Netherlands: Kevin Hsu (Places: Routine and Favorite)

Program: UW Markets, Mindsets & Money in the Netherlands, Summer

Routine:

One place that has become part of my daily routine in Amsterdam has been the grocery stores. My personal favorite has been Albert Heijn. It is one of the most affordable and popular grocery store chains in the Netherlands. Since there is one just a few minutes away from the hostel we are staying in, I found myself stopping by almost every day.

Whether I needed breakfast, snacks, drinks, or something quick for dinner, it was always the most convenient option. As a college student studying abroad, I have really appreciated how much money it has helped me save compared to eating out at restaurants every day. My favorite things to get there have been the pastries. I was honestly surprised by how inexpensive some of them were. Things like croissants and other baked goods were often around one euro or less, which was hard to pass up. I also liked being able to grab fresh sandwiches, fruit, and ready-made meals whenever I wanted something quick and affordable.

After only a few days in Amsterdam, stopping by Albert Heijn became such a regular part of my routine that I could usually walk in, grab what I needed, and be back at the hostel within minutes. It may not be the most exciting place in the city, but it definitely became one of the places that made Amsterdam start to feel a little more like home.

Favorite:

My favorite place in Amsterdam has been the canals near the city center. There is something about walking along the water that never gets old, no matter how many times I do it. The photo below was taken during one of my evening walks, and it captures a lot of what I love about the city.

The calm water, historic buildings, bridges, boats, and people biking through the city all come together to create an atmosphere that feels completely different from anywhere I have lived before. I especially enjoy walking by the canals in the evening when the weather is nice and the city feels a little quieter. It is one of the few places where I can slow down and really appreciate being here.

Some of my favorite memories in Amsterdam have been walking along the canals with friends, talking about our experiences, and appreciating how beautiful the city is. Even after spending several weeks here, I still find myself stopping to take pictures and appreciate the scenery because it never seems to get old. Out of all the places I have visited in Amsterdam, the canals are the place I know I will miss the most when I return home.