Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Oh bad, bad, bad Mariana! I did not take as many photos as I wanted to...I want to list my excuses here but there really are none. My problem in Europe is that it was my first time there and though the natural tourist wants to snap every possible photo they can take, as a photographer naturally I am first an observer. How can I take it all in if I am behind my camera? There is so much to see and do, there was no possible way I could capture it all on lens.
Amsterdam was beautiful but super cold! I don't think this California girl was quite prepared for a winter wonderland like this especially being in warm tropical Nicaragua only three days prior.
I saw many interesting things, such as the infamous Red Light District which I found to be fun and curious being that you can't see anything 'round these parts. There is also a lot of art in Amsterdam. I visited many museums, including the Van Gogh Museum, The Anne Frank House, and Rijksmuseum...I also went to Den Haag to a museum there (oops don't remember the name**just informed it is Gemeentemuseum) with my dear friend John who was also my lovely host.
I have to admit that I am really looking forward to going again but hopefully when it's just a tad bit warmer!
So without further ado, Amsterdam...proost!

Frosty

California, aren't we famous for our lovely weather? I suppose that is true for Southern California but Northern California is another story. Although, this winter is certainly colder than most (as far as I can remember). It even snowed in Sacramento! I didn't get a chance to actually see the snow because it had already melted by the time I woke up but I did get some photos of the frost. So I know these are a little late (they were taken December 9th) but I have been so busy with finals and getting ready for my trips. So these are the last photos I leave you with this year! I won't be updating my blog with photos until the new year.
I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday and New Year!