Running across Amsterdam took lots of time after our Plus3 group arrived in the Netherlands. Even if my tiredness took over most of my mind, I found myself noticing differences between the United States and the Netherlands just within the airport. Compared to the TSA customs in America, the Netherlands department appeared less highly strung. And even though we arrived at six in the morning, I observed a man already carrying hundreds of bottles in a clear plastic garbage bag. My curiosity led me to research how the Netherlands offers cash incentives for recycling certain bottles. After barely stepping foot into the country, I noticed how America and the Netherlands’ differences create a different, calmer atmosphere within the region. The less aggressive screening makes the process smoother. Furthermore, the streets appeared fairly clean from bottles because of the reward for citizens to recycle. The first impressions help build a positive appearance for the country as a whole.
After the group arrived at the hotel and we dropped off our suitcases, we headed out for a “Fault in Our Stars” themed scavenger hunt. I heard from my peers while in transit that May eleventh would be the last day to see the Keukenhof–a beautiful tulip garden–so I decided to purchase tickets once the plane landed in Amsterdam. Though unfortunately, to my chagrin, all slots were booked. I held out hope that if I arrived with the group, then I could potentially grab tickets as part of the university. The positive and welcoming experience I had entering the country made me feel positive that this idea was worth a shot. Still, I happily bounced around the city while gathering clues and solving puzzles.
My scavenger group started strong by working through the decoded riddles together. We hastily answered each question and trivia by delegating sections among each team member. When our scavenger group began perusing the city to take pictures of the locations, we noticed the heavy emphasis on openness and diversity regarding the architecture. The large open spaces for people to walk around covered the areas surrounded by unique types of buildings. Every construction depicted a different era, unlike the homogenized architecture of American big cities. The vastness of the city encouraged walking, with every landmark in the city appearing pedestrian-friendly.
Following the scavenger hunt, I split off with the group to the Keukenhof tulip gardens. After taking a bus to the location, the encouraged mode of transportation, I arrived alongside my peers. I approached a ticket counter and explained my situation, and by some miracle, they allowed me to purchase a ticket and enter the gardens alongside my fellow Plus3 members. I am so glad I was fortunate enough to receive a ticket, as I got to enjoy the wide variety of flora decorating the site. While some of the tulips had wilted due to the spring season coming to a close, the display of existing flora felt serene. The plants were a work of art, with locations treating the flowers like paintings in a museum. Amsterdam demonstrates the value of plants with plants around every corner of the city, so it came as no surprise to see the plants revered at the Keukenhof. While the trip to the Netherlands was tiring, as most international flights are, the views were worthwhile. I look forward to discovering what further architectural designs went into this welcoming day.
