Amsterdam

After an incredibly delicious bagel with goat cheese, honey, and dried herbs accompanied by a large cappuccino, I hoped on the train to Amsterdam. 

Pardon the dirty train window, but how stunning are all those spring flowers!

I could have spent the entire weekend in the ginormous Rijksmuseum, but I managed to also check out the Anne Frank house, the Red Light District, and a huge pillow fight that took place in the historic old square!

My visit to Holland, specifically Amsterdam, was easily one of my favorite places I've been this entire year in Europe. I really dislike the phrase, "it's unlike any other place", but Amsterdam really is. It's charming but edgy; new and old. I could picture myself living there and was really sad to leave come Sunday! 

xx

Den Haag & Delft

Den Haag or The Hague, in English, is in Holland, making it one of the 12 provinces of the Netherlands (I clarify because I personally had no idea what the distinction was until my visit). It's a very international city, in fact, the Nuclear Security Summit was held in The Hague just a few weeks back. My aunt Catherine lives there so before I decided to make a visit since I hadn't seen her in quite some time. I caught a really early flight out of Rome and was greeted with cappuccinos by the beach, making me one, somewhat tired, but still happy camper. My trip was an absolute pleasure and I wish I could have stayed for much longer.

After exploring a bit, we hopped on the tram to the small town of Delft to grab lunch and check out the open air market that takes place on Thursdays. I really enjoyed Delft and the crooked church was too funny!

This kibbeling (Dutch fried fish) was spectacular.

After we got back to The Hague, I spent the rest of the afternoon at The Hague's main art museum,  Gemmentemuseum.

Thank you so much Aunt Catherine for hosting me and showing me your lovely city. I definitely have a newly found love for Holland & The Hague!

xx