Welcome back tattooed travelers! For the Fourth of July weekend, we decided to take a road trip to Amsterdam, Arras, and end in Brussels. Our journey began with a sense of adventure and a touch of spontaneity, just the way we like it.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

We slowly got ready and set out for Amsterdam around noon, not really in a rush. Just taking our time

and enjoying the ride. The drive from Germany to our hotel, Corendon Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, was a breeze. The Autobahn

treated us to some exhilarating stretches of open road, and the scenic views kept us entertained throughout the journey.

As we crossed into the Netherlands, the landscape shifted, offering us a taste of the Dutch countryside with its iconic windmills and endless fields. The anticipation built as

we approached Amsterdam, and by the time we pulled into the Corendon Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel, we were buzzing with excitement. The hotel looked fantastic!

Amsterdam: Corendon Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel

Once parked, we were hit with a gust of wind. It was unbelievably windy, as if Amsterdam was welcoming us with a dramatic flair! Battling the wind, we made our way

to check into the Corendon Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel. From the moment we stepped inside, we were very impressed with the interior. The sleek, modern design combined with warm, inviting elements made us feel instantly at home.

The lobby was spacious and beautifully decorated, with comfortable seating areas and stylish décor that reflected Amsterdam's unique charm. As we headed to our room, the quality of the hotel became even more apparent. Our room was a haven of comfort, with plush bedding, chic furnishings, and all the amenities we could need for a relaxing stay.

Eager to start our adventure, we quickly freshened up and headed out to explore the city. The reception desk informed us that there was a bus, but when we asked again, they clarified that the bus only took people to the airport. I was like, "Okay, but how do we get to the city center?"

She explained that we would need to take the bus to the airport and then catch a train into town. While this made sense, it didn’t seem very time efficient, so we decided to call an Uber instead.

My Uber kept getting canceled, which was frustrating. Then Will called one, and thankfully, it was accepted. When we walked outside, the Uber was already waiting in the parking lot! The driver informed us that it would take a while to get to the city center because of rush hour, but we didn’t really have any other choice.

As we settled into the Uber, we chatted with the driver, who gave us some great tips about places to visit and things to do in Amsterdam. Despite the traffic, the ride was pleasant, and we enjoyed the scenic route into the city.

Amsterdam: City Center

He dropped us off by the Red Light District, and we immediately set out on foot to explore. Amsterdam was like a living postcard, with its narrow, winding streets and picturesque canals lined with charming, centuries-old buildings. The vibrant atmosphere of the Red Light District was both captivating and eye-opening, a blend of history and modernity that made Amsterdam unique.

As we wandered through the streets, we marveled at the eclectic mix of shops, cafés, and bars. Each corner we turned revealed something new and exciting. The architecture

was stunning, with tall, narrow houses leaning slightly toward the street, as if they were whispering secrets to passersby. The air was filled with the scent of fresh pastries from nearby bakeries and the hum of conversations in various languages.

We made our way to the central canals, where we were greeted by the sight of countless bicycles and boats leisurely cruising through the waterways.