PICTURES ON PALMS – notes of a salty soul and her bucket list dreams

Sleep | And Why Is it So Underrated

Until recently did I really understand the importance of sleep. It’s honestly just as important as eating healthy and exercising regularly, and I feel that’s not talked about as much. I’ve always been “I can function on little sleep’ kinda girl. But the older I got, I realized sleep was essential for living the quality life I always wanted. A good night’s sleep is incredibly important for so many of the bodily functions that keep us healthy and keep our mind clear and in a good mood.

A few reasons why you should prioritize good quality sleep:

Sleep is vital for brain function including cognition, concentration, memory, productivity, and performance.
People who get a good night’s rest are happier, more cooperative, kind and conscientious. Duration and timing of sleep are associated with repetitive negative thinking.
It regulates hormones that impact your appetite, metabolism and it helps reduce insulin sensitivity.
Sleep strengthens your immune system. Even a small loss of sleep can make you more likely to catch a cold. And being a mom, this is extremely important.
You’ll procrastinate less. Waking up fully rested allows you to more easily solve problems, make better decisions, and complete what needs to be done in the morning and throughout the day.
The ideal 7-9 hours of sleep per night can also help lower inflammation in the body. This was huge for me!

Sleep, immune function, hormones and inflammation are all regulated by our circadian rhythms. Our body, and circadian rhythm, thrives on consistency. Going to bed and waking up at the same time helps reinforce a stable circadian rhythm that benefits your total body health. Sleep, also helps with anti-aging. Better skin and hair as well. Basically, sleep is the magic that we don’t give attention to and that can literally change our everyday lives. It’s my top priority now and it should be yours too!

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Florence | One of the Most Beautiful Historic and Enchanting Cities in the World

Nothing and I mean nothing screams romantic charm and historic culture more than the city of Florence or as Italians say, Firenze. Florence is one of the most historic cities in Italy. I was fortunate enough to live there after college for six months, and honestly, I still pinch myself. Why? Because I cannot believe that the city’s beauty was my home for some time. It’s a city you can always visit as well. I went recently and I fell even more in love with it than I already was. You’ll never get sick of it or have the feeling of, ‘I’ve already seen it’ so I don’t want to see it again. You just will never get that feeling from this city. There’s just too much magic and beauty in it.

Florence is Italy’s capital and is most famous for its culture, food, art, museums, and charm. You can visit the Uffizi Gallery which houses works by renowned artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. You can see the famous Michelangelo statue of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia which should be on your bucket list.

Take note, that there’s a lot to see in Florence. If you enjoy traveling slowly and really want to soak up the city, you could stay for weeks. Let’s be real you could live here for a year and really get a feel for the place. Of course, I couldn’t recommend it more.

The best time to visit Florence in my opinion is April/May and September/October. Those are the most pleasant months that are not too cold or not too humid or hot, it’s just perfect. Since Florence is a walkable city you will be walking a lot so keep that in mind. Being out and about in hot humid weather around town is not always so fun, even when you are in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The Best Things to Do in Florence:

Visit the Piazzale Michelangelo

Hands down one of my favorite places and things to do in Florence. This place is incredible. Situated on a hill called Monte Pincio, south of the Arno River, offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline. There’s a replica of Michelangelo’s renowned statue of David at the top. What’s most magnificent about this place is that it’s free and gold hour here is something that will be in your mind forever. There’s just nothing like it. The experience of seeing the beauty all around you is one you will cherish forever.

Visit the Piazza Del Duomo

Piazza Del Duomo is the most popular duomo in the world. It is located right in the center of Florence known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. You will be in awe as soon as you lay eyes on her. The intricate marble details of this building are insane and you can even go all the way to the top of the Duomo to get amazing views of the city. It’s over 400 steps so get ready to ‘work’.

Walk Along Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence as it’s so unique. It’s filled with countless jewelry shops surrounded by some great restaurants too. When I lived there we used to sunbathe along the river overlooking the bridge after school with friends. That memory will forever be with me when I think of Ponte Vecchio.

