of light & flight

It’s been the warmest, loveliest Amsterdam summer since I've moved here…and it's late summer sunshine is still leaking into beautiful fall.

As the leaves show off with their changing colors and begin to float down slowly to the cobblestone, the remnants of the late summer sun are still shining and keeping our light leather jackets and booties in style. Maybe even t-shirts if we’re really lucky. We remain sitting on terraces, BBQing with friends, or just cycling…to cycle, the sun kissing our pink cheeks in the pockets of sun outside the shade. I think I speak for every Amsterdammer when I say it is a gift we don’t dare to take advantage of.

Yet, we also get to enjoy the transition of the season, as well. There is something so magically aesthetic about the colorful canals in the fall. The cozy character that takes over the brown cafes with warm Chocomel and apple pie. The golden pathways of leaves that remind us we life in one of the leafiest cities in Europe. The hype of Sinterklaas’ upcoming arrival on every news channel and in every newspaper.

While we tend to think the absence of the heat may depressingly bind us back to our homes, the fall in Amsterdam is actually full of fun events and activities we look forward to. While pumpkin patches aren’t as much of a hotspot as back home in the states, apple picking on small orchards just outside of the city are. In fact, this fall we’re going to try backing our own Dutch Appeltaart with our freshly picked apples.

For five days in October, the quaint canal streets are transformed into the dance capital of the world for the Amsterdam Dance Events. Thousands of Dj’s and music fans descend on the city to celebrate electronic music at over 120 venues throughout the city. In early November, locals giggle and cheers as they explore different art collectives and museums in the dark for Amsterdam Museum Night. With the purchase of just one ticket, you gain entrance to over 50 museums in the city until 2 am with a dazzling spread of workshops, concerts, food and drink, and performances surprising you at each stop. Throughout the season, various film festivals also invite us for cozy evenings with friends and family and even the Bokbier and Amsterdam Wine Festival.

There is something for every one and for everyone it’s simply stunning. So come join us in autumn one year for the best and one of the least touristy times in the city!

Sometimes Amsterdam feels just like one of those old movies. The Sandlot comes to mind. The type of movie where groups of young adolescents, cycle through small towns and fields, finding enjoyment in the simplest of mischiefs along the way. Couples in love hold hands and relish in a perfectly packed picnic basket. Maybe it’s the bikes. Maybe it’s the quiet of the Amsterdamse Bos. Maybe it’s the romantic in me.

Subtract the perfectly packed picnic basket and this scene in a movie could explain our Dutch summers. Bikes, picnics, the Amsterdamse Bos, a tiny BBQ, and a whole lot of unmatching picnic blankets.

It is perfect.

If colours, smiles, and love could radiate from Amsterdam, across the whole world, I am sure this planet would be saved. Today is just one of the days that this beautiful city reminds us that even while the world can seem absolutely bonkers at times…all the best parts of it, truly are beautiful, open minded, and so full of love. The vibrancy and joy of the hundred thousands of people in and around the canals today, seduces with promiscuous costumes and confetti fireworks and awakens spirits with free hugs and the promise that even if just for this one day, you can be, dress, act, and love however you want to.

While we all indulge in endless beers and contagious music, we try not to forget why we’re here, amidst this celebration, surrounded by such smiles and love. It’s because everyone is worthy of love and happiness.

Everyone.

Hands down, the best day of the year, Amsterdam.

This week has officially put February 2019 in the books as the warmest February ever recorded in Dutch history. With a week off work and Cas home for a few days before his first flight on the 777 (to Peru!), we decided to head up North to Friesland to pay his parents a visit. Surrounded by country side and the pungent smell that comes with the very beauty of it, their cottage sits right on the canals of a village called Koudum. On an electric bike all of the other small, Frisian towns are easily accessible so the four of us hopped on and cruised around 44 km the first day and 35 the next. Along the way we encountered countless “typical Dutch” experiences. From windmills to dikes, tulips to farm fields; men wearing clogs on bikes and the occasional stop for a snack or meal with Hagelslag and Pannekoeken. Getting out of Amsterdam and the busy city life is always a lovely reminder of how much we love the simplicity and peace of the outskirts, too.

The sailing culture of The Netherlands is a special one. Historically, it’s just their thing. World renowned boats and strategically planned waterways- it doesn’t get more Dutch than that. Tiny fisherman villages, the casual aqueduct, locks and bridges, the endless snake of ropes adjusting a ship large enough to resemble the home of pirates to the wind. It’s impressive.

And so Dutch.

This weekend we went with Cas’ parents in Friesland for the weekend. Friesland is about two hours north of Amsterdam, in a different province than Holland. Though the country is so small, they surprisingly don’t even speak Dutch in this province- they speak Frisian.

Cas’ parents moved to Friesland after retirement in hopes that their adorable, new cottage on the water and their beautiful boat docked right outside would inspire a year long holiday. And it has. For us to. It’s the perfect weekend getaway from Amsterdam’s city chaos.

Their boat, De Tasser or the grape is a Leemsteraak, a traditional Frisian sail ship, actually the same as the one owned by the queen, herself, but smaller. You can actually see the queen’s boat and her sailing it in her youth if you simply google the Groene Draeck (Green Dragon).

After an evening in the water and dining on the back patio, we woke up to take their boat to a small village called Sneek to spend the night. It took about four hours of sailing and ended with us getting to spend the night in the Sneek harbor and walk around the village as they prepared for their upcoming event- Sneek Week, a huge sailing event which welcomes ships from all over the world for some sort of a sailing festival.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of sailing, aside from the you know, actual making a boat sail, is the generous amount of wine and finger foods that you never have a good enough excuse not to eat. You sail, you eat and drink. You dock, you eat and drink.

And so, that’s just what we did. They sailed. I ate and drank. Generously.

The Staalmeestersbrug is one of Amsterdam's well known, "love lock bridges"; a classic Dutch draw bridge crossing the romantic Groenburgwal canal and Staalstraat, near the red light district. Behind it lies the Zuiderkerk tower. With my sister and her boyfriend with us over Valentines Day, it was the perfect place to take them to lock down their love in another magical, foreign city, as Paris has already been checked off both our lists.

If any couple should have a lock secured in this beautiful city- it’s these two. Ten years together, lots of ups and downs, huge life changes, yet they’ve come out stronger than ever. While they’ve been here in Amsterdam, I’ve found myself creepishly staring at them (sorry, guys, I’m realising just how weird that sounds, now), remembering their 15 year old selves with shaggy hair and skater attire-just so in awe of how much they’ve grown, side by side.

I can’t help but know that they’ll be back to this city again, probably numerous times, after lots more changes-and when they do that lock will remain, representing not just their presence in this amazing city but how they can conquer anything together-including traveling countries and continents. And if not, seeing as how Europe has started a trend of taking these locks of the bridges, they’ll still have the romantic memory to hold on to, forever.

While there are plenty of other cities even more well known for their romance and historic love stories, Amsterdam can be equally as amorous when experienced in the right way. I read Amsterdam described somewhere as the “Venice with trees. A place you can cruise the canals and dawdle in the park; sip sundowners under a canopy of green, then dine by candlelight, looking out over fairy-lit bridges. There are magnificent paintings to lose yourself in, comfy cafés to dream away the afternoon, shops to splash out in, and plenty to warm the heart. And it’s all cosy and small-scale, which means no time wasted on stressful getting about – just gentle strolls, quiet moments, the water, graceful gables, and each other.”

