the Passport Manuscript: Spring Break Part 1: AmsterSLAM

So I talked a big game about staying in Rome all of Spring Break 2013 in order to soak in the culture and live like the Romans... that being said, when the opportunity to fly over to Amsterdam for the weekend fell in front of me, I booked the flight.

I think most people imagine Amsterdam to be some chill city where everyone is high and people just hang out. I’m not disagreeing with that notion, but I’m also going to presume those people have never visited the Red Light District.
The first time I traveled Amsterdam, back in the October with my Euro Trippin’ 2012 loves, it really was a chill and incredibly fun time. We did the coffee house tour thoroughly, the Heineken Factory visit, and the pancake house. This time was different, not necessarily better, but very different. In all honesty, Holland is such a friendly and happy city, you can't go wrong with whatever you plan to do!

Happy Spring Break!

The definition of a bender, according to Urbandictionary.com, is: “The status of being severely intoxicated for more than a day; usually resulting in loss of memory and money, strange tattoos, and other things you'll have a hell of a time explaining”.

Well let’s see…

Tattoos: Let’s start off by saying my lack of cash is the only reason I don’t have the world’s most regretted (or best) tattoo inked across my flesh right now. I want to send out a thank you to not only God, but also Jesus.

Loss of memory: I will never forget this riot of a weekend!

Loss of money: Check.

Things I need to Explain: Multiple editors said my answer to this section was inappropraite, so I'm just going to say that I resent this entire point.

Amsterdam is the most absurd city in the world. I’ve never loved and hated somewhere so much; in all honesty, I can’t wait to go back. I’m about ¾ of the way done a bottle of Chardonnay and I still can’t justify disclosing details about this trip. Let’s leave it at this:

Have you ever done a flaming shot of absinthe at the Black Tiger Pub? I’ve done three.

Well done, Amsterdam. You win and I love you even more for it.

Some PG-13 Amsterdam highlights include:

- The Heineken Factory Tour: This is my second time on the tour and I still loved it. It's quite good fun. We met some cool British chicks as well!

- Pancakes:

Amsterdam does them really well.
They should always be enjoyed with a Heineken.

- The Red Light District: Don't photograph the women.

There are no other appropriate words to explain my first half of Spring Break 2013, so here are a few more photos:

I was severely judged for ordering this so early.
I don't care for flying.

Traveling alone was actually a bit of fun.
My layover in Munich was killer.
I met a cool bartender and had a lager and a pretzel.
I miss Germany!

Let me digress to explain how much I love Munich. This city is so modern, efficient, and fun! I've had such fun times in Germany that even being here for an hour made me happy. German birre immediately brings me back to driving down the autobahn, goofing off at rest stops, and listening to John De Sohn with my favorite person, Katie. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Munich. I'll see you soon; that's a promise.