Queen's Day in Amsterdam

The capital city of Holland was my first trip out of Germany during this exchange semester. A beautiful, small, city with an endless network of canals and charming houses aligning it. The most amazing thing is the fact that everyone rides a bicycle in Amsterdam. Since it is almost flat, the easiest way to navigate the small streets beside the canals is by bike. That was how I got around during my 4 days there. I really appreciate Karen for accomodating me and being a great host during the 4 days.


This is probably my favourite picture of Amsterdam. Capturing the essence of the city - The canal, the bike, the boat houses and the houses aligning it. This was taken on the first morning there after an overnight bus ride from Frankfurt. The city was still asleep as me and Olga walking from Amstel station to Centraal.


After an afternoon of wandering Albert Cuystr. Market which was a massive steet market, selling almost everything. Here with my fellow Singaporeans Karen and Alfi and Chris from UK; all exchange students in Amsterdam


The old sheep in front of the Nemo museum at the harbour. Minutes walk from Karen's apartment.


Tranquil gardens of Begijnhof. This is one of the places where catholism was secretly practiced in the past.


At the Heineken Museum with Gabriel and Amy


Lovely Korean dinner prepared by Karen's korean friends


The Rijks Museum with famous Rambrandts paintings. Other must-see Museums in Amsterdam are the Van Gogh Museum, the History Museum and Anne Frank's House.

Queen's Night
The night before the 31st of April.


Amsterdam was filled with street parties the whole night long. Thats us dancing at a street party. Dutch DJs are pretty awesome with their House stuff.


With Alice, Harry and Jae at one of the street parties

Queen's Day - 31st April

According my Dutch friends, the best time to be in Amsterdam is during Queen's Day! This is when the whole city goes wild with partying and wearing orange. Queen's Day celebrates the birthday of the current Queen's mother. (They did not change the date for the new queen)


The boat parties were the best! Every barge along the canal had a DJ spinning and people dancing.. surprisingly not falling off.


The best dressed group in Amsterdam - really!


With Alfi - He's awesomely shameless!

If you every head down to Amsterdam, don't forget to take a night trip along the Red-Light District. It is almost a tourist destination. You may even find families and hordes of Japanese tourist along the streets. Oh yeah... and of course try some space cakes - their harmless.