So, for all you romantics out there, don’t forget to make a stop at De Staalmeestersbrug while cycling aside the alluring canals, sharing a cheeky apple pie at a local bruin cafe, or cuddling under a blanket on a typical Dutch canal cruiser.

As soon as the weather is warm enough and even a glimpse of sun peers through the clouds, Amsterdammers take to their boats. The canals fill with lazy friends, giggling and sipping drinks, as they float along the most beautiful waterways in the city: the canals. Those without boats flock to the parks and terraces with bags of food and portable BBQ’s. Bikes lay scattered throughout the grassy areas throughout the city and offices empty earlier than the wintery days before it. Chilled glasses of beer clink and the usual dark attire flourishes into colours and patterns.

Spring and summer are the most vibrant times to live in Amsterdam. It’s hard not to fall in love with it all over again, each year. Perhaps it’s because the winter can seem so incredibly long. I’ll admit that the boating has become one of my favourite aspects of this city. To be laughing and chatting with friends for hours on the water, music playing in the background, and dancing canal homes towering over us- is quite something.

For this reason, I totally recommend visitors do a boat ride during their time in Amsterdam. Not necessarily one of the tourist boat tours you see as you exit the train station (though this is fine, too). I would suggest doing something a bit more authentic- uncovered on a nice day and with a small group. I have bought tickets through Friendship Rederij Amsterdam 4 or 5 times for friends and family visiting and they absolutely loved it. The atmosphere is more chill than the usual tourist boats, it’s uncovered, and offers drinks you can purchase during the cruise. Soft cushions line the boat, so you can lay back and relax with a small group as a congenial Dutchie shares all that he/she knows and loves about his/her city.

You can get on right near the red light district, but it is first come, first serve so you’ll want to get their early to get in line. Even if you bought the 15 euro tickets online (which is what I normally do) for a specific time, you will have to wait in line for your turn. It is not guaranteed at that exact time. Enjoy!

Today is the Chinese New Year. I had heard rumours that near the Red Light District in China Town, a huge parade and festival was on so I packed up my camera/s and in typical Steph form, showed up just as it ended.

This was no problem as I just decided to wander and snap photos anyways. I love the red light district. I always find it ironic that tourists come to it for the complete opposite reasons I do. Bachelor parties and large groups of friends stumble down the cobblestone streets with half closed eyes and smelly breath. While the Red Light District’s openness towards marijuana and prostitution is indeed unique and it’s liberal attitude seemingly floats through the canals and alley ways, it is also one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam- the one with the deepest and often darkest history, where the canal homes lean as if dancing and in places the water meets the buildings with road in between.

On this particular adventure, I discovered the He Hua Buddhist temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Europe. Inside the smell of incense burned and Buddha's stood towering over me in a room full of pattern and colour. Just around the corner were the bustling restaurants and markets of the main square, De Waag, the historic entrance to the city, where woman waved goodbye to their beloved sailors and where criminals were hung to end their life.

Amsterdam is so full of history, both light and dark. That is what makes this particular area so magical and important to visit- not the coffee shops and seductive ladies in windows.

While Germany and Austria boast some of the best Christmas markets of the season, The Netherlands has some pretty good one’s of it’s own. While it’s nothing fancy, the Haarlem Christmas Market has become a bit of a tradition and it’s only a hop, skip, and a jump away on the train or bus. With warm gluwein and Chocomel, festive stalls and music, and the monstrous, central Christmas tree- it gives you just about everything you need in a Christmas market.

This year, as Haarlem celebrated it’s 20th year hosting the market, it was even bigger than ever before. Also happening at the same time was the Haarlem Beer Festival. Cas and I joined his sister and her boyfriend for a little adventure through the market, supping on Gluwein, and ending with the most delicious local brews to sip on inside a warm tent.

If that didn’t get us in the Christmas spirit, I don’t know what will.

My first trip to Cas' hometown, Muiderberg, in 2013 actually brought me to embarrassing tears. It was summer, the air was warm, and flowers crawled up and around every house in his village. It was colourful, quaint, and breathtaking. Now it feels normal but at that time, it was so different than the place I called home- so untouched and pure. Like a step back in time. I pictured him swimming in the lake nearby and riding his bike to the cute little primary school in the village. We drove slowly with the top down so I could take it all in, passing fields of cows on the left, beaches on the Ijselmeer on the right, and straight ahead-an enchanting medieval castle. This is Muiderslot.

Surrounding the castle, was the tiny, sailing village of Muiden with one popular ice cream parlor, a local pub where you everyone knows everyone, and of course, a harbor nesting the Queen herself's, boat.

The next summer I moved to Holland. Mom and dad came with me to help me settle in for two weeks. We went cycling around those same fields and along the paths leading to the beach, stopping to have a cheeky beer here and there and taking lots of pictures along the way. They also fell in love with it.

When it came time for the whole family to spend Christmas in The Netherlands, we couldn't wait to take them here, again. Even in the winter it lacked no charm, sporting a festive feel with Christmas trees and lights. That same local pub in the tiny village would be one of the first places my lucky siblings would get to try their first authentic Dutch cuisine in the form of bitterballen and friekendallen.  

Muiderslot is one of the Netherlands most medieval and prized castles. It dates back to 1280 and Floris V, beginning it’s existence as a toll spot for traders and even becoming a prison at one time. It’s an extension from the Rijksmuseum so each room has been beautifully redecorated and restored to look how it did in the past and many tours and shows are made available in various languages. Climbing through the stairways, you can walk up to the archer towers to look out over the waterway nearby or walk down to the dungeon to see where prisoners were tortured. If you’re interested in learning more about Muiderslot, you can visit their official website here.

If Clark Griswold’s love and adoration for Christmas could be divided between six individuals, it would have been embedded in the West family. We love Christmas. From matching pajamas, to cutting down the christmas tree, a fully decorated home and baking cookies with mom and grandma, old Christmas movies and warm fires roasting in the background- the holiday festivities often make Christmas the best time of year in our family. Most importantly, the family- and I mean the entire extended family on both sides- gets together to exchange gifts and merriment. It’s fantastic.

This year was slightly different, however. This year we were lucky enough to host the West family Christmas in The Netherlands and with Cas’ family. It was the West-Kuiper Christmas!

It was the first time our two families were all together. I went on a shopping binge to find the perfect matching Christmas pajamas (which proved harder than expected in this country!) and Cas’ parents got ready to host a big Christmas eve dinner for us all. We prepared appetisers and Cas’ lovely neighbours joined us and helped cook a beautiful Christmas Eve meal that we could all share together.

Cas’ parents also arranged for our two families to sail around the Amsterdam Canals after dinner, gazing out at the sparkling lights of the Amsterdam Light Festival, all huddled together in the cold. Seeing our two families intertwined and being able to celebrate such a special time of the year together made this Christmas one of the most special, yet.

