Hoi!
I am finally attempting to write and read and get all my school work done before I head off to Espana for the weekend. So naturally I will try and find other things to occupy my time with...ie this blog. AHH and so much has happened within the last month or so I really don't know where to begin.
Firstly, my mother and sister came to visit. My German friend, Juliane, and her fiancé, Mario, came for a weekend. It was a great week and I got to show them around this city that I love. I also got to indulge myself is the touristy activities I have avoided since coming here. After everyone left, I finally felt a swarm of homesickness. I think it made me realize how grounded I am in Ohio and it is where I really feel at home. Yeah, I know I complain out being from there, but I feel like I am attempting to try and hide the fact that I fucking love being from Akron, Ohio. Don't get me wrong kids, Europe is so great and so much different from the States, but I definitely know where home is. With this realization, I think is helps me stay grounded. I also know that this trip is almost over and I need to continue and try to experience everything possible.
With that said, I have yet to leave the Netherlands since Berlin. I planned on going to Italy for the weekend with a few friends, but of course it was during the whole Iceland volcano incident. It was a real let down, but I had a great weekend in Amsterdam instead; full of hours and hours of hanging out in Oosterpark (the park closest to my dorm) and visiting the Hague. The Hauge is the political capital of the Netherlands. Yeah, I know it sounds weird but this country has two capitals. Amsterdam, which is considered the cultural capital, and The Hauge, where all the politics n shit happens. It was much for spread out than A'dam, but I like it. While there also checked out the some painting by Vermeer and Rembrandt, took the wrong tram into the middle of no where, and ate some bagels and beans. Classic trip to a dutch city.
Although I haven't left the country in a month, I did go on a weekend trip put on my the program I'm in to the island of Schiermonnikoog. (try and say that 5 times fast!) Its the island that is all the way in the North of the country. I think its actually the most north I have ever been. It was neat, we all rented bike and took adventures just biking, mud flat hiking, seeing the north sea and what not. We also got to have a dumpster fire..on a beach and made stroopwafels smores. (whats up diabetes) It was a great weekend, refreshing if anything, and we all def got a dose of Dutch nature. (something that bonny wassing claims doesn't exist.)
Finally, the show, the big event, KONINGINNEDAG!! or queen's day. It is a national holiday here. Everyone wears orange, drinks all day, and parties in the streets. It just sounded like my kind of rage. It actually is to celebrate the birthday of the queen (whose actually birthday is in January) but her mother's birthday is april 30th. So, Beatrix decided the weather in april is more suitable to party then lets say january. so true. The night before is also a big deal known as King's night. Its like what you would call a pre-game to the BIG DAY. In a nut shell drank all day n night, wore orange, beat my fear a heights and rode a ferris wheel, ate thai food, danced around...but I DID NOT GET TO SEE TIESTO! yeah some stuff happened and we couldn't make it down to the park to see him. oh well. We went out and drank on a bridge for a little while before finding a DJ playing in the street (FAKE TIESTO) and danced around for a little bit. So, it turned out to a great day, just because everyone in the city was so happy and excited. It lived up to its hype and I am really glad I got to experience it.
So, now I sit here in the Amsterdam Public library staring at the word docs that soons need to be turned into essays and the books that need to be read. I don't have classes on Wednesday either because its liberation day. SO PROST TO BEATING THE NAZIS! Probably going to take a trip to Haarlem to celebrate! And then Barcelona on Friday...TO SEE GINA KUZMICK. so excited, just hope homework doesn't get the best of me!
TOT ZIENS
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
2 for the price of 1
Hello cyborgs, here is yet another witty update by yours truly. I am currently sitting in the common room of my floor and the cleaning people are here cleaning the kitchen. Felix, the Plantage Muidergracht 20 housecat, is in the hallway and one of the cleaning guys is trying to serenade him. Oh my god. I think I am in hell, or heaven (your pick).
