Climbing a Gigantic Slide

After my visit to Rhode Island I went back to New York city. As it turned out, the customs guy who 'allowed' me in the country as I arrived at JFK airport 4 weeks ago had 'forgotten' to give me my I-94 form. This tiny piece of paper is basically the document saying I'm legally staying in the States and I have been admitted in all the computers and such. Sooo... I had to go back to the airport and get it. Thank you ever so much dear customs guy! But, I decided to play it cool and not to make a big deal out of it. I've experienced enough Visa drama as it is, and honestly - it's really not that much of a punishment to have to go (back) to New York city... right?! Returning to New York was like coming home. I welcomed the recognition, the frenzyness, people, familiar chaos and subway, and felt very much like an 'almost-New-Yorker'. After all, there was no longer the need to pull out my map (always a tourist give-away) or snap a picture every minute.  This time I knew my way around, knew how the 'street system' worked and how I could avoid accidentally ending up in Harlem. This time I did it like the New Yorkers do: ignore the tourists, always look like you're in a hurry, music on, eyes ahead, know-where-you're-going and no breaking your step! And honestly, if you combine that attitude with the right music and your World City Surroundings and it feels pretty damn awesome ;) :D I stayed in a hostel this time, looking forward to meeting some other travelers. And as it turned out I  had some great roommates! We got along really well, came from all over, and enjoyed a few hours having diner while sharing stories, our new New York purchases and  trying to speak each others languages (and names).  My trip to the airport office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services was thankfully quite quick and smooth, and I even met another interested soul. "Traveling connects people", is what they say. Well they are absolutely right, yes. That being said, never underestimate the bond two individuals can create over shared American Immigration frustrations. I also popped over to Clementine and Florents for a hi-I'm-back-again-diner, enjoyed Times Square a bit more (with way less people when New Years isn't around the corner), window shopped on 5th (there are half naked models walking around in the Abercrombie&Fitch store, for real), visited the Apple Store and spent some very New York hours in the public library. Because that's what everybody always says; "Working in the public library is a very New York thing to do!", so I went and did it. I don't think I've ever spend so much time in public libraries before, but for a wandering soul like myself they provide a lot of the things you're looking for. A warm and dry interior, a comfortable chair, table, plugin, wifi, toilets and helpful people.  Besides, it's just plain cool to work in the New York public library. Have a look at the photo's, and I dare you to disagree ;) I traveled on to Lake Placid, a small but lively village in the Adirondacks. The Adirondacks is a mountain range roughly half the size of the Netherlands located in the north of New York state, and on my way to Montréal, Canada. I really wanted to see and experience some nature before I'd travel to another big city, and I figured I could give it a shot in Lake Placid. As I was unable to find a couch to surf I booked a room at a small local hostel, owned by John. Now I may not have been sleeping on a couch (I had a private room actually), it did feel like I was visiting someone's home. The hostels interior was made up out of different kinds of wood, a disarray of carpets and wallpapers, a jumble of furniture, a guitar and piano (so unbelievably off-key that it really didn't matter if you hit the wrong key), a collection of good books and magazines, and all of this in a very Scandinavian-look-a-like homy setting. As a complimentary service, John provided his guests with breakfast every morning, some lunch-to-go if you wanted, and even a meal once or twice! And I'm talking fresh orange juice, hot-from-the-oven cornbread with real butter, freshly made oatmeal, home-made diner rolls, personalized granola with fresh fruit, and marinated chicken breasts, very well filled vegetable soup and apple crumble with ice cream for diner and desert. I enjoyed my private room and bathroom, the TV with 100 channels that allowed me to watch Grey's Anatomy, the company of the other guests (who where all extremely nice and good to hang out with), and John's hospitality. Needless to say I felt very much at home and was loving my 'couch'. I also managed to find my way to the top of a mountain three times, twice by climbing it and once by taking the gondola. Now I know very well that I'm not an experienced mountaineer, and still have a thing or two to learn about being in the outdoors during a North American winter. But even as I was prepared to acknowledge my inexperience, I wasn't prepared for the mountains being covered in ice. The smallest of climbs became a pretty serious battle, where the mountain was putting up a very good fight to kick me off. Or rather 'slide me off', if you will. Just imagine a very big rocky hill, not too steep, something anybody having two functioning arms and legs should be able to handle - now imagine that completely covered in snow and ice. So basically you are trying to climb a gigantic slide. And to do that without the proper gear is extremely hard, I can tell you. But, being the stubborn person that I am, I reached the top. The view was mine! I took the gondola up Whiteface Mountain, the most popular ski mountain in the area. Climbing it would have been