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Didn't feel like writing on such a beautiful day...

 

On My Merry Way

So much happens in my life every day, I always have a hard time deciding what to write about first. Here goes...

Housing!

I've landed on my feet! My new flat is in a beautiful old Amsterdam style building. Most locals don't appreciate the steep Dutch staircases in these very thin, vertical city dwellings; I however find them so quintessentially Amsterdam I have a small grin each time I nearly tumble to the bottom. Located in De Pijp (near Sarphati Park and most of Amsterdam's finest eateries) I feel incredibly central to just about everything. My room mates both live in London, so the place is mostly mine, especially on the weekends. Beginning on the second floor, our gorgeous terrace is attached to the newly remodelled kitchen. The fourth floor is a  large furnished rooftop with a view - here lives the barbecue. My favourite bit is the bathroom, which has been modernized with every comfort imaginable. I enjoyed my first night in the bathtub, next to the large Dutch window overlooking the gardens from my third floor perch.

I was very fortunate to arrive when I did - the colours of fall were in full effect and the trees hadn't begun to shed their reds, yellows and coppers for the winter. Sarphati Park is a beautiful and active place, and witnessing sunsets before and after the autumn leaves has been a small highlight in this beautiful city.

My utmost thanks and gratitude to Carola and Michael - both were willing to host me for an undetermined amount of time, and they were the most accommodating hosts I could have ever asked for. Until the world ends, I won't forget how amazing you two are.

And if you are reading this, I'm sure I've extended the invitation before - now you know what to expect. I sincerely look forward to welcoming you to my home whenever you may arrive. (But please book in advance.)

The City!

I haven't been lost since Thursday.

I absolutely love riding my trusty Gazelle around this city filled with character. The sound of my bell is guaranteed to be accompanied by a smile, and not even the frigid temperatures can reduce my excitement to hit the bricks. I have been learning the city quickly, sometimes simply riding around and making note of landmarks, canals and public transport.

I am preparing to acquire my Museumkaart, so I can browse the many (many) famous museums and landmarks here. From Van Gogh and Rembrandt to the Anne Frank house and the Heineken Brewery there will be plenty to keep me busy through the winter.

Speaking of winter, this will be my first. Growing up in the Sonoran Desert hasn't exactly prepared me for temperatures near zero. And the last time I saw snow, I had the distinct feeling I might never feel my toes again. But I have already noticed myself quietly appreciating the small nuances of winter. Arriving home with a frozen face, I absolutely love taking a minute at the coat hooks  to remove scarf - gloves - coat - hat - jacket - shoes -  all while deciding which tea will soothe my soul. (Citrus with a heavy helping of fresh honey, perhaps?)

I have been furiously accumulating friends, and a night without an invitation has been a rare occurrence. I have found myself dancing on stage at a nightclub, drinking wine at a decidedly posh & artsy commune, and sharing pints in a dimly lit & ancient 'brown bar'. A highlight was being invited to Museum Night, which was a very lively and entertaining reason to drink alcohol, at very late hours, in 45 of Amsterdam's most incredible museums.

The recent arrival of Sinter Klaas was a confusing affair, but with the help of David Sedaris I am no longer culturally ignorant. If you just have to know what the hell is going on with these painted Dutch folk, spend a few minutes here and have a laugh. (It's all true...)  The important bit to know is that Sinter Klaas (and his horde of Zwarte Pietes) has arrived in Amsterdam from Spain, and until the 5th of December I'm supposed to be full of holiday cheer.

Jobs
The hunt for jobs has really just begun. It's been exactly two weeks since I've landed in Holland, and I think I've accomplished a great deal in a very short time. I've only spent a small amount of effort on the job front so far, but now that I am writing from a residence to call my own, I have no more excuses.

The wheels have started turning: lists have been made, schedules have been crafted and discipline is in full effect. I only get one chance to make this happen, and I'm already too attached to my bicycle to fail. I am attacking the job market and networking in every creative and unconventional manner I can dream up. Remember - with my visa status and requirements I've got more to prove than the average Joe - it's a good thing I've also got more to deliver.

Even with my lack of effort I have been receiving some interest. If any of it pans-out you'll be the first to know, but for now, Id rather not count my eggs (or chickens or something). But yes - I'm feeling optimistic as ever.

To-Do List

Of course the top three items on my list are to find a job. However, the schedule I've created for myself allows for afternoon sightseeing - some Van Gogh, Rembrandt and general tourist-ing should be good to keep my motivation up. Besides, riding the bicycle is good exercise.

Tot Ziens!

What A Day For A Daydream

My good friend Susanne said it exactly right when she told me, "Welcome to the Old World". This place is amazing - friendly people, tons of culture, astounding architecture, and bikes, bikes, bikes! I am off to a great start, and feeling optimistic as ever - I will make this happen.

