The Last Supper (from a Falafel Stand)

The other night I roomed with some girls studying abroad from Southwest Missouri State. They gave me the impression that they thought California was more foreign than Holland.

Girl: So, you're traveling by yourself?
Me: Yep.
(Pause)
Girl: But, why?
Me: Well, I was visiting my dad who is living in Israel and then I decided to come through Eur-
Girl: So, you just walk around all day and talk to strange people?
Me: Um, basically yeah.

With all this walking around I felt I actually accomplished something. There is a point in time, as a foreign visitor to a city, where you begin to see places around the city and you just know where you are, and you can recall being at this place other times before, and you know where the closest internet cafe or bank or bathroom is. Even with the best built-in sense of direction, if you are only in a city for two days, it is very difficult to obtain this level of understanding. I eventually got this feeling after staying in Tel Aviv for a couple weeks and I think I finally feel that here in Amsterdam (although those canals are mighty confusing). It is comforting to know a place in this way, especially when you've been on the road for so long. Even when I am by myself without anyone to relate my experiences, I can look up and see the Artis Zoo and remember the nice pizza slice I had across the street when I was here over a month ago.

Unfortunately, all my walking/wondering/exploring has taken a hit because of all the rain. Right now, it is absolutely pouring outside this oasis of an internet cafe. But then the backpacking gods decided to smile upon me...

The hostel I chose (or was forced to choose based on financial and availability reasons) for my last two nights even advertises itself as a low-class establishment, with slogans like "enivronmentally friendly on accident" next to a picture of a barren mattress on the floor with no sheets. Its lobby feels well-trafficked and the main artistic theme is graffiti. But on the final stage of my trip, I really will take anything because I know my bed and my shower at home are just on the horizon. When I got to my room, I appeared to be the first one there. There are four bunk beds, blue graffiti-covered lockers (one says "Animal Mother"), and a small bathroom in which I have yet to see any cockroaches (although I saw one small spider). Good news is: no one else ever showed up! I think it is a glitch in their reservation system, because the place is supposed to be full. But Eli ended up with his own small motel room for only 20 euros a night! It is a much longed for break from the noisy and cramped accomadations that I have come to expect.

I had my last meal tonight from the same Falafel stand that I stopped at over a month ago. It seemed fitting, considering all the incredible falafel I have had on this trip. This was a very educational trip for me. I saw a lot and it will be awhile before I have internalized all of it and really understand what it all means for me and my global perspective. With that said, I'm not sure I could have done this trip one year ago. Being on your own on the road can be tough, but I think it was necessary for me to really understand what kind of person I am and my particular travel style. Thank you all for listening in and once I get home I will try to add some pictures to the blog for you all to see.

Much love,
E.