Day 2: Orientation & Exploration

bell tower across from Bushuis

Today was our first "real" day in Amsterdam.  I slept horribly last night--too hot, too bright, too anxious about my alarm not going off, too jet-lagged.  But I wasn't alone. Tracy and I both woke up at 6:45 and then met the group at 9:30.  We took the tram to the Buihuis building, which is one of the main University of Amsterdam buildings. We had a long and boring orientation talk from a woman terribly out of breath who claimed she couldn't speak because she's a smoker.  She was definitively a bit eccentric (no bra for sure) and she claimed that we "need not worry about being raped or killed or robbed because the main cause of death in Amsterdam is being crushed by trucks" umm...ok.

Then we all went to lunch at the cafeteria, which only takes Dutch pin cards so therefore Marek, our professor paid for us...ham and cheese baguette sandwich with amazing fresh orange juice and strawberries-- for sure better than UW--and I think I got a seat at the cool kids table; it seems that a clique of girls is forming and I am on the brink deciding whether I want to make the effort to join or not...I'm thinking not.  They are super nice girls but I always struggle with situations like this.

A Canal near the University of Amsterdam

After lunch we had our first lecture at the university.  It was supposed to be an hour and a half on Dutch history but ended up being two hours of weird self-deprecation and sarcasm about the dutch people and the Netherlands.  At one point the lecturer said, "you wouldn't put pink fluffy animals in a pack of black wolves. That is why people can get away with murder in Holland." I'm not sure if the meaning was lost in translation but I definitely was a bit confused. He seemingly meant to say that the Dutch are too trusting, but the whole thing was a bit odd.

Mario & Tracy outside the bike shop

After the lecture Tracy and I went to rent bikes with a few other students.  The bike guys were hilarious and very sarcastic making it a fun experience.  When I tried out my bike I swung my leg over the seat and the man told me, "This is a lady bike, next time don't be so indecent." He was joking but in reality the bike does allow for one to step onto it in case they are wearing a skirt. Ingenious.  It is law to have bike lights in the Netherlands for safety although I haven't seen a single person wearing a helmet.

Once the bikes were rented Tracy and I rode around for a few hours before meeting everyone for dinner.  It took us a few hours because she is inept at bike riding...she knows it so it's funny to both of us.  Hopefully she will learn and the riding will not be such a problem.  I, on the other hand, am amazing at riding these cruiser style one-gears (so modest).  The roads are all flat and the bikes have their own path that is nicely paved. So fun and easy! The only scary thing is that mopeds and motorcycles are allowed in the bike lane and they don't hesitate to pass you.

Tracy and I went to this plaza and had ourselves a little bike photo shoot.  The square is huge and beautiful although I haven't figured out what buildings this are yet. Every corner in Amsterdam has a historic building on it! Now looking at the hot-dog stand in the back is making me think I will have to go back. total fatty.  To the right of this square is an alley with tons of cheap shops with outrageous shoes, shirts and jewelry so coming back here would probably be pretty fun.

We rode to dinner and met people outside the West Makt, which is actually the church Rembrandt is buried in.  From there we went to a vegan restaurant of Marek's choosing.  bleh.  Even Marek was disappointed because the restaurant had changed ownership from when he used to go there. I think I will need to be taking myself to McDonalds real soon for some good amurican food.  I  was so hungry and mystery rice and vegetables was the last thing I wanted...I have dietary needs that consist solely of sugar and fat!  I sat next to Mario and Erin at Dinner and we had a nice conversation.  However dinner went four three hours and by the end I wanted out! Tracy and I made it back to our dorm at 10 pm just before the city got dark, thank goodness!

This one's for you guys; Matt & Craiger--so many beautiful old bikes

This heron was so people friendly.  It was in this beautiful residential alley near our dinner restaurant.  It let me get so close and snap this pic.  Amazing to see such a big bird within a city.

Below are pictures of a wonderful sunset that we saw on our ride back to the Funenpark.  very lovely when all lit by the orange of the sun.  Tracy, Steve (our other professor who rode back with us) and I decided to stop and get off our bikes for this photo opportunity.  Steve is an interesting guy.  He said it was no problem to ride back with us because he knew the way but then he was clearly getting a little frustrated with our leisurely pace.  In the end, it turned out fine and the bike ride back was very pleasant.