impossible with my current gear and experience, so I settled for the ride up. The view from the top was beautiful, but it was só cold and the wind was blowing só hard that it took a lot of effort to stay warm, let alone take a photo. Taking your gloves off simply wasn't an option; the cold was so intense it physically hurt. Sure was an experience though. The last mountain I climbed was with Rolf Schulte, an experienced mountaineer ánd nature photographer I was fortunate enough to meet. He has been working in the Adirondacks for over 40 years, and knows every mountaintop. So one very early Sunday morning we left to climb one of those tops and experience the morning light, hoping for a photo opportunity of course. This time around I was better prepared, and benefitted from Rolf's knowledge on how-to-stay-warm, what-should-you-bring, how-to-climb-an-iced-up-mountain and how-to-take-photographs-in-freezing-temperatures. Though the photo opportunities weren't as grand as we'd hoped, it was a great trip and I was very happy to have had the opportunity to walk along a nature photographer. I also met up with Shaun, another enthusiastic CouchSurfer. Shaun is what I call a 'free spirit'. He is to be given free range, a lot of space, time and a camera, and let him do his thing. For Shaun also happened to be a nature photographer! I just got myself in the midst of it all :) We spent a good afternoon having coffee, walking on a frozen lake and driving around in the area. I only got to spent a few hours with Shaun, but he left a lingering impression. He had a simple strength to grab life by the horns and find a way to reach his goals, make his plans reality, not to worry about the little things and just enjoy the ride. Very inspirational, and an awesome afternoon. And then, after almost a month of traveling... I crossed the border! Canadaaaaa, here I am! :D Exploring America has been great. New York was absolutely everything and a bit of nothing, Providence was all about the people, Newport was rocky beaches with awesome couches, New York the Second Time Around was home, and the Adirondacks were intriguing and challenging.  Thanks America, I will see you in Alaska. Oh, and Trevor says hi ;) Cheers!

The Art of CouchSurfing

So I wanted a city a little more slow paced then New York right?! Well, I found it alright. After a bit of Lonely Planeting and Googling on my next destination, I decided to go to Providence in Rhode Island. According to these resources it was not to be missed.  Now, I personally wouldn't have minded very much if I missed out on all the wonder that is Providence. However, I would have minded if I missed out on all of my CouchSurfing experiences and the people I met there, for they were simply awesome. The Greyhound bus driver that brought me to my next destination welcomed us aboard in true New York spirit "Please think about your fellow passengers, especially those of you who like to talk loud on their cellphones. Now it doesn't bother me, but I am nosy, and I like to listen to what you're saying." while honking his way through traffic.  In Providence I had to take another bus to get to my Couch, and two girls very kindly offered to walk me there once we got off. They questioned me about my plans, ideas and 'defense system', and where extremely appalled when I told them I didn't carry a knife or pepper spray with me. Both of them dived promptly in their purse, telling me "Here, have mine! I have many more at home!". You can imagine my discomfort to receive such a welcome... where in the world had I traveled to?! My CouchSurfing host, Caroline, however was very friendly, welcoming and thankfully also without pepper spray. She took me right in, and that same evening I accompanied her and her friend Valeria to a real American potluck party. Americans all around! As a foreigner I was obviously interesting, and had to tell all about my journey and the Dutch opinion of Americans. Meanwhile I was taking everything in, from the loud voices to the somewhat strange food. I joined in in a game of Appels to Appels, something with cards, more cards and mixing them. My 'Milk Duds' card was the most 'Awesome' of the options, so I won that round. Yeah me and my Milk Duds! However, as I had to describe 'Miller High Life' in a round of Salad Bowl, I didn't have a clue as to what I was describing, earning a roar of laughter and a yell of "Welcome to America!!!" as it turned out I was describing a kind of beer. I also had the pleasure of meeting George from the local liquor store 'Darwin's'. George had (unknown to him) a Dutch flag hanging outside his store, and it got my attention. He walked out as I was staring at it, asking me "What are you looking at? The pretty flowers?" (the flowers hanging dead and frozen in their baskets). But after my explanation, he invited me in for a glass of wine and some awful Dutch music. George had, as it turned out, lived in Amsterdam for quite some years. He also had some of his products labelled with texts like "You'll feel this the next morning!" and "This shit will f'ck you up!". Later, as I was going out to diner with Caroline and two of her friends, I told them about my meeting with "the guy from the liquor store", to which one of them replied "Oh so you met George?!". Everybody knows George.. :) We concluded my visit with a Miller High Life beer in a local bar, playing (in the interest of teaching me about the American culture) a game called 'Never Have I Ever'. Well, I can honestly say that never have I ever gotten to know strangers quite so well so quickly. Thanks guys, that was fun ;) :) I spent another night surfing a couch in Providence, this time at Katharine's place. She