Emotions Run High

After breakfast this morning, we went by bus into downtown Amsterdam to visit Anne Frank’s house. It’s so terribly sad; I almost cried. I feel so terribly, terribly sorry for the Jews; they’ve gone through so much shit. Plus, with the amount that I love Brian, and of course he’s Jewish, it hurts twice as much.

Anne Frank's house

At 12:00, we left for Rotterdam. We stopped at a miniature city representing Amsterdam, which was fantastic.
We said good-bye to Hermie (whom I’ve neglected to mention), our fantastic driver. “Hammy” (as Oda pronounces it) is Dutch and lives in Amsterdam. He has been with us since Rome. I can sincerely say that I love him. He’s always cheerful, always ready to take your hand to help you off the bus. Most of all, he’s a very kind and gentle man. I’ll miss him. I had a lump in my throat when we said good-bye.

Ignorant Crap + Key Learnings

Mom, Mark, and I attended a complaint meeting on the first floor:

1. We miss half a day in London, because our plane doesn’t leave until 6:00 P.M. The other tours leave in the morning.
2. We get no lunch or dinner. And we have to drive to Rotterdam, visiting and paying entrance fees to ignorant crap along the way.
3. We miss the Shakespeare tour now – all because Globus overbooked - and we have to stay here in Holland an extra day.

It’s really a bitch, but there is absolutely NOTHING we can do, except make the best of it. It’s not Oda’s fault; it’s Globus’ fault! Bummer!
Everyone is getting pretty damn tired of being a tourist (including myself). I want to see London, but I’m all ready to go back home and RELAX!
I know one thing: If I ever come to Europe again, I am not going to go on a tour. Don’t get me wrong, I knew what we were in for, and it’s great the first time (a little taste of each country). But I would like to work on my own schedule, see and spend time where I WANT, and skip the rest.
I’m just thankful for the lucky opportunity to come here. I’ve broadened my views on a lot, and also increased my interests considerably. The main thing I’ve learned, though, is that: America is NOT the ONLY place to live.

Amsterdam

Mark and Pat went out at around 10:00 last night, looking for the Red-Light district! They didn’t know where it was, and they didn’t have any money. Sure, like they were really going to find it!
We all got a call at 6:30 (!) this morning. I practically said “fuck you” when I answered the phone!
After breakfast (which was better than usual), we took an interesting boat ride through the canals.
After the boat ride, we went through a diamond factory, seeing how they cut diamonds, which was a bunch of shit. We then went to a fantastic museum, with lots of Rembrandts, sculptures, and drawings.
We ate lunch at the top of some building, and then took the afternoon tour. First, we went to a real house-farm, to see how cheese is made. We then went to a “klomp-maker,” who makes wooden shoes. Really fun! I bought a pair, and I like them a lot.
After visiting a fishing city, and boarding a boat to “Tourist Island,” we then went back into the city to pick up the others (who didn’t go on the afternoon tour). We observed “hippies” all over the square.

Swiss Watches, Mountains, and Hotel Workers

After breakfast, we walked up to the “Bucherer,” a famous, high-quality Swiss watch shop. Mark, Dad, and I all bought watches. Dad’s is guaranteed for a lifetime. It was about $320.00 in U.S. money! God, all together today, Dad must have spent $700.00! We then walked across a bridge dating back to 1333!
After lunch, we took the mountain train (practically straight up) for 3 miles! At the top of Mt. Pilatus, it was clear and fresh, with a breathtaking view of the Alps and valley below. We then took the tram-ski-lift-like thing down - also indescribably beautiful!

The author, at the top of Mt. Pilatus

Oda was right when she said the weather changes from one minute to the next. It’s pouring down rain now! But I still love Switzerland very much (even though they don’t allow women to vote).
At the desk in the lobby, when I was asking for my key, the guy said: Vous etes tres jolie. I was so embarrassed, but also flattered. Also, these Italian waiters (around 20-years-old) were all pointing at me and smiling. It’s flattering, but funny, because they probably do it to every female.

One Huge, Natural High

Here is Switzerland (from what I know):

1. Non-polluters: Electric trains and buses, no motor boats on most lakes, very clean everywhere.
2. BEAUTIFUL: Alps all around, lake across the street. Clean, fresh, crisp air.
3. People: Very shy (not noisy like Italy). They’re not very good looking, but seem pleasant.

They speak German, Italian, French, and English, so a lot of things are translated many times. To hell with all these different languages – everyone should speak the same one. Although I must admit that SOMETIMES it’s fun to try and communicate.
There are swans and ducks all over the lake. One swan swam up to me, wanting a hand out! I can’t explain the beauty of this place. Everyone hikes and rides horses and bikes. The villages and valleys, the flowers – it is one huge, natural high! There is nothing much historical about Switzerland. One just comes here to enjoy the beauty!
Just now, I heard the tooting of the horn on a yacht from the lake. Switzerland makes me forget France. I LOVE IT!