The Dam Good Life

Canva AI generated

The transatlantic flight from New York City to Amsterdam, Netherlands, takes approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes. One of the things I dislike most about flights is walking down the aisle to my assigned seat. It's more of an attempt at walking with the almost overweight carry-on dragging at your feet.

A sea of unfamiliar faces surrounds me as I walk down the runway, all looking up to see who is boarding. I'm a spectacle until I finally reach seat 29A and disappear from the view of onlookers. Taking on the role of an ethnographer, I observe more of my environment to quell my heightened curiosity about my fellow passengers.

Two rows ahead, a newlywed couple animatedly chats with the flight attendant about their honeymoon. Next to me, an older couple struggled with their in-flight entertainment, while in front of me, a baby with his mother occasionally dropped toys into my lap. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was the only one traveling alone on this flight.

As the ink on my bachelor's degrees barely dried, the world's weight stifled me. The post-graduation euphoria slowly dissipated as the uncertainty of my next chapter remained, accompanied by the constant stream of questions about "what's next?" from peers.

Of course, I figured there was no better way to escape life's dilemmas after college than getting a ticket and heading for a traveling adventure – and doing it alone.

Once upon a time, the idea of a 20-something-year-old woman of color traveling alone to a foreign country would have seemed far-fetched. Oh, the riot I initially faced from my mother, but my curiosity prevailed. Even with my feet tapping nervously against the floor and my mind filled with doubt, I was determined to make it a reality.

A pleasant surprise would await my arrival – an adventure of a lifetime. My ambitions proved fruitful enough to dismiss the reservations I had before. For the first time, I liberated myself from the shackles of my indecisiveness as I took in all the city's offerings – my footsteps tracing centuries-old cobblestone paths, cycling lanes as wide as car lanes, residents drinking coffee in colorful cafes, and many cute furry friends prancing with their owners. The city's canals, once used for transportation, now serve as picturesque waterways lined with a charming mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The city's energy was a far cry from the pace of my hometown, creating a refreshing contrast.

Though I had naively expected Amsterdam to be warm in the summer, the chilly weather gave me the ultimate newsflash. Despite this, I navigated the city's bike-friendly streets without reprimands.

My housing accommodation featured a celebrity orange tabby, Pepper, who even has her own Instagram called @teleportingpepper. As I came and went each day, Pepper never failed to greet me with a steady purr, making each return feel welcoming.

Amsterdam from my lens.

During my exploration, I visited the Van Gogh Museum. It reminded me of my first-grade art class, where Ms. R. constantly had us create work using oil pastels inspired by Van Gogh's techniques. From seeing copies of his artwork all over the classroom walls to seeing his iconic self-portraits, works like Sunflowers nearly brought me to tears.

I also stopped by the oldest library in the country, Cuypers Library, reinforcing my cultural appreciation. Using the handy-dandy Citymapper app, I made my way to the Anne Frank House. Sadly, I had not booked my ticket in advance (tip: do it six weeks in advance!), so I could not go inside, but instead stood outside and reflected in silence on its historical significance. The "Anne Frank Huis" plaque on the front door felt thick and meaningful, and the visit offered a small glimpse into the lives of those forced into hiding during the war. 

I continued to explore Amsterdam's narrow streets, savoring the aroma of freshly baked bread and the distant sound of chiming church bells. I took a cheap boat ride along the canal despite the windy conditions. The gentle sway of the boat lulled me into a state of serenity with vibrant, plant-adorned houseboats radiating a sense of contentment. The warm sunlight filtering through the clouds cast a golden glow on the water, and at that moment, I felt a great sense of freedom and clarity.

Amsterdam had offered me so much more than a simple escape. It became a cathartic string of days that invited me to explore the city, discover myself, and embrace solitude. Pepper the cat made sure of it. I knew I would return to the city repeatedly, not just to relive the adventure but to continue my journey of self-discovery.