Please prepare for landing

This weekend was my very first trip (with Jaclyn, Mara, and Victoria) to another European country and everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong. To start off, our flight from Amsterdam to Geneva was delayed and as a result we ended up missing the last train to Interlaken. The next train out was not until 5:15A.M. so we had no choice but to kick it in the airport (believe me roaming around a deserted airport with friends is only entertaining for the first hour). After staying up all night we got on the overly expensive train and watched the sun come up as we coasted through the countryside of Switzerland. By 9A.M. we had arrived at our hostile in Interlaken and we were indulging in a delicious breakfast surrounded by the Swiss Alps.

try one: all extreme and ready to jump

Interlaken is known as the adventure capital of Europe, and of course that’s why we went! Jaclyn, Mara, and Victoria were all set on skydiving, while I, too grounded to jump out of a helicopter 10,000 feet in the air, was excited about going into the chopper with them for the unmatched scenic views. The skydiving appointment was booked for 9:00AM, but because of our late arrival it was pushed back until 1:00PM. Once 1:00 slowly approached we were headed up the mountain to Lauterbrunnen, another village nestled in the mountainside. After signing their lives away, putting on the bright orange jump suits, prepping for the fall, and getting pumped up a thick layer of clouds began to cover the valley making the visibility impossible for skydiving. With disappointment we headed back to the hostile to rearrange another night in Interlaken with hopes of being able to jump Monday morning.

the glacier water was unreal

On Sunday, a national Swiss holiday forbidding aircraft to fly, the girls and I went out for a hike to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful mountains. We headed in the direction of Trummelbach Falls, which were waterfalls INSIDE the mountain. When we got there we were all awe struck. The melting glaciers, from the top of the mountains, are the source of the flowing water and one of the most beautiful creations of Mother Nature I’ve ever observed. The inside walls of the mountain are hollowed and eroded from the rushing water. I could also see how the rock had layers, which meant over centuries the waterfall eroded the rock and the amount of water flowing was once more forceful. I was absolutely fascinated. I also realized that the creeks that run down the mountains are from the glaciers, giving the water an unearthly clear blue tint.

the glacier water running down the inside of the mountain 

On our way out of the falls we got to talking to these three American retired travelers, one of which who has a son that is attending the same University in Colorado as Mara (small world right?). Well these three travelers gave us awesome tips about Germany and London as well as inspiration to continue to travel the world after our short semester ends. To conclude the day the girls and I headed back to the hostile where we cooked up some cheese fondue Swiss style. Here are a few pictures from the hike:

the hike was so serene

a small waterfall coming down the mountains

try two: Jaclyn with the instructor
after a successful landing

Yesterday, our last day, started off with extreme skydiving. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, nothing but sunshine and blue skies. Unfortunately for me the normal chopper they use was unavailable so they had to take a smaller one, which meant no room for me for the ride. But I did have the pleasure of watching my crazy friends soar to the ground as I held my breath nervously waiting for their parachutes to open. They all said it was an amazing experience and not too terrifying and most importantly Jaclyn made a graceful landing. They made it look so easy, who knows maybe I’ll be the one facing my fears and jumping out of a helicopter next time.

later Switzerland

Our trip to Geneva airport from Interlaken was much easier. Instead of buying train tickets we rented a car, for 1/4^th of the price, and Mara drove us safely through the country. When we got to Geneva of course our flight was delayed, but we eventually made it back home to Amsterdam. On Thursday the four of us are taking a train to Munich for Octoberfest. Who knows what extreme activities Munich has to offer.

Sporadic Saturday

Fall has officially arrived in Amsterdam and as the leaves being to fall in Vondel Park I can already tell I’m going to miss the New England foliage I grew up knowing. A few things I’ve taken for granted: THE SUN (it rains sporadically and sunny days are becoming rare) peanut butter (I’ve already finished a Sam’s club sized jar I brought with me), and leaving for Loyola classes 10 minuets before they start (we need around an hours time for the commute). As much as I’ll complain about these things I’m starting to adapt and I’m learning to take advantage of every sunny day that comes around.

Victoria and Jaclyn cheesing

Saturday we did just that as a few friends and I with no exact plan in mind took the tram into the city and began wandering through the shopping streets in Dam Square. After having lunch and coffee from a place that reminded me exactly of Cosi, I ended up stumbling upon the cutest pair of gray booties and bought them without a second thought (putting them on right away of course). We then ended up hanging out by a canal for a little watching the boats pass by.

