# First Time Abroad: Amsterdam Notes Jan 5, 2025 ![[IMG_7552.jpeg|256]] I never thought my first trip overseas would hit me quite like this. After 23 years of never leaving home, stepping off that plane at Schiphol felt surreal. The first thing that struck me wasn't the architecture or the canals - it was how everything just... worked. ## The Transport Revelation Coming from a place where public transit is an afterthought, the Dutch system blew my mind. Trains actually show up when they're supposed to. The first time I took the train from Bussum to Amsterdam Central, I kept checking my phone thinking I must be reading the schedule wrong - but no, everything runs like clockwork here. Getting around was surprisingly straightforward once I figured out the basics. The metro became my best friend - it stops everywhere and is impossible to mess up. Walking turned out to be the real MVP though, especially in the city center where everything's closer than it looks on maps. ## Coffee Culture That Makes Sense The cafe scene here feels like it exists in a parallel universe where everything is just slightly better. These aren't your typical rushed coffee shops - people actually sit down, breathe, and enjoy their drinks. Found this tiny place called De Koffieschenkerij hidden in an old church building. The barista didn't even blink when I ordered in English, just smiled and asked if I wanted their house blend. Just remember most cafes close around 5 PM - learned that one the hard way when craving an evening coffee. ## Language Reality Check Speaking of English - everyone here switches languages so effortlessly it's almost unsettling. Had a moment in a cafe where the server was speaking Dutch to locals, English to me, and German to another table, all within the span of two minutes. Makes me feel a bit guilty about only knowing one language, if I'm honest. ## Weather Reality Never trust the forecast here - the weather has a personality disorder. Watched it go from sunny to rainy to sunny again during one coffee break at De Koffieschenkerij. Pack layers and always have a rain jacket - you’ll thank me later. The locals just power through it all, which is honestly impressive. ## Internet Coming from abroad, I was shocked by how connected everything is. The free WiFi at Amsterdam Central is better than my home internet, and even the trains have decent connectivity. Most cafes have strong WiFi too, which made planning on the go super easy. ## Money Matters Quick heads up: bring a card that works internationally. Lots of places prefer card over cash, and some don’t accept cash at all. Found this out the hard way trying to buy train tickets at a station. The payment terminals are everywhere, even at small market stalls. ## The Bussum-Amsterdam Pipeline Staying in Bussum turned out to be perfect. It's like having a quiet retreat while still being 20 minutes from Amsterdam's chaos. The trains are clean (like, actually clean), and I've gotten used to the whole check-in/check-out ritual with the OV card. Still occasionally forget to check out though - learned that lesson the expensive way. ## Pro Tips I Wish I Knew Earlier - Download 9292 for transit updates - it's a lifesaver when plans change - The I Amsterdam City Card is worth it if you're hitting multiple museums - Those red bike lanes? Yeah, don't walk on them unless you enjoy near-death experiences - Free ferries from Central Station to Noord offer the best city views - Book everything early - this city stays packed year-round - Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable - those cobblestones are brutal - Check out Noord if you want to see where the locals actually hang out - The area around Central Station is perfect for first-timers Never thought I'd get excited about public transport, but here I am, genuinely impressed by how a city can just... function. Makes you wonder what else you've been settling for back home. Next time I'll definitely explore more of Noord - heard it's where all the cool stuff is happening now. And maybe I'll finally brave renting a bike... maybe. ![[IMG_7546.jpeg]] ![[IMG_7525.jpeg]] ![[IMG_7515.jpeg]]