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

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