The last day in Amsterdam was easily my favorite day of the trip. I did not want it to end!

We started out the day with a walking tour around part of the city. We viewed some old Jewish residential areas, and also some new construction in the city. While walking around, we saw memorial stones that had been placed in front of an old house. These stones were there as memorials for those residents that lost their lives during WWII while in concentration camps. Seeing these stones were quite moving- many walk by them every day, yet they are so powerful and I am glad we noticed them as not just another stone to walk on.

After our walking tour, we visited a Portuguese Synagogue. This was my first time in a synagogue, and it was quite interesting! There were many areas to go in and visit, and the synagogue was overwhelming in size compared to what I am used to seeing in the states. I love getting to know new cultures and traditions, so this was very exciting for me. I highly suggest for anyone to go see this synagogue if you visit Amsterdam (and do not forget to play with the dreidels in the gift shop if you have a chance to do so!!)

The next place we visited was the Jewish History Museum. I only got to walk around for about an half an hour, yet what I saw was interesting.

The most interesting and anticipated part of the trip, for myself, was having the chance to visit the Anne Frank Museum. In eighth grade, I was given the task to read The Diary of Anne Frank. I know it might sound lame, but this reading assignment is, to this day, one of my favorite that I have ever had. I always wanted to go see the annex, and am so glad that I got the chance to! This museum was moving in every way possible. What struck me most was the silence throughout the house.. When you go to other museums, they are overwhelmingly loud with chatter and children playing, yet this one was totally different. As I walked through the halls, all I could think is that I hope that Anne knows that she became the star she aspired to be, and is continuing to inspire people yesterday, today, and in the future.

After the official learning day was finished, Mattie and I decided to scout out the bench from the movie, “The Fault in Our Stars.” This is a movie that is derived from a book written by John Green. This is one of my favorite books and movies, so this was very very exciting for me. I am pictured at the top of this post sitting on the bench from the movie!

All-in-all, this trip was truly amazing! I cannot thank everyone enough for giving me the chance to travel to Europe as a freshman in college. I am so exciting to go back again one day!