Amsterdam | The Nomad Cooks

Two mornings ago I woke to this!

Isn’t our view amazing?

I obviously had to head out on a walk.

Frozen canal, minutes from our house.

The militant snow men. Every single major and semi-major bike-path, walking-path and driving-path, were plowed before 10am. Case in point, this street above is a rural walking path.

Heron in flight! I never see them move.

My pictures didn’t turn out but on the right is a large sheep grazing area. Random!

Swanky canal houses.

Goose!

Later in the night, around 10 p.m., boyfriend and I were able to go a walk and enjoy the snow and huge crescent moon. It snowed in Korea but with night time temperatures dropping to -18 most nights and day time temperatures sometimes reaching -1 or 0, we never had a chance to enjoy the festive environment. It’s been two days now and the ground is still blanketed. This is the coldest spell Amsterdam has had so far and its -3! Amsterdam winters really aren’t that bad. I do have to admit that the southern Californian girl in me is craving a sunny beach day!

Well, it’s been an interesting week. I’ve been battling depression. I’m alone so much and when I’m not alone I’m usually taking care of children. I’m surprised; I didn’t put loads of pressure on myself to survive and thrive in Dutch culture. I moved here for love. I am completely devoted to our relationship but my life in Amsterdam sucks. I’m in the process of taking charge; I’ve joined MeetUp and have been going to various events. It’s not perfect and I haven’t clicked with anyone yet but I will. We’re also broke and a lot of the fun ex-pat meetup events are expensive (i.e. 60 euros a pop).

I also had a serious conversation with my boyfriend about how we spend time together. We are now going on weekly dates and devoting more time to talking (not just relaxing after a long school day.) Have I mentioned he’s a full time grad student? And doing quite well! He takes he’s studies quite seriously going to the library everyday until 5:00 (often including weekends).

Bottom line, I’m depressed but adapting. I’m trying to stay focused. My main problem is my job. Babysitting is not for me and I need a better job. It can’t happen for a few more months and I need to build a social life. That’s doable, hey?!

On a different note, boyfriend and I went back to the Ten Katestraat martket place! I seriously feel like I should be arrested every time I leave. We spent 10 euros and left with 5 eggplants, 3 small cartons of asparagus, about 10 bell peppers/paprika’s, a huge bag of ginger, 2 bags of Turkish wraps/tortillas, and 32 avocados. We stopped at a grocery store for a few more provisions (ahem, cheese for the man and olives for me) and then had lunch and photographs in Amsterdams massive Vondelpark. We made a lovely day and highlight of the weekend.