Amsterdam: Where Beer is Cheaper than Water

Yes its true. Beer is cheaper than water. At the local supermarket, Albert Heijn, A crate of local beer (24 bottles) goes for around 12 Euros. Grolsch Beer, which is relatively expensive in the US, is a Dutch Pilsner and quite good. The Dutch have a very high bottle deposit (25 cents) included in the price of beer. So, if you return all 24 bottles to the grocery after you drink them you get 6 Euros back. Meaning that you pay 6 Euros total for 24 beers. Or, about 25 cents a bottle.

So, Beer is cheaper than water. Don't worry Mom and Dad, I won't be spending too much money! Actually, I have noticed that Amsterdam is less expensive than I expected when one takes the time to look for the right places. In fact, Amsterdam is noticeably less expensive than a place like London or Paris.

Actively looking for the cheaper prices and bargains makes me feel like I am living here and not just traveling here. It is nice to start to feel integrated into the society, even after a week. The local Dutch have been very welcoming even though we are new (obnoxious) students. Instead of treating us like idiots, they tell us a bit about local life, or where locals spend time.

I am constantly figuring out a city that seems to be shunning and embracing rules at the same time. The duality of the Dutch personality is what makes the city so livable. Everything is orderly and efficient. The streets are clean, the trams run well, etc. But you are also surrounded by a sense of of individuality, of creativity, of unrestricted hedonism. So perhaps it is this dichotomy that makes Amsterdam so livable and enjoyable.

Or maybe its the 25 cent beer.

Major Update: The First Four Days!

Phew! I am finally moved in and settled a bit into my daily routine here in Amsterdam. It has been a crazy four days and I am so excited to share my experience with you all.

Monday morning I landed at Schipol Airport and met other members of my CIEE program for the first time. Everyone I have met has been nice and down to earth. People are friendly and everyone seems to get along really well. From Schipol we ent to the StayOkay Hostel in Vondelpark (the Central Park of Amsterdam) where I meet the rest of my group and started orientation. The first two days of orientation were rather slow, a lot of being talked at and taking care of logistics. During this time, I took a 3.5 hour walking tour of the city (in the freezing cold), bought a bike, went on a canal cruise and more!

The hostel was nice and in a very cool location (but touristy). Everyone was really frustrated with living in the hostel because we could not unpack our suitcases and were fit in like sardines.

Yesterday afternoon, I officially moved in to my dorm. The dorm is large and clean, in a great location. My building (Plantage Muidergracht 125) is in a beautiful part of the city. I am about a block from the zoo, three blocks from the Botanical gardens and a couple blocks the other way to the Oosterpark (the second biggest park in Amsterdam). There is a clear reason why all the street names here start with "plantation". It takes me about ten minutes to bike to the center and it is quite a pretty ride.

I live on the fourth floor of building with a canal view and a window that opens up to my roof. I share the floor with two people and it is exceptionally nice. Each floor has a kitchen with a common room and a TV. It is very comfortable and homey.

The city itself is spectacular in its vibrancy. Everywhere you turn there is something original, different and always cool. Amstedam is a unique blend of old and new. Plus, the city seems less corporate/commercial than other major cities (like Chicago or Paris). There is a true sense of unique locality when you walk around Amsterdam. I mean that I see less chains and corporate outfits and more local shops.

This morning I began my orientation with the International Student Network (ISN). ISN is the group that organizes for all of the foreign students studying in Amsterdam. It was great to meet people who were not American.

Later this afternoon, I went out with some friends to the grocery store and then we cooked for ourselves for the first time. In true Dutch fashion we have chosen to solve the food problem communally. By all chipping in for food and cooking together, we can save money but still have fun with meals.

Its midnight here and I have to get up early tomorrow to become an official resident of The Netherlands. I will post again soon on the culture I have experienced and some of the fun things I have been able to do. Also, I will post pics tomorrow of my dorm and building.

As the Dutch say, Tot Ziens! (until later)

David

Interesting Dutch Fact #1

From Annabelle, the typically tall, blond and leggy program director: Dutch people do not draw their blinds at night, being able to see into people's houses is a way of showing that everything is normal inside.

More on orientation later.

Mobile update: I'm siting in the plane, going to take off soon. I can't wait! I don't know when I next will have Internet to update but I will post a quick note as soon as I can.

Top 7 Things I Would Call my Blog if it wasn't called "The Rijks Stuff"

7) Finger in the Dike
6) Van Goghing Dutch
5) Un-Clogging
4) Clog in the Machine
3) Dam Good Time
2) Tilting at Windmills

and, the number one thing I would call my blog if it wasn't called "The Rijks Stuff"

1) To Holland Back

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

Hi all! Thanks for checking out my new blog. In a couple of hours I will be on my way to Amsterdam to start my new semester abroad. I plan on chronicling my experiences over the next four months and hope to make my blog as entertaining as possible.

Please feel free to comment!