This trip was easily the best trip of my life! Amsterdam is such an artistic, picturesque city that draws you into its strangeness and quaintness.
The adventures began when my SDSU friend Luke came up to Scotland and I showed him around. Exploring my own backyard with a pair of fresh eyes made me appreciate how blessed I am to be surrounded by awesome nature. The highlight of our time was definitely staying in my friends’ flat in the heart of Edinburgh. It had a very antique, authentic feel that made for a special experience.
The next leg of our trip was flying to London to start a 12-hour bus ride to Amsterdam through France and Belgium. During our short time in London we went to the British Museum and Camden Markets, an overwhelming sea of people and endless alcoves with unique trinkets. We spent hours at the Camden Markets but it honestly felt like a matter of minutes because it was such a sensory experience.
When we first arrived in Amsterdam we were famished, stinky and tired, and we had five hours before checking into our hostel so we walked around the city to find breakfast. It was one of the most picturesque moments of my life. The sun came out as we sat at a table with a bright yellow tablecloth on a canal bridge. It was fantastic that the trip could begin enjoying a great latte looking out at the boats. That moment felt like the quintessential Amsterdamian experience!
Our main “purpose” in going to Amsterdam was for the Spring Break Amsterdam music festival, but during the days I definitely made the best memories. Next to the Van Gogh museum there is a building with a grassy incline that you can climb up and get a great view of the city. It was definitely more majestic than anything that can be captured in a painting or a picture!
Another highlight of our time in Amsterdam was going on a canal cruise and getting to see the entire city in about an hour. All of the buildings along the canals are tall and slender because as many people wanted canal front property as possible. The houses have pulleys because they’re too skinny to move large furniture up through the interior of the house!
All in all this trip was definitely one for the books! I’ve never been in a more colorful or interesting city in my life, and I can’t wait to go back.
Nathaniel Geoghegan is earning a bachelor’s degree in English at San Diego State University. He is blogging from Stirling, Scotland for the 2015-2016 academic year.
The global experience, as told by SDSU students 
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