Sunshine in Amsterdam

10.04.09
6:25pm

Slept in a little later today as last night kept me out a little later. Was surprised to see blue skies and sunshine through my window. Let me tell you how much more beautiful this city gets with a few rays of sunshine. Wow. Really, stunning.

Wandered out with P to try to figure out internet situation (or lack thereof) - turns out it is going to be a fairly expensive transaction to get proper internet in our apt. Grr.. Not good for two advertising students. Not good at all.

Met up with AKat (read: Alex, MAS Madrid) in Dam square and ventured on to meet the Madam (read: Michelle) and Eeshk finally on the bustling shopping streets in the city centrum. Continued with the salutations and met the whole crew from MAS Madrid. Miami Ad School was rolling deep through Amsterdam. Two on bikes, the rest on foot.

[[Still debating whether or not to buy a cheap (aka stolen) bike. Its quite a phenomenon here, everyone on bikes. It seems fast and efficient and you get a little bell you get to ding at people... but also seems like a lot of work to keep it locked, maintained, etc. I will see how I get around on my feet this week and then go from there. Got some good insider tips on where to find the cheapest bikes. At the city's public pool believe it or not.]]

Our group rolled down to the Leidseplein where we sat and had a coffee. Some enjoyed a little toke and then we ventured onward to Vondelpark. Amsterdam's Central Park, Vondel was primo. Landscape architecture at its finest - very Frederick Law Olmstead. Wonder who designed it... Ornate bridges, ducks, little cafes where people huddled over warm drinks. Really enjoyed it and plan on running through there regularly (starting tomorrow morning).

Back now regrouping. GOing to meet up with a Facebook friend of a friend, Kenny, that will show me around a bit. Gotta' hand it you, Zuckerberg, another example of the intricate and extensive network that is Facebook.

Cool breeze on my ankles (need warmer, higher socks). Neon lights of the "Melkweg" just switched on. People gathering for the 7pm show at the cinemateque below.