These are a few of my favorite things. . .

Let me start with the beautiful clouds - I love it when the sun is shining but there are these amazing clouds in the sky, it adds so much depth and interest. This I will miss! Another favorite thing are the canals here. It sounds so typical for me to say this but it's true - I certainly won't find anything like this in California. It makes for such a cool atmosphere! As for yummy favorite foods that I've had in the city one of my favorites has been falafel - a delicious middle eastern pita bread filled with utter goodness. . .sorry, there's just no other way to describe it! Another one of my favorite things has been my ability to confuse people in regards to whether I am Dutch or American - how about both?! One of my favorite things to hear people say has been "you look so Dutch" or "you act so Dutch", however because of my American accent I have rarely heard "you sound so Dutch" - I typically get made fun of for my language skills but that has been one of my favorite things as well! However, it has also been one of my favorite things to introduce all these internationals to some American culture - and hopefully breaking some of their stereotypical assumptions while I was at it. This picture captures a powerful moment - sharing Reese Peanut Butter Cups (thanks to Kelly!) with those whose taste buds have never experienced something so amazing before:

I'm helping to start a Reese Revolution. . . maybe soon they will start producing them here! Another favorite thing - effective public transportation, other then cars I might add. After living in this city it just sounds like the craziest thing that I have a car at home - that is so unnecessary here! Well, there are so many more favorite things I could add to the list and I think that once I've left I'll be able to recognize even more of them but I'll end with one more. A favorite thing has been getting to know the ins and outs of this city - with the hopes that one day I wil be back and be able to navigate around with confidence, knowing where all the coolest places are - the cafes, restaurants, shops, churches, museums, etc. It's amazing what two months in Amsterdam will do to someone. . . in the midst of all the madness there is just so much light waiting to be discovered - I am so thankful to have discovered it here!