ANNE FRANK IN AMSTERDAM

While in Belgium, my friends and I took a day trip from Brussels to Amsterdam to visit Anne Frank’s house. We were caught in a downpour as soon as we stepped off the train in Amsterdam. So with newly purchased umbrellas in hand, we ventured onto the canal streets. The streets were empty for several blocks until we saw a cluster of umbrellas in the distance. This crowd, undeterred by the weather, marked the start of the waiting line for the infamous house.

The line went in front of the house and wrapped around the building into the neighboring block. We made our way to the end of the line, which was very well past the 45-minute-long wait marker. It was cold and wet, and I didn’t think I had it in me to wait in line that long. But I’m very glad I did.

Time went quickly and before I knew it, we were inside the first room looking at candid photos of young and joyful Anne Frank, and reading parts of her diary entries on the walls. We passed through the same secret entrance Anne’s family used, with the old bookcase still entact that hid it. Going through their small, dark living space, it was hard to imagine living in those conditions for two years as they did. Anne’s room still had photos, posters and postcards that she glued on the walls while living there.

We were told that Anne heard encouragement on the radio for keeping a diary about the war as it could lead to possible publication. Anne wanted to be a published author so this motivated her to go through her diary and make revisions and edits. It was encouraging to learn that Anne wanted others to read her personal diary and that her wishes of being published came true. On display were the original manuscripts with her inked edits of crossed out words and added sentences. A replica of her diary was on display as well. When I was younger I had read her diary and saw the play, but it definitely meant more to see her works and the place she lived in person.

Sorry, I have no photos of inside the house since it wasn’t allowed. You’ll just have to go see it for yourself!

If you go…

Anne Frank House
Prinsengracht 263-267, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open seven days a week; 9 Euros/Adult
www.annefrank.org
(I highly recommend booking tickets in advance on the website to avoid waiting in line.)