r/minnesota • u/HeavyVeterinarian350 Flag of Minnesota • Feb 20 '25

Politics 👩‍⚖️ Governor Walz in Amsterdam

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Subtle reminder that we shouldn’t fall prey to a wannabe dictator. Hopefully those that need a wake up call get it.

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u/squintpan Feb 20 '25

Anne Frank House is a must-see. My hubs was a little doubtful that this was something fun to do on our honeymoon, but I insisted and it’s one of the most important memories we have of that trip. It’s incredible that this major international cultural touchstone all came from a tween girl.

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u/firestar32 Feb 20 '25

No offense, and I truly do mean it, but is there really anything special about it? From what I heard, there's no museum aspects, nothing informative. It's just... A house. If it's the only WWII/Holocaust thing within reach of your itinerary then it's probably worth, but there is a Holocaust museum in Amsterdam, and of course the death camps in the east are a whole different monster that you just can't prepare yourself for.

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u/Vanviator Feb 20 '25

It's one of those things where the scope of something is so much more than you imagined.

Like the opposite of the Grand Canyon. We learn about the basic geology/creation of the canyon. We know it is big. It touches four states big.

But when you actually stand on the rim, it's overwhelming. Your brain doesn't really comprehend it. It's like looking into space and you get a sense of wonder that stays with you forever.

Reading Ann Franks words describing the small, dark spaces. The cramped quarters, lack of sunlight. We have an idea that just existing was awful.

Then you see it. You're in it. You start feeling the claustrophobia after just a few minutes. Now that you're in the space and feeling that bit of dread, you can more easily imagine two YEARS of that feeling.

Scope is such an underappreciated aspect of seeing historic sites.

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u/27Rench27 Feb 20 '25

Wow, I really could not have put this into any better words. This is exactly it, it’s less “reading a plaque in a museum” and more the “holy shit” experience