Starting to get settled into the Dutch lifestyle...

Posted by Kimberly Palmer On Sunday, January 31, 2010 0 comments


The last few days have been interesting. It has been snowing, hailing, and raining here in Amsterdam. I can do the rain (Oregon got me warmed up for that) but the snow is new to me. The snow is draped over everything... rooftops, cars, houseboats, bikes. It's absolutely gorgeous but it makes walking around a bit of a challenge. After it snows, all the walk ways are completely frozen. Last night I was slipping and sliding all over the place on our way to the bars. Got myself a sore behind complemented by some bruised and scraped up knees. Biking actually proved to be the more successful mode of transportion for me (even after a few biers). I have let to fall off my bike. Fingers crossed.

I went for a run this morning and it felt so good to get some fresh air! I've been pretty busy the last few days so it felt good to get some exercise other than walking and biking. The roadways today, for the most part, are dry and not frozen. Interestingly, only the walkways over the canal, because the water underneath is so cold, don't thaw out. I ran around Jordaan and checked out the neighborhood. Jordaan is full of young and vibrant hipsters. Every one was in street cafes enjoying their Sunday morning.I found some cute clothes stores, fresh markets, record stores, cafes, etc. The Dutch love plastering "SALE" and "KORTING" (discount) all over their store fronts just as much as Americans.

Yesterday (Saturday), there is a Saturday market just down the block from my place. I just kinda stumbled upon it on my way to the super market. They had fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, meat and fish, baked goods - as well as, clothes, art, shoes, vases, etc. I got a fresh baguette, some pesto sauce and some cute knit mittens. I heard that Monday mornings, its a vintage furniture market - so I'll be checking that out tomorrow morning.

Today, one of our coordinators is going to give us a tour of the area around our dorms this afternoon. It will be nice to hear where the cool shops, bars, bakeries are from an Amsterdamer.

Vaarwel,
Kimmy

P.S. Follow my blog. Just click the link to the right and you'll get an email every time I post something new. Super easy!




READ FULL STORY

First Couple Days...

Posted by Kimberly Palmer On Thursday, January 28, 2010 0 comments


Amsterdam is absolutely gorgeous. Right now, although it's snowing and freezing, everything is so charming. I've been here in the city for a couple days now and I'm still trying to get my bearings. I get lost probably like 5 times a day but in the end it all works out. The city is shaped like a giant U with all the canals arching towards the center. I live right on the Prinsengract canal in a really nice neighboor called Joordan. The Anne Frank House is just a block or so away.

I love my bike. I bought it from a 2nd hand bike shop so that I can try my best at blending in. It's all black and extremely easy to ride. Having a bike turns 20-30 minute walks into a short ride. At first, I was really intimidated to take to the streets and ride with the Dutch cause they definitely know what they are doing and will ring their bell like hell if you get in their way. But it really wasn't too bad if you just stick to the side and keep an open eye out.

99.9% of Amsterdamers speak English fluently so I haven't had much of a problem with communication. The hardest part is that some street signs, food, and products are all in Dutch. I went to HEMA yesterday (the Dutch version of Target) and got some necessities. Only problem is that everything is in Dutch, so I can't really figure out how to program my new alarm clock cause the instructions are zero help. Oh well. Good thing I'm a morning person anyway.

I haven't really gotten my sleeping schedule down yet. It's about 9am over here and I've got to head out in a bit to get my Dutch residence card. I registered as a citizen of the city of Amsterdam a couple day ago, but I have yet to be granted temporary residence in the Netherlands. So I've got to grab some breakfast and find the building, which is always fun...

Here are some pictures of the city, my bike and my view from my room:









READ FULL STORY

Vaarwel Amerika

Posted by Kimberly Palmer On Saturday, January 23, 2010 0 comments


I really wish I could just ship everything I could ever want over, including Molly.

Packing for 4+ months with just two bags is a challenge. One of the travel books advised to lay out whatever you think you'll need - only take half - and plan to need twice as much money.

Wish me luck. My flight leaves tomorrow at 8am - 3hrs to Houston, Tx and 9.5hrs to Amsterdam. Hello sleeping pill and a faux good-night's rest. I arrive in Amsterdam at 8am on Monday morning and am going to be swooped right up and shuttled to meet up with the CIEE.





READ FULL STORY