back.to.my.roots.

After having such an amazing start to the summer - it was hard to believe that the major part of my plans hadn't even started yet. But before I knew it, I had safely landed in Amsterdam, and begun the adventure of living in the place where I originated from. I've been here less than 36 hours as I am writing this, and I could already talk about so much! I'll try to start from the beginning…

Saying goodbye!

I left Boston June 13th at 9:30 pm. By this point, traveling and airports felt too comfortable. After an hour of journaling, reflection, praying for a daring heart, safety, and a greater ability to trust God to get me to my house in Amsterdam safely, I then fell asleep for the remainder of the flight (no surprise there). After a quick layover in Iceland - a country a definitely want to visit again sometime - a slept the rest of the way to Amsterdam. The only think I remember from the entire flight is "We'll be landing in 20 minutes."

Landed, got my bag, got some euros from the atm, and then headed to find a train. Had to ask the information booth twice how to buy a ticket and then which train to get on, but made it to the right one relatively easy. I almost missed my stop because I didn't realize you have to push a button for the doors to open (#stupidamericantourist). I then got on a tram, but couldn't figure out how to pay for it, so took a free ride to my stop. Guessed a direction to walk in (only had to turn around once), while praying I'd end up on the right streets somehow…and 2 hours after I landed in Amsterdam, I was home safe in a beautifullllll house. My roommate Carolyn, another MIT student, had already been here for a week. But, she left me the upstairs room, with a big bed, a sunny room, and an attached shower - welcome home ;) 

My street!

View from my window. 

My wonderful abode. 

Balcony attached to the kitchen.

After settling in a bit, I headed to the grocery store. Was tempted to go crazy and buy a couple boxes of hagelslag, stroopwafels, dutch candy etc…but contained myself, for now. Absolutely nothing in that store was in english - so had some fun guessing what I was buying! 

:D :D :D :D

After being in the Netherlands for only a few hours, it already felt very comfortable. Things were surprisingly familiar from when I was here 11 (?) years ago. I was aware of more of the customs/food than I thought I would be (I guess my family is pretty authentic). And I don't stand out as much as I did in Kenya/Israel. Most people even start speaking Dutch to me first! AND I went for a run, and other people were running! Not as much as in Boston, but people didn't look at me like I was crazy. I even found my own little Narnia through a sketchy gate...

One out of the many things in the kitchen that are exactly the same as things  in my moms/Aunties/Omas house.