Amsterdam

My trip to Amsterdam was the first time I have ever traveled to another country, completely alone.  I booked my flight and hotel the night before I left, and by 7:30 in the morning I was on the plane.  I honestly was not nervous about the trip, I was filled to the brim with excitement. Also, I couldn't help but to feel proud of myself for taking such a leap.

Once I landed, and figured out the public transportation system, I was on my way to the city center.  My backpack and I were somewhat overwhelmed while we were strolling down the main street. I mean, I had absolutely no agenda or obligations. My adventure was at the sole mercy of my own mind and whim.  So I began to walk, I walked for hours soaking in the culture and aura of the city. Yes, there were endless marijuana dispensaries, and of course, the legendary red light district. But the true cultural beauty of Amsterdam is so much deeper than that.

The canals were the first thing to catch my eye. 
 They, along with the buildings lining the banks, really contributed to the historic tranquility of the city.

The moment I stumbled upon the area where my hotel was located, I fell in love with Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gough Museum, and the Stedelijk contemporary art museum all bordered a massive green lawn where the landmark letters " I AMSTERDAM"  stand.

I spent the remainder of my first day having a picnic on the grass, journaling, and weeping with happiness. At that moment, I was so comforted by my own self reassurance that I made the right decision to go to Amsterdam.  I knew I was alone, but safe in my own world, enjoying the atmosphere around me.

I spent most of my second afternoon enjoying the nine streets area. There was so much culture and art that lived within that area, it felt like an array of countries in one. I perused through a few small galleries. My favorite one was called Peter Pappot, it was there that I discovered a new favorite artist of mine, Kees Van Dongen. The gallery next door was selling breathtaking Picasso pieces, the least expensive was priced at only €9.000.  Needless to say, I did not purchase a Picasso. Although, I did purchase a small elephant sculpture from an artist named Ria Janssens.

The flower market was the next gem on my path. The pictures do not give nearly enough credit to this floral wonderland.  I fell was instantly infatuated with the tulips, they were all so simple and perfect. 

Someday, I will have a section in my garden filled with tulips sprouting from bulbs purchased in Amsterdam.

(only proof  to show I was there)

Following the flower market I went to the Van Gough Museum. It was everything I thought it would be. At one point, I felt like his eyes in his self portraits jumped off the canvas to read my soul.  

I was slightly disappointed that the Sunflowers collection was off in London for the time being.

Overall, the museum was a great display of Van Gough's work and life, and an incredible experience for me.

On my last night, I had another relaxing journaling session in the park. At one point, an old man came and sat next to me. He asked me where I was from and what I was studying. 

As children, we were taught to never speak to strangers. I cannot imagine how many innocent conversions I would miss out on if I followed that society built law as an adult.  I talked to him for about an hour. He told me about the history of Amsterdam, his time in the navy, and stories of his worldly travels.  He spoke on his outlook on life and how he believed that the animals were the ones who had everything figured it out. 

 "I like animals. They are spontaneous. They are how they are." 

 Shortly after he said those words to me, he shook my hand, and left for his night shift. 

The conversation was a pleasure to share with him.

I took a final walk around the museumplein, and retired to my hotel.

 The next morning, I was on a flight back to Barcelona.

Thank you, Amsterdam, for teaching me more about life and myself than I thought would be possible in one weekend.  A part of my heart will always live on that green lawn.

Written at 5pm, at Cafè Carmela. Barcelona.