04/22/2026
We packed our final day in Amsterdam with as much as we could, beginning with a visit to the beautiful town of Haarlem in search of the statue of Hannie Schaft.
Hannie Schaft, often called “the girl with the red hair,” was a young Dutch resistance fighter during World War II. She stood courageously against N**i occupation, helping with sabotage efforts and delivering illegal newspapers.
Her story is one of bravery, conviction, and quiet strength — a powerful reminder of standing up for what is right, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Visiting her statue felt both humbling and meaningful.
While in Haarlem, we also visited the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. Bavo. The scale, architecture, and light inside were breathtaking. It was especially moving to know the church is still active today, continuing to hold services and welcome visitors — a place where history and present day quietly meet.
In the afternoon, we slowed the pace with a canal tour through Amsterdam.
Seeing the city from the water offered a different perspective — historic buildings leaning gently along the canals, bicycles crossing bridges, and life unfolding at an unhurried pace.
Later, we visited the Anne Frank House. It was an incredibly emotional experience.
I was brought to tears listening to a recording of Otto Frank speaking about the moment he finally read Anne’s diary and realized that parents don’t ever really know their children. It was a powerful and deeply human reflection that stayed with me long after we left.
We lightened the mood by ending our last night wandering through the Red Light District — lively, vibrant, and certainly memorable. It felt like a fitting contrast to a day filled with history, reflection, and emotion.
We fell into bed exhausted, but incredibly full — full of appreciation for everything this week offered, the places we explored, the stories we heard, and the inspiration gathered along the way.
Ready to head home… and bring a little piece of this unforgettable journey back to Middleton Neadow Farm.