I arrived at about 8pm on Tuesday night and had a long haul ahead of me. Unfortunately I had packed quite heavy, though I guess when I remember it is my whole life, and not just a trip, I realize 80 kilos really isn't so bad. I thought I would take a taxi to Carola's flat the first night, just to avoid the hassle of smashing all my bags around public transport. But, I was feeling good about life and decided to trade the 60 Euro taxi ride for a 4 Euro public transport extravaganza. Leaving Schiphol airport was easy enough by train, and luckily it wasn't too crowded. But then I had to board a very busy tram, which was a long rainy walk from where I departed the train. After leaving the tram, I had another very long rainy walk where I finally arrived at my temporary new digs - hot, sweaty and out of breath. Hopefully I won't need to move these bags around anymore.

I visited with Carola for a while, and then tried to sleep. Even though I felt quite tired, it was really only 3pm in my timezone, and my head was spinning with excitement and anticipation for what was next. Needless to say, I didn't sleep a wink and got going the next morning feeling like a zombie. Of course this  minor inconvenience wouldn't slow me down - I had plenty to do and not a day to waste!

I set off from Carola's house by tram and hit the ground running. First stop the AH grocery store (pronounced 'Ah-Ha') for some items needed at Carola's as well as a mobile phone. I got sorted quickly and headed back to the flat to get my phone turned on and activated. This is when I ran into my first language barrier - all the instructions were spoken in Dutch - and after about 45 minutes of trying everything, my phone was still useless. Luckily Carola came home earlier than expected and got me up and running in minutes! It was time to head into the city!

I made some bad decisions regarding food - and I didn't eat any for almost 48 hours.  Pair this with my sleep deprivation and things were moving very slowly. Even though I made such an error, I still impressed myself duly when I mustered the will power and patience to battle the long lines and poor customer service acquiring an OV-Chipkaart - my easy-come easy-go public transport card.

Usually I am very adventurous with cuisine, but in my state I needed something substantial and familiar so I crawled into the first burger joint I found for a feast! I had made my way into the heart of Amsterdam so with some fuel in my tank I decided to have a wander around the more touristy areas including the coffeeshops and red light district. The canals are beautiful and I just couldn't get enough of the bikes zipping past in every direction. I loved looking at the old world architecture and speaking to people from countries all over the world - so many cultures come together here it is almost unbelievable.

I sat down with some internet access and got productive again. I was on the hunt for a place to live - a task which may be more difficult than finding a job. Within hours I'd gotten a few replies, and I am well on my way to having a roof to call my own! Today I looked at a nice two-story flat in Nieuwendammerham, but didn't make a decision. On Sunday I have two places in the heart of the city which I am very excited about - one near Oosterpark and the other just outside of Staatsliedenbuurt. Not too shabby!

Feeing good I decided it was time for a break, and I felt I should spend a minute enjoying this gorgeous city - my new home. I met up with a Dutch CouchSurfer named Michael who has been living in Amsterdam for about 15 years - and this may have been my best move yet. He has a beautiful flat in De Pijp, one of Amsterdam's two most desired neighbourhoods. We shared some conversation at his place and then he offered me a room in his flat for as long as I needed it. It's not a place I could live long term, as the room is two flights of stairs away from a sink, bathroom, or kitchen - but if I find myself needing to vacate Carola's place I at least have another great option. Michael works in IT during the day, and has already graciously given me the keys to his flat and the invitation to use it as a "landing zone" whenever I need a place to use the internet or catch a quick nap (which I could really use today!). On my way out he also gave me the keys to my very first fiets (bicycle) and I couldn't help but point it into the city and get lost amongst the brick and cobblestone paved alleys and bikeways!

So you can see why I'm feeling so good and optimistic! In my first day as a sleep deprived, under-fed zombie I still managed to:

• Get a mobile phone
• Get a Chipkaart and understand public transport
• Get three potential places to live
• Get a room in De Pijp (if all else fails)
• Get my first bicycle
• Enjoy Central Amsterdam
• Update my resume with a new address and phone number

Today I am on the job hunt. I am writing this from one of the nicest libraries (Bibliotheek) I've ever been in. Once this post is finished I will start sending my resume out to anyone who needs it. I am really hoping that since I now have a local address and phone number I will begin to receive more interest, and I can start earning very soon. The general response that I get from people here is that I won't have much trouble finding employment - I sure hope they're right!

Until next time, tot ziens!

Ik Ben Aangekomen!!

Safe and sound, me and all of my belongings are enjoying the most wonderful CouchSurfing host evar, Carola. The trip wasn't bad, the plane food was top notch as always, and the weather was a bit of a drizzle.

Communication may be spotty for me over the next few weeks (months, years?), but I love to receive emails and comments from you all! Tomorrow morning I get my first daylight glimpse of Amsterdam, and I will be working diligently to start crossing items off my to-do list...

Tot Ziens!

The Home Stretch

It wasn't easy.

In between helping my sister move to her beautiful new home, going to concerts with my brother, wake surfing with Brian, moto-crossing with Tyler, private track-days and fancy golf resorts with Rob, I've actually found some time to pack and organize my life.

