Heel Gezellig

Almost 24 hours since I've touched down in Amsterdam and at this point in time I'm not capable of putting into words the magnitude of what I'm feeling. As much as I'm currently sitting at the most quaint little coffee shop right opposite the street from me, drinking delicious coffee before the start of the International Student Network introduction programme, it STILL has not sunk in that this city will be my home for the next six months.

There is something about Amsterdam that just. .  works. And along with all this efficiency there is a refined and charming atmosphere that seeps into your bones with every street you walk down.
I feel a sense of urgency and panic when I see how much around me there is to do and experience because I fear that I won't get the chance to see it all - that is just how incredibly captivating this environment is.

Time is of the essence at the moment. It was made very clear to me that the Dutch take pride in their schedules and planning. Their lives are busy and they thrive off organization, unlike the spontaneous tendencies of the Saffa's. Once the overwhelming sensation I have been constantly experiencing for the past 24 hours slightly subsides, I will post many more photo's. However, for now I'm still familiarizing with my environment, taking it all in, and walking around the streets as much as I possibly can.