Living Life Like It's Golden

I'm not a history buff. And I don't think mama is either. But what we are, is curious and open. So we took a beautiful canal cruise today where we were able to see the city from another angle. This is seriously one of the most breathtaking cities I've ever visited. The canals, the buildings, the people, the tolerance, the air of care-free-dom. It's all so cool! We got off at the Anne Frank House Museum, but unfortunately the line was too long so we decided to save it for a future visit. After exploring that area and window shopping our way through De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets), we were on a mission to find the Royal Palace.

Once we discovered that it was just steps away from our hotel and that we'd been walking past it for a couple days, Mama was determined to get inside before we left the city. So after our boat tour, we found our way back toward the city center (Centrum) and there it was. And wouldn't you know, it was open for visits today. Excitedly mama went in, me following, all because she'd never been in a real palace before. Boy was it a site to behold. Really beautiful, ornate fixtures, breathtaking art pieces and lots of history (we got to walk through the same short doorways that Napolean did when he turned this building from city hall to a palace).

We didn't stay too long, because, again, we're just not so into history for history's sake. But we can now say we've been to a real palace and how pretty it is. And how royal and high on life we felt. And how the entire day felt like such a blessing. Like we were living the words of Jill Scott's song "Golden," especially "I'm taking my freedom, putting it in my stroll, I be high-stepping ya'll, letting the joy unfold."

Indeed, we are feeling golden. So grateful for the experience and freedom in Amsterdam and ready for our next adventure.

P.S. If you've read my blog, you know I love to look at the demographics and make up, from my eyes, of the places I visit. Admittedly, I've had a hard time putting my finger on who's from here and who'e visiting. At first it was frustrating. Then I decided that I kind of like it. Mostly because it means that I don't feel out of place. And can actually be one of the locals if I wanted...well, until I open my mouth. Well played Amsterdam, well played. 

Beautiful, sunny view of the art and history museum, Rijksmuseum.

I totally forgot what the curator said this is. But the picture's nice out of the roof of the boat, huh?

The Anne Frank House. We were excited to go inside, not really to stand in the two-hour long line. And online tickets were sold out. 

It's the palace ya'll!"

One of the many rooms in the palace.

The King and Queen were busy. We left them a copy of this selfie and told them to call us when they want us to come stay at the palace with them. 

We found a Mexican restaurant. We were curious. And oddly enough, not at all disappointed. Good job Amsterdam.