Running Around

At 6:30am this morning I introduced myself to the streets and canals of Amsterdam central.  In exchange, I introduced the few early rising Dutch to American running tights.  The admitted jet leg from the day before was weighing on my conscience and on my leg muscles.  I was disappointed I didn't get to start the trip with the bang of efficiency that would be characteristic of an experienced traveller.  However, I got my European escape underway by running out of the hostel door and around town.  The canals weave in a web-like fashion, with all roads leading to the city center.  In the fresh morning 40 degree weather I was successful in my reconnaissance mission.  I found the shopping, the museums, and the cafes with wireless internet. On the return route I was amid the stares of the perplexed Dutch; I am sure I have started a new running apparel trend.

The Hostel provided breakfast consisted of a a hard-boiled egg, bread, two slices of cheese, and some jam.  My Texan stomach threw a tantrum at the food - or lack thereof.  As is usually the case when I complain, it turned out to be an excellent experience.  I was satisfied and felt noticeably healthier than when I devour two ham, egg and cheese breakfast tacos before my first morning class.  The breakfast was topped off by making new friends with the group of friends from China at the next table.

Following breakfast, we moved to the new sleeping accommodations - a modern hotel sponsored by my uncle-at-law. We hailed a Mercedez-Benz taxi and zoomed about 10 minutes away to another canal enclosed section.

Tex slept. I walked and studied.  I give myself a few hours to walk and sight-see and then snap myself back into student mode, sit at a cafe, and read case law print-outs.  Sanity and pleasure is maintained through this dueling process. Because its boring, I only offer that I plan to finish the bulk of the work tomorrow.

I am certain most of the highlights of the day are anything but riveting to the reader.  I adorned my long coat and entered and exited shops.  I basked in the sun as I squinted down the light reflecting canals.  I consumed fresh sandwiches and indulged in a Rice Table sampler order at a local Indonesian Restaurant.  I had cappuccino, admired the fashion sense, looked both ways to cross the street (maybe they are called flying dutchman because of the speed at which they ride bikes??), and coveted the multiplicity of languages I overheard. My favorite castle that serves coffee so far is pictured above.

Now, I sit in the hotel lobby writing away on my brief.  The trip is now on the upswing.  My decisions will gravitate from responsibly constrained toward self-indulgent and the resulting blog posts will move from simple to complex.