From sunkissed pink cheeks to a frozen red nose in 6 hours. We made it home from Cape Verde, Africa just in time to get a quick glimpse of the sparkling canals everyone spent the weekend ice skating on. Much to Katie Couric's disappointment, it was actually the first time since 2012 that the canals had frozen over which meant the whole city was alive with excitement and dusting off their skates. I'm quite certain not many people were skating to work, however ;) 

Here’s a lovely video to show just how special this rare occurrence is for Amsterdammers.

The infamous Rijksmuseum lurks in the background of one of Amsterdam's most active squares: Museumplein. Not only are the most famous museums and concert hall located here but it is also where many protests and rallies are held, where sports team play weekend games, or where friends lay out on the grass, picnicking. It was where I marched for the lives of children for school shootings, where the women’s march began, and where Cas watched the championship game when the Netherlands won the national title. It is where families ice skate and sip hot cocoa in the winter and couples lick ice cream in the summer. No matter how many times we go with visitors, it never ceases to be a favourite of ours or theirs. 

On this particular day, we went with the family to watch the ice skating and cup warm chocomel in our freezing hands. A small Christmas market was set up around the rink and just across the road, the diamond museums shimmered with wealth, tempting tourists as they walked by. The whole area around the museum, from the stately Concertgebouw to the high end shopping streets has a way of making you feel you are somewhere important. Beautiful. Timeless.

Now that I have a museum card, I find myself at the museum more often, even if it’s just to sit in the gardens on a nice day or wander through the ancient paintings. One of my favourite hidden gems of Amsterdam is the library that lies within the Rijksmuseum, as well. Walls, balconies, and ladders of old books. While museums are not the first thing I recommend to those who only have a few days in Amsterdam, if you are a lover of art or have a few days to spare, I would definitely put Rijksmuseum on the top of your list over any other museum in Amsterdam. And after you do, be truly Dutch by stopping by the Albert Heijn and grabbing some food to picnic in the square, watching all that is happening around you. How very local of you!

Learn more about what events or exhibits are being featured in the museum, here.

The Netherlands, as a small coastal country, is windy and wet throughout most of the year. However, when it's not, everyone flocks to the beaches and parks and smiles are just a bit bigger. Today, after another long, wet winter, we had our first glimpse of the light- sunshine! We headed to the beach ourselves. It was our first trip to the beach without the motorcycle in a few years; our first trip since the motorcycle accident, actually. And while Cas is still recovering and not strong enough to stay for long, we bundled up and sipped warm Chocomel outside on the terrace while we could, walking along the boardwalk in between.

Today and every day, I am so proud of this fighter. I can't help but peer over my warm treat, thinking about how lucky I am to get to see him sitting on the other side of that table. Not many months ago we frequented this beach by the very motorcycle that nearly took his life. I used to find it thrilling and exciting, thinking how lucky I was to get to live such an adventurous life with this guy. Now, I’m so content with the simplicity of taking the train to the same beach. The safest, calmest route. The one that means next year, I know for sure he’ll be sipping warm chocomel across from me, again. Perhaps that’s all the adventure I need.

The Japanese Cherry Blossom festival has become a bit of an annual tradition for Cas and me. Not only does it seem to be a popular way to welcome Amsterdam's first signs of spring but it’s also just a good excuse to buy a bottle of Rose and sit under the falling blossoms for a few, romantic hours (though the rest of the city always seems to have the same plan). The blossoms float gracefully down into our drinks, covering our blanket, and making the ground appear white. Sometimes the best part about going is the journey getting there. Located in the Amsterdamsebos (Amsterdam Forest), only a few minute cycle from our house, the Kersenbloesems are hidden toward the back of the woods, quite a cycle away from it’s entrance. This means that we get to cycle through tunnels of towering elms, whistling birds, and various scenes of fields and bodies of water. Compared to the busy city just outside, it’s gentle breezes and potent smells are magically calming.

Just up the way is a Geitenboerderij, a goat farm, which unsurprisingly always seems to entertain us just as much as it does the kids feeding the babies from baby bottles of milk. Alongside the five and six years olds, we plop onto the hay to welcome cuddles and playful nibbles from the newborn goats. Afterwards, we treat ourselves to a cheeky beer and some tasty food at a new restaurant in the neighbourhood. They say you should always remember to “date your spouse”. I more like to think that rather than the seriousness of dating, we will simply always be curious, giggly kids together like the ones we fit so perfectly in with, today.

Couldn’t love him more.

Travel is addicting. Sometimes we are so keen to go away and learn about new cultures that we forget to explore our own country and the beauty of it's unique traditions. So, we decided to keep it local this time.

We packed up a tent and headed towards the Dutch Wadden Islands, taking a ferry across the Wadden Zee and ending up on the island of Texel. We set up our tent tucked away from the wind, behind the large dunes and tall grass. Just a few minute walk up the dunes and we had the oranges and pinks of the sunset as our nightly movie. While Texel has more sheep than people, it’s nearly impossible not to bump into one on your adventures by bike or Tuk-Tuk, which is exactly what we did. We rented a tandem bicycle one day, exploring the local light house, dunes, hopping from village to village, and stopping for local Texel brews along the way.

The next day, we rented a Tuk-Tuk, getting lost in the more green areas and forests, picking up a mom and son duo hitch hiking, and watching the sunset fall over the sea. It reminded me of Oregon’s Black Butte, back home: the perfect escape for families not wanting to go too far but wanting a fun and relaxing holiday. Spread throughout the island there were plenty for kids to do from swimming pools to bumper cars, water sports to hikes. 

While it’s not ideal for a day trip from Amsterdam, it is the perfect option for those who have an extended time in Amsterdam or perhaps are living in the city, temporarily. For those not as interested camping, you can find the cutest little cabins to stay in on the islands, as well. Learn more about the island and all it has to offer, here.

My baby brother isn't so little anymore- in fact, he's a pretty badass man nowadays, studying at the Copenhagen Business School and wrapping up his Senior year at University of Oregon. Lucky for me, Copenhagen is just a two hour flight away which brought him to Amsterdam for a whole week before he headed back to the states. He not only fit in perfectly in our little house but he also braved the city on one of our spare bikes and hopped around with me to various breweries and cafes for a taste of the Dutch brews.

Saying goodbye is always bitter sweet to friends and family, but especially immediate family, close siblings.

I miss you so much Aaron but I am also over the moon thinking about the bright and shiny future ahead for you. You are more then ready to conquer the impossible. I love you!

If you want to learn more about Amsterdam's brew culture, check out my blog post, The Best Beer in Amsterdam. 

Neverland was a place I dreamed of often as a child. It was an escape for me, even into student life and adult hood as Hook played quietly in the background of my every study or transition. When I moved to The Netherlands, my sister wrote to me, "it turns out you never needed fairy dust to get to Neverland, I mean, The Netherlands. You were always capable of getting there on your own." Today, blanketed in white snow, Amsterdam truly feels like a snowy Neverland, magical in silence and sparkling with each snowflake. I am so happy I live here.

Just across the Ij, in the North of Amsterdam, Portlanders like myself can find themselves right at home with tasty microbrews, hipster bars, and tacky street art. Among these delicious brews are the Oedipus beers of Oedipus Brewery. 