Visit Piazza Della Signoria

One of Florence’s main piazzas because it’s been a focal point since the Florentine Republic. The city is filled with piazzas so make sure to visit most of them but especially this one and Piazza Santo Spirito

Go Wine Tasting in Tuscany for the Day

Florence is not only famous for their food but also for their wine, specifically their Chianti. You can find many tours that involve lunch, history, and knowledge of wine tasting, and even visiting some small towns and villages on the way

Eat Your Heart Out

Some of the best food I ever ate was in Florence. Food in Florence is more than just ‘food’. It’s their culture. It’s love. And it’s what brings the people alive there. Eat everything when you are there. It’s a memory and experience you will never forget. And in the end, that is the reason why we travel.

Some other recommendations for Florence:

Go on A Vespa Tour

Visit Basilica Santa Maria Novella

Get Drinks at La Terraza Rooftop Bar

Shop San Lorenzo Market

Visit Basilica of Santa Croce

Get a glass of wine thru a window (located around Florence)

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Denver Colorado Downtown Top Hotels | The Crawford and The Maven Hotels

As a Colorado native and spending the majority of my 20s as a Denverite, I remember filling my weekends with hikes in the summer and skiing in the winter. Every day seemed beautiful and surreal with the Rockies as a backdrop. Now, as a Floridian, my trips to Colorado are few and far between. When I do visit, I try to take in as much of the city as possible. During my most recent trip to Denver, I dove into, snow boots first. While Denver has so many beautiful and unique spots to explore, Downtown takes the cake on some of my favorite hotels.

The Crawford Hotel

This boutique hotel still has my jaw in a lock. The architecture is unreal (which was recently renovated about nine years ago). The lobby is something out of a 1940s classic movie and it sits in LoDo’s historic Union Station. High ceilings, modern touches with old history, and comfortable leather seating make it a comfortable lobby for guests and locals. Top-rated restaurants, a flower shop, a coffee bar, and an ice creamery also surround it.

The bones of the Crawford might be old, but the body is new. The historic renovation kept the train station’s original look- no two rooms are the same. Rooms accommodate all kinds of travelers from individuals, couples, and families. Our room was perfect for us. I was the most comfortable bed I ever laid on and had a well-sized closet to put all of our oversized winter jackets. In addition, I have major bathroom envy as the rainfall shower was perfect after spending our days in Colorado’s winter. All details emphasized a sophisticated style.

Speaking of details, let’s talk about the little things that go a long way when you are traveling. High-speed WI-FI is everything, especially for those business travelers who are always on the clock. The Crawford certainly delivered for me and helped me connect perfectly The essentials continued as the rooms come with a Nespresso maker and Ipad that has hotel information, online room service, local restaurants, music streaming, and a ton of newspapers and magazines to check out.

Local restaurants. Because we all want to know the best food options, walk a few steps out of your room and an array of dining options surround the Union Station. Not only do you get to choose from restaurants inside the station, but also surrounding the outside of the station lies some of the top restaurants in downtown Denver. As a guest at the Crawford, you can expect some pretty excellent perks. First, you get priority seating at Snooze (Snooze is a must-have for breakfast. This is a Denver staple and is a 50-person waiting-for-outside-the-door kind of good). Second, you get a free beer at the Terminal Bar which offers 30 Colorado craft beers on tap. Third, you can head to the Cooper Lounge for old-school cocktails in their romantic glamorous surroundings. Fourth, you’re only steps away from Stoic and Genuine- it has amazing oysters and I’ll have to say, one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten. Lastly, I’m always on the hunt for good happy hour cocktails and Mercantile Dining & Provisions delivers unique and refreshing libations to keep your travel experience well worth your trip.

One of the best things about the Crawford is that it connects you straight to the Denver International Airport via the A-line train. A train departs every 15 minutes, so it’s perfect for an early flight or to cut rideshare travel costs. s Another great perk the hotel offers is courtesy Tesla transportation within two miles of the hotel. The bottom line on the Crawford is that you can’t go wrong with cloud-like beds, great cuisine just steps away from your travel abode, and transportation perks that no other hotel offers.

The Maven Hotel

Also known as The Crawford Hotel’s sister hotel, the Maven hotel has one of the coolest lobbies I’ve ever seen. The lobby sets the overall vibe of the hotel- as soon as you walk through the door you are transported to a chic and instagrammable space. The common spaces of the hotel are full of life. Unique art pieces hang along the hallways and main areas, an elevator decor of fashion belts and swings on every floor of the hotel.

