I’m in Colorado for the next week, finishing up my winter break, the first one from college. I think it’s fitting that I first decided to travel the world in the city of my birth. The point of this blog is to chronicle my journey- I plan to spend my 20s traveling. I’m 19 now which means I have about a year to plan. I’ll start small by traveling with in the US and then I plan to study abroad in Amsterdam! After that, I don’t really have a plan beyond bouncing from country to country for the next decade. Happy New Year by the way. Today was the first day of preparation
First Recommendation to Poor People of Various shapes and sizes: When shopping, go to thrift stores. Today I spent $25.84 at thrift stores and came away with five fabulous articles of clothing: 3 dresses and 2 tops. Compared to the three cheapest dresses and two cheapest tops shown on the Target and Wal-Mart websites it was about $20 difference. Yeah, thrift stores rarely have the latest fashions but fashion is for those who can’t claim their own style, mmkay?
Second Recommendation: Use libraries. Yes, eventually, when our novels are published or our acting skills appreciated, we will all be able to buy big atlas with colored pictures of Venetian Canals and Pyramids but until then we just have to share with everyone else. The Denver Public Library has an excellent selection of travel books.
True to my nerdy nature, I go a little crazy in libraries and pick up nearly everything that catches my eye but due to time constraints (I fly back to Iowa on the 16th) I had to narrow it down to five items
1. Passionate Nomad: The Life of Freya Stark by Jane Geniesse
Biography of Freya Stark (1893-1993) the one of first major female travel writers. I’ve already read the first two chapters and this woman kicked ass and took names as only a genteel British lady can. She snuck passed a French blockade to interview militants in Iran in the 1930s and worked for British intelligence during the Second World War. Also, Geniesse’s style reads more like a novel than a biography which is a major plus for me.
2. Rick Steves’ Amsterdam, Bruges and Brussels 2007 by Rick Steves
Oh Rick Steves… you are the only travel writer I can name off the top of my head. You are awesome. Seriously, watch this guy on PBS sometime- it’s fantastic. Witty and charming in a geeky sort of way, Rick is a must have for any potential trip I will ever take.
3. Let’s Go Amsterdam by Let’s Go Inc.
I’ve only skimmed this guide so far but what I have seen looks good. Let’s Go is written by college students so you know it works with the least expensive travel possibilities. College students, as a rule, have nothing. I, personally, have less than nothing. Hooray for student loans! Hooray for my parents! I will pay you back… someday…
4. Amsterdam by Mak Geert
It’s a history of (you have one second to guess) Amsterdam written by a legitimate Amsterdam citizen! Perhaps not a must have for anyone contemplating a trip but Amsterdamnit, I like history! I wanna know all the neat things that occurred there beyond Van Gogh and Anne Frank. Personally, I think that in order to truly expand your world with travel, you need to have a least a basic understanding of the history and culture of the place you want to go. The book itself, though I’ve only read a few pages is a lovely read. Very relaxing storytelling to get you into the history.
5. German [learn before you land]
Yes, I know they speak Dutch in Amsterdam but the only Dutch language program was on cassette tapes and I’m not living in the ‘80s. The CD promises to be fast and I like CD’s cause I can download them on my computer and listen when ever I want to. And they probably speak German there too.
So hopefully I can finish these books in the next week or so before I go back to Iowa. Also, quick note: There were no guide books for Iowa. I looked. Iowa: Work on that! Don’t let the other states put you down! You are just as worthy of a guide book as anyone else and I shall find your wonders!
Thank you for reading and I bid you adieu.
The Denver Public Library Central Branch- My City, My home.
Hullo Kate,
ReplyDeletewelcome to the world of blog. Found you during a random jump......
Amsterdam is a great city and Holland is a fantastic country.
Learning German is great but I wouldn't advise using it to communicate in Holland even though the languages are very similar - same root stock I suppose - as many Dutch still have poor regard for the German language, some due to a lingering antipathy to occupation in the last war, some as there is a concern that the local language may become overwhelmed. Stick with English. All schools teach it as part of standard curriculum and most {at least city} Dutch of any age are pretty fluent. The Dutch are a naturally open, friendly and helpful bunch in my experience { have been going for 20 odd years and have several Dutch friends we now go and stay with.}
Have fun and enjoy travelling. Be safe.
regards.....Al.