Steve the Tornado

August 27, 2013

Steve the Tornado

Where do I find the words to express the past week in this city. I find myself cycling through the streets lost in my own thoughts as I stare in absolute amazement at the architecture and the buildings and feel as if I’ve opened the closet door to Narnia. The Dutch locals whom I have met know something us overly excited internationals don’t and I have been reminded time and again that this is just the calm before the storm - in the literal sense.Not one conversation has taken place where a local hasn’t reminded me that the winter is coming. Despite firmly believing and hoping that the winter mayhem will be a beautiful experience in itself, this constant reminder has only resulted in me ENTIRELY seizing the spectacular weather that I am currently experiencing. I still fail to really grasp the concept that on this beautiful sunny Tuesday I am able to cycle Steve down one small street and come read my book and write at Westerpark surrounded by countless like-minded people, eyes filled with tall green trees and smiling faces and ears filled with The Black Keys, quacking ducks and the sound of a waterfall.

It has been a rather odd frame of mind to be in as a foreigner who is staying. Despite the fact that I practically ooze all the characteristics of a tourist by constantly carrying my camera around and taking photos of sceneries which I am sure the Dutch are already accustomed to and that I still come split seconds away from cycling into moving cars- it is a comforting thought to know that I am not currently a regular tourist who is jampacking as much as possible into a week of travelling. I’m here to stay long enough for me to spend hours lying in the park, make a home-cooked meal with new friends and simply get lost cycling in the city because there is no agenda or sense of urgency.

It baffles my mind to think that I could ever get used to this. I am lost for words when cycling around because no words can successfully verbalize the strong awakening of senses and bewilderment I am experiencing, and I wonder if this romance will ever subside? Not being accustomed to a culture such as the one in Amsterdam is truly overwhelming in all the right ways when you are immersed in it. Not to mention the people that have come into my life.

Meeting new people who are those that will influence you most profoundly in your journey is just as unique.There are no predispositions or preconceptions. You take that person for EXACTLY who they are as they come across in the moments you share. You cannot catch up over the past because it is now irrelevant and unnecessary. And this is so beautiful. Because people are volatile, we are biologically programmed to change. Not entirely, but of course to a large degree, because our experiences shape us. So when I have met people in the past week, I know them for who they are as I experience them and visa versa. And I have been so blessed. Like-minded people somehow find their way into one another's lives. The connections human beings share is impossible to explain. There is an energy prevalent from the start which can make one somewhat certain that this is your person. And I have met my people. And for the time that we are apart from our families, we have realized that our new friendships have to become our families. And I am certain that the lovely girls I have met will become just that.

Every day is better than the next and the smiles simply don't subside. As a taste of what its been like I'd like to share the events of yesterday. Michelle and I, after dealing with the necesssary admin that of course comes along with the package, set off to the Market in De Pijp. (Getting lost whenever going from point A to B is a given but of course adds to the experience and causes us to have a lot of silly conversations, laughs and potential accidents). We stocked up on some fresh fruit and veg and proceeded to meet up with Gracie and Shannon in Vondelpark. Due to the fact that it gets light here so late I'm completely out of sync with what time it is. We had 'lunch' in vondelpark, yet it was already 4pm and the sun was as bright as can be. The atmosphere in the Amsterdam parks on a hot day is truly inexplainable. The four of us then cycled/walked back to Shan's city flat in Prinsengracht and the lovely Shannon cooked us our first Amsterdam home-cooked meal. From there we got some wine and beers and sat on a jetty overlooking the canal before we headed to The Waterhole where we witnessed an incredible display of live music. The Waterhole is a grungy yet quirky bar (somewhat resembling Bohemia, yet not as packed). With songs ranging from "Ain't no sunshine" to "Purple Haze", it was a night of dancing, singing, laughter and bonding like I've never experienced before.

I could get used to this.

Rookie wine error. The sweetest, most disgusting wine. But the cheapest.

StrandWest - the 'beach' next to Stavangerweg. Michelle's view.

This lady just walked to the water, got stark naked and went for a swim. It was refreshing and beautiful to see such freedom.

Shannons room in Prinsengracht, right in the city centre.

Pre Final Party. Group 11 Internationals from all over.

Ending off the International Student Network introduction week.

Tour Guide Rein.

Classical concert on the streets of Prinsengracht.

With free magnums - apple crumble and tiramisu flavour.

Giant Pickle. Delicious.

Vondelpark.

Pure bliss.

I was staring at a man's beautiful hand-made jewellary at a mini street market and to thank me for doing so he made me the little heart earring whilst I was admiring his work. It's purpose is for me to give it to the man I desire after midnight so that he can fall inlove with me?!