I absolutely LOVE this place! 
The fabulous Emma picked up Rachel and me at 6:40 am, and we set off for Luton. Halfway down the M1, Google piped up with an Accident ahead, want a detour?” Emma hit “yes,” and off we went on a magical mystery tour through tiny villages, shouting out answers to Scott Mills’ easiest quiz ever. The giggles truly kicked in when one question was: “What noise does a police car make?” The oldies went “nee naw,” while the younger ones confidently declared “woo woo.” 
Despite our scenic diversion, we arrived at Luton in plenty of time and breezed through security. The flight flew by (see what I did there? 
).
).Amsterdam Airport: Where Time Stands Still
Security at Schiphol was… an experience. While EU travelers zoomed through passport control like Olympians, us Brexit Brits got to enjoy a one-hour queue. Thankfully, Rachel had emergency Haribos, which kept us entertained, and even won us a few new friends.
Amsterdam: Where Bikes Rule the World
Getting to the city was a breeze—train, three stops, boom, we were there! We waved goodbye to Claire & Des and set off for the ferry. But first, a lesson in Amsterdam Survival 101:
• Bikes everywhere, bikes with baskets, bikes with kids stuffed in wheelbarrows, bikes covered in flowers, bikes zipping past at terrifying speeds.
• Tiny electric cars that make a Smart Car look like a limousine.
• Road rules? What rules? Zebra crossings are apparently just suggestions.
After a few near-death experiences (sorry, Dutch cyclists ), we made it to the ferry and crossed over to our hostel, Clink Noord. A few beers later, we were checked in and ready to explore!
), we made it to the ferry and crossed over to our hostel, Clink Noord. A few beers later, we were checked in and ready to explore!Dinner: A Gourmet Experience… at a Bowling Alley?
Starving, we made a pact: The next place we see, we eat there. Enter… a ten-pin bowling alley-slash-laser-tag venue. Not exactly fine dining, but the loaded fries with pulled chicken and BBQ sauce were next level.
Music Bingo & Midnight Adventures
Back at the hostel, we joined in with music bingo and somehow won three free drinks. Whoop! Feeling victorious, Rachel and I walked Beca back to the ferry. But then—on a whim—we decided to wander the city at night.
Feeling victorious, Rachel and I walked Beca back to the ferry. But then—on a whim—we decided to wander the city at night.Amsterdam at night? Magical. Buzzing atmosphere, stunning architecture, and… let’s just say the distinct aroma in the air confirmed we weren’t in Milton Keynes anymore.
Buzzing atmosphere, stunning architecture, and… let’s just say the distinct aroma in the air confirmed we weren’t in Milton Keynes anymore. 
Then, before we knew it… oops, we’re in the Red Light District. We tried not to stare, but come on—it’s tricky! Just as we were debating whether one particular lady was even wearing underwear, Rachel suddenly screamed, “OMG!” I turned, expecting some shocking scene… Nope. It was a massive heron just casually perched on a taxi. Priorities, right?
We tried not to stare, but come on—it’s tricky! Just as we were debating whether one particular lady was even wearing underwear, Rachel suddenly screamed, “OMG!” I turned, expecting some shocking scene… Nope. It was a massive heron just casually perched on a taxi. Priorities, right?Lights Out… Or Not
By 10 pm, we were back at the hostel, tiptoeing into our dorm, where one of our roommates was already in bed. We tried to be silent, but naturally, everything was suddenly ten times louder, padlocks dropping, suitcases creaking, zips screaming. No movement from the mystery sleeper. Hope she’s not dead.
And that’s it for our travel day! More adventures tomorrow!