Just like the Crawford, its prime location is within easy walking distance of major sights and restaurants in the city. The rooms are very comfortable and modern with an artistic touch and lots of personality. The bathrooms are spacious with concrete ceilings and stocked with luxury toiletries. The Maven anchors the Dairy Block District which many say makes it one of the best locations in Denver. This hotel is so centrally located to all the cool spots-it’s only a few blocks away from River Arts North District (Rino), shops of LoDo, Union Station, and Coors Field, home to Denver’s Major League Team, the Rockies. So baseball fans, take note, the Maven could be a grand slam of a stay for you.

Another perk of the Maven is their top-notch Southwestern-style cuisine at Kachina. The tacos, empanadas, and cocktails are to die for, please make sure you order the cucumber jalapeno and blood orange margarita (so good!) Some of the best drinks I’ve had in recent memory. Let’s not forget a complimentary cocktail from the Airstream is offered for every guest staying at the Maven. This spot absolutely provided the beverages and vibes I was needing. If you are looking for a comfortable, modern, and chic hotel with a prime location, the Maven is an excellent option that truly checks off every box.

Between the Crawford and the Maven hotels, my stay in Colorado was exactly what I was looking for modern with a classic chic twist and unique little details that showcase two very different accommodations. Both the Maven and the Crawford had everything you’d want when looking for the perfect place to call home while on vacation. Comfort, beauty, kind staff, and location, location, location. Hotels are places we go to feel most alive when we are away from home. And I can confidently say, the Crawford and Maven hotels exceeded every expectation. I can’t wait to visit again.

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Ten Best Purchases I Made This Year

New Balance Sneakers: These are so amazing. I wear them daily and they do with everything. Wear them to work out or even to spice up your jean outfit. Really comfortable too!

Floating Shelves: I bought these for my daughter’s room and couldn’t be happier with them. They are super easy to install and they look cute in any room.

Salad Bowl: This salad bowl is my everything. It’s great to use for salads and other foods. Really comfortable to use and really dense so a lot fits in but does not take up too much room. It’s aesthetically pleasing as well which always is a win for me.

Black Jumpsuit: I can’t say enough about this one. It’s so soft and really flattering. I always wear it when I want to be comfortable but don’t want to put too much effort in. Just add a cute button-down, top, or sweater and you are ready to go.

Picture Frame: This isn’t any ordinary picture frame. For all mothers out there, you need this. It comes with an easy-to-do clay kit to imprint your child’s hands and feet to show their first year apart. It’s honestly such a special purchase that I would be so sad if it never existed. It also makes the best gift for anyone with a child. Baby shower, anyone?!

MakeUp Foundation: I love this so much that I always tell my TikTokers about it. If you want a foundation that covers but does not look cakey and is light and fresh then this will be your daily best friend. It’s been so good on my skin and a little goes a long way so it’s great for the wallet as well. Super happy I found this and will continue to use it for years to come.

Fanny/Belt Bag: Since the day I got this, I’ve been wearing it almost every day. It’s perfect for long walks, the gym, or even a great outfit piece. It’s also a Lululemon dupe so you are getting the exact same thing without the lulu logo and for half the price so it makes me love it even more.

Black Heels: I wear these almost every day when I need a heel. They are so simple but so chic. They go with every single thing and I can actually last more than 3 hours in them and that alone is worth it. These also won’t go out of style anytime soon. Wins across the board.

Glass Water Bottle: This one got me hard. Not only does it force you to get all the water intake you need on a daily basis but it’s cute AF. The design, the color, it’s just perfect. So easy to clean too and not obnoxiously huge.

Lux Unfiltered Tanning Lotion: If you don’t already know NOW YOU KNOW. This lotion is worth all the hype. It works so well and you know it’s made with great ingredients because you can feel it once it touches your skin. It leaves you with a perfect glow and soft skin. The combos we all need.

