 21, H&M, Steve Madden, Zara, etc.
• Albert Cuyp Market: My favorite market. Many nice vendors and food. THIS IS WHERE I WOULD GET A FRESH STROOPWAFEL. The stores around that area are nice too. 

Transportation: 

I think Amsterdam has the best transportation out of any city I've been to.

• Bike: Yes the city is small enough to walk around but, I just love to bike. (see video above about biking)
• Walking: Amsterdam is a great walking city. However, while you are walking, watch out for bikes. Remember the RED BRICK PATHS are for bikes, not pedestrians. Bikes always have the right of way.
• Trams: If you aren't biking, this is the next best thing. Amsterdam has a great tram system. Can purchase 1 or 2 day tickets in a metro station. Works on metro or tram.
• Metro: Not necessary if staying in the city center, but if you need it it's cheap and easy. Can purchase tickets inside any metro station
• Train: Best way to get from the airport to Centraal Station. No need to Uber.
• Uber/ Taxi: They have it if you need it.

Now here is the (fun) section of my blog for those who really want to dabble in that Amsterdam life.

Note: Cafe = sells coffee. Coffeeshop = sells weed.

Coffeeshops:

• Coffeeshop Old Amsterdam
• Bluebird
• Bulldog
• Grey Area
• 420 Cafe <- my personal fav.
• Greenhouse Centrum

 If you are nervous and want some more info, Click HERE. They are all over the place. Some are sketchier than others. They do check ID to make sure you are over 18. Some places charge extra for a lighter. It's cheaper to roll yourself vs. a pre-rolled. Pre-rolled usually contained more tobacco than I cared for. The people who work there are usually super nice and very helpful.

Nightlife:

• Leidseplein: Best area for night life. Young crowds. Also great christmas markets in the winter.
• Melkweg: concerts and clubs are held here. 
• Paradiso: Spent many nights at this club. Always fun. 

Any bar is usually pretty poppin on the weekends. Tons of bars and pubs in the city center. I went to one bar that was filled with arcade games and board games. Even had a ball pit! It's called De TonTon Club if you are interested.

Other side notes:

If you forget anything find a Hema, it's like a mini Target. If you need food, snacks or water find an Albert Hijn. This is where I recommend getting stroopwafels. They also have pre-packaged sandwiches and snacks. There are mini Albert Hijns at the airport and at the major metro/ train stations.

Most importantly HAVE TONS OF FUN because Amsterdam is the best place evaaaaa. And feel free to send me snapchats and pictures while you are there. And bring me home stroopwafels.

JUST LOOK AT THAT GOODNESS

Doei doei,
Marissa

I'm Going Going Back Back to Cali Cali

Californiaaaaaa here I cooommeeeeee. ( Cue O.C. theme song)

I can't decide if I am ready to come back or not.

I want to stay in Amsterdam forever.

But I also want Mexican food.

Do you see the problem?

Oh the Places I've Been

It's crazy to think that in the past 5.5 months I traveled to 11 countries. AND I had time to finish my degree. But that's not as interesting as the places I went to. Here is a brief recap of all the cities and countries I visited....

Barcelona, Spain

Brussels and Antwerp, Belgium 

Florence and Rome, Italy

Paris, France

All over Iceland

Prague, Czech Republic

Cologne and Munich, Germany

Salzburg, Vienna and Innsbruck, Austria 

Zurich, Switzerland 

All over England 

And lastly,

Utrecht, Haarlem, Maastrict, Rotterdam, Groningen, Zaanse Schans, Valkenburg and Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

 

 

The Netherlands 

Living over here went from a constant WTF am I even doing, to ok ok I think I got this, to eating stroopwafels while I bike around in the rain. 

It's crazy how much I learned while living here and how many things are so different from the States. From flushing a toilet to the cars people drive to the music in the clubs to paying for water. 

Over the past 6 months, I've kept a list of things that are different, things I've learned or just fun facts.

Here are some of them...

• You can walk into a store a buy weed. 
• Cafes and coffeeshops are two different things
• One sells coffee and the other sells marajuana 
• They have public transportation down to a science over here
• Stores are actually closed on Sundays and people use it as a day of rest. 
• The "fast" lane on the freeway is actually a passing lane and it's illegal to stay in it if you aren't passing someone. 
• Beer is the same price as water. 






• No one has a pickup truck. Cars are really small because the tax they pay on their car is based on the weight of the car.

• Bike lanes. 
• Bikes everywhere. 
• I wish we had better bike lanes in CA. It makes so much sense over here.
• Bikers have the right of way. 
• Also vespas can go in the bike lanes. So can tiny one person cars. 
• The Netflix is different! 
• You won't see anyone walking to class in sweatpants and flip flops. 
• Teachers give smoke breaks! And you don't have to be 100 feet from a building to smoke.
• Weed isn't actually legal here. It's just accepted. 
• No one really smokes out of pipes or pieces. 
• Everyone rolls instead. 
• The M&M's taste different. 

• You have to ask for the check if you want it. No one will ever just bring it to you.
• Service in Europe is THE WORST. But I think the Netherlands is the worst of them all.
• No tipping! 
• I've had such bad service that I don't even think I would tip them if I had to.
• Pancakes look like crepes. 
• And the waffles are DELISH. 
• The stroopwafel is the best thing about this place.
• I've seen more prostitutes in 6 months than most will see in their life.
• You need two locks on your bike.
• I judge how people lock up their bikes in other countries.

