I really wanted to start this entry off with this amazing poem we stumbled across in Amsterdam titled "Je voudrais...", but I can't seem to find it anywhere. It would have perfectly described what I want to get across... Essentially it describes the feeling that I have that there is so much that I want to see, do, and learn in this world, that I can't possibly do it all in one lifetime. There is also the frustration I have with people who have so much potential and possibility to do so much, but rather chose to waste their life on an empty existence. Give me your life!! I could use it! I would love to have 3 more degrees in different topics that I have a passion for. As I believe language is the key to culture, I would love to truly learn at least 4 more languages and spend time living, experiencing and learning the culture in their respective places. I would love to do humanitarian work abroad. I would love to live full lifetimes of work and devotion to each of my 4 potential degrees. I would love to travel from the great pyramids of Egypt to the most remote of places hidden in the rain forests. To achieve important advancements in humanity and society, but to hike and travel the most remote locations... All the while experiencing and living life, faling in love, meeting great people, and somehow making money to fund all of this.
This is my problem. Some people attribute this to the nature of libras, wanting to achieve perfect balance in all aspects of their life, all the while being very social, giving, and fun loving. Amazing as it all sounds, it just isn't possible. Or is it....
This is basically our trip to Amsterdam. An attempt to capture and experience all sides of a truly diverse and multifaceted city in 2 days. As I mentioned, our first night included taking in the city at night, eating some lovely cookies and chocolates, and a live sex show. So we started our 2nd day by getting breakfast at a local café, taking in the scenery of a beautiful albeit windy day, and going to the Anne Frank house. For everyone that has read the book and/or visited the museum, I don't need to recount what a powerful and moving experience it was. If there is anyone out there that hasn't read the book, I highly recommend it. It really reminded me, all of us I think, of why we are in this field and why we are in Brussels for a Masters; Ideally, to ultimately affect positive change.
After this we had a great well priced lunch at a very Amsterdam (colourful graffiti, very antique, very delicious) café and continued on to the park, I AMsterdam sign, and the Van Gogh museum. Anyone who knows my should know my affinity for art, especially expressionism and fauvism, so I needn't explain much about this one. Aside from that it was on the top floor that held all of Van Gogh's inspirations that Olivia, Andrew and I found the poem that perfectly encapsulated the conversation Olivia and I had just had on the way over.
After this we caught the tram back to Central station (for 2,60€, despite our lovely questioning and pleading to get it for free or cheaper), and went on an hour long canal cruise of the city where the very old Captain actually hit the side of the canal. It was definitely no Paris river cruise, but was great nonetheless. After this, we reverted back to exploring the underbelly of Amsterdam and went to the Sex Museum. Amazing, fascinating, weird, socio-political-cultural experience. Haha. It is a side of history that I have definitely never seen before, and would most definitely go and see again.
Then, to continue our quest to experience the city, we had supper with a brownie for dessert, a beer at a local pub with pots hanging from the ceiling for decor, and wandered the city some more. I know I describe us wandering a lot, but wandering was probably some of the funnest and funniest times. As Ciara put it yesterday, "I'd have a blast in a box as long as I had friends there"; and we did.
The following day we were all very exhausted, so we just grabbed some croissant and muffins, some coffee and tea, and sat by the canals and river to enjoy our breakfast before slowly heading down to the bus station. As usual, on the ride back, after laughing seemingly pointlessly about random topics for hours, Olivia and I slipped in to a very deep metaphysical discussion, then back to pointless laughing, anger and frustration as we slowly crawled though Antwerpen, to finally ride the Crazy Bus all the way home.
An amazing trip. I can only hope for many more :)
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