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HOLLAND

The Thrill

By Justin Tang

May 31^st, 2015

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!

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

AMSTERDAM

Manchester to Amsterdam is a 1 hour flight. After I woke up from the usual take-off nap, the plane had already commenced landing.

HOLLAND

Amsterdam is special. I just don’t think there is anywhere else like it. The canals, bridges, buildings and structure of the city are all stunning. Not stunning in a Sevilla-level way but Amsterdam definitely has it’s own charms. Renting a bike and cycling around the city is stressful and physically painful yet absolutely essential for any visitor. Wifi and weed smell can be found everywhere! Finding an overweight person in The Netherlands is like finding a dragon.

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

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.

HOLLAND

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.

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

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.

HOLLAND

Rijksmuseum

This deserves it’s own section. Other than just cycling and walking around, the Rijksmuseum was by far my favourite place in all of Holland.

HOLLAND

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HOLLAND

I spent an easy 4-5 hours here accompanied by a highly advanced audio-tour. I wish I had days. A must-see.

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

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HOLLAND

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

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HOLLAND

THE HAGUE AND SCHEVENINGEN

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.

HOLLAND

The time here was used sit and relax in a horribly cramped triple bunk-bed. I did go out a couple times to check out the beach and catch the sunset. The Hague is a pretty boring city though it’s worth seeing if you love the Dutch culture, have some spare time and want to see more than Amsterdam.

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

HOLLAND

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HOLLAND

Write your story here. (Optional)

HOLLAND

Next Stop: Belgium

Currently in Antwerp. I’m just going to start sharing what I’ve been listening to the most.

Footnotes

STROOPWAFELS

FootNotes

STROOPWAFELS

© 2026 Justin Tang

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