I can’t believe how quickly this trip has passed; it feels like just yesterday I got off the plane from the United States. This week, I visited Amsterdam and Brussels and had an amazing time. Before this trip, I had only been to England for three days, and now I’ve added three more European countries to my list.
Amsterdam was a fun yet unexpected cultural shock. We left for Amsterdam bright and early, departing UCD at 3 a.m to catch a 6:45 a.m flight. Upon landing, we visited the Heineken Museum around noon. The tour was both exciting and informative, we learned how Heineken is made and got to taste the beer. Naturally, I had to get a bottle with “McKeon” engraved on it and pick up a few gifts for family and friends.
Afterward, we checked into our hotel and explored the city. We had dinner at a Korean restaurant around 5:45 p.m, where I enjoyed some of the best food I’ve ever had. At 7 p.m, we joined a canal tour led by Oliver, our very informative guide who gave us many suggestions for places to visit. The first day in Amsterdam was incredibly fun but exhausting.
The next day, we visited Zaanse Schans windmill village, which was quaint and picturesque. The village had many little shops, but my favorite was the cheese shop, where the pesto cheese was the standout. After the cheese museum, we got ice cream and then took the train back to Amsterdam. At 7:30 p.m, we boarded a pancake boat tour, a very memorable experience. Max and I wanted to make sure we got our money’s worth, so we skipped lunch that day. Our table of six managed to eat 34 pancakes in just over an hour, trying plain, apple, and bacon varieties with all sorts of crazy toppings.
The following day, we woke up at 5 a.m for a day trip to Brussels, coinciding with Belgium’s Independence Day. The city was festively decorated, with festivals happening and the Belgian royal guard performing a ceremony. Max and I visited the parliament building during its open house, even standing at the podium where the prime minister addresses votes. The parliament was adorned with giant marble statues of former rulers and important political figures from Belgium. Afterward, we walked around the city, visiting places my dad used to frequent when he was in Brussels. We met up with everyone for dinner before heading to the train station for our journey back to Amsterdam. By the time we returned, it was nearing midnight, and I was exhausted after the caffeine from consuming multiple Red Bulls and coffees had worn off.
On our last day, I woke up early to do some shopping for my sister. She sent me photos of specific items, so I wandered into Brandy Melville to find what she wanted. Afterward, I visited the Rijksmuseum. The artwork was stunning, showcasing incredible craftsmanship and skill. After the museum, we enjoyed a delicious family-style Szechuan dinner, and by the time we finished, I was ready to sleep.
This mini trip to Amsterdam essentially marked the end of my Ireland program. I’ve met 30 amazing people and made memories that will last a lifetime. I’m incredibly thankful for this experience and hope to have the chance to do another study abroad trip in the future.
We are so happy that you had such an amazing experience. You took advantage of everything that was available to you and we’re incredibly proud of you. Can’t wait to hear all your stories!