Anne Frank Museum: Some Things Anne Frank Did in Her Isolation

Jewish cruises are very enjoyable and relaxing, but one can travel to other kinds of tours as well. If you are looking for sites of Jewish heritage, we recommend the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In fact, the New York Museum of Jewish Heritage hosted the exhibition ‘Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away’ on May 8, 2019. Aside from the contributions of other galleries, the Anne Frank Museum held ten exhibits in this event.

The museum is about a Jewish girl hiding in Holland when that nation was seized by the Nazis. She kept a diary which showed us her life during those hard times. With that said, what are some of the things this famous Jewish girl did in her isolation from the world with only her family and friends?

Had Lessons

To catch up with her education, her parents insisted that she continue to study despite not being in school. She studied algebra, religion, history, shorthand writing, and languages French and English, and more. She particularly liked Greek and Roman myths and the family tree of the British Royal Family.

Looked at Her Pictures of Hollywood Movie Stars

Collecting pictures of famous movie stars is a common hobby among teenage girls in the 40s. It enabled her to have a hobby she can focus on, remaining a youthful dreamer despite the troubling era that she lived in. She even admitted that they felt like her friends and encouraged her friend Peter to keep some as well.

Listened to the Radio

She adored the classical music that played on her radio to the point that she even had a short biography about Franz Liszt in her diary. She also liked hearing news about British royalty, namely Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret.

Moreover, the radio is significant in these times because there are radio programs that are anti-Nazi, helping combat Nazi propaganda. Anne also listened to them.

Looked Out Her Attic Window

During her 2 years of hiding, Anne wished to be outside once the war ended. Since that could not be fulfilled right away, the next best thing was to peer out the attic window where she could see birds, clouds, and the chestnut tree that swayed in the breeze. She acquired a new appreciation in nature due to this.

Wrote in Her Diary

As a budding writer, this activity of hers is no surprise. She also had no friends to confide with at the start of their hiding, so she wrote her feelings on paper as an outlet for her problems. She addressed her diary as Kitty in every entry and would write to her daily.

Unfortunately, only her father Otto Frank survived the war, after her entire group got captured and sent to the camps in 1944.

However, we must never forget our history. You can go to the Anne Frank Museum as part of your personal Jewish heritage tours.

Blend in with European Locals

How do you blend in if you are on one of your Kosher Europe tours? 

Perhaps you do not mind either way, but part of the enjoyment and relaxation is experiencing the feeling of belonging in one of the most renowned continents in the world. If you are interested in knowing tips on how to attain this, read on.

Verse Yourself in Their Verbal Expressions

Understanding the language and responding in kind is a surefire way to seem like one of the people. There are many ways to do this. Search online or buy a language book for some key phrases to remember thoroughly. Search for legit videos to master the pronunciation. Take a tutor for a few days if you feel like it.

You can also take note of how the locals would personally do it. For example, French people would add Merci (Thanks) at the beginning of their au revoir (goodbye) when finishing a transaction in a shop. But if unsure, you can always resort back to English.

Do Not Be Blatant When Taking Pictures

Limit the number of photos you take as if you can as not to make it obvious that you are a tourist. Another good idea to avoid being too apparent with your camera is to be mindful of this activity. Checking your ideal photo settings in your gadget way beforehand to avoid fumbling with it longer than you should. While many may like professional DSLR cameras, iOS and high-quality smartphones may be better if in terms of discretion.

Wear Simple Clothes

For one thing, in France and England, most would like to be plain or unkempt but still stylish. Light makeup and less jewelry is fitting. Neutral palettes in elegant unadorned clothes are good. There may be a few exceptions, but if your goal is to blend in and not stick out anyway, then simplicity is ideal in the first place. Do not wear white shoes either despite its being simple though. They are only used for working-out in most European countries.

These are just some of the tips. The main point is enjoying yourself and just being you. If you are confident enough in your own skin, you will always seem less out of place in any situation.Another thing to note is that you will be more assured if you plan things out and subscribe to trusted tours. Kosher River Cruise, for one, is a guarantee and has many European destinations this year for your kosher holiday needs.

Iconic Destinations To Visit In Phnom Penh

Do you know why kosher cruise companies choose the Mekong River for their Southeast Asian cruises? It’s because this river passes through places of cultural and historical significance that Jews can relate to.

If you are planning to book a cabin on a Vietnam-Cambodia Jewish travel cruise, here are four iconic destinations that you should visit during your tour through Cambodia’s gorgeous capital, Phnom Penh.

Royal Palace of Cambodia

Known for its iconic Khmer roofs and intricate decorations, the Royal Palace is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Phnom Penh. Although half of the compound is part of the king’s residence, you can freely visit the Silver Pagoda and the Throne Hall.

National Museum of Cambodia

Expand your knowledge about the vast cultural heritage of Cambodia through a trip to its world-famous National Museum. Discover four wings of Khmer art collections, as well as Buddhist and Hindu statutory pieces. The museum also boasts glorious, rich gardens that welcome you when you enter its premises.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Awareness about history is important, no matter how violent it is. That’s why an educational journey to the best-known of all the Khmer Rouge killing fields should not be missed. The genocidal center shows memorial relics of Cambodia’s dark era during the 1970s. Just like the Jews during the Second World War, Cambodians experienced a sad and devastating period in their cultural history.

Phsar Thmei (Central Market)

Photo Credit: tourismcambodia.com

Phnom Penh had been a bustling part of French Indochina (French-controlled territory during the French colonial period, which included parts of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia). You can definitely see the French influence in the metropolis’ architecture through the busy Phsar Thmei. When visiting this Art Deco market, don’t forget to buy some souvenirs in the form of batik, brocade textiles, gold, and gemstones.

Aside from these cultural and historical sites, you can also take a trip to Sisowath Quay (a famous Cambodian riverside strip),  Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (another historical museum for the victims of Khmer Rouge genocide), Wat Phnom (a serene hillside Buddhist temple), and Independence Monument (a landmark that celebrates Cambodian freedom from French colonial rule).