Amsterdam.

So, I just got back from a phenomenal overnight trip to Amsterdam.  Pretty much, I'm in LOVE with this city! When we first arrived in the train station and walked outside, I was immediately overwhelmed by the sheer number of bicycles.  Honestly, you cannot even begin to imagine.  The people watching was also phenomenal.  I was amazed to find that the locals speak excellent English and were super friendly, which only enhanced the experience!
Now, I shall begin my lists of observations:

• The trains smell horrible, but what else is new.
• The street performers were legit, a man with a didgeridoo and a synthesizer, another man with a cello playing pop songs.  
• While in the red light district, I noticed that some of the hookers were kinda fat.  Not to be mean or anything, but that wasn't really what I was expecting...
• THE BEER IS AMAZING. SO much of it!
• SO. MUCH. WEED.  obviously.
• Lots of dogs. Especially beagles, random.
• CATS EVERYWHERE! We went to this one bar for dinner, and this cat just strolled through, hopped up onto the bar and the bartender (who was damn fine btw) gave him some water.  Freaking legittt.  A lot of the stores also had store cats.  So precious.  Especially the cats strolling through the red light district along with all the people.
• Bought some books in a bok store, and the cashier was from Palo Alto.  RANDOM. But amazing. 
• Stumbled upon a beautiful wedding for a gay couple, which made me so unbelievably happy that more and more people are finally getting to experience the beauty of marriage that they too deserve.  
• The shopping was phenom. Shopping in Europe will be the death of me.

Welp, Amsterdam was absolutely amazing, & I will for sure be making multiple trips there this semester.  I'm in love.