Located in warehouse by an old ship yard, it's bright colours and vibrant tastes are worth the trek down the roads less travelled. We sat outside on their outdoor patio, soaking in the little sun that remained of the day and appreciating each taste of their IPA. Want to know more about Amsterdam's growing beer scene, check out my blog post, The Best Beer in Amsterdam. 

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Haarlem is a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam's city vibes. While still maintaining the same medieval city centre and historic architecture, it manages to be just slightly more laid-back and village-esque. It is full of quiet alley ways, fantastic shopping, and even hosts some beautiful markets and festivals throughout the year. For visitors who want to see another side to Holland, Haarlem is only 15 minutes by train. As one of my mom's favourite spots in Holland, I decided to take her visiting sister, my aunt, today. We wandered it's streets, spotting a windmill on route and getting lost in upward gazes at the Oude Kerk. The perfect day trip. 

Want to learn more about Haarlem or other easily accessible day or overnight trips from Amsterdam? Take a peek at our blog post, Day or Overnight Trips From Amsterdam.

In an attempt to escape from the stress of work and report writing, a few friends and fellow teachers of mine and I hopped on a train to the university town of Groningen in Northern Holland. A sleepy, quiet town during the student holidays, it was the perfect place to end the day sipping tea in fluffy chairs and eating together around a large table in a cozy apartment. While we did try and make it out for some evening fun and dancing, the highlight was definitely the wandering, gothic churches, and time together.

This picturesque little village was originally situated on an island. Floods were regular and often disastrous. To protect their belongings and themselves from the water, the inhabitants created artificial dwelling hills on which they build their houses. As fishery became the main economic activity, the population grew rapidly. When the Afsluitdijk was finished in 1932, and the Zuiderzee became the fresh water IJsselmeer with no access to the sea, fishery activities came to an end. When the dike between Marken and the mainland was closed in 1957, Marken wasn't even a real island anymore. Nevertheless, the village still has the looks and feel of a fishermen's town and an island. For over a century, it has drawn in visitors who wanted a glance at its traditional costumes and picturesque houses.

Marken's main attraction lies in it’s lovely old wooden houses, traditional atmosphere and folklorist elements. Traditional costumes are now rarely worn, and usually for tourist purposes, but are still fun to see. Many of the wooden houses are listed as National Heritage Sites and some are placed on wooden poles, to protect them from the water.

Zaanse Schans in a nutshell: 8 windmills, a wooden shoe factory, cheese shops, and a tiny little village. Does it get any more Dutch than that? Well actually, yes; this is more of a tourist trap than a representation of modern day Dutch-life BUT just as any country is represented by historic symbolism, the Dutch have been stamped with clogs, windmills, cheese, and tulips for all eternity. Luckily for them, that is some pretty adorable symbolism and it really just never gets old.  

Lauren, a friend from University, was visiting Amsterdam this week, so we had a grand ol' time trying on wooden shoes, wandering through windmills, and drinking tea and eating soup at a cute coffee shop nearby. Who knew that clogs had so many different purposes in history: wedding day clogs, party clogs, church clogs, farm clogs...man oh man, I guess we're lucky that we don't have to carve our own shoes anymore.

Fact: Clogs were initially carved out of wood because they float and as you probably already know, it could be said that The Netherlands has a fair share of water.

During our second year living together in Amsterdam, we rented the trendiest little apartment from a couple who was traveling the world for a year. It was unlike any other place we had lived, spacious with dark floors and empty, lonely walls. A vintage, brown leather chair sat in the corner of a simplistic family room and white curtains covered the glass walls of a small sun room behind it. The dining room was made up of one a huge, 10 chair, wooden table with industrial hanging lights above it. We loved this modernly hip place for a year.

Perhaps the best thing about living in Ijburg, a small neighborhood a bit outside of the city center of Amsterdam, was that it had it’s own beach called Blijburg. On nice days, we could take our small BBQ down to the beach, lay by the water, and feast on snacks and burgers. In the fall, we could grab a warm tea at the lodge as the wind howled over the sea beside us.

On this particular day, we did just that-cozy up outside with a blanket and warm drinks as the grey clouds moved into the city. Amsterdam might not always be as sunny as we’d like but it somehow manages to be charming and warm, even on it’s darkest of days.

So, today we sit blij op Blijburg- happy on happy mountain.

Cas grew up on the water- swimming, wind surfing, and sailing. Not only has sailing been something important to him in his adult life but even as a child he was an instructor and for a lack of better words, a fish. The world of sailing has been something totally new for me since I’ve moved to The Netherlands and one that I have very gladly been happy to be a part of.

His parents own the most beautiful, traditional Dutch sailing boat which boasts a sleeping room and small kitchen on board. Often we’ll go sailing for the weekend, packing a tent and lots of food and drinks to be enjoyed once we dock in a harbour. Cas and I will set up our tent on the land just off the boat while they sleep on board and once the sun is up, we’re back on the boat, headed off for the next destination.

Watching his parents work together to sail is unlike anything I have seen before- it takes patience and incredible team work. Heavy winds and rain can make the sport stressful and even a bit scary but when the sun is out and we can sit and enjoy wine and snacks as we sail- there is just nothing quite like it.

Who knows, maybe we’ll have a boat of our own one day and this lady will be learning to sail.

The biggest change in my lifestyle after leaving America has been our form of transportation. I no longer drive or look forward to the blaring music and windy breeze of the windows rolled down on the highway. Instead, I’m cycling around with a cute little basket, ringing a sweet little bell.

Today we took mom and dad cycling to one of the infamous Dutch windmills near where Cas grew up. His family is friends with the miller so we were able to learn how he operates the windmill and get a tour inside.

Afterwards, we spent the afternoon cycling around the fields of cows and stretches of grass to visit the small village of Weesp. Though I sometimes miss the feeling of being behind a wheel, I find myself enjoying the same breeze in my hair and listening to the slightly different music around me- nature. Perhaps I enjoy this even more.

This summer’s trip to America is a big one. Not only, will we all be together as a family but mom and dad just graduated their 4th child from College. That’s right, world! Aaron West is headed out into the real world (In San Francisco finance, nonetheless) and to top it off, Aubrey also graduated from the San Francisco Fashion Institute. This means all three of my siblings are living and thriving in one of the coolest cities in the world.

The pride is explosive.

So, today, as I prepare to see them in just four days, I couldn’t think of anything more I wanted to do than to find some gifts to celebrate them. And if you know Amsterdam, you know there’s no better to do that than on the Negen Straatjes. It just so happened that there was a street party on the Spui, an art market on a side street, and an old book market on the canal over, as well. Turns out, I was the spoiled one while trying to spoil them.

Between these little events, the trendy coffee shops, and endless concepts stores, I walked away smitten, once again, with this beautiful city we live in (and full of unique gifts to share with my amazing siblings).

No matter how long I’ve lived in Amsterdam, nearly every time I have visitors I totally blank on a good breakfast or brunch spot. So, this year I decided to keep track in hopes to ease the last minute brainstorm that will undoubtably come with the next visitor. Some of the cutest but smallest brunch spots lie in the heart of Amsterdam, within the Negen Straatjes or the nine streets. With pastries decorating the desk tops and shelves lined with pastel goodies, I’m always unsure of what I enjoy more- taking photos of the places or eating their goods.