Last night, geeked out and decided it would be a great idea to run all the way from Spuistraat to home. I got a few laughs for sure. I am a skeptical, I just keep finding out I cannot go anywhere. Also, decided the loft is dead to me and made a bed on my floor among my dirty clothes and dirt dragged in by my shoes (sounds comfy eh?) Probably going to start sleeping there for good, and there is a better internet connection down stairs anyways. So win, win. Beds are overrated. I believe they are just some marketing scheme by IKEA to try to make bank for the Swedes. Beds are made for sleeping?? Well cavemen use to sleep on the floors of caves and they seemed to be able to live their lives. They certainly didn’t have lofts either…
Moreover, went to Berlin over the weekend and let’s just say my time there involved oopma loompas, a stag party, a strip club, horny giraffes, a 10 hour night bus ride, 2 euro doners, knut the crazy polar bear, the bang bang club, 2 for the price of 1, a tour guide named Finn (but NOT Pablo), 15 minutes cab rides to the outskirts of eastern berlin, train trolls, a wall full of holes, a bar crawl, the scottish, the third reich, beer made by monks, and a concentration camp. The last one was depressing, but the rest...is history. All in all, it was a glorious trip and I really enjoyed the city itself. It’s really exciting, full of histroy, unique and the public transportation is ballin’. Those damn Germans. If I had the chance I would go back in a heartbeat. ICH BIN EIN BERLINER!
Continuing to the topic of bikes, I am currently on my third bicycle. To recall, the first one was stolen and the second was broken, then fixed, then I lost my bike keys. Whoooops. But, the weather just keeps getting better and better here, so therefore biking becomes more enjoyable too. Yesterday, I went to the local park, Oosterpark, to read for my literature class. It was so sunny and warm. There were tons of people at the park too; little kids learning to ride bikes, sunbathers, and dog walkers. However, some guy decided to sit on the same bench as me and smoke hash. He also got really excited when he learned I spoke English. I was like “shit should have went with 'hablo espanol'” Anyways, as he sat smoking his joint, this drunk man comes up and stands 2 feet away from me (holding a tall boy of cheap beer no doubt) and attempts to hold a conversation with me. Why do I attract the creepiest people?? Also, saw a sheep dog. I think those are probably my favorite type of dog. I’m not personally a dog person because I need to keep my sights high in my future as a creepy cat lady, but if I had to get a dog it would be a sheep dog. They are so big and fluffy! I just wanted to roll around in the grass with it.
Tomorrow, I am going to head to Rotterdam for a day trip. Its one of the largest ports in the world, so yay boats! I think as long as I’m in the Netherlands (and since the rail system in Europe is to efficient (most of the time)) I might as well explore the entire country. Also, it’s my Danish friend’s birthday and she is having a party in one of the international student dorms. I haven’t seen her in weeks, except randomly on the street, but it should be fun to do something different and see some kids from my ISN group I haven’t seen in forever. Then, on Saturday I am going with CIEE and BONNY WASSING to a Dutch castle. This should be a nice little weekend. Hopefully relaxing too, still recovering from Berlin...
Finally in a week, Anita and Kara Gerhart take on Amsterdam, as well as my long lost German sister, Juliane. I just hope the weather keeps up and stays nice. (BOO THE RAIN!). While they are here I hope to go to the flower gardens, the electric landlady museaum, go back to the warf, and do other touristy things I have yet to do. We might even take a trip to Belgium or something. We will just see what they want to do when they arrive.
Currently watching Girl, Interrupted on youtube. I fucking love the internet. It deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Best creation ever (next to the printing press of course CAN I GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO GUTENBURG!) see the germans know whats up. Okay, I need to read some more of Madame Bovary (better known as Madame BOOOOORarvy) I love puns and get started on this 15 page essay. gahhhhwooo.
