nicole's 2009 europe trip (first time)

since i am not anywhere for a long time. i want to know what is not to be missed in these cities.

2 days was more than enough for me in Amsterdam. We partied pretty good, and it was like a Las Vegas weekend. It was fun while it lasted, but it was nice to just relax afterwords. The Flying Pig Downtown was a great hostel, and it’s wise to book a bed in advance. It had a really cool laid back atmosphere. It was a nice place to hang out with other travelers, and learn about all the places to go in the city. The Van Gogh Museum was worth the visit, as well as the Heineken Experience.

I just passed through Brussels on the way to Bruges, so I can’t help you there. I was glad that I got to go to Bruges. I stayed at the Bauhaus Hostel, and the staff were great. They have a restaurant/bar that is connected so you don’t have to go far for food or drinks.

I thought that I was going to spend more time in Paris on both my trips, but I ended up staying at other places for a few extra days. I never knew what I was going to run into or experience, so I left my schedule pretty open. I’m glad I did, and Europe is a great place to vacation for a few weeks.

i am on the fence on whether or not i want to stay in amsterdam for 1 or 2 nights. i already had booked the flying pig downtown for the first night. the second night i might just head down to brussels, i’m figuring if i can’t get a second night in the hostel at last minute notice that will make the decision for me.

As for brussels, i have a friends flat to stay in, but i am planning on making a day trip to bruges while my friend is at work, but i wont be going over night.

i’m also on the fence about paris, i definitely have to be there on the 14th because i have to go to a tradeshow for work and i got my work to pay for a hotel for the same evening before i take off the next day to go back to los angeles. i feel like i should do things like spend a day at the louvre but i am not sure if this is the best way to utilize my time which will either end up being 1.5 or 2.5 days due to the fact i have to spend at least half a day at the trade show and i will be by myself in paris as all my friend will have already gone home. i still need to find a hostel for paris, all my other accommodations i have already decided on.

regardless i am excited and can’t wait until its time to leave.