Today began with a canal cruise where I learned a lot about the architecture of Amsterdam. I learned that there are big hooks at the very top of each building used to hoist furniture into the respective floors, as many houses did not have the space to afford a large door to fit large furniture through. I had not noticed them beforehand.

We then went out for lunch, where I went to a supermarket. I learned that Amsterdam’s grocery prices are much much lower than back home, and they also have a nutrition rating from A to E on everything they sell. Which is interesting and very helpful when paroozing the store.

We then went on a guided tour throughout the city. WOW. This guy was amazing I learned so much, probably my favorite part of the trip so far. I learned a lot about the city today, including how the city used to have open sewers and be super crowded and filled with disease, and even thirty years ago was a very unsafe city, filled with homeless and the addicted. I learned more about nazi occupation in the Netherlands, and about the origin of the Netherland’s progressive attitude. Of which originates from the port aspect of the town, which brought all sorts of people to the Netherlands. We learned about the effect of water on the infrastructure, and how the collection of bikes from the bottom of canals led to a lack of support of canal walls and further led to these walls collapsing. We also visited a chocolate store, and the industry of chocolate. I learned a lot about the cacao tree and fair trade and sustainable practices.

Then me and the guys went out, wandering Amsterdam. We shopped and went out for dinner, where many laughs and stories were exchanged.