And so it begins

I'm still getting used to the formatting on my blog; I just wrote an entry and accidentally deleted it when I was done. Oops. I'm trying out a different format.

I've only been in Amsterdam for about two days and I've already had some crazy adventures. Amsterdam is a very chill and relaxed place. Trams are efficient, bikes are abundant, and the culture is very accepting. There's not as much ethnic diversity, but I'm planning on looking into it a bit more. Just because I don't see it right away doesn't mean it isn't here. There are Coffeeshops (yes, those coffeeshops--not to be confused with cafés) on just about every street, and even if you don't seem them, you can smell them. Although I hear a rumor that there's a new law going into effect starting January 1, 2013 that only locals are going to be able to use the coffeeshops. It's already such that locals don't use them much anyway, and I wonder if that'll change. It might also be a slow shift in liberal politics here in Amsterdam. (Note: the locals here pronounce it Ahhm-ster-daaaahm instead of Am-ster-damn.)

In other adventures today I got a cell phone, managed to find my way on a map, and got some blisters on my feet. Yeah, there are some things to figure out still. Nevertheless, here are some recently eaten meals:

My last breakfast at home complete with strawberries, a parmesan bagel w/ rhubarb ginger jam, and scrambled eggs w/chives.

Dinner on the plane: pasta marinara, a roll, a salad w/Italian dressing, a blonde brownie, and ginger ale.

Breakfast on the plane: a bottomless (there's literally no bottom, just the top part) muffin, and orange juice.

Dinner at StayOkay Hostel: we had part of orientation at a hostel and dinner included a salad, some kind of meat pasta salad, potatoes, bread, and a raspberry mouse of some sort for dinner.

Lunch @ Student Café: a beef croquet, Japanese curry soup, potato/pasta salad, and some wonderful, fresh peach ice tea.

Dinner @ Thai Restaurant: vegetable soup w/ noodles & mango juice.

I haven't had anything spectacular yet, but I'm sure I will. I've got some friends to visit and some good recommendations foodwise. I can also call places now that I have a local cell number. It's the little things...