• Victoria's Secret only sells lotions, perfumes and hand bags over here.
• During Christmas time, the stores and streets would have some lights and decorations. Unlike in the States, every store, door, residential street and lamppost is decorated. 
• Grades are given on a scale of 1-10. 5.5 is passing and no GPA, so there is no motivation to get higher than a 5.5. 
• I think education is better in the States. 
• Cashiers at grocery stores sit in chairs.
• There are no bag boys.
• Febo is the best drunk food.
• Fries with mayo is also great when drunk.
• You ask where the toilet is... not the bathroom/ restroom. 
• And you have to pay for it. 
• You can drink water straight from the tap and it's delicious. 
• But the water destroys your hair. I miss the humidity giving me nice mermaid hair.
• Coffee is better over here.
• However I think Coffee Bean in SoCal and Dutch Bros in NorCal are just as good
• The Dutch are very direct.
• They say it is part of their culture. But I think they are being straight up rude.
• Almost every cafe and restaurant has outdoor seating and people will sit out there no matter the temperature if it's sunny. 
• It's looked down upon if you are American.
• However, it's cool if you are from California or New York.






• I've said, "I grew up near San Francisco but I go to school down by LA" about a thousand times. 
• If the club claims they are playing hip hop and r&b it is most likely not.
• People seem really behind on new music.
• You have to pay for the toilet at clubs. 

• It started getting cold over here in October. 
• There is no Target.
• My Twitter and Spotify ads are all in Dutch.
• The fruit in the grocery stores and markets look so fresh and juicy but they have no flavor.
• It tastes like straight water.
• However, the hummus is fantastic. 
• I still don't know how people bike to work in the rain and not have it ruin their day.
• No idea how I survived 5.5 months with no oven, toaster or freezer. 
• I also haven't watched tv in 5.5 months 
• So I have NOT been keeping up with the Kardashians 
• I have learned so many British words. I've caught myself saying chips instead of fries and biscuits instead of cookie. 

• 95% of the buildings here would not be up to California earthquake code standards. 
• The Netherlands had one of the driest seasons (Fall/ Winter) in years. Much less rain than normal and much warmer than normal.
• Which was fine by me.
• I can survive without internet or wifi.  
• Food is very bland. No spices to it.
• Everyone wants to know what it's like to be in a sorority. 
• And if it's just like the movies.
• People don't just go get fro-yo and hang out. Or boba.
• I haven't had boba or thai tea in MONTHS.
• Everyone speaks about two or three language.s 
• Makes you feel really stupid when you only know one. Also makes you wish you actually paid attention in Spanish class. 
• There are no toilet seat covers.
• Studying in the Netherlands was the most stressful and amazing experience. 

Fraijlemaborg 

Even though I traveled all around Europe and had so many great adventures, my favorite part of this entire experience was the friends I made. I wish I could take my entire dorm back to California with me. Living with people from all over the world was so fascinating. It made you think about how to phrase sentences or speak to someone who's second or third language is English. It was so fun to compare ways of life, schooling, politics, food, etc. with someone from a different country. It didn't matter how different everyone grew up, everyone still got along and hung out 24/7. I used to wish that our entire dorm was closer to the city center but then I realized that everyone probably wouldn't have hung out every night because there was nothing to do around here in our little ghetto.

I was blessed with the two best roommates a girl could ask for. As some people may know, my freshman dorm situation was... interesting (BANG BANG), so I was hesitant to share another dorm room with unknown people. BUT BOY I'M GLAD I DID. I spent the last 5.5 months with the best roommates, or flatmates if you're British, I've ever had. I learned all about Bulgaria and traditional Bulgarian foods. I didn't even know where Bulgaria was on a map before I met Emi. I loved all of our conversations about the most random things from Halloween to drinking fountains! I can't wait for you to show me around Bulgaria. Kayte, thank you for teaching me so many British words. I'm going to go home and call the trash the rubbish, the trunk the boot and a plate of fries a plate of chips. We had so many fun times between our two rooms. I can't wait for our California road trip.

I'm not sure when I will see everyone again and it's sad to think we may not all be together in one place ever again. However, it's nice to know I have friends all over the world. I plan on visiting each and every one of them at some point in my life. I can't wait for everyone to come see me in California and show them around my hood aka Disneyland. 

Out of all the months, my favorite is April.

Thanksgiving 

The crew

 

My favorite Jo <3

My 23rd bday

One of my favorite nights

My Swedish fish

Roy!

Ball Pit Bar

Final Party 

My California girl 

Roomieeeeee

Last ride together 

No idea whats happening here

My study abroad experience would not have been complete without her 

Time to Grow Up

I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity to grow and learn and see what I am capable of. It is a very empowering feeling. I've been scared to go home and find a job and a place to live. I can literally count down the days on my calendar to when I have to grow up. 

It's extremely scary coming back with nothing to come back to. But I also thought leaving the country and living in a foreign country would be scary and I made it work. Now I just have to go home, figure my shit out and make it work.

So that's my answer to everyone who asks what's my plan for when I return home.

I'm not sure. I don't know. I have no idea.

But I'll figure it out.

The only thing I have figured out, is that I'm getting Taco Bell right after I step off the plane.

With that being said. It's sad to say, but this is the end of my Marissa's Adventures Abroad Blog. Thank you all who have read my posts and enjoyed the journey with me. It's crazy to see how many people read this and kept up with my life. I really thought it was only going to be my mom who cared.

With that being said,

I'm ready to come back and Beyonce the shit out of the next phase of my life.  

XOXO,

Marissa

Peace out, Amsterdam.