Visiting Van Gogh

When we arrived in Amsterdam, our program advisors gave us a big folder full of lots of information and various envelopes. One of the envelopes had a museum card inside, which, upon first glance, might not seem like the most exciting little piece of plastic... But let me tell you, it is WONDERFUL. This museum card allows us to:

a) get into every museum in Amsterdam for free
b) SKIP THE LINES!!

So on Sunday, when it was pouring rain (literally a torrential downpour), we decided to do something scholarly (for once) and check out the Van Gogh museum. And I loved it!

Museum Square!

First of all, skipping a long line of miserable tourists huddled under umbrellas felt absolutely incredible. And then to be able to avoid paying the usual 14 Euros was even better! You're not allowed to take photos inside the museum, but I snuck a few (not very good!) pictures on my iPhone. I also got a poster of my favorite Van Gogh sunflower piece for my room. I have it hanging right above my bed and it makes me happy every time I look at it. Sunflowers are my absolute favorite flower!

The museum was four stories high! I snuck this from the third floor. :)

The poster above my bed looks just like this! Van Gogh
painted an entire series with sunflowers.

I definitely want to go back to this museum. It was very relaxing and, because it was free, I felt no pressure to stay for an extraordinarily long time or to analyze a painting with a huge crowd of people in front. Maybe if I ever feel the need to escape from my dorm on a rainy day, I'll go back to visit Mr. Van Gogh. :)

Baby in a Basket

I just thought this picture was too cute! It needed to be shared with the world immediately... :)

Chillin' in the salad aisle.

Unlike in the States, where everything is sold in bulk (I LOVE COSTCO), grocery stores in Amsterdam sell foods in very small portions. Most Dutch people go to the store at least every other day, and they only pick up the things they need for that night's dinner or for the next day's cheese and wine. As a result, a typical Dutch market provides small (rollable) baskets but does not provide shopping carts. So where can you put your baby if there's no cart with a built-in child's seat? In the rolly basket of course!!!! Easy for mom...entertaining for baby. Genius idea.

I Survived My First Week!

I'm so sorry for taking so long to get my first post up, but I survived my first week in Amsterdam!! The past 7 days have been packed with nonstop activity, exciting new friends and plenty of beer. To stay it's been overwhelming is an understatement, but I've loved every minute and know that this adventure has only just begun.

To begin...Amsterdam is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. It's breathtaking. I had obviously seen photos before arriving, but it is just so much better in person!! The canals make any spot (restaurant, bar, coffee shop, house) seem romantic and special. Even the Red Light District is pretty. I mean, yeah, the girls are dancing in grungy windows wearing nothing but a thong and tassels, but the district is still on a CANAL! It was gorgeous!

Beautiful Amsterdam.

The Church near my dorm.

A perfect day for cruising the canals!

Typical Amsterdam street.

Although I was previously warned of Amsterdam's charm, no one prepared me for the extreme beauty of Dutch people. They. Are. Models. Why didn't anyone tell me?? The boys are all tall (oh so tall!) with blonde hair and blue eyes. I learned that the Dutch are actually known as the tallest group of people in the world! The girls have incredible fashion with stylish boots and long skirts and vintage-inspired coats. They wear red lipstick everyday and ride old-fashioned bikes to the market with little dogs in their baskets. Could you be any more perfect? My most recent goal: make some Dutch friends...preferably tall, blonde and handsome. :)

In Amsterdam...the fraternities party in house AND boat. Plus they
 all look like models from Ralph Lauren. We WILL become friends.

This week we did SO MUCH! I already feel like I've been here for a month. However, the majority of my time was spent in orientation activities with ISN (International Student Network of Amsterdam). They placed us in groups on Day 1 and I absolutely adoredddd my group! My group consisted of French boys and German girls and Spaniards and Russians - my new friends come from countries all over the world! By the end of the week we were all so close, and I honestly hope we stay friends for a lot longer than orientation week. I feel very fortunate to have been in a group that made me SO excited to participate in every orientation activity (even the history museum) and helped me to feel at home during this first week of transition. Group 11 love!

Some of my favorites from Group 11!

Beautiful girls! Anne (left) is from Copenhagen & Karin (middle) is from Slovenia.

My one friend from home, Haley! So thankful to be here with
such a sweet, fun and genuine friend! <3

American girls ready for a night out in Amsterdam!

More new friends!

Anne lives in my building...love her already!!

Together we toured the city, cruised the canals, explored the nightlife, visited some museums and relaxed at multiple cafes. The coffee here is strong and delicious. So yummy! And the beer here is so much better than it is at home!! Between the coffee and beer I find myself drinking more often than I'm eating. Aside from liquids my diet literally consists of bread, wine and the BEST cheese in the worldddd (Haley's favorite things as demonstrated below). Hmm... I think I'm going to adjust to Dutch lifestyle quite nicely.

Lunch Day 1.

Lunch Day 2. (I had the Amstel of course!)

Bread, cheese and wine!! Our favorites!

I live on Prisengracht which is a wonderful canal located in the Jordaan. (one of the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam!) I have a single bedroom with a small kitchenette and share my bathroom and shower with a roommate. My new roomie, Alex, is a grad student from Germany but came to Amterdam after studying for a year in Switzerland. She's so sweet! More photos of the room and Alex to come soon. :)

The view from my window. Our garden is perfect!

The collage I made for my wall to remind me of all the people I love at home.

Our favorite garden kitty!

So far I've been having the greatest time here in Amsterdam. I know I'm slow but I promise to blog as much as possible from now on! I think I have about three followers?! But I'll try to be quicker for you Mom. :) Miss you all so much! Much love from the Netherlands!! xoxoxo

My Adventure Starts In...

EXACTLY 40 HOURS. I'm a little nervous and most definitely overwhelmed by the packing process....but above all I'm excited to start my journey!

The clock is ticking. Soon I'll be on my way!!!

I can't wait to be here!