TOT ZIENS
Last night, geeked out and decided it would be a great idea to run all the way from Spuistraat to home. I got a few laughs for sure. I am a skeptical, I just keep finding out I cannot go anywhere. Also, decided the loft is dead to me and made a bed on my floor among my dirty clothes and dirt dragged in by my shoes (sounds comfy eh?) Probably going to start sleeping there for good, and there is a better internet connection down stairs anyways. So win, win. Beds are overrated. I believe they are just some marketing scheme by IKEA to try to make bank for the Swedes. Beds are made for sleeping?? Well cavemen use to sleep on the floors of caves and they seemed to be able to live their lives. They certainly didn’t have lofts either…
Moreover, went to Berlin over the weekend and let’s just say my time there involved oopma loompas, a stag party, a strip club, horny giraffes, a 10 hour night bus ride, 2 euro doners, knut the crazy polar bear, the bang bang club, 2 for the price of 1, a tour guide named Finn (but NOT Pablo), 15 minutes cab rides to the outskirts of eastern berlin, train trolls, a wall full of holes, a bar crawl, the scottish, the third reich, beer made by monks, and a concentration camp. The last one was depressing, but the rest...is history. All in all, it was a glorious trip and I really enjoyed the city itself. It’s really exciting, full of histroy, unique and the public transportation is ballin’. Those damn Germans. If I had the chance I would go back in a heartbeat. ICH BIN EIN BERLINER!
Continuing to the topic of bikes, I am currently on my third bicycle. To recall, the first one was stolen and the second was broken, then fixed, then I lost my bike keys. Whoooops. But, the weather just keeps getting better and better here, so therefore biking becomes more enjoyable too. Yesterday, I went to the local park, Oosterpark, to read for my literature class. It was so sunny and warm. There were tons of people at the park too; little kids learning to ride bikes, sunbathers, and dog walkers. However, some guy decided to sit on the same bench as me and smoke hash. He also got really excited when he learned I spoke English. I was like “shit should have went with 'hablo espanol'” Anyways, as he sat smoking his joint, this drunk man comes up and stands 2 feet away from me (holding a tall boy of cheap beer no doubt) and attempts to hold a conversation with me. Why do I attract the creepiest people?? Also, saw a sheep dog. I think those are probably my favorite type of dog. I’m not personally a dog person because I need to keep my sights high in my future as a creepy cat lady, but if I had to get a dog it would be a sheep dog. They are so big and fluffy! I just wanted to roll around in the grass with it.
Tomorrow, I am going to head to Rotterdam for a day trip. Its one of the largest ports in the world, so yay boats! I think as long as I’m in the Netherlands (and since the rail system in Europe is to efficient (most of the time)) I might as well explore the entire country. Also, it’s my Danish friend’s birthday and she is having a party in one of the international student dorms. I haven’t seen her in weeks, except randomly on the street, but it should be fun to do something different and see some kids from my ISN group I haven’t seen in forever. Then, on Saturday I am going with CIEE and BONNY WASSING to a Dutch castle. This should be a nice little weekend. Hopefully relaxing too, still recovering from Berlin...
Finally in a week, Anita and Kara Gerhart take on Amsterdam, as well as my long lost German sister, Juliane. I just hope the weather keeps up and stays nice. (BOO THE RAIN!). While they are here I hope to go to the flower gardens, the electric landlady museaum, go back to the warf, and do other touristy things I have yet to do. We might even take a trip to Belgium or something. We will just see what they want to do when they arrive.
Currently watching Girl, Interrupted on youtube. I fucking love the internet. It deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Best creation ever (next to the printing press of course CAN I GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO GUTENBURG!) see the germans know whats up. Okay, I need to read some more of Madame Bovary (better known as Madame BOOOOORarvy) I love puns and get started on this 15 page essay. gahhhhwooo.
TOT ZIENS
Monday, March 8, 2010
Dutch Cuisine
There has been much debate on my choice of language in the three posts I have made thus far, so for the sake of my grandfather's heart, I will attempt to clean up my act. At least the best that I can.
Nonetheless, one topic I believe needs to be discussed here is dutch cuisine. HAHA Cuisine, I don't think there are any two words that should never be placed next to each other. oxymoron much? The Dutch are a society who, unlike Americans, eat to live. They enjoy hearty meals packed with carbs and dairy. pfft. Whatever, give me a cheeseburger. So I am going to break up a day of basic intake by a Dutch person so everyone in Amurike can feel my pain.
