Frites and more frites: Amsterdam day 3
The day started with us headed for the Anne Frank museum. The destination made famous by the book ‘Diary of Anne Frank’ landmarks the historical hideaway that Otto Frank and family used to hide away from the Nazis. It’s been a long time since 6th grade, so I was psyched when I realized that was one of the things to see in Amsterdam! I even forgot the Nazis found and captured them!
On the way to the museum, Kristine got a flat. Needless to say, some crying and frustration was involved! Eeekk! Thankfully we had just passed another bike shop, but they couldn’t fix the flat on the spot. She would have to rent another bike while hers gets fixed over the next few hours.
Once at the Anne Frank house, we had to battle a long line. Probably waited a good hour-and-a-half. As we neared the entrance two dudes thought they could be slick and cut in front of us. BIG mistake. HUGE mistake. We made a little bit of a commotion (but didn’t resort to curse words). Rightfully, they left the line in shame.
The long line…
The tour didn’t allow photos and throughout this trip I’m really thankful for such policies. Really makes the experience more memorable and viewing more comfortable. Due to Otto Frank’s wishes, the home didn’t have furniture displayed either. But things such as Anne’s celebrity photos were still on the walls. The rooms were quite large; much much larger than I expected. Mockups and videos on flat panels were throughout the museum. Pages from Anne’s diary and notebooks were also on display. Really great experience overall and worth the wait.
Photo of the house door and plaque up close.
It was already lunch time and not everyone went to the Anne Frank house (some of us have been prior), so we met up for lunch. I had some forgettable Dutch meatballs and nachos. I also ordered Amstel Light but managed to get Amstel 0.0 (non-alcoholic). Uuugghhh. WTF. Oh well.
For some of us, the next stop was a windmill within Amsterdam proper. Apparently, while it’s a Holland icon, there’s only one windmill nearby (privately-owned home). So on our bikes we went for a short 15 min bike ride!
Me on the bike in front of the windmill…
The Instagram version…
Hopefully not obvious, the above poses were taken while my bike was stopped and supported by the kickstand. Maybe it was the 20+ takes (thanks Kristine!) but my kickstand snapped in two! Guess no more posed bike photos for me.
Early evening was approaching, and it was our last full day in Amsterdam, so we returned to the city center to return our bikes. With the least walking, Amsterdam definitely wins the prize for the most comfy city for my feet!
Hungry, we passed by a super busy fries stand that claimed to have the best ‘frites’ in Holland. Huge portions. They had a list of available sauces that reminded me of Buffalo Wild Wings! We settled on mayo, ketchup, and barbecue sauce.
Jessica about to dig in.
Me and Kristine in potato heaven.
I liked the frites a lot. Some in our group just thought they were okay. Regardless, with just two cities under our belt, I think we’re nearing our frites quota =). Needing to do laundry and pack for a train to Paris the next day, we took the bus back to our apartment.
With no desire to walk or trek back into the city center, we opted for dinner at a local bar-restaurant across the street. Armed with great evening weather, I was ready for a beer while dining in the lively outside patio.
Yummy hamburger… with MORE frites. Sadly they were so yummy, I couldn’t stop eating them =(. Haha! (As I write this while sitting in the Rome airport, I still think these fries were the best on the trip so far).
Amsterdam is a pretty chill place (at least compared to the US). People seem to wake up a little later and close up shop a little earlier. While I wouldn’t say the food service is bad, it’s definitely not super attentive. All in all, a relaxing dinner to end the night.
Tomorrow, next stop: Paris, the city of lights!
Amsterdam Central station the next day; where we’d be taking the train to Paris.
