Editor's Note:

It is most definitely worth noting, as Ryan had mentioned to me earlier today, and I found out after what he showed me within the city while biking today - Amsterdam would be so much different, and much less interesting I think, if it didn't have the vast number of tiny bridges going over the numerous canals in the city. The only downside of this, is it makes getting lost that much easier. : )

Furthermore, some information worth noting about Amsterdam, is that it is actually 4 meters below sea level, and that the entire area was originally marshy wetlands or just underwater, but thanks to the dykes that were built up, Amsterdam has flourished. This is also part of the reason, possibly, that Amsterdam is completely flat, and going over tiny bridges is about the highest elevation you can get in the city.

I Am Sterdam

Amsterdam, truly, I have come across no other city like it in almost 11 weeks of travel. Everyone rides bikes - including me, for the first time in about 8 years - and the saying "it's just like riding a bicycle" really does hold true; my first night here I had a bike that was a bit too big, and I was a bit too rusty on my biking skills and as a result could barely keep up with people and nearly caused a handful of accidents. Jump forward 4 days of biking EVERYWHERE, and I feel much more confident, my legs are no longer sore, and I'm able to bike while carrying bags of souvenirs which cost more than I likely should have spent on them. : )

The bike culture is truly something wonderful though, as you see old women, young children, students and professors alike, all riding bikes. Even businessmen are seen biking through the streets. The liberal attitudes translate into other areas of the city as well, with unique odors (marijuana, for those who don't know much about Amsterdam) gracing city streets and coffee shops without so much as a second thought by most; as well as the infamous Red Light District.

Outside of the obvious lures of Amsterdam (for some people), the city is quite quaint and seemingly quite lovely when it isn't raining 8 days a week, as it feels like it has rained every day that I've been here so far. They're famous for their tulip fields, and while, in my friend Ryan's words they're "just mudfields right now", one can imagine this city in the spring and summer time with windmills abound and tulip fields surrounding them.

My first day in the city I even shared a pleasant conversation with two young guys I met in a shop, one who was from Afghanistan, and the other who was from Iraq. The three of us talking and joking around seemed quite ironic considering the current global affairs, but everyone in Amsterdam seems to just be living their lives and trying to enjoy their lives - not stereotyping and classifying people as terrorists or war-mongers simply because they're from a certain country originally. Amsterdam has been a great place to slow down for a bit and just relax and enjoy some time in a nice city instead of rushing to museums.

I also got to see the Sinter Klaus parade here, where Sinter Klaus and his slaves ("Black Pete") arrive from Madrid, Spain and give candy to all the little children who've been good this year, as he starts his journey. He also arrives by boat, and rides a white horse. Obviously quite interesting to see the differences from the American culture, and I'm honestly still a bit confused about the whole deal, but it is what it is.

Finally, also quite worth noting, many thanks to my friend Ryan who I know from back home, who is letting me stay with him as he studies here - and thus is saving me heaps of money on a hostel here, as they're much more pricey than in the eastern part of Europe. Cheers, Quinn!