September 8th- September 11th

September 8th, 2010

NAMUR, BELGIUM

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

AMSTERDAM

Take my first train in the wrong direction (I got on the wrong platform at the train station). This is only a 30 minute mistake as I hop off the train in Hoorn and head back to Amsterdam Central station. Ruben greets me at the station and I arrive at Ruben’s house at 11pm. Time for sleep.

September 9th, 2010
First day in Amsterdam and I really don’t feel like doing much today. A relaxing day to shower, sit around and revitalize myself. I did some laundry and went to the local market to get some foods for the evening. I played monopoly with Ruben and his nephew, Ricardo, and I made dinner for the two of them. Chicken with a curry, cumin, dry rub. Instant mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms. Nom. Time for bed.

September 10th, 2010
I went on a canal boat ride trip that was free (well the guy worked for donations for restoring historic boats). Even though it was raining the whole time the trip was so nice. The canal system confuses me quite a bit, but I love the setup of the city. I love the whole look and feel of the city center. Then at night I went and grabbed drinks and dinner and then went back to Ruben’s place until I crashed out around 3. Good evening.

September 11th, 2010
Current location: Muidersport station not too far from Central station in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Today i went for a long walk and found a Brazilian couple who were headed to the Anne Frank museum (i.e. they were willing to read the bus schedule and maps). And they were happy to have me tag along as well. We first stopped by the North Market to see what kind of goodies they were selling, then we went and grabbed some lunch at a cute cafe. Apparently the woman Vaiara (spelling?) is a movie star in Brazil so she kept stopping to say hello to people. After lunch, the couple said they had to meet a friend at the Van Gogh museum so i decided to part ways and head to the Anne Frank museum since it was already 3ish and i had said i would return to Ruben's apartment by 6pm.
Anne Frank's house and museum really made me silent. It was heart wrenching to think of this girl's time in such an isolated and lonely environment. One of the diary entries written on the wall expressed her desire to laugh and play outside. So simple, yet you can't imagine the feelings she must have felt being denied such a privilege.
Tonight should be a nice time. Not much planned besides having a few people over to Ruben’s place, dinner and drinks. Tomorrow it should be rainy :-( but that is all good.