Disclaimer: many of these are typical. Just because I list all of these things does not mean people eat all of them for every meal. There is a variety, kind of. I am calling this "traditional" for a reason.
Breakfast:
bread, cheese, bread, cheese, milk, cold cereal
Lunch:
bread, cheese, bread, cheese, milk, yogurt, fruit
Dinner:
some kind of meat (most likely chicken, fish, pork, or sausage), potatoes, a veggie, potatoes, more potatoes, and maybe some applesauce
Snacks: french fries, FEBO, stroopwafels.
Snacks are the best time of the day, for sure.
I love all of the above foods, just not everyday. After being here a month I fully understand why all the Dutch are so tall and skinny. They each massive amounts of dairy and bike EVERYWHERE.
Furthermore, I just recently discovered (today) this stuff called vla. It's kind of like pudding, but not as thick. Definitely, making up for my dumb idea of give up stroopwafels for lent. gah I miss the stroops.
To veer away from the topic of food (a topic I am oh so fond about) and move onto the weather. The weather. ahhhh the weather. It is not as cold here as in Ohio, but for some reason is feels it. Maybe its the biking (or lack thereof)?? I really could not tell you. As for the rain, it needs to stop. It has really been raining on my parade (AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA) It really had yet to become "rainy season" but I feel like I am going to hate it. So much rain, but I guess asking for a rain jacket for christmas was the right idea. thumbs up santa!
Finally, traveled to Brussels for the weekend. Saw three different statues that were in the position of peeing, ate a waffles and mussels, and went to this bar that had 2004 beers. So all in all the 48 hour brussels take over was nothing more than triumphant. I am in love. hahaha I never wanted to leave, but tragically I had to return homeskis to work on homework and catch up on sleepies.
School is still killing me smalls, but I am trying to get through it day in and day out. I hope everyones spring break is going/went grand. I have a presentation and paper due tomorrow. gagging on the inside.
TOT ZINES!
Nonetheless, one topic I believe needs to be discussed here is dutch cuisine. HAHA Cuisine, I don't think there are any two words that should never be placed next to each other. oxymoron much? The Dutch are a society who, unlike Americans, eat to live. They enjoy hearty meals packed with carbs and dairy. pfft. Whatever, give me a cheeseburger. So I am going to break up a day of basic intake by a Dutch person so everyone in Amurike can feel my pain.
Disclaimer: many of these are typical. Just because I list all of these things does not mean people eat all of them for every meal. There is a variety, kind of. I am calling this "traditional" for a reason.
Breakfast:
bread, cheese, bread, cheese, milk, cold cereal
Lunch:
bread, cheese, bread, cheese, milk, yogurt, fruit
Dinner:
some kind of meat (most likely chicken, fish, pork, or sausage), potatoes, a veggie, potatoes, more potatoes, and maybe some applesauce
Snacks: french fries, FEBO, stroopwafels.
Snacks are the best time of the day, for sure.
I love all of the above foods, just not everyday. After being here a month I fully understand why all the Dutch are so tall and skinny. They each massive amounts of dairy and bike EVERYWHERE.
Furthermore, I just recently discovered (today) this stuff called vla. It's kind of like pudding, but not as thick. Definitely, making up for my dumb idea of give up stroopwafels for lent. gah I miss the stroops.
To veer away from the topic of food (a topic I am oh so fond about) and move onto the weather. The weather. ahhhh the weather. It is not as cold here as in Ohio, but for some reason is feels it. Maybe its the biking (or lack thereof)?? I really could not tell you. As for the rain, it needs to stop. It has really been raining on my parade (AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA) It really had yet to become "rainy season" but I feel like I am going to hate it. So much rain, but I guess asking for a rain jacket for christmas was the right idea. thumbs up santa!
Finally, traveled to Brussels for the weekend. Saw three different statues that were in the position of peeing, ate a waffles and mussels, and went to this bar that had 2004 beers. So all in all the 48 hour brussels take over was nothing more than triumphant. I am in love. hahaha I never wanted to leave, but tragically I had to return homeskis to work on homework and catch up on sleepies.
