Hi Everyone,
It's been about 2 weeks for me, a month for Kirk, in beautiful Amsterdam. Currently we are staying in temporary housing, compliments of 180, located in the centre off Utrechtsesdwarsstraat. We hope to have our apartment situation handled in the next day or so since we are getting kicked out on Wednesday. We are working with our agent, Joost, on finding the perfect apartment, hopefully located in a good area, and something I can enjoy being in all day (working from home). Wish us luck!!!
We are super thankful for those of you who have reached out and connected us with expats here. Definitely looking forward to many gatherings, folks showing us the ropes and giving us the sense of home. Also a big thanks to Courtney (friend from college who currently lives in Amsterdam) for showing me around - she is the guru of expat Amsterdam!!! Without her, I am not sure the first week would have been so smooth!
As of right now, I am LOVING the whole no car - bike only situation. It's so wonderful seeing the city, riding next to the canals, breathing in the fresh cool air, and almost getting hit by pedestrians, cars and other bicyclists. I am getting good at it - or at least I think I am very aware of my surroundings.
Other fun and interesting observations we have had so far in this lovely city: Urinals in the middle of the sidewalk, steep stairs (almost like you are climbing up a ladder), funky tasting meat, eggs are not fridgerated in the stores (note picture with feather), separate baths (most apartments have the sink/toilet in one room, shower in another), no freezers, cash only (and even better if you have exact change), and 4 hour laundry for one load. Last and definitely my favorite observation, apparently the Dutch believe that you can kill bacteria by freezing it i.e., cold water for washing hands. Very interesting, but not something I want to continue to practice.
Daily places we frequent now that we are residents:
Albert Heijn - A mini mart on steroids
ABN-AMRO - Our bank
Bike rides up and down the main canals
Places I adore:
Albert Cuyp Market
Sarphati Park
Mint Tea
Cafe Thijssen's Goat Cheese, honey, roasted pine nuts and arugala sandwich.
Pata Negra (amazing tapas)
Stuff that I miss and will have a hard time finding here: Cheez-Its, Mexican food (particularly tres tacos from Whole Foods and Tacos Por Favor), a soccer team, people my height, running along the beach, and ice.
Indiana Update: Indiana is officially an indoor dog. Her walks last about 3 minutes before she starts to pull you back towards the apartment. I am guessing this will eventually pass, hopefully it's just a phase. Maybe it's the new smells, cobblestones, cold air, or strange sounds. Either way she is fine, happy and making friends.
Kirk and I went out on Saturday night with our new friend Ali (from Los Angeles). She took us for drinks at Tapac located in the Jordaan (about a 10 minute bike ride) and then to a club called Werck which is oddly placed between the Anne Frank house and the Westerkerk church. Literally I was sipping on my beer staring at the church with the beats of early 90's hip hop. I can't imagine being in situation like that anywhere else. Ali has been wonderful and really welcoming!!!
Sunday night we attempted to scalp tickets for the MGMT show at Melkweg, but I guess the Dutch do not scalp - AT ALL. So now instead of being at the show, I finally got around to launching this to you! Enjoy and hope to have more pics up soon, such as new apartment, future visitors, London, Madrid, and Queen's Day celebration!!! Stay tuned!
