Location: Amsterdam, Holland
Usually when I fly into a destination I am are prepared to see lots of cars, roads, houses, etc. Getting to see a vast landscape of an area is usually not particularly exciting for me, as I feel you loose the character and charm of the area through distance. Although, when I woke up during the decent to the Schiphol airport I was far from bored.
The thing to remember about the Dutch is that they survived off of what the water provided them. When there was water they did their best to work with it instead of around it. When I was descending towards Amsterdam I saw gorgeously kept farmlands with water passages delicately surrounding each section of land, smaller adorable farmlands, and many sailboats speckling the coast. The aerial view was so beautiful it's truly difficult to put in words.
Upon landing, I made my way through the terminal to baggage claim taking note that English was the primary language in the airport, not Dutch. Although there are definitely no complaints on my end, I have to say that I was prepared to get lost and make a fool out of myself. I guess I'll have to take other opportunities to do so!
My dear friend Jordi was there to greet me with arms wide open for a much needed hug. What can I say? I'm truly blessed to have so many friends that would take the time out of their lives to deal with me. I can only hope in time to come they shall take a visit to the States where I may return the favor providing hospitality, long chats, and fill the occasional communication gaps. (There are a great many more for me!)
Once Jordi helped me feel at home in his aunt's home I retired to the bedroom to crash for about six hours promising myself that I needed to go explore the area more later that evening. At 6:30 PM I left the house and ventured into the unknown. I am living in a section of town called, Nieuw Sloten, which is an outskirt of the city Amsterdam close to the airport. As I walked I decided to take very few turns as if I got lost I would have no way to find my way back! All the words in Dutch seem extremely long and difficult to recognize for this lowly American traveler.
As I explored the area I was fascinated with the landscape once again as every flat and homestead was full of character and had beautiful craftsmanship. Almost every flat along the river's bank has a back dock area to just sit and enjoy the outdoors. I've made a mental note to spend sometime on mine tomorrow!
Following the river I came across my first windmill in the Netherlands! It was everything I would have wanted and more. From the ornate wood working around the door, to the colorful Dutch seal engraved on it, I felt as if I had discovered my first Dutch artifact! My next task is to try to find a tulip somewhere!
Feeling accomplished and with very wary legs I returned to my residence to eat dinner and prepare for more rest. At the moment it is 11:45 PM here and I'm starting to feel that my six hour nap wasn't enough to last me!
Tomorrow Jordi will join me in the city center where I am sure I will continue to be amazed by this nautical culture!
Afscheid! (goodbye)