After returning home to America and being back to this sweet little shop, I am reminded how much richer and simply better European coffee and pastries, really are. The croissant melts in your mouth while still managing to make the most annoying mess of it’s crusted shell on your clothes. It is perfect. The cappucino is strong, stronger than most, and always finished quicker than I am ready for it to be. I order another…every time. If not for the coffee, also for the delicious treat that decorates it’s saucer.

From avocado toasts to egg delicacies, there is some of the best and most creative brunch spots in the area. For now, Coffee Concepts remains one of my ultimate favourites.

A few other good brunch or coffee hotspots near the Nine Streets and Jordaan district of Amsterdam:

Toos & Roos for a happy cafe for breakfast and lunch. The interior is so colorful and cosy!

Ree7 for a great breakfast or lunch. Sandwiches, salads, and warm, homemade dishes.

Screaming Beans: for really good coffee and lunch.

Van Puffelen: for a cosy brown cafe. The menu is affordable and hearty.

Pluk for a healthy lunch. You can also get your food for takeaway.

Libertine Café for an all day spot. Tip: go for the pink risotto!

Goodies for fresh juices, yoghurts, and affordable sandwiches, salads, tapas, and fresh pasta’s.

I’m lucky enough to work for a school that empowers their secondary students to have a voice and be involved in international concerns and conversations. Because of this, many of the students with the help of their teachers, planned and executed a successful March for our Lives at Amsterdam’s museumplein.

Like most teachers, I began my career with the hopes I could save the world, one struggling kid at a time. I walked into my first classroom confident and excited, ready to go above and beyond for each and every smile or tear that turned my way. This was an easy dream to have. Nothing negative had ever happened in caring so much. Then Sandy Hook happened. We were all scared, kids and teachers alike. There I was promising a group of wide-eyed third graders I would always keep them safe- essentially, promising to die for them if I had to. And sadly, many teachers have done just that.

So, today I marched for those children and I marched for those teachers. I marched for the ridiculousness that we even have to march at all; that they have to plan such a protest; the ridiculousness that in Syria bombs are being dropped in schools, in Africa children are being kidnapped from their classroom by Boko Haram, and in America they are getting shot by automatic rifles. This is a realisation we all stand together fighting- that America is lacking in some major humanity in the same way some pretty horrible situations around the world are, as well.

So, today, we march for our lives. Their lives.

Flowers begin to bloom, alarms are replaced with early morning bird song, and fewer and fewer clouds shade our favoured blue skies. Cyclists hum on their way to work, BBQs in the park become the most popular social event, and suddenly there's no excuse for not sitting on a terrace with a beverage or floating down the canals with friends on a boat.

This is Spring in Amsterdam, though these are not the only signs of Spring in this diverse city. Cultures all around the world say goodbye to winter in vastly unique ways, their individual customs welcoming the different meanings the season itself represents to them. For example, in Thailand, The Songkran Water Festival introduces spring by initiating a large, public water fight so that the Thai can cleanse each other of any negative influences. The Iranian Nowruz brings cozy picnicking with family and friends in the celebration of human and nature interconnectedness. This year I welcomed the spring by throwing coloured powder in the faces of smiling strangers while dancing around in the excitement of good conquering evil for the Indian celebration of Holi. I wandered through a labriynth of Japanese Sakuras and picnicked under their snowing pastel pedals alongside many Japanese families carrying out this spring tradition, as well. Here's a peek into a few other reasons to love spring in Amsterdam.

Well, we drove to Utrecht to look at motorcycles and came home with the Batmobile.

While I never really imagined I would be living in Europe, I DEFINITELY never thought I’d be sitting on the back of a motorcycle designed for speed, wearing a helmet and leather gloves.

Life is full of surprises, isn’t it?

As the tale is told, The Netherlands is notoriously flat. That is until you arrive in Zuid Limburg.

There they were. Hills. Small hills but hills, nonetheless. Rolling waves of wheat fields and forests, hops growing upwards for Gulpener beers and cows welcoming you down each country rode with their blank stares and fearless close distance to the road. Perhaps because we do live in a province (North Holland) which is so flat, it was absolutely lovely to lay eyes on.

We found ourselves in beautiful Limburg as part of Cas’ 30th birthday surprise. I had arranged a 48 hours (short but sweet) trip away, only 2.5 hours from Amsterdam on the train, telling him to pack his bag but with no clues to where we were going. About 10 minutes past Maastricht, we hopped off the train and followed the signs to St. Gerlach, which of course, he knew nothing about. That made the surprise all the more exciting.

As we wandered the small town, Cas expecting me to turn down a street any time for an Air BnB, we noticed that there was a Ferrari car show going on down the road. We decided to check it out. Ferraris decorated the landscape of a beautiful chateau, backgrounded by the hills and trees topped with missletoe. Rich families weaved through the stately property, taking photos and chatting of glasses of champagne and their perfectly ironed collared shirts or dresses. We walked around looking at the shiny cars, too, though not nearly as well dressed. I anxiously waited for Cas to say, “okay, I’m ready to go find where we’re staying now.” Finally, he did.

I pointed at the chateau with a smile.

So, off we went on one of our most posh adventures yet- reminding ourselves of proper table manners and feeling utterly underdressed throughout the trips entirety. For two days, it was awesome, as if we had picked ourselves up and dropped ourselves off some place totally different than what we would expect for our life. Let’s just say, we laughed. Alot. I had purchased a wellness package, allowing us full access to the spa, roman pool, and saunas. It also came with a 40 minute massage, a full (beautiful) breakfast buffet, and a very fancy 4 coarse dinner on the property. It was my first experience in a spa and most certainly my first fully nude! Sorry, too much information ;)

A little information about the location: Nestled in the Geul Valley, Château St. Gerlach is an old monastery from the 1200’s, a past home to monks, nuns, and at one point, a convent for the daughters of noble families. It was named after St. Gerlach, of course, a 12th century Dutch soldier and hermit, whom had sworn to Christianity after the death of his wife and upon returning to The Netherlands from Rome, gave up all his possessions to the poor and took up residence in a hollow oak tree, traveling barefoot from Houthem to Maastricht, each day. Legend states that he was accused by the local bishop of being very rich and hiding treasures in his oak tree, so he had the oak tree cut down. No treasure was found. Gerlach’s journey to find penance is said to have transformed water from the local well to wine as a sign that his sins were forgiven.

On our last day, we rented a little scooter to explore the area for a few hours. We laughed alot, ate some typical Dutch snacks in a tiny town called Valkenburg, and visited various different castles and churches along the way.

Our Recommendations

Book a package at St. Gerlach in the late spring when the roses are blooming and the grapes are growing in the vineyards. Wander the Ingendael Nature Reserve along the Geul and visit the properties many natural resources- their vegetable garden, herb garden, and bee hive. All is used in their restaurant and bistro (also highly recommended). Rent a scooter and ask for the Zuid Limburg Cycle Map. There are various different routes you can follow for anywhere from one to ten hours, which will take you all over the beautiful province and possibly even into Belgium. All the roads and pathways are easily marked and seen along the way. Stop in Mheer to see a beautiful castle and Valkenburg for some dutch snacks, a lovely old town, castle ruins, and caves.