picked me up from the local Starbucks and brought me home to diner, 2 ultimate crazy cats and my bed all ready. I could tell that Katharine was used to travelers surfing her couch, and enjoyed a good evening talking and playing piano. How very weird to stay with complete strangers and share their home, and how incredibly cool. You get to dive right into the American culture, meet people you wouldn't have met otherwise, it's incredibly diverse, rewarding and also - free of charge! Not unimportant for a traveler on a budget :D I traveled on to Newport where I would surf at Kevin's and Danielle's place. On my first evening, they took me right along indoor climbing. I hadn't climbed in 10 years or so, but enjoyed it nonetheless - though I would feel my muscles for 3 days after. One of their friends, Dan, had come climbing as well, and was thrilled to have me enjoy his ultimate American Chevy Cruise Something Van, with music so insanely loud I could actually feel the vibration of the bass as I was sitting in the back. My stay at Kevin's and Danielle's was fun and relaxing, just what I needed after New York! I explored the little town which is next to the ocean, walked the Cliff Walk, went ice skating at the local ice ring (stumbling very un-Dutch-like all the time on those clumsy ice hockey skates), found another interested soul in the girl from the local teashop (where she tricked me into buying an Oreo smoothie) and went to Walmart! Crazy Americans with their 100 different kinds of cereal and marshmallow-on-bread. I stayed in Newport, but moved couches to Matt and Anna's, another young couple. Staying with them was just as fun and relaxing, and I was sure of my healthy doses of American culture. When I first met Matt, everything was "the shit" and "f'cking do it!". He also refused to believe I was from the Netherlands, insisting that I was from Denmark. Dan, Matt and Anna's roommate, trusted his cellphone in my hands, with instructions to leave a Dutch voicemail for somebody, using as much 'gggg's' as possible. Loved that evening guys! We also walked on the different beaches of Newport to enjoy the outdoors (and freeeezing cold), had diner in a local bar-restaurant-something where we watched an American football game, baked muffins, made French toast and Dutch diner, and had many good conversations (both sober and a little less sober). Now I won't call names, but somebody's roommate actually asked me "Is the Netherlands a country in Holland?"... He wasn't the only one though. A women interested in my journey asked me a bunch of questions, surprising me with her apparent knowledge of The Netherlands. That is, until she asked me "So did you walk here all the way from the Netherlands?". My name continues to dazzle people. The pronunciation is very difficult apparently, and have yet to meet a foreigner who can pull it of. I can tell people avoid calling me by my name, and more then once I got recommended to change my name to something easier (like Asian travelers like to do). I even started filming people while they try - just for the fun of it :p By now, whenever I introduce myself, I am prepared for the questionable look on someone's face and the "I'm sorry, whát??!" response. I repeat my name slowly, enunciating very clearly, after which I usually get a doubtful "Ing-ge...?!", or something along those lines. I like to repeat with "Close enough" to let them know it's ok and they don't have to bother. "I'll take whatever I can get!" was a cheeky response I once got back. It doesn't matter to me of course, it's part of the fun! So I pretty much listen to anything these days. As this is a daily returning phenomena for me, I gathered a few new pronunciations for you (written out phonetically): Inne, Inna, Inga (with a strong 'g', like the Dutch and Spanish pronounce it), Ienga, Indsjie, Iendsjé, Ieng-gùh (imagine the 'gùh' half swallowed/choked on) and my absolute favorite American way: Iengdjsie, courtesy of Matt! But, just like my foreign friends, I need to learn new things too. I am learning to be a full time traveler, which turns out to be quite a demanding job. Someone very kindly told me "Wow, you are such a good traveler!", because I am well organized. I always have my bag pack with me, which contains water, food, extra clothing, maps of the city, my ID, money, cellphone, camera, and pen and paper. It all comes in handy, and I use everything frequently, but just being well organized isn't enough. I am learning to deal with a whole bunch of other stuff, almost on a daily basis. From packing my bag every day, to finding my way around, adjusting to the American culture and food, figuring out where I go next, listening to your feelings, daring to take the plunge, trusting complete strangers, being open minded about new things, landing yourself in unwanted places, grabbing opportunities that come your way, dealing with unforeseen situations, communicating and dealing with people of all kinds, taking a step back, living in the moment, accepting long hours of traveling and waiting around, getting lost, not finding what you're looking and hoping for, not knowing where you are going to sleep that night and carrying your heavy bag pack everywhere like a pack mule. To name a few. It isn't always easy or fun, but it's traveling. And after three weeks, I do believe I am slowly getting the hang of it. I am much more living in the moment, letting go of things I can't control and trying to experience and enjoy it all. I am currently on the road as I am writing this, and have no idea where I am going to sleep tonight. But it'll be alright I'm sure. After all, "A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving."