Would love to know which purchases were your favorite! Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram. Much love, CP

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The Best Full Service Hair Salon in Palm Beach Gardens | Blowtox

Located in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, there lies a chic hair salon where relaxation meets excellence. Blowtox Salon provides an exclusive experience where the timeless chic atmosphere provides a pocket of peace. Utilizing an innovative hairstyling technique, the unique services are customized to the hair type of each client while enhancing individual beauty. Offering a wide range of luxurious services, the salon offers an impressive lineup of services. Blowtox first started as just a blowdry bar but they are now a full-service hair salon. Whether a cut, color, or treatment, you want to come here to get your look.

Blowtox Salon also uses the best products from Kevin Murphy. Kevin Murphy products are cruelty-free, color safe, and five-free. If you haven’t heard of Kevin Murphy, his work graced the covers of all the major global print publications, and he has directed hair teams for countless high-profile fashion houses.

One thing I want to say is that I’m not an easy person to please when it comes to getting my hair done. I have horror stories that have just really stuck with me so when I find my place, I really stick to it. I feel like when someone understands your hair they understand who you are and what you are looking for at all times. To be honest, I was a bit nervous at first when I tried Blowtox but honestly, I left incredibly happy. Usually for fall people go darker but I decided to go lighter because I hadn’t touched my hair in almost two years and a drastic change was much needed. But they did what had to be done and it came out better than I expected. I also wanted to mention that the owner is so nice and really cares about her business. Every single staff member is so kind and experienced and it’s just a really great vibe to be around. Take your self-care to another level and experience this beautiful place. Thank me later.

X, Carla

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Top Lunch Spots in Palm Beach County

I’ve been wanting to write this blog for a while but I wasn’t sure if I should add dinner too or budget eats to bougie eats but I decided that will come later. There are obviously so many great places to eat in Palm Beach County but the ones I will talk about are my go to’s. The restaurants that are always consistent, you don’t have to make a reservation and super cute.

Being a huge foodie, I love to try different restaurants as often as I can, but these are repeats that I’m always down for. I also love food that makes you feel good after. Nothing that makes you feel incredibly full and bloated so these are all places you can find wholesome healthy tasty foods.

Pura Vida // This place is my favorite. The food is incredibly tasty and so fresh. Every. Single. Things. on the menu is incredible. Save room for dessert and coffee too. So good. Oh, and the interior is to die for. You’ll be taking pics for sure!

2. TrueFood Kitchen // This place is another go-to of mine. I first found out about them when I lived in Santa Monica and they opened with their first location a couple of blocks from my house. Becoming super successful after, they are now in all the top US cities. Honestly, again everything on their menu has such great flavor and is super healthy.

3. Christopher’s Kitchen // Christopher’s Kitchen is a new favorite of mine but it’s actually been around for a while. I grew up in Palm Beach Gardens and just recently found out about it during the pandemic. It’s so authentic and different but tasty as well. Everything is healthy but full of flavor. It’s close to the Gardens Mall too if you wanna stop there and do some shopping. Which never hurt anyone ;).

4. Utiki Beach // I LOVE love this place. Yes, the food is good but the view and the atmosphere are killer. It’s an outdoor restaurant with a huge bar, water and boat views. You can also see the Jupiter lighthouse from any seating in the house. Enjoy your favorite island favorites with a refreshing drink and you are in paradise.

5. Meso Beachhouse // Such a sexy chic place it is. The view of the water, plus the great looking people plus the amazing food just makes it a perfect place for a good experience.

These are only five places but please note, there are so many great spots in Palm Beach County. Give these places a try and let me know what you think! Hope you love em.

Much love, CP xoxo

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What To Wear This Holiday Season with Your Bottoms || Holiday Tops

The holidays are here and we all know what that means. Lots of family get-togethers, friend gatherings, holiday parties, holiday vacas, and the list goes on. I’ve really fallen in love with all the unique tops and designs that are currently in style so tops this holiday are HUGE. I’ve gathered my five favorite tops here and from some of my favorite brands too. What I love most about these, is that you can dress them up or dress them down so you’re good to go. Mix them with your favorite jeans, leather pants, high-waisted pants, or even your favorite skirt.

