Element

August 23, 2013

Element

It has taken me a mere three days to fall inlove with this city and everything it has to offer. I found myself standing on Dam Square, drinking Grotsch beer, in a circle of girls - all of whom are from a different country, and I felt a sense of indescribable joy.The versatility and diversity I have been exposed to in the past three days has already broadened my understanding of internationalism and how fascinating different cultural traits can be. I was shocked when a lovely Swedish girl proceeded to ask me, what is this aaaaa you say all the time? I then came to the realization that it is purely a South African thing to add 'hey' to the end of your sentence. For example, 'You are coming to the pub crawl tonight, hey?' and felt extremely silly for having done so. That is purely one example, but when I was engaged in a 6 way conversation with some of the loveliest girls I have met, and realized we are all from different countries and cultures, I felt humbled and blessed. The past two days has (to mention a few) consisted of visiting Vondelpark, a canal cruise, a pub crawl in the red light district, walking the city of Amsterdam flat from one side to the other, eating the most incredible and innovative salads from Albert Hein, a wine session with my doppleganger, Mich, in our new home in celebration of our new modes of transportation (Borris & Steve), a dinner and comedy show and pure bliss and happiness.

Amsterdam is a city, or shall I say a life force, of two conflicting, yet wonderfully beautiful energies. It amazes me that there is peace and tranquility like you have never experienced yet a flare of hardcore that cannot go ignored. The Dutch spend hours taking full advantage of their incredible parks - they cycle and promote eco-friendliness. Their appreciation for a glass of wine outlooking the canal is shouted to you in their every day culture. There is serenity. Yet on the other hand, there is this passion for complete chaos. The fact that literally anything goes. Prostitution, drinking in the streets and parks and outside clubs, smoking marijuana on the streets and drinking bear at 10 in the morning are all formalities that they are accustomed to and that is normal to them - and this is made very clear the moment you immerse yourself in the city. The very fact that these conflicting energies can combine together, and work, and breathe like nothing you have ever experienced - is why it has only taken me two days to be in complete awe of this city.