Our Amsterdam Journey: The Beginning

As I sit here in our temporary housing, a place that is beginning to feel like home, I am warmed by a refreshed flame of excitement in anticipation of this new chapter in our lives. The ache of leaving the people we love and a place that became so comfortable is still fresh. An ache I expect to reside in our hearts for a while. But in this moment, at least for now, we are past the fear of the unknown.

In the first week, we managed to buy bicycles, become official residents, find our favorite local beer, open a bank account, make some new friends and miraculously avoid getting mowed down by a bicycle or scooter (they also have access to the bike lane). Luke, after many mishaps with his bike (i.e. bending the handlebar in half and dealing with a broken seat, which became a concern for our hypothetical future children), rides more like a local each day – ringing his bell at every tourist who wanders in front of him, no longer needing a map to get around the city, passing people via the street or sidewalk if necessary. I, on the other hand, have no idea where I am, constantly get trapped behind tourists and can never remember how my bell works. Luke starts work on Monday, which means I have about 4 days to start channeling his vibes.

Currently, I am drinking coffee while my favorite person in the world cooks breakfast. We will eat while peering out the window at endless canals and smiling people on bicycles. I can’t help but think we’re going to like it here very much. Next stop, IKEA.