HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 1, 2014

13:00 Amsterdam, Holland

5:00 Edmonton, Alberta

Amsterdam. Amazing. After I left antwerpen; because I guess after midnight trains stop going there so, I decided I would get a hotel for the night; have a good rest, finally shower and be on my way. The room was super small with two tiny twin beds in it. It was nice to finally have good wifi again especially when the wifi at the hostel in Paris wasn’t very good. The next day I had finally arrived to Amsterdam where I said “fuck it” I’ll take a taxi to my hostel. I’m getting very tired of hauling my snowboard everywhere. I have debated on just shipping it home. But I’d rather it not get lost in the mail or have it come home and I’m not there to receive the package. Plus the price to ship it would be too much. I’ll just commit to it and keep hauling it around. It’s my main reminder as to why I have come toEurope. I just chose the wrong time to come here. But I always find a way to make things right again. If you don’t like how things are going, stop complaining and change it. I have no regrets of my earlier snowboarding adventure. Its crazy how it feels like a life time away.

I have 6 days left on my trip and Amsterdam was a great way to end the New Year off. Closed that door and now I’m starting the year off right with Venice, Italy. I very romantic and beautiful city just off the ocean where it should be warm. I decided I’ll take advantage of that while I can since it’s so cold. Now I did a lot in Amsterdam. Most I probably won’t talk about. Unless I see you in person or you’re a close friend of mine. The streets of the centrum were amazing. Very quaint, cute, old. And well-kept for the tourists. What I seem of Amsterdam really isn’t what Amsterdam is today. Amsterdam is a very modern city that is well spread out. It was sweet to see that and its modern architecture while heading to the city and to the ziggo dome. It was very different to see prostitutes very open and kind of respected and accepted in Amsterdam. Along with the easily accessible substances that you can find in shops. Blows my mind this place. But with that said it is a tourist incentive and it’s only legal to do the substances in the coffeeshops. At least the weed it is only legal in the coffeeshops.

All other “hard-drugs” are banned. Walking the streets of old Amsterdam was sweet as well. You get lost and travel in circles. Bicycles are everywhere and it’s a good way to get around but defiantly not the easiest. Having a map in Amsterdam is a serious must. So glad I went and bought a durable one. If any of you are ever going to Amsterdam don’t hesitate and ask me for my map. You will need it. I didn’t get to experience the nightclubs in Amsterdam because you have to be all dressed up. I’ll admit I haven’t been able to wash my clothes in possibly a week and a bit. The last time I ran into a laundry facility was in Paris. I hate unequipped hostels. This last hostel in Amsterdam. Janson Hotel was actually pretty shitty. They didn’t take debit or credit, no laundry, no kitchen, the stairs were so steep and the rooms were poorly lit. I could go on. But it wasn’t that bad. It’s at least bare able. But for $100 a night on New Year’s. That’s just ridiculous. The show I came to Amsterdam for was just brilliant. I can’t even describe how awesome it was. And I can’t even show you either. I forgot my camera at the hostel. But it’s ok. Some things are better kept as a memory and 2013 will not be a year to forget. So many awesome things happened for me. I’m now off to Venice to see the ocean, experience a water bus maybe go on a canal cruise. We will see what I get up to. But it will be spent relaxing, experiencing and trying new foods. Italy especially with the food. Can’t wait!