Thanksgiving in Amsterdam

This Thanksgiving I had the good fortune of being in Amsterdam, and had a lovely meal with my friends in Chinatown, right next to the Red Light District, which I thought was pretty funny. By the way, I totally expected the Red Light District to be like Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but it's actually much more civilized.

I may not be home, but there is still much for which to be grateful. Even while abroad, I get to continue my tradition of watching the Cowboys game. The game began at 10:30pm here, and I didn't want to go over to the American bar, because I wasn't sure I'd have the energy to stay up. I figured, better to fall asleep in bed than in a bar and then have to make my way back in the FREEZING cold. I wasn't sure how to stream, though my friend did eventually find it for me. However, my amazing boyfriend set me up on Skype and put his lap top in front of the tele for me. It may not be the best view, but it's the sweetest, and it's like we get to spend Thanksgiving together.
In all seriousness though, I have many, MANY blessings for which to be grateful. Seeing as I am traipsing around Europe, something I am most grateful for is the opportunity to travel and the ability to appreciate it. I owe much of this to my grandma and my Auntie Lori, because they were always willing and gracious to take me on trips around the world with them. So, it's to them I owe this love and curiosity for adventure.
To travel, not only allows for the incredible opportunity to get a first hand lesson in history, people, and cultures, but more importantly it gives us the opportunity to realize the global community we truly live in, and thus to be more compassionate with one another (hopefully), because we're not so different in the end.
In short, I am ever grateful for every opportunity that allows me to explore the land of my neighbours, and hopefully bring something positive to them as well.


Hope everyone in the States has had, or is having, a most wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.
Special thanks to my wonderful host here in Amsterdam, and to him and my good friend from university for making this evening even more special.
BIG LOVE & HUGS
Love,
Justine