+ The Aliyah Top in Burgundy from Bardot is so unique and such a must have for the holidays. It’s incredibly flattering and I love the way it criss crosses at the neckline with the sheer sleeves. The sleeves definitely give it an elegant look and feel. I can’t wait to wear mine!

+ The Florence Bodysuit by Lovers & Friends is my favorite bodysuit for so many reasons! Let me start off and say that everyone needs at least ONE bodysuit but if you are like me I have more than I can count because they are so timeless and look great on everyone. If you don’t have one yet definitely start with this one. This taupe color is great because it can go with nudes as well as brights and black. It off one shoulder which is crazy cool and different. You’ll definitely get asked about this one at the get together. Your welcome.

+ The Monica Top by Free People is so beautiful I want it all colors. It’s so chic yet edgy at the same time, I just had to get it. I’m usually not into puff sleeves but this one is so settle and classy I knew it would fit perfectly. Also, the back on this one is FIRE. It’s an open back to give it dimension and some sexiness. It’s so beautiful and it’s perfect for a night on the town or a holiday dinner.

+ The Sage Bodysuit by Superdown is a must for all women. We all need something silky, light but timeless that we can wear by itself or with your favorite suit or jacket. The reason why I love this bodysuit is because it’s so simple. Yes. Simple yet so charming. Match with with jeans, fancy pants or shorts and even a leather skirt. Whatever you want actually! It’s one of those bodysuits that will forever be one of your favorites because it goes with everything you already own.

+ The Gabrielle Top from Love and Lemons is to die for. Not only is it white and figure friendly but it’s one of those pieces that just flatters everyone. If you don’t already know. Bustier’s are so in and look so damn good on everyone. Not sure how they make you feel but they make me feel toned, slim and sexy. It’s a beautiful satin jacquard top featuring a sheer bust overlay and satin ribbon lacing throughout. Making it so perfect for the holidays. I have such a crush on this one, hopefully you do too!

I can’t believe the holidays are here but so happy they are. I hope you all enjoy yourselves with the people you enjoy and love the most. Fashionably awesome of course! Much love and hugs, CP x

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The Healthiest Homemade Juice

Juicing. I know I know. It’s such a ‘thing’ to do nowadays but I’ve actually been doing it ever since I was a little kid. I grew up in a household with a doctor so we were always into our health. My parents had one of those really loud big juicers that first came onto the market. After college, I bought my first juicer. Homemade juice is a million times more delicious than what you can get at the store! It’s incredible. But let’s get to it.

Here I’m going to show you the best most delicious health-benefiting juice you’ll be addicted to for the rest of your juicing days!

Let’s first talk about what’s in it.

Lemon: For vitamin C and reduces your risk of heart disease, anemia, kidney stones, digestive issues, and cancer.
Lime: More vitamin C and helps reduce inflammation
Orange Bell Pepper: Excellent source of vitamin A, C and potassium. Low in calories
Celery: Has a ton of antioxidants, supports digestion, also reduces inflammation, tons of vitamins and minerals, and has an alkalizing effect
GInger Root: My favorite! Aids in digestion, king of antioxidants, boost immune system, anti-flammatory, and stimulates body’s natural detoxification process
Turmeric Root: Everything that ginger root does but it also lowers blood sugar, improves blood circulation and clotting, and also supports metabolism health
Honeycrisp Apple: High in fiber and low in calories. Make sure to eat the peel because that’s where the healthy cancer fighting stuff is.

Now I can’t wait to hear what you think! Much love and if you want to see more just follow me on IG @carlaloren xoxo

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The Healthiest and Yummiest Hummus on the Market || Ithaca

My most favorite thing to make at home is hummus but now that I am a mom and time is limited, I have turned to Ithaca Hummus for mine and my family’s needs. If you look at store bought hummus, most of them have ingredients in them that you can’t even pronounce which most likely means not good for you. Ithaca hummus tastes so good and everything is real. They contain nothing artificial and contain no preservatives and you’ll recognize every single things on the ingredients label. Studies have shown that certain chemical preservatives may be harmful to your intestinal tract because they can kill the “good bacteria” needed for digestion and nutrient absorption. As an alternative to chemical preservatives, Ithaca Hummus company controls the food safety of their hummus using a process call High Pressure Processing (HPP). High Pressure Processing respects the sensorial and nutritional properties of food, because of the absence of heat treatment, and maintains its original freshness throughout the shelf-life. If you want to know more, go here: facts

Make hummus a part of your diet. It’s full of protein and nutritious goodness. Eat it with your favorite crackers, or veggies or stick some in your sandwich or salad! Or put it on a your party spread like I did here. Enjoy!!

