Hello All,

I have now been in the Netherlands for about a week and a half and it has already been quite the adventure. Dad did an amazing job getting me settled in the four days we had together here in Leiden. We probably walked about ten hours per day just because we would purchase only as much as we could carry on Haarlemmerstraat (the main shopping street) and then carry it all back to my dorm room, which is on the third floor (and the stairs decrease in size and increase in steepness as you get closer to the top). We spent a fabulous day in Amsterdam (minus my wallet getting stolen) where we saw Dam square, the Anne Frank house, the Rijksmuseum, and ate rijsttafel (a medley of about eight different Indonesian foods). It was great.

I'm really enjoying Leiden. My room is lovely! It looks out onto a beautiful courtyard and has a charming slanted ceiling. I've already put up posters, a decorative wooden shoe, and a massive American flag (yes, I am that person). I did have a close encounter with a pigeon coming in my room the second day I was here, but no one was harmed =P.

I'm slowly getting used to certain things: crazy street names (Kaarsenmakersstraat, Hooigracht, Stationsweg), two hour meals in restaurants, walking eeeeeeverywhere, and confusion when it comes to deciphering labels in the supermarket. But things are going great. Registering for courses was ridiculously difficult, but I think I almost have everything settled. My first class will be Tuesday and tomorrow is the huge opening year ceremony in a really beautiful church (I believe the one the Pilgrims prayed in before their journey to America - that's what someone told me, at least).

I miss you all very much!!!!
Rachel