Getting here, there and everywhere

Our first ever coffeeshop!
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Well, believe it or not, everything from our flights, busses, trains and lodging has gone ridiculously smooth.  Miranda and I learned quite quickly that we couldn't pack light enough.  We both ended up dumping tons of stuff from our backpacks to suitcases.  I figured the welts and bruises on my shoulders were a good indication of a too-heavy-backpack. Getting to our ferry to Amsterdam was easy and actually quite a pleasent surprise!  We thought we were going to be on a cargo-like boat when actually it ended up being a mini-cruise.  There were bars, restaurants, nightclubs (lame though), we had our own shower and bathroom, it was fabulous....minus the ridiculous motion sickness on the way back.  Our trip to Amsterdam included visits to the famous coffeeshops and basically a lot of walking around.  At one coffeeshop I managed to knock a bunch of stuff down.  Mirand and I laughed, I guess Europeans don't think it's funny when you knock stuff down..oops.  Amsterdam was a really cool place. People have sooooo much character here. The old ladies dress like the young kids with the skinny jeans and tall boots  on. Very european, though most of the europeans there were tourists.  I really did appreciate the architecture despite my affinity for tall, metal buildings.  We didn't make it to the red-light district though.  Not really enough time, we only had about 6 hours.  On the way back on the ferry we met these dutch guys.  The one that I talked to the most was my first experience of anti-american sediment.  It seems that a lot of people's impressions of Americans is that they are shallow, egocentric, and oblivious to the world around them.  I was honored that this guy named me an exception to the stereotype after he quizzed me on our conversation...he thought I wasn't listening.  I think he was floored when I told him his age and it hadn't come up in the conversation.  (His friend had said it earlier, 26).  Talking to people here has made me realize how, despite my efforts, obilivious I am to the world.  The dutch guy asked me if my country was in the Somolian war effort yet, I said I didn't think so, but apparently we are.  My goals now are to be more "world conscience" and learn at least another language.  I did know a bit of dutch though, so that also gave me points.  But anti-american sediment aside, we had fun with them.  The guy Miranda talked to was much less cocky.  I guess the dutch are known for being arrogant though.  They did bust open a bottle of champage for all of us and we sat on the boat till about 4am and hung out with them.  Don't worry dad, the bottle was sealed and in my sight the whole time. 

Don't worry dad, the bottle was sealed and in my sight the whole time.