Amsterdam Day 1

So John (my program) Jill, Leric, Joel, Kathryn, Kate, and Megan (all Jill's program) arrived in the Amsterdam airport at around 6 a.m. and then took a train to Central Station, which is right in the heart of Amsterdam. We found our hostel pretty easily and checked in. In the first fifteen minutes there I had met 2 Swedes, 1 Pole, and 3 fellas from Manchester. The Swedes and Pole, who had gotten there just an hour before us, joined us as we began exploring the city. We were fortunate enough to come across a 3 hour free tour of Amsterdam. Without a doubt it was the best tour I've ever been on. Our guide was not only energetic, but had such a sense of history. The tour was the perfect way to get to know the city. 

The tour ended around 4pm or so and everyone was pretty beat, so they all headed back to the hostel. Thankfully, I had gotten some sleep the night before, so I was able to walk around and explore the city by myself. The city is so beautiful--the canals, the architecture, but mainly the people. Without a doubt the most welcoming part of the city is the mentality that Amsterdamers have. Throughout history the Dutch have been accepting of all races, creeds, sexual orientations, and lifestyles. I think America could learn a little from their tolerance.

After dinner and the necessary walk through the eye-opening Red Light District all of us were all beat again and ready for bed. 

Day 2 to come...I'm off to bed.