Proost!

I went on my first solo backpacking trip in 2019.

Traveling alone around the Netherlands felt vulnerable. I spent my first few days hyper aware of my surroundings. My concerns were real, but as I familiarized myself, I became more comfortable saying yes.

One ‘yes moment’ I had was befriending a local. It ended up being the best decision I made.

My host and I bonded over folk music and our free-spirited adventures. He taught me of hidden gems in Europe, which I added to my travel bucket list. We toured a windmill, visited a coffeeshop and drank beer in a church-turned-brewery.

Together, we experienced life as Dutch as it could be - or so I thought.

There was one thing I hadn't yet done: spend a night out on the town.

I spent a short while in Spain, and when I returned, my newfound friend welcomed me with open arms.

We met up with the rest of his floormates to head for the club. I thought we were catching an Uber, but I was wrong.

Instead, everyone unlocked their bicycles.

“Hop on my handlebars!” my friend exclaimed, and so I did.

A fleet of fifteen of us cycled to a pub, laughed, sang and danced the night away. The evening was silly and strange, whimsical and fun; which is exactly how I would describe the Netherlands as a whole.

To new friends, new adventures, and to seeing the world in a new light: Proost!