A love letter for Europe

Let’s see where to start.

When I decided to spend 6 months learning abroad, Amsterdam was near the top of my list merely because most of the population spoke English, and some courses that would count towards my degree were also taught in English. I thought of nothing besides the language, and I’m so happy that my councilors recommended Amsterdam.

These past 6 months, I have met some individuals who have profoundly impacted my life. We became friends to avoid isolation and solidarity in this new place. Although we were all very different, we became a group. Whether it was meeting up at lunchtime or traveling to new cities and countries, we had so much fun. Each little inside joke or bad photo from some random nightclub is evidence of this. Sure, there were times when we would go our separate ways, but in the end, we would always come back together. Family dinners were a must where charades competitions would get heated, or memes would make us all die of laughter. Picnics on our balconies while eating pizza with wine while we watched the sunset with the endless philosophical and political discussions on how the world is messed up and what needs to be done to fix it were everyday occurrences. 

My time here has changed me, and I think for the better. I was terrified of being alone and was never truly confident in myself. I would never take the first steps to achieve something. It may have been going to a coffee shop alone or deciding to bike for 3 hours to simply see some flowers, but I felt myself slowly becoming more comfortable with being alone. After that, my confidence grew. I became more willing to ask questions and put myself out there. Looking back, it’s interesting to see how one can grow in such a short time.

If you had asked me in January what my plans were for the summer, I would have said traveling with friends. Never in a million years would I have predicted that I would be solo backpacking around France and Italy meeting new friends from around the world. I would have never expected that I would be going on wine tours or cooking lessons by myself and enjoying it.

Amsterdam has had its effects. I’ve grown to love this place with my whole heart. Love the way bikers can be so careless and the way that tourists all flock to the main spots, leaving the secret spots quiet for the locals’ enjoyment. The way the sun would sometimes rise, painting my room in its pink glow. Even the bike ride along the canals to school each day is a memory I am fond of. Thinking of my picnic in the park with some of my closest friends will forever make me want 4 cheese pizza and strawberries. The memory of sitting on the edges of canals with a pizza and beer before concerts will always make me smile.

So Amsterdam, thank you for introducing me to my people and for making me fall in love with your winding streets, canals, and tilting houses. Can’t say you won’t be missed, but I’ll be back soon.