walking every inch of Amsterdam

11.12.22

This was a few weeks ago, so I can't remember all the details but I'll try my best. Anna and I went to IJ-Hallen, supposedly the biggest thrifting market in Europe. There's a ten-minute ferry that takes you from Amsterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Noord where the flea market is. We were running from the train to the dock and saw the ferry's ramp rising up to close. We sprinted on the ferry as the ramp was going up and barely made it, but I honestly felt so cool. It felt like we were in a movie, barely making it as the doors closed. We arrived at the market which is located in a huge warehouse. Next to the warehouse is a large outdoor space for more thrift stands. There are cargo boxes that are decorated with colorful spraypaint that barricades the venue. We got in, and the excitement I felt entering IJ-Hallen is indescribable. There were several stands outside, but when you enter the warehouse, every space was covered with stands. People were selling clothes, art, jewelry, vintage cameras, pins, stamps, and shoes. When I was there, it was a space where I really thought "This is my kind of environment. I love it here." Also, everyone was so cool. Everyone dressed so cool. I wanted to be everyone there. If I went alone, I think I could have spent the whole day there. Really, really, the best vintage market ever. I firmly believe nothing can top that thrifting experience. Everything there is a valuable thrifting find; the market is full of treasures. I bought a leather jacket for 20 euros. Isn't that the most insane thing ever?? If I found this in Montrose, I have no doubt that jacket would be 75 dollars.

After we went thrifting, we went to Negen Straatjes which is a few blocks that have a mix of thrift shops and chain stores like Carharrt and Levi's and there might be a Doc Marten's. There was a Lululemon that just opened up, and I made Anna go in. We were there for like two minutes max. I was telling her that everyone in West U wears Lululemon and athleisure, and she was like why? and I was like you're so right, why do we do that? Like Lululemon is so expensive and for what. It's like workout clothes too, not even fancy statement clothes to wear when you go out. Clothes you sweat in. But, anyway, we walked in and then walked out. We walked for a whileand window-shopped, and then we took the tram to the Museum district area and ate at Locals brunch. I do not recommend. I tried going a few times before, but it always looked busy, but this time we went. The food took a while, was expensive, and not even good. It was cute, European vibes. We were sitting outside at a miniature table, and my chair was on an incline so it felt like I was about to fall off. Except, the weather was so bad. It was cold, rainy, and windy. And guess what I got? You'll never guess. It was a sandwich. It was such a mid sandwich and for 15 euros. :(

Then, we walked to Waterlooplein which is another vintage shopping area, and they have thrifting markets outside on Saturdays. I got a slip dress from a kilo store, and a sweater from Episode.

Anna and I did other stuff too, but I can't remember where they fell in the timeline. At one point, we were in Dam square watching this guy do a magic show. He had those split tongues, you know the ones where there are two tongues that are his tongue? Does that even make sense? I think I explained it poorly; my English has gotten so bad. But, anyway, those freak me out so much. So do those loop earrings that are in one earlobe. Also, we were at this cafe at one point drinking tea and coffee. I have no idea at what point we did those things, but I know they happened.

Also, after the trip, my feet were killing me. We walked so much, it felt like we had walked every inch of Amsterdam.

Anyway, that was one of my trips to Amsterdam. Thanks for reading :) -Amelia