Pride 2005

I was going to title this post "Homo Hoofstad van Europa" but didn't want to shock anyone who is strictly PC.  It was Gay Pride 2005 in Amsterdam this saturday, and let me tell you, New York has nothing on them here.  Boats full of white bikini-briefs-clad men and pole-dancing drag queens cruised up and down the canals for hours.  Puffs of purple haze floated over the city...

Here is a picture of my new apartment - its cheery and full of sunshine!  But it still kind of smells likes the cigarettes of the owner... I am airing it out as much as I can.  I was trying to explain to a friend on the phone how, though I would not consider my NYC apartment as "smelling" in any which way, I guess "home" does sort of smell... familiar.  And my apartment here in Amsterdam, well, it doesn't "smell familiar". It smells like a (tobacco smoking) stranger, and its disconcerting every time I walk in the door.  Some good scrubbing, airing out, and candles from home will make it smell like home soon enough, I am sure...

Those books on the shelves and the stereo are the owner's, and they are gone now.  But the furniture, the plants, and the TV have remained. 

Dutch people do not believe in closing curtains when it is evening - just the culture I guess.  But did you notice those big ass windows in my living room??  I am sure everyone on the street could tell I was the "foreigner" because I closed my curtains on Friday night while I was reading my book.  I just couldn't stand being on display!  I guess I will get used to it.  I like peeking in other people's windows...

This weekend was pretty rough.  I admit I felt really lonely going to bed alone on Friday night.  Plus its cold and rainy in this city (August in Amsterdam, yuck).  My one Amsterdam friend, Hannah, and her fiance Joost kept me busy on Friday evening, and from Saturday afternoon until Sunday morning my friend from Hopkins Sarah was in town.   It was great to have her to talk to, to stave off some initial loneliness.

We took a walk around the red light district in the evening on Saturday, and I warned her quickly, "don't be shocked" just as she turned her head and a lingerie-clad hooker in the window started jiggling a big floppy dildo around in front of her crotch.    Classy.

Comments

[Maroona]

I miss you poopka! Your apartment looks awesome! I was a bit sad this weekend thinking of you not being in NYC anymore. Visited my parents - they say hello and good luck. I will write you a long e-mail tonight.
Smooches

[Fischka]

I miss you too! Life isn't the same without my favorite Belgium Waffle in town. Those DVDs are coming, I promise!

[Ali]

i am terribly jealous of all that sunlight! though i hope you do get the cigarette smoke out, yuck -- or you won't notice since your clothes will begin to stink of it too... miss you tons! can't wait to visit...

[Katie K.]

Maybe Anuj needs to come & visit ASAP, so he can leave a little of his scent on the pillows! :o)

Your apartment looks great! I'm glad that you have had friends around to help with the change. This is going to a great time for you!!! The crazy Amsterdam stories have begun ...

[dogra]

Your new place looks nice, but I guarantee you that my cat would make short work of it.

[Maroona]

That would be my cat also!