Much love, CP

Follow me on IG @carlaloren

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Top 5 Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

I am the first one to tell you to just go. Pack your suitcase and just go. Every woman should venture out on her own. But if you’ve never done it before, it can sound a bit scary. While there are some places in the world that are safer than others, it’s actually not as bad or scary as we all think. If you are somewhat prepared and have general street smarts, there are many places that are perfect for solo travelers.

ICELAND

The Land of Fire and Ice, it is. Iceland is really a spectacular place and there is no place like it. Solo travel is super easy and comfortable here. Everyone is extremely nice and Reykjavik nightlife and scene is a great place to meet locals. Everyone, solo or not should travel Iceland because of its natural beauty and endless glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, and overall landscape. Don’t forget to visit the Blue Lagoon too! It’s one for the books! Please note Iceland is one of the most expensive countries so make sure you are prepared. It’s definitely worth it!

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is so picturesque it looks fake. This country is extremely clean and classy and everyone is incredibly beautiful and nice. From incredible mountain views, River backdrops, endless greenery hilltops, and endless meadows of florals you’ll never want to leave. If you are visiting Switzerland you must visit the little town of Lauterbrunnen. It’s the cutest most adorable stunning little town that has a waterfall running down the middle of it.

I stayed in Lucerne and then we took trains and buses to the same must-see destinations. Easy to see and get around throughout all of Switzerland. Don’t forget to wrap yourself in their culture too with their amazing chocolates and delicious foods.

POLAND

Poland is the one country that I was interested in but was never on top of my list. I decided to head there because I had one more destination to do before heading home and I found a great Airbnb in both Krakow and Warshaw so I went for it. And I’m so glad I did. Poland is definitely a very underrated country. Poland is beautiful, has so much history and the food is so good too. I learned so much here and I also met so many people. Sign up for a free city tour and you’ll meet some great people and learn things you never knew before. Trigger Warning though, Poland went through some hard times during WWII and Hitler, so things might be a bit sad but so much appreciation for the country and people. The little town of Krakow is super small and incredibly safe. So explore the main square and hit up all their cute restaurants, vodka tastings, and their bread on wheels. I would recommend taking the train from Krakow to Warshaw. It was a great easy scenic ride. Warshaw is a little bit bigger but also very easy to get around on foot. Hit the square and history of the city. Check out Lazienki Park, followed by some pierogis or their famous barszcz, which is dumplings in red beet broth soup.

SLOVENIA

Slovenia. One word. Magical. I met my friend in Croatia and then we drove to Slovenia and it was just amazing. Scenic routes galore and super safe. People are extremely nice and there’s not that many people. There are endless things to do here in Slovenia. You can visit museums, visit Lake Bled, castles, white water rafting and more. We chose water rafting because the experience in turquiose waters was one I was never going to be able to do otherwise. I would recommend to walk around the lake and take photos. The things you’ll see will surprise you. Get on a boat or kayak, see the church in the middle of the island up close. Get in a kayak in the Soca Valley. Honestly that experience is still fresh in my head because it was so awesome. Check out the pics below.

AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam is one of my favorite coolest cities. Known around the world for its liberal lifestyle and super chilled out vibe, this city is a fantastic place to hang out on your own. I didn’t know one person when I entered and left with 3 friends and that’s only staying two nights there. The canals are yours to explore as you discover the unique culture and nightlife of the city. Rent a bike or just walk around exploring it all and meeting the locals. There is endless amounts to see here. Head into as many museums as you can, trust me it’s an experience of a life time. From Anne Frank, Van Gohg, to the sex museum. I know. Really?! Yes when in Amsterdam. Oh yes and don’t leave the city without trying all it has to offer as in the green and THC we know about. Also their infused coffees and do not, DO NOT leave the city without trying one of their famous waffles with sauce of choice!