Ik woon in Amsterdam, maar ik kom uit Amerika

I know it's a little late in the game, but it's never too late to start blogging. I am in Amsterdam studying at the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) in the International School for Social Sciences and Humanities (ISHSS). I am currently taking four classes: beginning dutch, art of the 20th century, urban anthropology, and framing the Latin American city. So far, I love all my classes and am especially fond of all of my professors. I live in a student flat right near the center of the city (which is really lucky) on Prins Henrikadde, which is the main thoroughfare in the northern part of the city. I live at the flag on this map and as you can see it is very central to everything. My classes are a maximum five minute bike ride away, two of them are in the building where I live. My roommate, Deniz, is from Turkey and is studying for her masters in Law.

I've already been here for over a month, so I can say that I have definitely settled in and figured out some semblance of a routine. I have made a few new friends, Caroline who goes to Kenyon, Alex from USC, Marlee from Bates, Anya from Sarah Lawrence and Sara, Alex Manthei, and Justin who all go to Occidental as well but whom I didn't really know before coming here. Many of us have classes together but most of the time we spend together is cooking extravagant meals on an American student budget which seems nearly impossible in Europe.

My sister came to visit this week- she took the week off from school, parent approved school skipping, to come stay with me. So far we haven't really done too many touristy Amsterdam things. We tried to go to the zoo yesterday, but it was much too cold. We drank coffee near the zoo, though and ate some delicious sandwiches at Sapori where I go at least once a week (yesterday I got an artichoke, bresaola, and arugula sandwich). After lunch, I took her to the photography museum yesterday (FOAM) which was exhibiting a fantastic collection of Richard Avedon photographs. Though she was initially reluctant to go, I think she really liked it- we borrowed Caroline's museum card which got us in for practically free which was a plus. We tried to go to the Van Gogh museum today but she wasn't feeling well- we'll try again on Saturday after the organic market/delicious apple pie at the noordermarkt. Mainly we've been wandering around trying new cafe's and restaurants. She rented a bike and has been maneuvering fiercely throughout the city.

My favorite places so far are: the Amsterdam Public Library, it's a very modern structure with a great view of the ciy and a vast collection of cd's, dvd's, and books in English. Skek, a fun studenty bar near central station which is filled with DUTCH people and not American tourists. I get to practice my Dutch skills (mag ik een biertje alsjeblieft/ ik wil graag een biertje- may I please have a beer). It also has a funky loft with big cushy bean bag chairs and often there is live music.

I'm off to Dutch class, but I look forward to updating soon!