Returning to Amsterdam with our little Bella for the second time felt both familiar and new. This time, she was no longer the tiny baby who simply observed the world from the comfort of a stroller. At 17 months old, she was now a little explorer, full of energy, curiosity, and, of course, the occasional tantrum. What made this trip even more special was that we were with her grandparents from my husband’s side, giving them a chance to experience the city with us and, more importantly, with Bella.
The journey was smooth as always. Bella has always been an easy traveler, content in her car seat, watching the world pass by. But once we arrived, she was ready to run around and take in the sights. We decided to explore Amsterdam from a different perspective this time—by boat. At first, Bella was fascinated by the gentle movement of the water and the city views from the deck. She pointed excitedly at the passing bridges and boats, enjoying every moment. But as the cruise continued, her excitement faded into sleepiness. It was clear she was tired, and soon, she was crying and fussing, as if pleading with us to put her to bed. It was one of those moments every parent knows too well—when exhaustion hits at the most inconvenient time. We did our best to soothe her, but she wasn’t having it. So as soon as the boat tour ended, we headed straight to the car, where she finally got the nap she desperately needed.
When she woke up, it was as if nothing had happened. Recharged and full of energy again, she was back to her happy, curious self. We had lunch at a small Korean restaurant nearby, one we had visited before and always enjoyed. The food was delicious as expected, and the experience was made even better by the warm hospitality of the server, a Filipina who made us feel right at home. There’s something comforting about being in a foreign country and still finding connections that remind you of home.
After lunch, we took Bella’s grandparents to A’DAM Lookout, a must-visit for anyone coming to Amsterdam for the first time. Watching the sunset from above the city was a beautiful moment, and we had fun taking photos together, capturing memories that Bella might not remember but we certainly will. It felt special to share this experience with her grandparents, seeing them enjoy the city through her little adventures.
One unexpected part of our trip was walking through the Red Light District. The Korean restaurant was nearby, and out of curiosity, we decided to take a quick look. I had heard so much about it, but seeing it in person was different. I had always imagined mannequins dressed in revealing outfits, but instead, there were real women behind the glass, standing there in the red glow of the district. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for them. Perhaps some chose this profession willingly, but I couldn’t shake the thought that many might have been forced into it due to financial struggles. It was a sobering moment in contrast to the lightheartedness of the rest of our trip. I was grateful that Bella was too young to understand what was happening around her.
As we drove back home, I reflected on how different this visit was from Bella’s first. Back then, she was a tiny baby, just beginning to experience the world. Now, she was running, playing, and asserting herself in ways that reminded us she was growing up fast. Even with the tantrums and unexpected moments, it was all part of the adventure. Bella is truly a little traveler, and each journey with her adds a new layer of memories—not just for us but for the family we get to share them with.