That’s when I made my first mistake of the day; to enjoy the weather better I took my booties off. A struggle then arose when I tried to put them back on. I felt like I was in Cinderella because one foot would simply NOT go back in! I must have looked ridiculous as I struggled because a couple from across the street sat on their stoop laughing at me. Through laughter they asked me if I needed a plastic sock. Confused as to what they were talking about I continued to struggle laughing harder as it became more difficult with every try. That’s when the women came running over waving a small plastic bag insisting I put my foot inside. With literally nowhere to run, I complied as she assisted me and amazingly my foot slid right inside! At the long awaited success my friends and the kind stoop strangers applauded followed by roars of laughter. Of course Victoria captured this mortifying play by play.

The struggle and plastic bag offering...

The women literally put my foot in the bag!

It worked!

After walking off the laughter we ended up stumbling by the Anne Frank House. To our surprise the line was short so we took advantage of the situation and within 5 minuets we were inside the narrow canal house. It always amazes me how big the inside of these houses actually are and to our surprise Anne Frank’s House was no exception. After about an hour of walking through the hidden rooms and trying to experience even an ounce of what she must have felt we came out of the house in a solemn mood. The video clips and inscriptions on the walls were chilling, but gave me a much better understanding of her story.

Yep we peddled this thing!

To lighten the mood we decided to hop on a canal bike and enjoy Amsterdam from the water (something I’ve always wanted to do in the Baltimore harbor). This was the next mistake of the day. Besides looking like COMPLETE tourists, we had the difficult task of avoiding real boats, ducks, and houseboats (the steering was impossible, but Victoria was a champ and got us back alive). After being stuck in a canal four way intersection jam and almost being toasted by a huge sightseeing boat, we docked. One warning we found out the hard way: the sign that reads, ‘cycling quickly won’t help you go faster’ proved to be true.

To end the day on positive vibes we walked home through Vondel Park enjoying the green trees, flowers, and ponds. Jaclyn and Victoria even climbed a few trees while Mara and I laid in the fields and stared up at the clouds as the sun started to set. It was truly a surreal ending to our sporadic day.

Vondel Park

On Friday I leave for Switzerland (my first weekend trip!) and I can’t wait to see what sorts of adventures lie ahead.

And they said we couldn't do it...

Going to school in the Netherlands is so much different than going to classes at Loyola. The hardest thing I’ll have to get used to is not calling my teachers Professor. I wrote one of my teachers an email with a greeting as ‘Hi Professor’ and he wrote back ‘thanks for the promotion’. It was a little embarrassing! Another huge difference is taking the metro to school. I have to leave at least 45 minuets before my classes start to give myself enough time to get to school. It reminds me of when I had to drive 30 minuets everyday to school back when I was in high school.

Mara and I munching on the fries

But on a more adventurous note, Friday afternoon Jaclyn, Mara, Victoria, and I got on our second-hand kid bikes and started our bike trip through Holland to the north country side to see the windmills. From Central Station the route was around 30 miles there and back. Earlier, the bike storeowner told us we wouldn’t make it, and when we asked the information desk at Central Station what ferry to get on they said we couldn’t get there. But we were determined. So we hopped on the first ferry we saw, bikes included, and 1 minuet later we were on the other side of the harbor. From there we pulled out our map and started pedaling towards Zaanstad. Not even 10 minuets in, we passed a market and of course had to check it out. In the market there was a snack stand and I decided to try the famous European French fries (without mayonnaise), and I have to say they were delicious!

After our snack we hit the road, well bike path and the ride there was well worth it. At times we were a little confused were to go, but after riding through cute neighborhoods, next to highways, and through the straight up country side we made it! Here are a few photos I took on the way there:

Oh hey guys!

We got a little lost...

Breathtaking view

The Dutch windmills were incredible. There was one after another overlooking the water and built around them was a reconstruction of a Dutch village. The houses, which actual people live in today, were charming and in-between beautiful streams. I couldn’t have been happier that day. And the locals said we couldn’t do it! HA! As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so see for yourself!

The windmills overlooking the water

Wooden clogs from the wood shop

The trip wouldn't have been complete without a tourist shot

Me, Victoria, Mara, and Jaclyn...we made it! 

On Saturday Jaclyn, Victoria, and I made our way into the city for some shopping and exploring the markets. There was no way we were biking there because of how sore our butts were, so we took the tram! The markets were awesome; I even gave in and bought a beautiful embroidered skirt. I still can’t believe I’m actually LIVING in Amsterdam, it still feels so surreal.