My Holland Experience
June 26, 2009
(Trinity Falter) We had a rough beginning, with planes, trains and trams. After finally getting our rooms, going to dinner and crashing for the night, it was all blue skies from then on out. The first couple of days in Amsterdam we had beautiful weather (we were spoiled). The first week was full of sightseeing and snapshots. It took some time adjusting to the craziness of just crossing the street. Unless you wanted to get hit by a various number of things, you needed to look in about five different directions. It was difficult to get from point A to point B when half of the time the people with the map had no sense of direction, lol. It only took about a week to know where most things were.
—Trinity Falter
Our hostel in Amsterdam was located inside of Vondelpark, a wonderful location, because if there was nothing else to do you had a gorgeous park to just chill out in. There were people from all over the world staying in our hostel. We were making new friends every day! Most people only stay in hostels for up to a couple of days, but we were there for two weeks, meaning everyone working there was on a first name basis with us. I really enjoyed our stay at the Stay Okay, they were very hospitable and helpful. Amsterdam was very touristy, but you never found yourself without something to do. If you have a chance to go, I advise that you take it.
After our two weeks in Amsterdam, we packed up our bags and headed for Rotterdam, the shopping capital in Holland. Rotterdam was not at all as tourist-oriented as Amsterdam. There was still plenty, if not more things, to do there though. We stayed in another Stay Okay (The Cube Houses), which were very nice, especially since we were the first group of people to check in to them. We very quickly felt at home in the hostel and with the employees. If we were not out shooting, on excursions, sitting at the hostel or shopping you would most likely find us at our favorite place, Bagels and Beans. They have some of the best bagels and I would not be surprised if the staff could name what drinks most of us order each time we are there.
I have become very use to living with the group of students on this trip. It will be weird to be back home, waking up and not having breakfast with them every morning. I have completely adjusted to the Dutch lifestyle and do not want to convert back to my old ways. This has been a fantastic experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone who asked me.
Find more photos like this on Going Dutch
Tags: Digital Photography, Netherlands, photography, study abroad, Tncis
June 27th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Hi there!
Marco from the Bagels and Beans here,
I hope you guys liked it in The Netherlands,Rotterdam and Bagels..Tomorrow you will leave here and going back to the USA.
Well once I will be there also for 1 year long making a road-trip with a good friend, so maybe I see you guys there hehe!
I dont have much time to make a large comment, just like
yesterday I diddnt had time, but today I thought now I have to check the blog. I’m going to have a shower now, change my clothes and take the metro to a friend and have something to drink hehe.
All of you guys have a great flight, be carefull and good luck with everything back in the USA.
With greetings, Marco v Kleef (Bagels and Beans)
Bless.
June 29th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Hi Guys,
It was really nice to meet you at our place.
We have taken a look at the beautiful pictures you have made in Holland…..wowwww you are great students!
Maybe we will see you again here or in the States when we open a B&B shop there…:-)
Many greetings from Rotterdam.
B & B team
June 30th, 2009 at 4:53 am
Many thanks to the nice folks at Bagels and Beans. They were very understanding of us all camping out at their tables for long periods of time to use the internet. It didn’t hurt that they had great bagels, fresh juice and the best iced coffee ever! Please open a bagels and beans in my neighborhood!