Hello! I’ve just made it through the third week of my trip to Amsterdam, and it has been nothing short of amazing. I’ve learned so much about this beautiful city and its history, and I’m even starting to become familiar with its different neighborhoods, streets, and shortcuts to navigate like without the help of GPS (something I’m quite proud of)!
My typical day in Amsterdam consists of rising early to take my rented bike to class. Part of the journey includes a ferry ride across the IJ river, something I find super unique and fun! After class concludes, I spend time with my friends and explore the city. Usually this entails checking out a museum or visiting the many markets found throughout Amsterdam. Flea markets are my favorite! The local vendors always have such unique items, and I’ve picked up a bunch for my friends and family so far. I also enjoy spending time in Amsterdam’s many parks. Green spaces are so well-maintained and beautiful here.
My favorite adventures in Amsterdam have taken place in areas that are outside the hustle and bustle of touristy areas. In these places, Amsterdam seems much more authentic. It is a lovely city that is home to people from around the world, and the people I’ve gotten the chance to talk to seem to really appreciate the little things in life. There’s a collective mindset of taking things as they come, and not stressing too much about the future. I feel that this is such a stark contrast from the US, where there’s such a focus on productivity and constant improvement. There isn’t a common idea of slowing down and having fun like there is here. Of course, perceptions of the world and how to live vary from person to person, but this is a trend I have noticed in Amsterdam.
I also find areas off the beaten path to be more beautiful too. In residential areas, there is clear care into the maintenance of people’s homes and porches, with flowers lining almost every wall. Local mom-and-pop shops place their wares along the street for their neighbors to peruse. The canals house people’s personal boats and many types of waterfowl. It is peaceful, quiet, and picturesque.
The biggest difference between Amsterdam and Pittsburgh is methods of transportation. Here, almost everyone uses a bike at least once daily to get around, as there are extensive bike lanes across the city. The metro and tram systems connect people to almost every corner of the city, and ferries are used to connect areas across the many bodies of water here. Cars are still used, but to much less of an extent than in Pittsburgh. Most of the car traffic is concentrated in certain areas. More dense areas, like city center, are where the biking and walking are most common. But everywhere, the bike rules all. Bikes have right of way above both cars and pedestrians. This is so unlike home, where crossing a street involves practically begging a car to stop and let you cross. Here, what you have to watch out for is bikes, and cars are always second to pedestrians.
Although this city is so different than where I’m from, I’m still able to make it feel like home. I am looking forward to spending my last few days in Amsterdam learning and exploring even more!
