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Lets start from the flight from DC. United Airlines.... I love your prices but you would be so much better if you gave me about 2 more inches of leg room and not a frozen meal as my inboard dinner. Anywho, I was luckily paired to sit with an Amsterdam native who was also 23. He is in the process of gaining his "clinicals" (i think) in psychology and a DJ on the weekends. So we instantly hit it off bc we both had something in common = music, duh 😉 he gave me some great advice and suggestions as to what to do during my trip! Etc. it really blows when you are next to someone who is 1) sneezing/coughing, 2) rude 3) not outgoing- and he was none of those so he met my flight criteria hahaha.
Eight hours later, I landed in Schipol which is a HUGE airport! I carried my luggage on board the plane (best idea ever) and went straight through the gate to purchase an international cell phone (2nd best idea ever). About an hour later, I met up with an amazing co-worker whom I've met before in RTP. I'm incredibly thankful for his
hospitality and patience for finding and picking me up at the airport!!
Next I arrive at Irina's beautiful flat. As Sen tells me, it is in the northern area and known as the suburbs. To me, it's modern and amazing. As soon as we get in, I pass out and reenergize! I do not want to waste a second of my time while I'm here. Did I mention the weather is incredible at the moment?! Not only is it about 70, the sun is shining and the sun JUST set around 10 pm. I could get used to this! Once I napped, I decided to make my way to Central Station. I am so happy I did this bc I had a blast! I'm not going to lie, getting off near the train station was a bit intimidating because I am worried about pickpocketers,etc.
I made my way into the city and stopped at this cute little cafe called cafe 't tuinfeest. There were TONS of people outside so I made my way inside to grab a seat at the bar. The bartender was so incredibly friendly and welcoming towards me. She went out of her to
First Dinner
Vegetarian pasta with ricotta, tomato, and spinach topped with arugula, you,,y bread, and a Hoegaarden! describe dishes, make suggestions on what to do, and just give me the comfort of a temporary friend. I had a delicious vegetarian pasta dish, with some bread and sauce that reminded me of Sanitary tartar sauce - hahaha, ( Caroline I hope you saw my text about that'😉. Once I was finished she told me about this event in Sunday called Open Air, which MTV hosts. She also drew her own self guided map of where and where not to go, and told me if I ever need anything to come see her at work. This instantly pepped my mood and gave me the confidence to roam the city solo for a few more hours.
I started walking down towards the red light district, but definitely to nervous to step foot alone and the sun was beginning to set - iI will probably do that tomorrow. Anyway, I walked by this bar and there was a guy who I felt like was an American but he had on these European shoes that threw me off. Did I mention upon departure of the first restaurant the sweet bartender gave me a free shot of a, as she called, "Dutch
Witte Antionette
Very good and inexpensive ! drink," so my confidence was from 0 to 3 😉 I made it back around the canal to ironically grab a beer at the same restaurant the guy was sitting at. I had one of their home brews, an unfiltered wheat beer titled Witte Antionette. Come to find out -- the guy i noticed was from Georgia traveling alone for 4 weeks! What a small world. We chatted about school, work, Europe, and our first day of arrival. Needless to say, I had such a wonderful day! I am so thankfulI to have the Courage to speak to LEGIT strangers and become friends and how I didnt understand how to use the key to Irina's apartment and had to wait for help 😉, or what the heck a bus with directions in Dutch said... I remained positive and optimistic that it would all come together.... No you wouldn't know that i struggled with any of those things because I let my strength, faith, and intelligence be my guide. There is no point in living in this world being fearful, material items can be replaced. Submerge yourself in the culture, be respectful, and smile 😊
Today was beautiful and it
Sorry bout it
Standard kiss face near one of many canalnviews is only the beginning
Xo,
AJS
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Ramona
non-member comment
hello
Glad to know you made it safely. You are sooooo brave to be touring and seeing the sights. Thanks for the blog; look forward to keeping up with your adventures. Stay safe!