Review of the 2013 Europe Trip/Amsterdam

I never posted the pictures from "THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME" in September 2013.  I was turning 50 that year and decided to finally fulfill some dreams.  One dream was to travel around Europe particularly France.  I took French in elementary & high school and always wanted to experience the culture. And of course the food!  So I spent 21 days on "the continent"; Amsterdam, Brussels, Bordeaux, Loire Valley and Paris. Yes, I traveled alone, on & off trains, boutique hotels; the last week I was joined by my big sister and my BFF.

Traveled with one bag and carry on.  I was going to be on and off trains; needed to be able to handle my own luggage.

 

 

Amsterdam was the first stop.  Hotel Estherea with a canal view; old world style.  I purchased the I am Amsterdam Pass card.  It allowed skip the lines at museums, canal/tram transportation around the city, and hop on/off tour bus.  I felt safe touring the city as a single female.  I had breakfast & lunch at a local café in Dam Square, rode the canals, a canal cruise dinner, spent an afternoon in the Van Gogh museum, visit the a diamond factory, Anne Frank's house.