School is still killing me smalls, but I am trying to get through it day in and day out. I hope everyones spring break is going/went grand. I have a presentation and paper due tomorrow. gagging on the inside.
TOT ZINES!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Wat is uw naam?
I've neglected this project I set forth to pursue and I feel it is time to start typing.
Okay. One month in and I would say this little adventure of mine has been nothing more than a success. This country is fantastic and all of the people here are quite particular and interesting. I live in a dorm really close to the international school (the building where 80% of my classes are held) and the zoo. There is a cat that lives in the building too. I believe this is God’s way of letting me know I am going to be a crazy cat lady later in life. My room is lofted which sounds really amazing, but with my record of clumsiness, I have found it to be a burden. My right forearm and hip defiantly have felt the pain from me falling down my stairs at least a few times. I have had little trouble finding my way around and the public transportation is simple, yet expensive. So if the weather is suitable (which is very rare for these waters) I opt for walking it. As for biking (the national pastimes in this country and number one way to get around these here parts) has been fun. Until a month ago, I hadn't ridden a bike since the sixth grade, but it is one of those things you just never forget. However, for the record, drunk biking is defiantly 100% not my forte. For my bike itself, it has been a pain in the ass. I have had one stolen already, within a week of being here, and the new one continues to break. I guess the truth of it is I am not made for this biking thing. I feel walking helps me get use to the land and area I am in anyways. I have been able to explore many different sectors from not biking. So yeah, I am so over the bikes. I must add here, bikes have the right-of-way over pedestrians. This is still something I am trying to get use to. Within 2 hours of landing in this country I almost seriously met my match with a biker. whew.
School…is school and I still cannot get over how serious they are about academia in this country. Who knew!? The land that tolerates the use of drugs and sex workers, also expects about 60 hours a week of school work. BULLSHIT, NO WAY. Do not worry my fine readers, being the person I am, I have been able to find loop holes and still have a good time while getting that passing mark.
So far, I have yet to travel anywhere outside of the Netherlands, but I have gone to a few places within.
A couple weekends ago I went with the international student club at the University of Amsterdam to Maastricht. It is a little city at the very south of the country. Quaint and lovely I must say. We didn’t stay in Maastricht though. We shacked up in a group hostel in the little town of Vulkenburg. I still have no idea where it is in conjunction to Maastricht, but it was nice. (I mean it had an Albert Heijn so what more do you need??) I met a lot of other interational students and we raged. Taught a bunch of Danish, Korean, German, and Turkish kids flip cup. It was entertaining, if anything. This past weekend I went with CIEE to the towns of Urk and Groningen. It is just nice to get out of the city for at least a day or two to experience the countryside and surrounding area. I really feel at peace here and am glad I have chosen this country to study in. It is full of tolerance and understanding, and it is extremely safe. The weather is slowly getting better. The rain, however, is something I am still coming to terms with and have a feeling I will never get use to it.
This Friday I am going to Brussels with a bunch of girls I've met from CIEE and this Wednesday I get to go to an actual European soccer match. In truth, I fucking hate soccer and do not know one single thing of the sport. But, I realize this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it’s free (so why not!) I promise people I will start to make this venture a regular thing and hope that everyone enjoys it! As for now I need to go write a few papers so I can borrel tomorrow. By the way, a borrel is a Dutch party, but with no dancing.
I hope all is well in the U S of A!
Tots ziens,
Gina G.
