Amsterdam
Outside of the Red Light District, there are other attractions in Amsterdam, including the Anne Frank House .  The line was literally out the door, so I did not go inside.  If you're planning on checking it out, pre-purchase tickets. &nbs
I started out my Amsterdam trip solo.  But fortunately for me, two of my American friends happen to be there the same time.   Token photo in front of the " IAMSTERDAM " sign.  
Remember how I said I made lifelong friends from the Slovakian adventures?  Well, one of those friends met me in Amsterdam for the last night I was there, and we went on a canal cruise .  
Argentinian steak is some of the best in the world and is exported all over Europe. Around every corner in Amsterdam, there's an Argentinian Steakhouse .  If you get the munchies from too much space cake, a nice thick cut of red meat will cure
Croatia
Our group.  Each day, we traveled to different parts of the region and explored various islands, beaches, and towns.  
People say New York City is the city that never sleeps, but I would have to disagree.  Croatia doesn't get going until about midnight.  Most of the port towns have live bands, cafes, and entertainment vendors that are family-friendly
If you order fish, you get the whole thing - bones and all.
My crepe redo!  After the debacle in France, I decided to try another sweet crepe in Croatia.  It was delicious, and I did not have a panic attack.  Win-win.
We rented a boat from one of the port towns one afternoon.  Our captain took us all over various islands for snorkeling, cliff diving, and sunbathing.  
My biggest fear in life is spiders - not heights.  So, if there's a chance to jump off something, I'm in.
Venice
Because Venice is such a tourist hot-spot, I decided to splurge on my accommodations to try and get out of the "hustle and bustle."  I stayed right on the Grand Canal at the Westin  (Thank you, SPG points!).  My view from b
One afternoon, the hotel set-up a tour of Murano to check out the glass blowing masters, which was a recommendation from a friend.  The "tour" was really a trap to lure you into their museums to view stunning glass pieces... for purchase
I must've been high on life when I was there because I decided to buy a bowl I saw the glass master make.  It's flaked in 24K gold on the base and has an authentication letter as one-of-a-kind.  I way, WAY overpaid for this
There are four bridges crossing the Grand Canal with the most famous being the Rialto Bridge .  
If you can find your way around in Venice, you can walk around most of the island in a day.  If you want to check out the popular attractions, such as the Piazzo San Marco , plan on waiting in line at least half the day or pre-purchase tickets
Venetian Gondola Rides are one of the main attractions in Venice.  Gondoliers take you on a scenic tour of the canals while you sit back and relax with your loved one.   I decided before I even got to Venice that I was NOT going to ride
So, as soon as I got there, I rode one.  I talked to my Gondolier in broken English and asked him if I could drive the boat since I didn't have anyone to ride with me.  He said yes, gave me a quick lesson, then I immediately drove the boat
Venice is a must-see city in my opinion.  The cheapest option is to stay on the mainland of Italy and take the train into Venice.   Or, you can opt for the luxurious, expensive feel of Venice by staying on the grand canal, spend
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