Amsterdam!

So I was very sad to be leaving Ireland. I didn't feel like I had enough time there. I wanted to explore more of the west coast and wished I had lengthened my trip. But onto the next destination, Amsterdam!

However, before I left, I got the time mixed up and thought I had an extra hour to get to the airport. I was running late by an hour, my luggage broke for the last time, I had sort of fixed it after the first time. I was standing at a bus stop w/ both bags in the rain, waiting. And waiting. I had to call a taxi, he was there to pick me up in less than 2 minutes! He hauled ass to the airport, drove like the wind, I duct taped my bag and checked in. Made my flight! Only 1 hr 15 min flight to Amsterdam and 1 hour later for time change.

I will be getting rid of this luggage, (last time I buy something on sale from Sears), and downsizing my haul. I just can't carry this much. I have realized that 90% of what I brought with me, was what I "wanted" to bring, not what I "needed." It amazes me actually how little I really do "need"....so I will be re-evaluating that upon my stay in Amsterdam and maybe sending some things home.

The cab driver here also yelled and flipped off a woman, F bomb several times, said she was from the country where cows and grass are and have no business driving in the city. Must just be cab drivers in general.

I showed up at Lindy and Todd's yesterday afternoon. They have Amelie, who is 2 and half and sweet and active and looks like Lindy. Gabrian is the one year old, he is crawling and will be teething soon, adorable as well. I get to see what a stay-at-home mom handles and does on a daily basis. Lots of work! I admire their courage to live so far away from home, away from family and a life that is familiar and convenient. Having two children is hard no matter what, espcially in a foreign country. The family is happy and healthy....I am sleeping on the couch, they have converted a garage into an apartment w/ help from an architect. It looks great! They are selling it now and will be moving into a larger place shortly. They will have made quite a profit from this apartment. 2 bed, 1 bath, probably 800 sq ft. Everything is smaller in Europe...cars, homes, showers, refridgerators, streets...even popsicles.

Todd and Lindy are here bc they have been starting and developing a Christian church that is catered toward college students and young professionals. I have known Lindy since the first grade and we have remained quite close. They have been here for 5 years and will stay 2-4 years after this. Todd is the head Pastor and is working hard to build his staff and their vision.

Today I went to the outside market, all of the shops line the streets but also have tents that extend onto the street so it's more like a farmer's market. They have food, clothes, jewelry, souveniers etc. I tried to cash my traveler's checks at two different Dutch banks, no dice. I will have to try the airport.

Sat in the park and had lunch, reading a book about Holland. By the way, Netherlands and Holland is the same place. Big exports are tulips, cheese (Edam and Gouda), and they have several tourists coming here for the prostitution and legal drug laws. It creates a great source of revenue for the country. However, Lindy has told me the native Dutch aren't so keen on these industries, but they keep it legal bc of the income for the country.

Amsterdam so far is VERY clean, green and beautiful. The people look healthy and fit and tan, they ride bikes, (tons of bikes everywhere) or walk. Men and women alike look very healthy to me. It is also a very culturally rich country. Only 50% are native Dutch, the rest is a mix...European, Turkish, Morocaan, Engish etc. Reminds me of Vancouver bc it is so diverse.

All is well.