This must be the place

What's new? Not much!

The past week has been filled with unpacking boxes and building ikea furniture. The most excitment came when an Ikea closet collapsed right after I finished assembling it. I walked away with minor bruises and a loss of respect for Swedish engineering. I did manage to salvage the closet and all the boxes are now all out of our place. After a few clothing items are put away I will be able to shoot and share the promised pictures of it.

The time without Krista has definitely made me reflect a lot on our coming marriage and life together.

This is definitely our city. We have our favorite places, parks, bars and restaurants, even knowing we are just starting to discover Amsterdam. And when we have traveled outside to other parts of Europe we have experienced a distinct feeling of home when we return to our fair city. So it is hard to be here without her, but it just makes our time that much more special when we get back from the honeymoon.

I guess I should write a little about why it feels so much like home.

I haven't seen another city with bridges that are just made for bikes! I can't go more than two blocks without discovering a new park. Both Krista and I have always loved cities by the water, but Amsterdam is underwater. The whole country is below sea level and the dike system which controls the water level means the whole city is waterfront. Every night and any time the sun comes out the views are breathtaking.

Its not perfect. Bikes are stolen all the time, tourists are always in the way, the weather is completly irrational, and the smallest things can be impossible to find. Somehow none of this bothers me and I am taking pleasure in the challenge. I am excited for Krista to be back, as there are a million things I have planned for us to do.

Glorious Vondelpark

Bio Markt, our fave hippy natural food place. It makes Whole Foods look like a much bigger place with more selection!

Albert Cuyp Market watch vendors.

Garlic Chef. Very angry with me for taking this picture. I told him there was too much Garlic in his diet.

The Artis Zoo a few feet from our new place. The giant line outside is like this when I go to work in the morning, and when I get home at night. Waiting for Krista and we will go together.

Thanks for all the nice comments people are leaving! It is great to hear from friends and family, and makes the blog a bit less of a one-way communication device.

GO OBIDEN!!! (Did I just coin that?????)

- Brian