Before diving into Amsterdam. Quick update from last post.

1. We have luggage.
2. We started to have serotonin withdrawl but are feeling much better now that I got to take my SSRI.
3. This family is a culinary dream. I don’t think I have ever eaten so many gourmet meals in a matter of 24 hours.
   • Last night’s dinner: roasted potatoes and vegetables, grilled lamb and homeade gravy, giant salads.
   • Breakfast this morning: (I made) oatmeal with Skyr, walnuts, apple, cinnamon, and honey.
   • Lunch: deer stew w/ potatoes , vegetable casserole, salad
   • Dinner: Fish stew with vegetables in a tomato sauce and rice.
4. Imposter syndrome is through the roof. I don’t know how to clean or do anything right, but I will learn.

On to Amsterdam

It was such a joy to see my two friends, Andres and Juliette. Nothing is better than a good hug from a close friend.

Highlights by category!!!

Food

• In comparison to what I am eating now, the food in Amsterdam seems shit. But in the moment… the Tony’s chocolate (we made our own bar!), the spicymayo cheese fries, the bitterballen, the cheese samples, the McDonalds apple bites…DELICIOUS

Activity

I think if I were to do it all again, I would have chosen some different activities. Mostly, it is because I prefer to go off the beaten path. I think that Amsterdam has a lot more to offer than I saw, but there were a few things I did really enjoy.

The Canal Tour: Maybe it was the cheese. Maybe it was the wine. To be honest, I don’t remember much of the stories. We were too chatty to pay attention. I think I even forgot to look out the window. But the tour was a highlight for sure.

Weird Kareoke Bar: No matter what city you are are, a weird karaoke bar is always 10/10.

Anne Frank Museum: So many people warned me this museum was subpar. To be honest, to some extent it was, but I love the history and having read the book and seen the play so many times, it was cool to go into the Annex and see where it all happened once upon a time. Juliette liked it so much she even got a souvenir! (LOL inside joke)

All in all, I think the highlight of the Amsterdam trip was Andres and Juliette. I do think Amsterdam has a lot to offer, but I feel like I didn’t necessarily explore the right things. Either way – fun weekend with good friends.