Valencia and Amsterdam

These were two different trips, but I'm including them in the same post because they're the only places outside of Germany I've been to so far.

The old town

I went to Valencia at the very beginning of September, before I even moved to Dortmund or went to the Fulbright orientation. I spent the last week of August with Pascal's family, and then flew to the beautiful and warm Spanish Mediterranean city of Valencia for the weekend to meet up with my dad who was there for a trade fair (he has a hard life, let me tell you). It's great traveling with my dad because 1) we like to do the exact same things, namely lots of walking, biking and going to museums, and 2) the lodgings and meals are considerably better when I don't have to fund them myself.

Dad at the beach

The weather was sunny and warm/hot the whole weekend, and we took full advantage of it by visiting the aquarium and going to the beach. In addition, the architecture in Valencia is a gorgeous mix of Moorish, Gothic, Romanesque and uber-modern styles. And let's not forget the sangria and paella, which originated in the Valencian region! I highly recommend Valencia as a travel destination, especially as an alternative to the extreme tourist crowds in Barcelona. Plus it has the most beautiful beach and water I have ever seen in my life. Next time you're jetting off for a Mediterranean escape, you'll know where to go.

cathedral plaza at night

cathedral tower

the dolphin show at the aquarium

futuristic architecture in the museum complex

I went to Amsterdam in the middle of October with my friend from home, Sarah, who was visiting me/doing a tour of Europe at the time. The canals and cobble-stoned bridges of Amsterdam are absolutely enchanting, well earning it the title "Venice of the North," though in my opinion it's actually prettier (and certainly cleaner) than Venice. Also, I have NEVER seen so many bicycles! I'm pretty sure I saw more bikes than cars. I have also never seen so many prostitutes, probably because I as a general rule do not frequent red light districts. But when in Rome...

at least I got to stand outside the AF house

Unfortunately, we didn't go to any museums, such as the Anne Frank House of the Van Gogh museum because they were either too expensive or the line was far too long (we tried twice at the Anne Frank house). We did, however, take a canal cruise, which I highly recommend. And here's another insider tip for ya: if you buy fries (and you should), get the samurai sauce. Trust me.

evening canal cruise

also stereotypical

stereotypical Holland

mmm, beer and pancakes!