Reminiscing over my entire trip, I realize how much I have experienced here. My first two weeks in Amsterdam were amazing. Even doing the smallest things like taking public transportation and familiarizing myself with the city was so special. I really enjoyed the people in Amsterdam. They’re all very friendly and speak amazing english. The architecture and history is of course top notch. Visiting the Rijksmuseum was very unique. Being able to see Rembrandt’s The Nights Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid was breathtaking. I also loved visiting the Van Gogh museum and seeing his numerous art works that are all very beautiful. Delft was such a beautiful town and has such a special piece in Dutch History. Knowing that William of Orange was living in Delft and eventually assassinated in his home was so enthralling. Then to step outside and walk to the city square in front of the old city hall and know that the assassin was killed in a barbaric fashion is even more enticing. Delft also has so much beauty, apart from the world famous Delft Blue artwork. It had grachts and similar architecture to Amsterdam but was smaller, quieter, less touristy, and filled with even more Holland charm. I also think that Utrecht was one of my favorite visits. The old history of the university gives the town a special and prestigious aura. The city center is a nice size and has lots of new shops to keep up with the modern Dutch style. Utrecht is a place small enough to have a family and live, but not too large to feel lost when wandering. I liked how the grachts were much lower than other cities and there were restaurants and bars right on the edge of the water.
Visiting Belgium was a whole different trip on its own. When we first arrived to Brussels I was nervous because it seemed overwhelmingly large. As time went by I realized it is actually a nice city to navigate through, even with all the cobble stoned alleys. Brussels has so much culture. I absolutely loved seeing the Flemish Masters artwork, visiting the parliaments, and viewing the medieval part of the city. Flanders is a very unique and beautiful land. I think they have some of the most beautiful remnants of the middle ages. Bruges and Ghent were definitely my favorite cities. The history that they both preserve is unreal, and it’s just so exciting to see buildings still standing that were built all the way back in the 12th century. The basilica in Bruges was so amazing, it’s by far one of the most intimate chapels I have ever seen. Experiencing Flanders with a family dinner was also very special. Being able to talk to actual residents of the area and retrieve their input on current politics helped me understand and appreciate the Flemish culture even more. I truly loved my trip to both countries and I definitely see the Dutch connection between them in not just history, but in current culture. Hopefully Flanders can keep the culture alive, as the French language seems to be quite overpowering in Belgium. A deficit of education for the Flemish language due to economic stress and migrant increase is also not helpful in retaining the Flemish culture.
Amsterdam to Brussels 