In middle school, I remember being assigned to read the Diary of Anne Frank. Although a hard topic for any age group, I remember enjoying her diary because her words took you back during that time period. As you continue reading, you feel as if you knew Anne herself, because of how personal her words were. It took you back to the Holocaust, almost as if you were with Anne and the others hiding in the Annex. Even after all those years, Anne's story has stuck with me throughout my education because of how powerful and brave she is. She is an inspiration to all not only because of her family and their unique story, but her writing as well.
As I booked my trip to Amsterdam a little over a month ago, I quickly started doing some research on what to do in the city. Of course, the Anne Frank house was at the top of things to do in the city. Looking into a guided tour of the house online, it stated that you needed to reserve tickets at least two months in advance. Defeated, I continued reading, and found that after 3:30pm, everyone without a reservation can stand in line and have a self guided tour until closing. Perfect.
That Saturday in Amsterdam was perfect weather for tourists like me to discover the city. Just after lunch, my friend and I decided that we were going to take our chances and see inside the historical site. After getting just a little lost using public transportation, we finally made it to the canal where the house was situated. We spot a long line, winding down one of the cobblestone streets. We both look at each other and say, "well we got nothing else to do."
We stood in the line for a little over an hour until we were finally in front of the house. We paid, and soon began our tour where Anne Frank and her family stayed hidden for two years. As you walk into the various rooms, there are quotes from Anne's diary written on the walls.
"One day this terrible war will be over. The time will come when we'll be people again and not just jews!" -Anne Frank, 11 April 1944
It was unbelievable to be able to step back in history and take in everything around you. There were artifacts, letters, photos, quotes, displayed throughout the house that is now considered a historical landmark worldwide.
One of my favorite rooms in the house, would have to be Anne's room. Not only was this her space where she spent most of the time writing in her diary, but the photos hung on the wall were the same one's that she put up decades ago. As I walked through the various rooms, I couldn't imagine having to hide in that house with seven other people. Your whole life passing by, because of being in fear of getting found.
"I long to ride a bike, dance, whistle, look at the world, feel young and know that I'm free." - Anne Frank 24, December 1943
It still amazes me that her diary was saved, and then published into something that is still read throughout schools around the world. It just shows you that the written word is very powerful, and can affect people in various ways. So many young girls still look up to Anne as a role model because of her courage and writings. As I exited the museum that day, I felt connected to Anne, and was encouraged to keep writing like she did because you never know who it might impact some day.
"I want to keep living even after my death." -Anne Frank, 5 April 1944
