My brother and I arrived in Amsterdam ready to explore, despite being incredibly jetlagged. We had less than two days and could not afford to waste one moment! We dropped our bags off at our hotel and set off for some nourishment in the form of breakfast.
We spotted a nearby cafe and as we entered it I was instantly reminded why Europe is just so unbelievably charming. Where else do you find café after café decorated in such bohemian fashions? The food just tastes better when you are dining in these surroundings.
After breakfast, we decided to simply get lost. While it might not have been the most efficient way to see the city, it was certainly the most fun. As we aimlessly wandered around excited to see what lie around the next corner, I happened to remember a quote I had heard by Thabo Mbeki, the ex-President of South Africa, while traveling there years before,
I am like a cosmic wanderer, driven by the winds to land where they will.
Even though I most likely would have never visited Amsterdam on my own (it just never pulled at my heartstrings), I was there now, and I could not have been more happy. The winds always take me where I need to go!
Of course what trip to Europe is not complete without a visit to H&M? My brother had never visited one before and I had to literally drag him out of there after an hour of trying on clothes (okay, so maybe we had to drag each other). Then we passed by a Coffeeshop, where we might or might not have stopped in. All I will say is, “When in Rome!”
I truly loved being in a city again that is so pedestrian friendly. I think that is probably one of the things that I miss most about NYC. In Charlotte I am constantly lamenting about driving everywhere (thank goodness I have a Prius).
My brother and I are serious soccer fans, so the fact that we were in Europe for the World Cup only made our trip that much more special. We are both Argentina fans and could not wait for their first match.
Needing a break from walking, we dropped our shopping bags off at our hotel and then headed back out for a cruise along the canals. . .
How fabulous are those chandeliers and the gallery wall in that cafe – so incredibly chic!
Funny Amsterdam was never really on my list of places to add but after reading about it over the past few months I’ve added it to my list. Looking forward to the rest of your European adventure with your brother. Still can’t believe what an awesome gift you gave him!
Oh my he IS tall 😀 And handsome.
I am loving this Andi. I LOVE Europe (I was born in Hungary).
Awesome post, you’re such a great writer.
Such a fun city…I love Amsterdam! There is so much to do there…looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip =)
OMG, I had no idea that you were such a Glamazon!!!! I’m jealous!
Did you visit the Anne Frank house while you were there too?
oooh! Amsterdam looks lovely! It’s actually in my travel bucket list, and though my husband isn’t that interested (I guess like you, it just doesn’t tug at his heart strings, either ;-)) I know I’ll make it there sometime.
Loved the quote, I know exactly what you mean.
That cafe is really charming, that’s right. 🙂 Nice pics.
One of my absolutely favorite cities! Wonderful photos. And YES you and your brother DO look alike! 🙂
Amsterdam is such a cool city. Thanks for bringing it to life again!
Yes The Netherlands is a wonderful country.
Enjoy with your bro.
Thanks
TC
Oh how I wish there was an H&M in South America, you are so lucky. I love how that cafe is so eccletic, so bohemian yet crystal chandeliers, somehow it all works.
Looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing ~ and thanks for the Guatemala tips! Looking forward to more : )
It’s just the first day and it already sounds soooo fun!
Pingback: Tweets that mention My Beautiful Adventures » Blog Archive » Europe: Day 1 (Part 1) -- Topsy.com
Love this city, esp. since living in the NL! I miss the walking & biking
I have NOT been to Amsterdam (except the airport) so I am enjoying this!
Your photos are so gorgeous! Like you, I’ve never really felt a desire to visit Amsterdam, but your post may be changing my mind. 🙂
u reminded me to take my camera nxt time i’m in Amsterdam
Great post & photos!
Great city to get lost in. Love the post.
Amsterdam looks amazing, great pictures! I’m 5’9″ too so it’s a special occurrence when I look short next to someone! Great post, have a fun trip!
It’s funny: I rarely miss living in Holland until I see someone else’s photos of it. It truly is a visually stunning country (though I wasn’t wild about their attitude toward Americans/expats)!
Color me sooooooo jealous. Your pics are amazing!
I love your comment about H&M. So true. I’ve never actually been to Amersterdam although my passport claims I have because I had to switch planes. It looks lovely.
Just found your travel blog from a link on never ending voyage. I have to say that I am very impressed and when I have the time, I will be checking out your adventures.
Amsterdam has never pulled at my heartstrings either, but looking at your pictures makes me think I might enjoy it. Sounds like you and your brother had a really fun day!
Aww, first of all you and your brother looks so happy during the trip. I never had a trip with my sister, but someday we’ll. I love the cute cafe decor too. I would lvoe to sit in there with nice food and cute decor to stare at. Fun Fun trip girl.
I’m from the midlands in England, it would have been very easy for me to get to Amsterdam and yet…….I have never been, I’m sorry.
Awesome! I hope to go to Amsterdam one day… glad you guys had a good first day! Your brother is very lucky to have a sister like you!!!
Amsterdam a dream for anyone!
Such a wonderful day wow!!!!!!
GORGEOUS shots! Looks like you didn’t get rain!! “I am like a cosmic wanderer, driven by the winds to land where they will.” is probably my favorite sentence from your post; absolutely love it!
So glad you enjoyed Amsterdam 🙂
When in Rome! It’s all part of the experience! Enjoy my dear!
Great read!!!
You’re the best blogger out there!
What a beautiful trip!
Looks like such a fuuuun trip with you bro!
Ooh, I do love H & M but it’s seriously bad for my travel savings. I’d love to know how pricey you found Amsterdam to be? We’re planning a trip but I’ve been told that it’s incredibly expensive…
Have the best time with your bro!
This is the top page I have read all day!
Delbert
Pingback: My Beautiful Adventures » Blog Archive » Europe: Day 3 (Part 1)
What an awesome trip!
Top blog, I had not come across mybeautifuladventures.com earlier during my searches!
Continue the wonderful work!
It’s such a important site. cool, quite interesting!!!
Have fun!!!!!!!!!
Awesome trip!!!!!!!!!
Hi, just found your blog and you have good content. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future. Thanks,Michael
All the information on how to live a dream life is on this blog.
Awesome trip!!!!!!
Have the best journey ever!!!!
What a present to give your bro!!
Can I be your bro too?????
Great post!!!!!
This is very fine web site!
Europe is the best.
Beautiful!
Talk about high quality!!!
Fun trip!
Gorgeous writing & photos. 🙂
Awesome blog thank you!
Looking forward to your next post!
Hi, very interesting post, greetings from Greece!
I love seeing websites that rock my world!
Loved it, thanks.
Nice post!
You rock!
nice post 🙂
Wonderful! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to go to Amsterdam, you’re photos make me want to even more.
Nice blog about your first day in Europe. Amsterdam really nice to visit…will continue reading your day-2 🙂
This too is on my bucket list of things to do! 🙂
Awesome to hear that!