Beginning a 4-5 month backpacking trip is terrifying. I’ve never had to move out of anywhere before and seeing somewhere you’ve comfortably slothed for the last five months emptied is hard. On my last night, my flatmate and I decided to buy 50 pounds worth of Domino’s. To Flat 11, my Erasmus exchange group and everyone else I’ve met in Sheffield, I look forward to seeing you all very soon. First stop: Holland!
Pictured above is the I Amsterdam sign in Museumplein in all of it’s touristy glory. I got up early and got a great parking spot right outside of the Rijksmuseum. Hostels were ridiculously expensive so thankfully I was able to stay with my local friend. After teaching me how to navigate through a city where every street looks identical, Vera introduced me to the glorious Albert Heijn and made me a delicious Dutch dinner.
Amsterdam is famous for it’s drugs and Red Light District and any tourist shop there will support this. There is so much more to this city and the locals will preach that. Coffeeshops are definitely worth a visit. Thank you to Sheffield bro Lorenzo and Lagos Party Hostel friend Lukas for showing me how the locals go out! Albert Heijn brand ‘Stroopwafels’ became an instant sweet snack favourite of mine. Delicious.
I met two long-time friends Tish and Lauren from home here. Considering it’s been more than seven years since we started secondary school together, partying it up on the other side of the world was surreal. Matty Theis also made an appearance. I’d highly recommend private canal cruises. They cost only 2 euros extra and are much better than the more popular ones. I probably should’ve visited the Anne Frank House but the line was enormous.
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I spent an easy 4-5 hours here accompanied by a highly advanced audio-tour. I wish I had days. A must-see.
Vera had to leave and I couldn’t afford any of the ridiculously priced hostels in Amsterdam so I retreated down to the south of Holland in the small beach area of Scheveningen.
Currently in Antwerp. I’m just going to start sharing what I’ve been listening to the most.
© 2026 Justin Tang