Iamsterdam

A quick 4 days of classes, yoga & hanging out in Salamanca and then I was off again - to Amsterdam!
Thursday after class Emily and I scurried to make the bus to the airport. The first one was sold out so we were set back an hour and after last weeks scare of missing our flight home I was a frusterated and anxious to get to Madrid on time. All worked out in the end and after enjoying the commodities of our first real airline since arriving in Europe (aside from ryanair) we arrived in Amsterdam late that night. Reunion number 3! My friend Ali from UVM was our host this weekend as she had been studying in Amsterdam since January. She met us at the train station on bike and then directed us onto the right tram to get to her stop. We made it back to her apartment and although pretty tired we were excited to start our trip in Amsterdam by heading out for a bit that night. Unfortunately we were still on Spanish time where nightlife begins around 2am and around 2:30 we decided it wasn't worth it try and go out. Although I tried not to distract Ali too much from the schoolwork she needed to get done for Friday, we were up pretty late chatting and catching up which was nice for me.

Friday morning Emily and I ventured off to find some museums and explore a bit. Of course we first stopped at a grocery store and spent some time in there ooh-ing and aww-ing at all the goodies we can't find in Spain. As we left the supermarket to go picnic lunch the beautiful day we were expecting turned into cold grey clouds so we ate quickly and moved on to the museums. We visited the Rijksmuseum briefly as only one exhibit was opened and then spent a few hours at the Van Gogh Museum where they hosted a Picasso's Blue period exhibition as well. We then walked back towards the center to meet up with Ali. Ali showed us around a bit more and introduced me to some delicious fresh mint tea which I need to start making here. Although we did lots of exploring I have little to show for it, as my technology failed me that weekend. My phone died as Ali and I were speaking to meet up and my camera died later that day. The weather wasn't the best either this weekend but we managed to make it to an outside market where I found a tapestry to help warm up my room here in Spain. She also brought me to a bagel shop which may have been the highlight of my trip!