Holland with Denice

I had an amazing time visiting Denice in Holland. It is so special to see and old friend and I am so happy that I was able to see her twice while I was abroad. I've now seen her four times in the three years since she's moved--not too shabby.

I arrived at the Amsterdam-Schipol airport on Sunday night at around 8:30 and Denice was there waiting for me. We drove back to her house and I got to briefly catch up with her sister and her parents. It was so nice to see them. I was pretty close with them when they lived in the U.S. and I really did miss them too!

Monday morning we woke up and had a nice Easter breakfast with the whole family. Oh how I missed my sprinkle bread! Denice and I played a little pool and some other Dutch game at her house before driving the hour to her boyfriend, Bryan's house. Bryan was incredibly nice and friendly and his English was very impressive. I found his house beautiful. It was full of bright and colorful artwork and furniture and in the back of his house was really pretty water. The three of us drove to beach near his house (only about 10 minutes away) and had a drink. We talked about our futures, Obama, America and just our lives in general. Then we went to a big dinner with around 20 of Bryan's friends. Everyone was really nice and welcoming and I had a great time.

Tuesday was a warm and sunny day, perfect for our planned shopping outing in Haarlem. Haarlem is full of cute shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. We had a full day of shopping and I found some really great stuff! In one of the stores I bought a flowery summer dress and while I was trying it on I played around and started matching it with all different things. I put a white shirt and my leather jacket over it to make it look like a skirt and the salesgirl loved it so much, she said she was going to make that her next window display! That night we went back to house and watched a little of the Barcelona game with her family. I had a great conversation with Denice's sister Desiree and her father about what life was like for them in America. Desiree talked about some of the hardships she went through coming to the U.S. as a sophomore in high school, speaking little English, at a time where most people already had their established groups of friends. My experience here is obviously different, but I still felt that I could understand and relate to what it's like coming to a foreign country without any friends from home, not speaking the language. I really have new respect for Denice's whole family for making it in America.

I miss Denice already and am trying to get her and Bryan to come to New York this summer. It is about time that Denice comes back to the U.S. again for a visit!