Jun 29, 06 | Well here I am

So, I made it to Europe and have been having a complete blast since I have step foot on the Continent. After landing, I immediately took the train to Amsterdam Centraal and began my journey. Amsterdam was amazing. I walked pretty much everywhere in the 7 hours that I was there, from the left side of my street map to the right. My brace is holding up my knee surprisingly well and I am getting around just fine. None of the streets in Amsterdam are straight, so navigation was tricky at first, but I was still able to see much of the town. I started by the station and headed West.

Every street seemed to be lined with small shops. Items sold ranged from smut to diamonds. In the first shop I found, I was not charged a dime. Apparently the server just plain forgot to make me pay, wonder why.

Afterwards, I walked around taking many pictures until finally settling down in a gorgeous park, East of a canal.

People there tended to be very friendly. I met at least 20 people with nearly the exact same story as myself, all hailing from various countries of origin.I’ve made a couple contacts in Amsterdam, so maybe when I return I will be able to see them again.

After Amsterdam, I took the train down to Brussels and then to Paddy’s House. Unknowingly, I boarded the wrong train (one which required a reservation), but it did not seem to matter at all.

Tonight Paddy and I went to a Belgian bar with real Belgian beer (amazing). Luckily, the locals also enjoyed the beer and proceeded to sing several French bar anthems for a friend’s birthday.

Tomorrow we are going into Brussels, and then I am on to Ferrara to see the Flaming Lips. I should get pictures up tomorrow at some point.