Have I Found The Perfect Hot Chocolate?
On Monday, I embarked on a short train journey from Paris to Amsterdam. Seated next to a Parisian businesswoman, the trip was a breeze. As the train doors swung open, a flood of memories from 12 years ago rushed through my mind. But first thing was first, I needed to get my luggage to my accommodation. I decided to take a leisurely stroll, taking in the city's sights along the way. Little did I know that navigating a suitcase over cobblestones for a three-kilometer stretch would be such a workout.
As I may have mentioned before, I'm undertaking this entire adventure as a solo traveller. Therefore, I tend to opt for hostels over hotels or Airbnb's because of the opportunities they offer for mingling with like-minded individuals. The hostel in Amsterdam did not disappoint in this regard, as I found myself sharing a bunk room with three Italians, a Spaniard, and another Australian. We all arrived within an hour of each other, promptly sat down on the floor, and became engrossed in conversation. After a tiring day of travel, we rested up, preparing for a day of exploration that lay ahead.
My agenda for the first day included a bike tour, savoring frites with fritessaus, a visit to the Erotica Museum, and a pilgrimage to Tony's Chocolonely Superstore. The bike tour proved to be a fantastic way to explore the city, particularly for newcomers. It took me through the main canal area and into a neighborhood called NDSM, once a shipyard and now a thriving hub for arts and culture in Amsterdam. There, you can even legally practice your graffiti skills, which was incredibly cool to witness. After all that cycling, my stomach was grumbling, so I made my way back to Dam Square and indulged in a cone of frites with fritessaus. With a satisfied belly, I ventured over to the Red Light District and explored the Erotica Museum. Shortly after immersing myself in the history of erotica, I tried my hand at making my own chocolate bar at Tony's Chocolonely Superstore (mine featured milk chocolate with sea salt and cinnamon sugar). The evening drew to a close with numerous rounds of Jenga and copious amounts of wine shared with my dorm mates.
The following day was reserved for a trip to Zaanse Schans, a charming town known for its iconic windmills. Originally, I had considered booking a bus tour, but with a bit of internet research I realised I could tackle this adventure independently. So that's exactly what I did - windmills, traditional clog shoe-making demonstrations, and cheese tastings, all in a single day. It was a delightful experience, and I relished the freedom to wander at my own pace (the sole reason I love solo travelling). Upon returning to Amsterdam, I stumbled upon the World Press Photography Exhibition. This exhibition is typically a yearly highlight for me in Brisbane, but I missed it when it was in town. Discovering it in Amsterdam brought tears of joy to my eyes. I spent a good two hours there, captivated by the powerful storytelling and emotions evoked by the imagery. I'll put it out there because, why not? I truly hope that one day my own photography can be included in something as significant and profound as this kind of exhibition.
On my final day in Amsterdam, the weather remained as dreary as ever. I decided to visit the MOCO Museum, which showcased the works of pop artists, including the likes of Andy Warhol and Banksy. Lost in the art, I reveled in the visual feast before my eyes. Due to the gloomy weather, I had a strong hankering for a warm beverage, specifically a stellar hot chocolate. So, I embarked on a quest to find the very best, and boy, did I succeed! Chocolaterie Pompadour served up a cup of cocoa that would make even Santa Claus envious - perfectly bitter yet sweet. Pair that with a Parisian croissant, and my life would be absolutely complete. I can't help but wonder if Berlin might have something to add to this already delectable pairing...