10.2.21

Today I spent with Joana, who I have grown to like a lot. We got some food in the morning and walked to a park to meet up with Deven and Thomas. The whole walk we talked about everything. We learned about how we have so much in common in our beliefs and morals and overall way of viewing the world and the people round us. I loved being able to have this kind of conversation and feel so comfortable sharing what I think, it was great to relate so much to someone who was seemingly so different.

Us and the two guys went to Starbucks to keep cover from the rain then walked with Thomas to his Covid test appointment. Eventually me and Joana separated from them and continued walking on our own. We went in lots of cool shops and admired the amazing European architecture. The whole day we spent talking. I learned so much about her struggles and how much she has had to overcome. I am so glad I met her, she is a truly inspiring and unique person, hopefully I will visit her when I go to France.

We then went to the bar and met up with some friends. I met Alex and Mathis who are studying together at Duke and doing a semester abroad in Berlin. I mentioned that I am going to Berlin in about a week and they said they would be happy to show me around!

We went to the karaoke bar one last time. At the end of the night, I said goodbye to Thomas who was going back to New York, and Deven who had to go to a different hostel.

I am so grateful for the people I have met in Amsterdam and the connections I have built.