From getting here to there and almost everywhere: boats, bikes, and Baan

Class is only held from Monday through Thursday during the program; this allows us to schedule our own activities during the weekends. On Friday, I got up extra early in the morning to go on a canal cruise along the Amstel River. In fact, the etymology of "Amsterdam" was indicative of the city's origin: a dam in the Amstel River. Accordingly, we saw first-hand the dams that control the water levels. Fun fact: most of the populated parts of Amsterdam are actually below sea level; the dams play a pivotal role in the preservation and safety of the city and its people. We also visited the Van Gogh Museum later on in the afternoon, but it wasn't nearly as exciting as the cruise along the water canals (and I couldn't really get any good footage inside of the museum as no cameras were permitted).

Maritime machinery.

The highlight of my weekend was, without a doubt, the cycling. I haven't ridden a bike since 1999; that's over a decade ago! The Bicycle Hotel allowed students to ride bikes at any time of the day, and the program paid for the costs. On Saturday morning, I rode a rental bike to Vondelpark, which is almost certainly the most famous park in all of the Netherlands. There were several moments when I almost crashed into another bicyclist or nearly fell to the ground, but my reflexes saved me every single time; I guess it was a good thing that I was somewhat caffeinated. Along with several other graduate students, we then biked to a huge eating/souvenir shopping center along Voetboogstraat. We apparently ate at the best French fries that Amsterdam could offer at Vleminckx Sausmeesters. The ride back to the hotel was just as incredible. Other than strong winds, the weather was finally sunny for once (and then it immediately rained when I went back inside my room to study—what impeccable timing).

"I want to ride my bicycle."

Everyone had to check out of the Bicycle Hotel Sunday morning to continue on with the next phase of the exploration seminar. We would now be stationed in Rotterdam for three more weeks until the end of the program. We left the hotel in staggered groups towards Amsterdam Central Station to take the train for Rotterdam. An hour later, we found Hotel Baan with little difficulty and settled ourselves in our new home. In comparison to the Bicycle Hotel, my new room has significantly more amenities, including free Wi-Fi (an absolute MUST for all tech-based majors), extra furniture, closet space, and even an outdoor balcony with a idyllic view of the water. I couldn't have asked for a better room. Plus, the staff of the family-run hotel are really nice people. They welcomed us with a huge "dinner" and a wide array of beverages. I can't wait to explore more of Hotel Baan and Rotterdam within the next couple of days.

I get to wake up on a comfy bed every morning with a view.

Survival Guide Tips: Transportation
6. Before leaving for an outdoor excursion, be sure to orient yourself with a map of the town. Remember: Amsterdam Central Station is north of the city.
7. You must check your metro card when you enter the tram/train and when you exit. If you forget to check out, you will be charged for the full fare of the ride, instead of a prorated rate.
8. Amsterdam is the bike theft capital of the world. Lock your bikes carefully to trees, poles, or even other bikes to make it less susceptible to burglars.
9. When riding your bike across street rails, try to approach the tram tracks at a perpendicular angle to avoid your wheels being caught in the tracks.
10. When driving around the city in a car, be mindful and attentive. Locals here drive carefully because they know that any and all parties involved in a car accident will have to pay for damages, even if they are not at fault.