Okay. One month in and I would say this little adventure of mine has been nothing more than a success. This country is fantastic and all of the people here are quite particular and interesting. I live in a dorm really close to the international school (the building where 80% of my classes are held) and the zoo. There is a cat that lives in the building too. I believe this is God’s way of letting me know I am going to be a crazy cat lady later in life. My room is lofted which sounds really amazing, but with my record of clumsiness, I have found it to be a burden. My right forearm and hip defiantly have felt the pain from me falling down my stairs at least a few times. I have had little trouble finding my way around and the public transportation is simple, yet expensive. So if the weather is suitable (which is very rare for these waters) I opt for walking it. As for biking (the national pastimes in this country and number one way to get around these here parts) has been fun. Until a month ago, I hadn't ridden a bike since the sixth grade, but it is one of those things you just never forget. However, for the record, drunk biking is defiantly 100% not my forte. For my bike itself, it has been a pain in the ass. I have had one stolen already, within a week of being here, and the new one continues to break. I guess the truth of it is I am not made for this biking thing. I feel walking helps me get use to the land and area I am in anyways. I have been able to explore many different sectors from not biking. So yeah, I am so over the bikes. I must add here, bikes have the right-of-way over pedestrians. This is still something I am trying to get use to. Within 2 hours of landing in this country I almost seriously met my match with a biker. whew.
School…is school and I still cannot get over how serious they are about academia in this country. Who knew!? The land that tolerates the use of drugs and sex workers, also expects about 60 hours a week of school work. BULLSHIT, NO WAY. Do not worry my fine readers, being the person I am, I have been able to find loop holes and still have a good time while getting that passing mark.
So far, I have yet to travel anywhere outside of the Netherlands, but I have gone to a few places within.
A couple weekends ago I went with the international student club at the University of Amsterdam to Maastricht. It is a little city at the very south of the country. Quaint and lovely I must say. We didn’t stay in Maastricht though. We shacked up in a group hostel in the little town of Vulkenburg. I still have no idea where it is in conjunction to Maastricht, but it was nice. (I mean it had an Albert Heijn so what more do you need??) I met a lot of other interational students and we raged. Taught a bunch of Danish, Korean, German, and Turkish kids flip cup. It was entertaining, if anything. This past weekend I went with CIEE to the towns of Urk and Groningen. It is just nice to get out of the city for at least a day or two to experience the countryside and surrounding area. I really feel at peace here and am glad I have chosen this country to study in. It is full of tolerance and understanding, and it is extremely safe. The weather is slowly getting better. The rain, however, is something I am still coming to terms with and have a feeling I will never get use to it.
This Friday I am going to Brussels with a bunch of girls I've met from CIEE and this Wednesday I get to go to an actual European soccer match. In truth, I fucking hate soccer and do not know one single thing of the sport. But, I realize this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it’s free (so why not!) I promise people I will start to make this venture a regular thing and hope that everyone enjoys it! As for now I need to go write a few papers so I can borrel tomorrow. By the way, a borrel is a Dutch party, but with no dancing.
I hope all is well in the U S of A!
Tots ziens,
Gina G.
Monday, February 1, 2010
GEZELLIG
The beginning travels to Holland were nothing more than a success. As I sat on the Beoing 767, 35,000 feet above the earth, I thought to myself: "This is either the best, or worst idea I've ever had." Just think 4 months in a city where no one knows who you are and all the signs are in dutch. stressful much?
The days continue stretch by and I cannot fathom I have already been in this place for a week. It seem so unreal. The city is beautiful and the people are handsome, multicultural, and so kind and helpful. I promise to update more when I get in the routine of school. It's been over a month an a half since I've had to sit in a classroom. damn.
Thus far, the adventure has just begun.
The days continue stretch by and I cannot fathom I have already been in this place for a week. It seem so unreal. The city is beautiful and the people are handsome, multicultural, and so kind and helpful. I promise to update more when I get in the routine of school. It's been over a month an a half since I've had to sit in a classroom. damn.
Thus far, the adventure has just begun.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Pre-departure: 1.5 months
The study aboard experience is a unique one where college students are able to immerse themselves into another society for an entire semester or year. It opens person's mind to the world and helps them create a multidimensional perspective.
I, like so many before, will be partaking in this experience. Near the end of January I will be traveling aboard to Amsterdam, Netherlands for four months.
Yes, The Netherlands; the land of political liberalism and alternative lifestyles.
