Happy Birthday Queen B!
I realize I am now weeks behind on my blogging, and I have A LOT to catch everyone up on. It might take a few posts so bear with me :) I'll begin with my departure from my friends and new-found family I had formed during almost a year in Europe.
My last full weekend in Europe happened to be the Queen of Holland's birthday celebrations, aka Queen's Day. With the plans leading up to this day, we had heard several illusive stories. So I had tried to plan accordingly and finished up papers and homework before the party began. I had several friends coming in town and needed, including Roberto and another friend from London/Undergraduate at SLU staying with me. On top of this, there were several other friends from Geneva in for the weekend to help celebrate.
Leiden canal
We started the weekend off by a boat tour through Leiden. I had been getting really envious of all the Dutch people riding by me on their boats, so I organized a trip for about 17 of us to rent a boat and driver and take us around the city. We got lucky and the day turned out to be fabulous! Very unusual, considering I have been wearing my winter coat in May. The trip was awesome and ended with a picnic in the park. One of my favorite days.
Our boat!
The next day we got up 'early' to Amsterdam to celebrate the Queen! I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, but walking into Leiden station was a bit overwhelming. There was a crowd heading to the train platform that looked like a sea of people. Because of the crowds, the trains weren't running properly and it took us a lot longer than it should have, but we finally made it to Amsterdam.
Crowds to the train... absolute madness!
We followed the crowds of people to museumsplein and spent the afternoon drinking, people watching and sampling all the street food we could find! It was a crazy, fun experience with tons of good friends. There was everything from orange smoke bombs, public urination and a live show from DJ Tiesto. The pictures might do a better job of explaining than my words here. For those of you that have been, think Mardi Gras with the Dutch. :)
the boys are clearly not happy with me taking this pic... haha
Ste, Annie and Dena dressed to the nines!
UK, SA, USA
Of course they would have an orange smoke bomb..
DJ Tiesto Concert
The next week I finished up my final papers and said far too many of tearful goodbyes. The people I met this year have helped me create some of the best memories and give me insight into all over the world. I found a quote by the American author who spent a lot of time living in Europe to help me describe.
I realize I am now weeks behind on my blogging, and I have A LOT to catch everyone up on. It might take a few posts so bear with me :) I'll begin with my departure from my friends and new-found family I had formed during almost a year in Europe.
My last full weekend in Europe happened to be the Queen of Holland's birthday celebrations, aka Queen's Day. With the plans leading up to this day, we had heard several illusive stories. So I had tried to plan accordingly and finished up papers and homework before the party began. I had several friends coming in town and needed, including Roberto and another friend from London/Undergraduate at SLU staying with me. On top of this, there were several other friends from Geneva in for the weekend to help celebrate.
Leiden canalWe started the weekend off by a boat tour through Leiden. I had been getting really envious of all the Dutch people riding by me on their boats, so I organized a trip for about 17 of us to rent a boat and driver and take us around the city. We got lucky and the day turned out to be fabulous! Very unusual, considering I have been wearing my winter coat in May. The trip was awesome and ended with a picnic in the park. One of my favorite days.
Our boat!
The next day we got up 'early' to Amsterdam to celebrate the Queen! I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, but walking into Leiden station was a bit overwhelming. There was a crowd heading to the train platform that looked like a sea of people. Because of the crowds, the trains weren't running properly and it took us a lot longer than it should have, but we finally made it to Amsterdam.
Crowds to the train... absolute madness!We followed the crowds of people to museumsplein and spent the afternoon drinking, people watching and sampling all the street food we could find! It was a crazy, fun experience with tons of good friends. There was everything from orange smoke bombs, public urination and a live show from DJ Tiesto. The pictures might do a better job of explaining than my words here. For those of you that have been, think Mardi Gras with the Dutch. :)
the boys are clearly not happy with me taking this pic... haha
Ste, Annie and Dena dressed to the nines!UK, SA, USA
Of course they would have an orange smoke bomb..
DJ Tiesto ConcertThe next week I finished up my final papers and said far too many of tearful goodbyes. The people I met this year have helped me create some of the best memories and give me insight into all over the world. I found a quote by the American author who spent a lot of time living in Europe to help me describe.
"I met a lot of people in Europe. I even encountered myself." - James Baldwin
xoxo
Amy
xoxo
Amy
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