Lucky me, this guy was born on May 13th, 30 years ago and this year we all had good reason to celebrate. Not only was his 30th a major milestone but so was the fact that he has recovered as well as he has from last winter’s motorcycle accident. Seven months ago, he was laying in the hospital with extensive internal injuries and 26 broken bones. Over the last six months all of those bones have healed and he’s gained so much strength and stamina, venturing off to see friends and family again and going on small adventures with me around the city. I am so proud of him and so thankful to have gotten to experience such inspiration by his side. His positive attitude and smile is addictive and I think we all know that both are what got him through this recovery so fast. So, for the guy who approached 30 in a very risky fashion, hitting his own minimums just like the planes he flies, we all wish you the happiest of birthdays.

I couldn’t love you more.

SURPRISE!

Our Recommendation

Looking for a way to book your own surprise party or event in Amsterdam? Download the app Book a Bar on your phone or ipad to get you started. It’s a super easy way to find just the right location and setting for your unique group. Couldn’t recommend it enough!

A compilation of the last four Kings Days, this lot of photos always seems to make me smile. From the ridiculous costumes to the strange used clothing purchased at street vendors; the crowds of orange and kids selling homemade games and treats, to the confetti bursting from boats and windows, King’s Day is simply the best day of the year in Amsterdam.

This year it is even more special, as I have officially passed all five immigration exams. In Dutch, we would say I have ‘imburgeringsexamen geslaagd!’ This means I am now permanently able to call The Netherlands home! Woo hoo!

You can read a bit more about my journey getting here in my blog post, How to Become a Dutch Citizen.

It doesn't matter how old we get, our moms always remain a rock foundation of so many transitions, challenges, and celebrations in our lives. No matter how far away, they are always there to support us. There is no one else in the world like them. Sometimes, a year is just too long to go without seeing, laughing, hugging, and just simply chatting face to face, with mine. It can hurt, at times. For both of us, I can imagine. So, for one week, my mom came to spend time with us in Amsterdam. To wake up and have breakfast together and to share wines and tapas over old stories brought just as much colour and excitement to our lives as our trip to the beautiful Kuekenhof. She must have been our good luck charm because it was the first time that we'd been to Kuekenhof where it was actually properly bloomed, waves of tulips blossomed and smiling throughout it's 32 acres.

The hardest goodbyes are always the ones with mom and dad. I'm never ready to part. Expat life is difficult this way, willingly making the decision to live elsewhere because you know it makes you happy but also wanting to be close to the one's you love, far away. Unfortunately, it's impossible to have both. All I know is that every moment spent with them is treasured, so much. I've never appreciated this women more for her strength, compassion, and selfless heart and only hope to carry through so many wonderful qualities forward for my children to have as a role model, some day, too. I love you, mom! 

Around the globe, Amsterdam has a reputation for it's laid back attitude and liberal mindset. This may be most familiar to some because of the rumoured soft core drugs and prostitution sold on the streets or perhaps on a lighter note, some are more familiar with the political ideologies and relaxed atmosphere of travel. Either way, I love this city because without having to be painted, it manages to create an undeniable splash of colorful imagery at every turn with it's vivid personality.

Ironically, Amsterdam has permitted certain areas around the city to be painted quite bright and I happened to stumble upon one of those areas today. By painted I, of course, am referring to grafitti or street art. The theory behind street area in Amsterdam is that less unwanted grafiiti will occur around the city if we decriminalize it and learn to appreciate it. So, the municipality not only allows street artists to legally paint in these specific locations, they give them commissions to decorate, sponsor their work, and promote it in exhibitions around the city. These areas are not then being vandalized, they are merely a place where art is created, viewed, and appreciated. Done outside of these areas, however, artists are looking at enormous fines, with each square meter costing at least 120 euros. I snapped these photos on Spuistraat, just a short walk from Dam Square. Most of this particular work is done by the well known street artist, Ottograph, who you can check out if you instagram #ottograph or check out his new website here. He posts his works in progress daily.

Today Cas surprised me with a trip to the Hilversum airport. This trip was a bit different than the rest. We weren't there to travel to a foreign place, to watch planes take off, or even to fly together at all. Today, I got to do the flying... just with no engine. We went gliding!

For those of you not familiar with gliding (because I sure wasn't until I was loading my reluctant body on board) some call these aircrafts "sail planes" because that is exactly what we are doing, sailing through the sky. There are two different ways to take off without an engine in these sail planes. One, you are connected to a large bungee they call a winch which basically pulls you incredibly fast until you shoot you up into the sky. Second, you are pulled up by an aero-tow or a small plane which you detach from once you are at the desired altitutde. Whichever you choose, once in the air you are not guided down by an engine, you simply glide down, making it incredibly quiet and peaceful. I went up with Cas' friend who is well trained on these little aircrafts (don't worry, mom and dad!) and he let me make some turns and fly. Cas went up shortly after me and had lots of fun, as well. I can definitely see the appeal of such a profession! 

As if Amsterdam couldn't get any cooler. It did. The Amsterdam Food Soul Festival is one of many food festivals hosted by the city of bikes, luring locals and visitors alike towards the yummy treats hidden inside their gates. With a funky, hipster vibe similar to that in Portland, The Food Soul Festival serves it's food from themed trucks, vans, and carts and the eaters enjoy their mouth-watering surprises on over-sized pillows and tables throughout an old, cozy-lit shipyard. Since the day I arrived in this Dutch world I have obsessively seeked out any kind of mexican food that mat resemble what was my favorite food in the states. Unfortunately, I have been unsuccessful...until tonight! All the way in the back corner of the shipyard, a big lit-up sign, reading TACOS sparkled! I went in, hesitantly, already assuming that they wouldn't be the best of the best. I ordered two tacos and left, then went back for two more...they were AMAZING! Ironically, I made friends with some other expats living in Amersdam while in line who just happened to be from California. Looks like I found where all the West coasters can be found in this city...by the Mexican food! Cas and I also managed to stuff a pulled-pork burger, a few bierjes (beers), and some Dutch poffertjes in our bellies. I managed to add a new word to my Dutch vocabulary in the process: suikerspinnen which translates to sugar spin, also known in English as Cotton Candy! 

Let's first start out by saying, that it was not easy to capture these photos amongst the hundreds of thousands of people captivated by this celebration. It was amazing. A majority of my photos were taken while sitting on Cas' shoulders or standing in a narrow window sill that he had hoisted me up on to. Though this may seem extreme, I was one of many climbing, crawling, and jumping on to any high surface to get a glimpse. An event like this is difficult to walk away from without feeling an immense amount of love and enthusiasm. The entire city was in support of our gay, lesbian, and transgender friends that day, a community proud in their openness and acceptance. Amsterdam exploded with colours and fun, from the bravery of fly boarders and outrageous costumes, to the boisterousness of large festivals and themed boat parties. The parade took place on the canals and immediately following, it was as if the canals didn't exist. Boat parties completely over took the Prinsengracht, hiding any last glimpse of water to be seen. We witnessed a marriage, saw a few too many naked people or body parts, and had to pull Cas away from quite a few suiters interested in my handsome man. Ha! 

