These past two weeks in Amsterdam have flown by like crazy. I’ve met a lot of people through things like ISN, which is the International Student Network, and things like the introduction week at my school, AUC, Amsterdam University College. It’s crazy to think that this feels like my home already. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of it, have my little spots already, and can quite easily navigate the city. AND, I got a bike, which literally now makes me a Dutchie because it’s honestly the most common way everyone gets around here. The public transportation is good, although definitely not as good as in NY, but runs only to a certain hour.
The Dutch are insanely smart and relaxed people, but there a lot of things that I’ve had to adjust to here. Money being the biggest. The way that money is used here is much different than in the US. Almost everyone has these PIN safe debit cards and I’m highly considering getting one only because of how difficult it is to use my regular debit card anywhere I go. Most credit cards aren’t accepted, so I’m forced to mainly pay in cash. I’m running out of cash, so I need to most likely set up a Dutch bank account. It’s very confusing and definitely something I need to figure out. This is definitely one of the struggles of living in a foreign country.
As for communicating, it’s very easy in Amsterdam. Most people speak English. But reading things? Well, shopping is a little bit more difficult. Everything is in Dutch and I have to hope they have some pictures associated with the food item. Most things are common sense, but those that aren’t have forced me to learn very basic Dutch. It would be nice to know how to communicate with people here in their native tongue.
I went to Brussels this weekend and that also was a change. New country, new language, new public transportation system. Thank god my two friends knew a little French (my roommate Jocelyn and my British friend Francesca). Definitely much different than Amsterdam. It felt much more Parisian. Everything felt royal, like the Grand Place or even the Royal Palace. It makes sense that Brussels, which is in Belgium, feels Parisian. They speak French there. I got lost at night coming back from a bar which scared me senseless. Even though Brussels felt very safe and is actually very small, there was something so insecure in not knowing my way around like I do in NY. Europe is also not as safe as it seems. Migrant children are escaping ISIS in Muslim countries and the threat of terrorism is very real. For some reason, Amsterdam doesn’t feel this way and I hope it stays this way.
I’m starting my first day of classes today. I’m excited. I’ll keep you updated some more later. For now, I’ll give you some pictures.