Hello from Brugges

Hey everyone,

It feels like I haven't posted in ages! Since the last time I spoke to you, I have come and gone in Amsterdam and now am in Brugges, Belgium.

Again, I had a wonderful weekend in Meppen, Germany and I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been very accommodating along the way (Danke, Wolfgang & Gabi, Jung Family, and Hans-Eberhard & Marga).

So, where to start with Amsterdam? It is such a unique and captivating city. My hostel was located in the heart of the Red Light District which was very interesting. I chose to stay at a Christian hostel and that was definitely different. Surprisingly, I found it very hard to connect with fellow travellers and I felt like an outsider. When I first arrived, I went for a walk through the city. There are so many canals and the city is just so beautiful. It was so peaceful to sit in Vondelpark and have my dinner... until I noticed I was covered with tiny spiders. So, I brushed off and kept walking.

But don't worry about me... I was not alone. I met Marco, an Italian man who has worked at the hostel for the past month. We spent our evenings together which was amazing. He showed me around the city and it was great to share that experience with someone. Thanks, babe.

I only had one full day in A'dam so I had to make the most of it. I managed to visit the Rijksmuseum first thing before the lines were long and then I met up with Debbie, Anneke and Emma. They live in The Hague and I met Debbie and Anneke on my Egypt trip. We went to the van Gogh Museum, had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe (mmm, a real burger!) and went for a Canal boat ride when it was raining. We also went to the Museum of Bags and Purses before parting ways. It was so nice to spend a day with people I have met on my travels and talk about what has happened since we parted. Thanks ladies!

So, I only had two nights in A'dam so I tried to make the most of it. I was really sad to leave and wished I could have stayed longer... at least for Queen's day which is a crazy huge holiday in Amsterdam. I was told the streets are filled with street vendors and people decked out in orange and the city is more alive than it already is. So I guess I will have to come back some other year and see the rest of the city and experience Queen's day. But I did have a great time in A'dam.

Now I am in Brugges, Belgium with the sole purpose of having waffles and chocolate. That is on the itinerary for today along with deep-fried cheese and ice cream. Of course, to justify it all, I will be taking a 4 hour bike tour of the countryside. Biking is practically a religion over here. Everyone has a bike and it is the best way to get around. I was unable to go on a bike tour in northern Germany and A'dam so this is my last chance before I go back to the big cities. I will also be spending the day with Penny and Tina (the 2 Aussies I met on the Rhine tour) and Christine, a fellow Canadian at my hostel.

So, everything is awesome. I am enjoying all the places I have gone but do wish I had more time in each place (I haven't been able to find longer accommodation). Tomorrow, I leave for Paris which I am super excited about. I'll keep you all posted.

Love, Lisa