Most people smirk when I tell them where I will be studying. They picture streets lined with coffeeshops selling more than coffee and women posing behind glass windows. However, I foretell my adventure to be an engagement of culture, lifestyle change, and education. I hope to leave and not only be an American, but Dutch as well, I anticipate discovering a place above the clichés and stereotypes.
Amsterdam has become known to the American media and public as a dumping ground for the delinquent. I hope to find a land of history, culture, fun, and excitement.
I plan a renting a bicycle and exploring this city filled with history and traditions. I also hope to meet as many people as possible from as many different places. I hope at one point in my life you have friends from every continent.
This will not be my first time aboard, over the summer I spent about a month in Rome studying intercultural communication with 25 of my peers from Dayton. It was my first time traveling outside the U.S (with the exception of Canada) and alone. The entire month in Italy was a month neither I nor any of my fellow travelers will ever forget. I learned more in a month then I have ever learned in any classroom. I loved every minute of the experience, and knew I would be back. The only difference was the location change.
I chose Amsterdam because enroute to Rome I had an hour layover in Amsterdam. I was only there long enough to go through customs, buy a bottle of water, and find my gate. As I was walking through the concourse, I tried to get a feel of the country and city I was in. Just by being there, I knew I was somewhere special, somewhere I needed to find more about. The time flew by and before I knew it I was thousands of miles above the earth on my way to Rome. Ever since leaving, I have wanted to go back and discover Amsterdam.
In the next five months I will be describing the simple aspects of the study aboard experience and pushing the envelope on the importance of this practice. I plan to accumulate the basic aspects of international travel and the discovery of other cultures. An international outlook is more important than ever for our generation. The only way to really find the truth of the world is to experience it yourself.
With this semester drawing to an end, the anticipation to my future excursions makes me jittery with excitement. The days continue to creep by, and the upcoming adventure is bestowed upon me. I can only make the best of what is to come, until then I will try to force myself to study and write papers. Wish me luck because this is torture.
I, like so many before, will be partaking in this experience. Near the end of January I will be traveling aboard to Amsterdam, Netherlands for four months.
Yes, The Netherlands; the land of political liberalism and alternative lifestyles.
Most people smirk when I tell them where I will be studying. They picture streets lined with coffeeshops selling more than coffee and women posing behind glass windows. However, I foretell my adventure to be an engagement of culture, lifestyle change, and education. I hope to leave and not only be an American, but Dutch as well, I anticipate discovering a place above the clichés and stereotypes.
Amsterdam has become known to the American media and public as a dumping ground for the delinquent. I hope to find a land of history, culture, fun, and excitement.
I plan a renting a bicycle and exploring this city filled with history and traditions. I also hope to meet as many people as possible from as many different places. I hope at one point in my life you have friends from every continent.
This will not be my first time aboard, over the summer I spent about a month in Rome studying intercultural communication with 25 of my peers from Dayton. It was my first time traveling outside the U.S (with the exception of Canada) and alone. The entire month in Italy was a month neither I nor any of my fellow travelers will ever forget. I learned more in a month then I have ever learned in any classroom. I loved every minute of the experience, and knew I would be back. The only difference was the location change.
I chose Amsterdam because enroute to Rome I had an hour layover in Amsterdam. I was only there long enough to go through customs, buy a bottle of water, and find my gate. As I was walking through the concourse, I tried to get a feel of the country and city I was in. Just by being there, I knew I was somewhere special, somewhere I needed to find more about. The time flew by and before I knew it I was thousands of miles above the earth on my way to Rome. Ever since leaving, I have wanted to go back and discover Amsterdam.
In the next five months I will be describing the simple aspects of the study aboard experience and pushing the envelope on the importance of this practice. I plan to accumulate the basic aspects of international travel and the discovery of other cultures. An international outlook is more important than ever for our generation. The only way to really find the truth of the world is to experience it yourself.
With this semester drawing to an end, the anticipation to my future excursions makes me jittery with excitement. The days continue to creep by, and the upcoming adventure is bestowed upon me. I can only make the best of what is to come, until then I will try to force myself to study and write papers. Wish me luck because this is torture.
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