Amsterdam: Reflections
It’s easy to get lost here, but it’s just as easy to get found.
That was the first thing I wrote in my Amsterdam journal, sitting alone in a restaurant, on my first night in Amsterdam.
So, did it turn out to be more than just my observations of the city plan, did it turn out to be a metaphor for my trip, did it turn out to be a metaphor for my life?
More than anything in the world I needed this trip. I needed Amsterdam.
Quite honestly I was a completely different person here and I hope upon hope that I can take that person back with me.
I was thoroughly prepared to say here that this was the best experience and the worst experience of my life.
It was lonely, it was scary, it was nerve racking.
But I did it.
I did it.
Everyone kept telling me that I was brave for doing this by myself. And I’d say No. No I’m not brave.
But I want to be.
After that first night I didn’t think I would be able to cope for a whole week and now I never want to leave.
This last week the most important thing I have ever experienced. The greatest thing I have ever experienced. And I know now that I can do it. I can travel alone. That everything will always be OK.
Did I get lost here? Yes. But did I find my way.
In case you missed any of my posts. Here’s what I did on my week-long trip to Amsterdam:
Day One: I wandered the canals, visited Anne Frank Huis, and had a meal at Haesje Claes.
Day Three: I rented a bicycle and then got a meal with a Canadian I met at my hostel. At night I got a drink at a bar.
Day Five: Went to the FOAM photography museum, admired tulips at bloemenmarkt, and had lunch at pancake bakery. At night I went on an Amsterdam pub crawl.
Day Six: I saw all the flowers at Keukenhof Flower Garden in Lisse. At night I went on an Amsterdam bar crawl.
Day Seven: I had a lazy day in Amsterdam. At night I went on a bar crawl.