It was hands down, one of my favourite celebrations in Amsterdam yet. 

While the availability of American football is a rarity here in Europe, I have been forced to find enjoyment in the much slower paced game of football. To my surprise, I have very little to complain about with this game, though it definitely doesn’t give me the Lamichael James or Kenny Wheaton kind of tickle in my belly. Luckily, however, there is no shortage of enthusiasm here in Amsterdam, with a crowd very dedicated to the Ajax team, perhaps too much at times- roaring drunkenly to and from the stadium, pestering the other team constantly. But hey, it’s all in good fun. Tonight, Cas took me to my first live game at the stadium against France. We tailgated before the game and sat in the very top row- for the view, of course ;)

Hup Holland!

My students and I have been talking quite a bit about what it means to be a community and take care of each other within a community. During our various conversations, naturally, the topic of refugees came up and how we take care of people who are different than us. After some very concerned little voices spoke up in typical six year old compassion, we decided to help. The children brainstormed ways they thought they could make an impact, deciding on designing and creating warm bedding for other children who aren’t warm at night on their journey or in shelters and camps. They donated white duvets and got to work designing and painting their tiny bit of impact.

Together, we also raised money and awareness about the humanitarian crisis by participating in De Nacht Van De Vluchteling, a 30 km and 10 km run for change. They even made a shirt for me to wear on the run.

Nacht Van De Vluchteling in Dutch stands for the Night of Refugees. The purpose is to live a night in their shoes, running or walking through the middle of the night to complete the course. Isn’t it true that we can’t ever know what it’s like until we’ve lived it? This nowhere compares to the hardships many families of faced on their journey to safety, however, I am thankful for the experience and the loving kiddos who inspired me to do it.

Interested in doing it this year? Sign up on the website here and plan for it in the month of June 2018.

Every 5 years, Amsterdam holds a global event called Sail. Ships from all over the world set sail for the city to share in a weekend of good music, food, beer, and a shared love of old ships and the nautical lifestyle. The whole central part of the city becomes alive, single ladies anxiously awaiting the arrival of hundreds of sailors. While we walked around we passed a massive ship from Columbia, their traditional music blaring and their crew having a dance party on board, as they sang along to the tune. Later, we passed a ship from Portugal and eventually one all the way from Australia. Fireworks kicked off the first night, cracking like a war zone over the over populated Ij river, packed with boats of all sizes coming to enjoy the festivities. To check out a time lapse of the event, click on this link.

The next date is set for August 2020 so mark your calendars, all you sailing lovers!

What started as the Dutch International School conference with colleagues from all around Holland, ended as a girls trip in beautiful Utrecht. We rented a cute AirBnB for the two nights following the conferences and spent the next few days eating and drinking on canalside terraces and shopping in vintage shops.

Planning a move to another country soon? Woo hoo! Whether long term or short term, I can't think of anything I would recommend, more! You are about to embark on a journey that will teach you so much about yourself and a whole lot more about new corners of this vast and ridiculously beautiful world. Think back to when you were a kid, cannon-balling into swimming pools with all the carefreeness and excitement you could muster up at that moment. This will require those same child-like curiosities and resilience. So, hike up those knees and jump right in.

1. Bring what you need (and a little more)

I showed up to Amsterdam with two suitcases. That doesn’t sound like much but ironically, most of it was gone within the first few years which makes me reflect back on how I probably could have gotten away with one.  My style totally changed. Arizona's tropical bright dresses had to be replaced with Amsterdam's trendy greys and layers. The sandals with boots. The sunglasses with rain gear. A lot of what remains from those suitcases are the mementos, photos, and small keepsakes that remind me of home: a floral mug I bought in Portland, my UO fleece blanket, the most amazingly scented volcano candle from Anthropologie,  a big coffee table book of Oregon's vast nature, a photo album of friends and family, and meaningful letters from students. Find yours and take them with you. Regardless of how strong and brave you feel today, there will be moments when you miss home and would do anything to feel the comfort of it’s familiarity, even if for just a few seconds. Do yourself a favour and set yourself up for success in those moments. Take them, use them, and love them. 

2. Play with the language.

Before arriving, take a peek around the internet for some key vocabulary and phrases. Not because it's always absolutely essential (in some places, it might be) but because the more you enjoy the language, the quicker you will pick it up. Have fun with it. Stop by your local used book shop to buy some books to help you with the basic grammar. I raided Portland’s Powells' “Dutch” section and those dusty, outdated books got me through my five integration exams. Who would have thought?

I found there was no need to take lessons if I was able to get myself started and was brave enough to make my first attempts at listening, reading, writing, and speaking, right off the bat and in fun situations. Don’t worry, the discomfort that comes along with it is normal. Stick with it. In the beginning, you won't understand a lot and you may feel you're simply a part of the decor of each dinner party but I promise, it will get better. You will get better. 

If you're struggling with the motivation or keeping yourself accountable, definitely do lessons. Just be prepared for some hefty prices. All I know is that wherever you plan to live will feel much more at home, the more you can communicate and express yourself in both yours and the local language.

3. Get acquainted with the important stuff.

Wherever you are going, it's probably not all that different than home, in many ways, though it may appear it is, at first. You just need to get to know the system which indeed, is different. What are the names of the local banks? What do you need to get a card? Cell services? Which are best suited for you? What is the largest supermarket? Where are they located in proximity to your new home? How will you get around the city? If necessary, look up your options for a public transportation card or where to buy a bike. If you're like me and going through the immigration process, you'll want to know where to go to get this sorted. In our case it was the town hall and immigration department but I would recommend talking with someone in person who can help you clearly address your integration plan. The most helpful websites for me were other blogs from expats in the same city. Loads of information exists online to help you prepare to be a new resident in your new home. 

4. Get lost.

When I first moved to Amsterdam, I didn't know anyone other than the handsome Dutchie I'd decided to share this life with. Cas and his friends were always very sweet to include me in their activities and because of that I always managed to stay busy. But let's be real. We all need our own time and not only that, but we all need to get to know our hometown in our own way. The time came that I needed some space, some alone time in the city. My own friends. I knew I needed I couldn't depend on him for everything if I was truly going to be happy, here. 

While I waited for my work permit to process, I spent a lot of the day in sensory overload, taking the scenery in and walking until my feet hurt. I went everywhere, anywhere, and got lost often. I discovered little corners, favourite coffee shops, and the cutest, photogenic neighbourhoods. When I was brave enough, I started doing the same on my bike, venturing out a bit further each time. After a few years, I was completely confident and aware of myself around the entire city simply because I had allowed myself the time to be lost and enjoy myself within it.

Once I started working, I joined groups and clubs to help me get to know various different people in the school. I would meet them around the city, always seeming to get lost on the way then, too. So, put your maps and apps away and just get lost. Give this city a chance at a little piece of your heart. 

5. Live the Culture

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that are different in a new culture. For example, I grew up a hugger. So many hugs in America. Loving embraces weren’t just a way of showing endearment, they were greetings. The beginning and end of both familiar and new people and experiences.