I really had a blast back here in the States, and especially Arizona. When it comes to friends, I feel like I never left AZ; everyone is warm and welcoming and we haven't skipped a beat. It is really nice to fit in somewhere, to feel comfortable and to have good company. I think I made good use of my time too - I managed to update my resume and save some cash working a great job in Chicago, plus I got to tour the US in a little red racecar. I spent time with my Father in PA and made some new friends along the way. I believe this trip back to the US was just as important and fulfilling as any other leg of my travels. But alas, it is time to go - which seems to bring on a host of emotions.

I am ready and excited to start a new challenge in Amsterdam. I am hopeful and prepared to make my life there just as meaningful as it is here. I am looking forward to the opportunity of making new friends, gaining new hobbies, and doing work that is rewarding.

So on Monday it all begins. Monday I will throw myself in the deep end and see if I can swim. Monday I will say goodbye to my comfort zones and begin working harder than I've ever worked before. Monday is the day.

Here I come - or go - again.

Not So Far From Victory

Today's inspiration...

The Road Ahead or The Road Behind
by George Joseph Moriarty
Sometimes I think the Fates must
Grin as we denounce and insist
The only reason we can’t win
Is the Fates themselves that miss

Yet there lives on an ancient claim
We win or lose within ourselves
The shining trophies on our shelves
Can never win tomorrow’s game
You and I know deeper down
There’s always a chance to win the crown

But when we fail to give our best
We simply haven’t met the test
Of giving all, and saving none
Until the game is really won

Of showing what is meant by grit
Of fighting on when others quit
Of playing through, not letting up
It’s bearing down that wins the cup
Of taking it and taking more
Until we gain the winning score

Of dreaming there’s a goal ahead
Of hoping when our dreams are dead
Of praying when our hopes have fled
Yet losing, not afraid to fall
If bravely, we have given all

For who can ask more of a man
Than giving all within his span
Giving all, it seems to me
Is not so far from victory

And so the Fates are seldom wrong
No matter how they twist and wind
It is you and I who make our fates
We open up or close the gates
On the road ahead or the road behind.

One Month To Go

It's been getting quite cold here in Chicago as of late, and even though I am not prepared for the weather I have been enjoying myself as usual. Besides, it gives me reason to wear my favourite suit; the jacket is quite warm. And I've finally grown tired of driving all the way into the city regularly, so I've made some new friends out in the 'burbs for when I just feel like having a drink with a friendly face. Turns out these midwest country folk know how to have fun too.

Of course I haven't slowed down at work, in fact I've probably picked up the pace because I almost feel criminal for leaving my wonderful employer. I'd really like to be able to finish the project I am working on, but as with many corporate gigs the project continues to become larger and more unwieldy with each meeting or conference call. None the less, I show up on time each day and put in my best effort with a smile. I've yet to hear if they plan to get a replacement who I can help to ease the transition, but with only two weeks to go I hope they're making progress.

Home life has been getting a bit hectic lately as well, my amazing hosts are going through some rough patches with family health, so I've been doing my best to pitch in whatever help I can. Unfortunately I'm not too great with 4 year olds, and so I urge them not to trust me all alone with theirs. But they've also been gearing up for a big move, so today we painted a few rooms and began getting this house ready for renters. Tools I understand - 4 year olds bewilder me. They treated me to a wonderful dinner at a gourmet Mexican joint to say thank you. Of course it wasn't necessary, I don't think they realise just how grateful I am to them for letting me live a life of luxury in their beautiful piece of suburbia. But it's a bit sad to be leaving, they've become great friends of mine as well so it was good to spend some time just relaxing at one of their favourite spots.

And of course in between all of this I am still finding time to continue making my way to Europe. It's been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster since day one, sometimes I really feel like I'm on the top of the world, and nothing could possibly go wrong. I've got the right attitude, I feel like I've done my due diligence, and I know I am good at my job. Other days I wonder why the hell I am even considering such a task, I mean, do I really even want to go to Europe? It's not like I've ever been there. I envision sleepless nights wondering if anyone will want to hire me. Shit, sometimes I envision the possibility that there won't even be jobs available, and I'll simply remain stationary, stuck running on a hamster wheel working hard without any progress to show for it. Of courser I try to talk myself out of this menatality, I try and remind myself how I felt yesterday when I was on top of the world, but then the other host of issues arises, like bank accounts, mobile phones, living arrangements, making friends, regaining hobbies - and it all seems a little overwhelming to attempt all by myself. Who the hell am I anyway?

And now is when I give you my progress report - but I must warn you - there hasn't been much progress.

The one place that I have come a long way is in the realm of contacts, my friends in Europe have been helping me out so much, sometimes I feel like they are working harder than I. Amazing folks have been really sticking their neck out, either sending my CV around to colleagues and acquaintances or volunteering their family members to help me with simple matters such as mobile phones and bank accounts. It's this confidence and assurance that has really kept me going, and I can't wait to fulfill their expectations of living a happy and successful life in Europe.

Thanks, you all know who you are.