Day 1...or is it 2?

12:45PM...when we were to arrive at O'hare. Jason dropped me off, with a brief but DELICIOUS pit stop at TBK (Taco Burrito King!!!), accompanied by hugs and many tears. After two hours of standing in lines, first boarding passes and then security, we made it to our gate with minutes to spare. When I got on the flight, it appeared I had a section (2 seats) to myself! Soon after, a couple got on and asked if I'd switch spots with them and sit at the window 2 rows up...heck yeah! The lady I was now sitting next to was traveling to France for a family reunion/2 week vacation followed by a week in Barcelona. After getting her whole life story...naturally...and finding out she was born and raised in Chicago, we chatted a bit about my travel and post college plans. She thought I would like Madison more than the job offer in Chicago due to the scenery and local parks. When the drink cart came by, she bought 2 bottles of Prosecco (airplane sized). She offered me some and it was delicious...she even tried to give me one of the bottles!

 After we got fed a decent meal (stuffed pasta, fruit, and a salad) I crashed hard for a solid 5 hours. I woke up as we were landing in Dublin! We had a 1.5 hour layover in Dublin where I got a DELICIOUS sweet potato and feta cheese taste, then we were off to Amsterdam!

I fell asleep within minutes on that flight too. When we arrived in Amsterdam, I could not believe how much I fell in love with the city. Everyone was so chill (weed being legal may have been a factor), rode bikes EVERYWHERE, yet still had a fast paced life. 

We went to Leidseplein and had some free time to explore, while waiting for our rooms to be ready. Tom, Anton and I went to an artisan cheese store, walked past some "coffee shops" and saw quite a few house boats near the house boat museum. 

 

 

Not to mention, I had the BEST croissant I've had in my whole life! It was chocolate filled with chocolate on top. Anton can vouch for it's quality. 

After getting our rooms, a group of us went out to one of the cafe's on the main square of Leidseplein. Steven and I got a smoked salmon sand which that was to die for!

After journeying back to the hostel, we had a drink at the bar (wine for me!) and headed off to bed. Tomorrow's adventure includes a Marritime museum, reading 99 pages of a book, and more exploring! I am so excited to be here! Oh, awesome fact...our hostel can only be reached via ferry!!!

I can't wait to explore more tomorrow!! Off to bed for this Jett lagged, wanderlust consumed adventurer! Xoxo