In the Dutch culture, it's tradition to kiss each other multiple times on the cheek for each greeting and goodbye. Imagine kissing all 30 people at a party 3 times on the cheek, twice within a few hours. All while tying to remind yourself not to hug (it still happens that I go in for it without thinking). Then imagine wavering on the line of formal and friendly; it starts to blur; sometimes it's one kiss, others two, occasionally it is a polite three. Ah! The amount of family and friends I have almost kissed on the lips…

However, as humiliating as it can be, it is part of the culture I now live in. I have to live it, too. I made the choice to do my best to integrate into the culture because there honestly wasn’t a good enough reason not to! It’s fun, it’s a growing experience. I started with easy implementations like biking to work and attempting to join a Dutch soccer club. Determine the little things you think you can easily adopt into your own life and start there. The rest will come, eventually. 

6. That said, don’t give up you.

Naturally, American football and country music seemed to sneak out of my life rather rapidly when I moved to The Netherlands, replaced by a community passionate about soccer and house music. For some, this might seem shocking given how much I adored, both. It was just impossible to find either. Over time this happened more and more- the replacement or omission of things I used to think really defined me. Honestly, the more I saw and experienced on our travels and living abroad, I think my perspective and opinions about many things, also changed, as can be expected.

Christmas’ lacked the Hallmark-esque appeal I loved but I loved welcoming new traditions of Papernoten and yummy gifts in our shoes. April Easter celebrations ceased and were replaced by goofy orange outfits and a huge city-wide party on the canals for the king's birthday and spring was celebrated with the flying colors of Holi. Good Mexican food and margaritas became hard to find, yet a pallet was developed for Indonesian and Thai cuisine like I hadn’t ever had before. There was no driving around, windows down with Bay Area rap blasting through the stereos but then again, a good podcast on my 45 cycle to work became something to look forward to, too.

Things changed. I changed. 

While I often think of this is as a personal evolution; a positive in my life, sometimes I also think I could have tried harder to hold on to some of my very American hobbies and traditions. I could have put a turkey in the oven on Thanksgiving and watched the Super Bowl in a crowded room of chicken wings, beer, and friends. I could have gotten my driver license or started a West Coast Swing community. I’m sure others like swing dancing, too. I’m still learning in this way, too. 

While it's important to accept our new cultures, there are some things that we should always keep special and prioritized about ourselves. We are still who we are- nationality, traditions, languages, celebrations, habits, and all. We should be proud of that. Everyone needs to be able to be themselves so never lose sight of what are the most important aspects of your own way of life. 

7. Make new friends.

Moving abroad can be similar to middle school, embarrassingly led by a desire to fit in and be liked. For me, this was eerily ironic because middle school was definitely the one time in my life I would have been perfectly fine not reliving. Fortunately, no curled bangs, braces, or puka shells were involved this time around. 

In an environment where you're constantly dissecting and trying to understand what’s going on, others around you are doing the same to you. They want to figure out who you are and they are accessing prior knowledge and opinions about your nationality to get there. They have lots of questions and ideas. And it’s not a bad thing! In fact, it’s wonderfully inspiring to be learning so much from one another. 

It may, however, make you feel different. You will be different. You may approach lovely groups of chatting friends, make nice conversation, form some new acquaintances to meet up with at times, and then be greeted with a wall when attempting that deeper friendship. It makes sense- many local groups of friends have been friends with one another for years, maybe even since primary school. Why would they need a new, different friend who by all means, could be temporarily living in their hometown? They probably don’t even know they’re doing it so don’t take it personally. Don't give up or get discouraged. Look to expat groups and work colleagues to get you started. You will make amazing connections with those who are going through the same life changes as you. My bet is that some of these people will remain by your side your whole life. Go to events and meet ups, expand your social life in new directions, and be open to various kinds of people and groups. And just remember, even if it feels uncomfortable, at least there’s no bangs, braces, or puka shells involved ;) 

8. Keep old friends.

Stay in touch with old friends and family, despite all time differences and how many years could go by without seeing one another. It won’t always be easy. In fact, this is another area I’m always trying to improve on. However, I’ve also learned that though it's difficult to stay in touch over the phone, we can always plan time to spend together when I'm home. We can plan getaways to meet in fun destinations. We just need to commit to make that time. Make the time. 

9. Allow yourself time to be homesick.

If you're not a cryer, chances are you could become one. It's not uncommon for us expats to let out a few tears here and there when the washer and dryer break down and you can't read the instructions or when your mode of transportation stops in the middle of nowhere and you have no idea where you or what to do next. You'll start to feel less like a leader and more like a follower, needing to ask for help and directions, often. There will be times you feel completely isolated, surrounded by an entire party of people your partner knows and times you are totally overwhelmed, sitting alone in your empty apartment.

But you are brave enough to survive all of it and not only that but you will enjoy it. A majority of the time you will be smiling, laughing, and loving all you experience so allow yourself to be homesick, too. Allow yourself to cry and tell those you miss, exactly how much you miss them. Living abroad is no time to pretend everything is fine or perfect. Everyone knows it’s bound to come with challenges. Embrace those challenges and be open about them. You’ll be surprised how many people are cheering for you and supporting you from, afar.

10. Be strong in your sense of self or in other words, trust yourself.

Like I mentioned before, sometimes you're going to feel like you've changed and that's okay. Living amongst a new culture and having to be independent amongst it, forces everyone to change in ways they might not have expected. Most likely these are good changes. You are how you are because you've experienced and lived something new; your eyes and I'm guessing your heart, opened a bit wider than they were before. There is nothing more valuable than how you're seeing the world, now. So, whoever you are and whoever you become- trust that person, love them, take care of them. When you have moments where you feel strange and different and you will have those moments (I even feel this way in my own home, with my own partner, at times), just don't lose sight of who you are and how awesome that is. Confidence is needed in those low times so keep yourself engaged in activities and moments that inspire you and make you happy. 

While Cas was off flying, I joined his family for their family reunion. The day started off full of adventure in a tree coarse. While I enjoyed every bit of it (despite being absolutely terrified of the heights at times), I was so thankful to have a beer in my hands at the end of it. Later, we headed to his mom’s brother’s home.

Maybe it’s because I don’t get to spend this type of time with my family enough but I felt so at home at this family’s reunion, even if they aren’t technically my family and even if I’m still struggling to follow along in their Dutch conversations.

I am so happy to be here and have this family to call mine now, too.

When I first started teaching in Amsterdam, I had the pleasure of meeting four year old, Amelie. The perfect combination of fiery and independent, Amelie was vibrantly curious and scientific about the world around her. She always did things a bit different than the other kids around her and she had a tendency to think outside of the box, often at times that weren’t the most convenient for the adults in her life. But any adult who knows Amelie knows, it’s hard to win an argument or convince her otherwise, once she’s set her mind to something in that moment. I loved her for this reason. Two years later, teaching at the same school, I was lucky enough to get six year Amelie walking through my door, smiling and energetic to start Kindergarten. Since I had known her she had wanted to be a pilot. A F16, Blue Anglels pilot, to be exact. For this reason, she always loved Cas.

So, over the summer we surprised Amelie with a little trip to the Transavia hangar.