Fast paced frenzy

My last days in New York I found a wonderful home at the apartment of Clémentine and Florant, friends who I know from my travels to New Zealand. I hadn't seen them in years, but I felt right at ease and home - with the fireplace burning and a glass of something very good welcoming me right in. Their lovely place was warm, comfortable and a very welcome little oasis of quiet and relaxation. I slept on a comfy sofa bed, enjoyed breakfasts with Clémentine every morning, and on my last night we went out to diner in a local Italian restaurant - New York style all the way! I spent my last couple of days relaxing, processing all the impressions from the first days, catching up on correspondence, finding CouchSurf addresses for my next destinations and exploring more of the city.  I 'climbed' (elevator which goes up 65 floors in 15 seconds) Rockefeller Center, also known as 'The Rock'. Once at the top floor, you have a pretty amazing view of New York city. Went to the Guggenheim museum! The building itself is probably the best part of the museum, definitely worth a trip. At first I thought the widely exposed exhibition was ruining the interior to be honest, but halfway along my visit (and halfway up the enormous spiraling floors) I realized there was something to it. Beautiful and amazing building, pretty good exhibition ;) Admired the buildings of Grand Central Station, New York Public Library, Radio City Music Hall and the Flatiron Building. All beautiful in their old design, famous for their makers or users and surrounded by modern architecture. Wandered around the streets of the Wall Street cirquit, Chinatown, Little Italy and the Lower East side.  I had been to Chinatown and Little Italy before, but was convinced I must have missed 'it', and that there must be more to it. Turns out Little Italy is nothing more then one street filled with Italian-looking restaurants and tourist shops. Bit of a downer when you've actually been to Italy, and know 'the real thing'. Chinatown on the other hand does give you the impression that you've stepped into a Chinese bubble in the midst of all the New York madness. Shops everywhere selling Asian artifacts, unidentifiable objects and food, neon signs in bold colors showing Chinese writing, stalls on the sidewalks presenting wares, the strangest music, and many, many Asian people. Yes, Chinatown is exactly what you expect it to be. Walking the streets of New York (Manhattan) is quite like going to a fair, it's very impressive. Noise, colors, sounds, smells, people and movement are a constant overkill. I have been observing NY street behavior as I was walking down 5th Avenue..  There is a permanent smell of something-burned-on-a-barbecue, as the carts on the sidewalks 'heat up' their pretzels, hot dogs or falafel's. Every 10 seconds (I counted) some driver somewhere feels the need to announce their presence with a honk-honk-hooooonk, which is usually replied with another enthusiastic honk-festivity. All of this despite the 'DON'T HONK! $350 PENALTY' signs which hang on every stoplight. When honk-free, the police, ambulance or fire trucks like to mingle with a little sound of their own. And this is LOUD, I can tell you.  People walk as if the pavement is their red carpet. You know, kinda with a 'I am a New Yorker, so you tourist should move for me, because I sure as hell won't break my step for you' face. So you move.  Of course, you never wait for a red light. You might just take a moment to look left or right to make sure that no crazy cab driver will run you over, but other then that you just go. Shops wave of heat, music, the occasional doorman or security personal, doors that open either way and tourists standing in front of the door pondering to go in or wondering where to go. Not to be forgotten are the men on the street selling live animals like today's newspaper, sitting stacked on top of each other waiting for someone to show interest. Do guinea pigs survive in 5 degree temperatures, I wonder? And don't forget the car madness, driving within all of this moving chaos. Seriously so many cabs (I honestly think there must be at léást 10.000 cabs in New York), people driving like there is no tomorrow or something terrible will happen if they don't make that green light. Honk your way through traffic is driving lesson number one I believe. New York has continued to show me its people. The other day, as I was strolling around in a convenience store, an older woman was browsing through magazines and suddenly asked for my opinion on a body builder she had come across in a Fitness Magazine. "Ha, you should have seen your expression! You went like.. 