Disciple of the Heinous Path

I want to go back, to relive this experience. I cannot think of the last time a city compelled me to such an extent. Amsterdam: where I should have been living for the past, I don't know, twenty-one years of my life. I will start from the beginning:

I exited the train after a two hour ride from Brussels, another city in which my time was too short. I hadn't slept for about a day, but my adrenaline was pumping so hard that I could have easily stayed up another two, feeling like a had injected three cans of Red Bull directly into my bloodstream. This was the end of my Haaj and Amsterdam my Mecca. Alexandra and I quickly located our hostel, which was conveniently located only about half-kilometer from the Amsterdam Centraal, an architectural marvel as far as train stations are concerned. The city was alight like the 4th of July; A thousand fireworks going off at once, people meandering through tight alleyways and backstreets, which amply supplied them with all that they desired. I can liken this city at night to no other. It was simply incredible.

We put our belongings away in our rooms, and set out to explore the city. Each street was a microcosm in and of itself. One would have to spend an entire day to have a comprehensive understanding of what each street had to offer. We settled into an establishment known as the Green House, a place with a sheik ambiance and very chill atmosphere and staff. After I partook in their award winning specialties, we ventured out again to find something to eat. This was not at all difficult, as we soon came to find out. Amsterdam was loaded with street venders, and cheap restaurants, at which one could indulge and be right on their way again to experience the many sights, sounds, and tastes of Amsterdam.

The next few days were jam packed with more of the same activities, so I won't go into much detail. We visited the Anne Frank house/museum, which was actually worth the one hour wait in line and the 9 euro entrance fee. We also walked for hours around the city, finding that Amsterdam, or at least the oldest section of Amsterdam, was not that large at all.

One aspect that particularly made this trip noteworthy, was the hostel. On hostelbookers.com, Hostel Croydon was rated with a 51% average. Initially, was quite worried that this experience would be overshadowed by the looming cloud that could have been an abominable hostel stay. The sort of hostel that leaves you filthy, tired, and upset that you ever chose such a place to lay your head at night. Fortunately this was not the case. Croydon was located adjacent, or rather, connected to a crepery, with delectable waffles and crepes. We also had the luxury of free wifi in the hostel, and clean dorm-style rooms, with a bathroom and shower in each. You may say to yourself, "This seems pretty normal as far as lodging goes", but get this: It was only about 10 euros a night to stay there. Win.

Amsterdam is, in my opinion, the greatest city in Europe. This was the very first time after an extended trip in Europe that I didn't want to return to the Chateau for a shower and renurishment. I was so upset to have to leave, and I am still longing to set foot on its hallowed ground in the future. In fact, I am going to book a return trip before I leave Europe. I would recommend Amsterdam to anyone, whether or not you are a partier, antisocial, or don't like to travel. You will love it. And if you don't, I want nothing to do with you.

-Tyler Collins