Today was our last full day in Amsterdam. We started off with Anne Frank House. It was very emotional, but something that is a must see. I remember watching a movie about Anne Frank’s life when I was a lot younger with my family. I didn’t fully understand the severity of things and the tragedy of her life at that time, so I am glad that I get to reexperience it now and in an even more impactful setting. Seeing actual pieces of paper that were preserved with the names of Anne, and the Frank family was so shocking to me. The thing that made me think and reflect the most were a set of Anne’s marbles. She gave them to her neighbor before she went into hiding and they were on display. She had to give up the things that made kids, kids. I couldn’t imagine going through what she had to go through or especially what her father did when he was the only survivor of the 8 people who were hiding in the attic. I am very glad we got to experience this, and it will stick with me forever.

On a less somber note, we had some time to ourselves, so we went to a marketplace with tons of outdoor vendors of all kinds. It was very fun to walk around and look at everything. I ended up getting some noodles from a Dutch vendor and found a Peruvian stand, so naturally I had to get some Inca Kola. It was a very lively place with musicians on the street and many people walking around. I saw many things of Dutch culture and so many flowers and fresh fruit. It honestly reminded me of dozens of farmers’ markets put together because there were also many locals there. We then went back to the hotel to get ready for the alumni outing. It was great to talk to Pitt alumni about their current jobs and get great advice. Ending the night on a great note, my friend, Laruen, serenated us by playing Vienna on the piano in the train station!