After a 5 hour layover in Philly and 7 hour plane ride to Amsterdam- we finally arrived! We are staying at a hostel called ‘The Generator’ in Amsterdam Oost, also known as Amsterdam East. I’m currently typing this post from the bottom bunk of a bunk bed in a little room while chatting with my 3 new roommates. Cute and cozy, our room oversees a gorgeous public park called Oosterpark.

After a quick info session with CIEE, the group grabbed Poke Bowls for lunch and picnicked in Oosterpark before checking into the hostel. As we ate, we watched locals fly by on bikes, eat whole loaves of bread, and play with the most adorable dogs. Interestingly enough, one of the first things I saw in the park caught me quite off guard. I noticed a strange mesh metal circular structure that measured up to about waist height. I quickly realized that this mechanism served as a public bathroom for men as I watched a runner stop to relieve himself within the limited privacy of the structure. (Limited in the sense that it was located in the very center of the public park.) What stood out to me most about Amsterdam is the amount of activity within the city. I must have passed hundreds of local runners and bikers as we simply walked to grab our lunch.

After a shower and much-needed nap, the group reconvened for dinner at Bar Botanique. I enjoyed steak with potatoes and broccolini while sipping on a homemade passionfruit soda. It was delicious. After the meal, I roamed around the city with a small group of friends. We ventured to the center of Amsterdam and were so happy to explore the city on our own. I can’t wait to see more of Amsterdam and experience all the site visits and adventures to come!