Sunday I attended a Dutch church service. We biked to church because there is no parking space near the church so everyone just bikes. It felt a little odd. Once we got there I realized that this was not going to be like at home. The church building itself is large and the outside is beautiful. Everyone brings there own bible (bijble) and songbook to church (usually pocket size so that they can carry it when they bike to church). The whole service was in Dutch and being that I don't speak Dutch I didn't understand any of it but some of the songs we sang I recognized the tune of a hymn that I am use to singing. The service was a little longer than I am use to. It lasted for an hour and a half. After church we biked home and then I had a progressive dinner with the other students that live near me. We traveled from one host family's house to another getting to know the family and students a little better. There are three Romanian girls on the program this year and they happen to live in the same area as I do. It is interesting to get to know them and understand their culture a little bit too.

Yesturday was the first day that I went to school. Mostly introduction to the school and program the day was pretty low key. After school me and some friends went to the city center (downtown area) to shop. I left to go home but got lost. (do you know how hard it is to use a map when the streets are not clearly marked??? and when the streets go by different names??? And when it is dark?? I do!!!!) I was only lost for about 45 min which isn't that bad. Last night we had a birthday party for one of the students who lives about 30min bike ride from where I do. (that is if you don't get lost...which of course we did ...but just a slight detour) I cannot tell you how much my legs hurt last night. I am soo glad that most of the area is flat with only the bridges and such having inclines.

Today we went to Amsterdam. It was a lot of fun. We went to the Anne Frank house and took a boat tour of the city. But let me tell ya it is cold here!!! We also had time to shop and we walked through the Red Light District a bit. Amsterdam has so much history and beautiful buildings and lots of bridges (over 1000) and yet it is mostly known for the coffee houses and the red light district It is sooooooo sad.