'Wow!!!". I could have done without that image, thank you! Later in the subway, a man merrily introduced himself to us: "Good afternoon folks, my name is Jay and I am homeless. I want to ask you if you can spare a nickel, dime or quarter. Some food or drinks!" As he made his way through the coupe and people gave, he responded to everything he received with a surprising kind and strong "Oh thank you! Thank you so much! God bless!". I am ashamed to admit that when a nice homeless man on the streets of Brooklyn asked me for some change, I was so taken aback that I answered him I hadn't got any before I stopped to think about it. Apparently it's sort of a New York thing that 'the good homeless ones' help tourists, and get a dollar or two for their city service. This particular man had just helped me find my way, just like 'Gizmo' (previous story) did. But now I know. And I'll be prepared for my next visit! People have been lovingly calling New York a 'fast paced city'. Well, it is. It is never quiet, it is never still, it never stops. New York does not sleep. Going out to diner is like a speeded up version of a Dutch going out to diner. Within 5 minutes of your arrival, waiters will have given you ice water, a bread basket with some butter, and presented you the menu. Once you've made your choice, diner will be brought to you within 10 minutes (at the most). As soon as someone of your table finishes his plate, it is swished away from under their nose. Your water is constantly being refilled, and every now and then a waiter comes over to check on you. As you have eaten your fill, the bill is presented (no peppermints). You can be in and out in as little as 45 minutes, but still are required to tip 20%, on top of taxes. Jaa dag! Didn't think so.. When you wish to buy something sweet or lunch-like and you take your time to look at all of your delicious looking options (wondering what in the world they may be) you are very quickly reminded that you are taking too long.  Even the guy on the street selling me (what turned out to be a terrible) pretzel was declaring a loud "Next!!!" before he'd even handed me my purchase, and there was no one behind me 'standing in line'. Honestly. So I must admit that after a little over a week in all of this fast pacedness, I wouldn't mind going to something a little more slow paced, thank you. Visiting New York City has been an experience to remember. It has been great, grand, crazy and on some occasions a disappointment, but nevertheless a city to go back to. Goodbye New York, until we meet again! * Inge's note: Once again I've managed to ramble on too long! Things tend to get 'out of control' when I try to write a short update. You have to understand that writing this all down is my way of preserving my journey, gathering my thoughts, remembering little details and the people that make this journey what it is. And I want to share it with you - as blunt, sarcastic, happy or sad it may be. Your response is phenomenal! It's lovely to have such support, thank you :) :)

The City that Never Sleeps

After a mere 5 days in New York, I can tell you that New York is not a city; it is an experience.  A never-ending, always expanding, moving and overwhelming experience. Times Square is a theme park, New Years is an absolute killing roller coaster, the people are loud, present and lovely, the NYPD is always close, and the size of everything is enormous. The past couple of days I have acted the perfect tourist part, trying to see, do and experience 'everything'. With a city like the size of New York, that's pretty much impossible, but I like to try nontheless. So far I've explored the neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, The Meetpacking District, Soho, Noho, Little Italy, Chinatown, East Village, Brooklyn, Central Park and of course everything surrounding Times Square, 5th and Madison Avenue, Broadway and 42end Street (the one street that connects them all). My favorite area's by far are Greenwich Village and Soho. Greenwich Village is like a little French town, except with American influences. The main street is a cobbly small street (with space for only 1 taxi in between the sidewalks), and the shops are cute, colored and as different as you can imagine. The streets are very 'upperclass suburb'; trees planted neatly in rows and patches, the occasional bike chained to a streetlight, tall houses with even windows, stairs leading up to the frontdoors and everything very well maintained. As I was walking around I suddenly recognized an apartment building.. Oh yes, I am talking about Monica's and Rachel's apartment from Friends! Há, I was so happy :D (those of you who know me will understand). Quite cool to see 'the real thing'! And a couple blocks over, I walked by Carrie Bradshaws apartment from Sex and the City! The poor owner had hung up a sign begging us to stay of his property and not to take too many photographs... I did a lot of 'windowshopping' and wishing I had more money and space in my bag pack, but also bought some really delicious cupcakes in the well known Magnolia Bakery. Seriously legen... wait-for-it ...dary bro's :p Soho is the ultimate New York experience. A neighborhood once owned by hippies and junks, now very hip and happening with all the biggest designer brands on your very own corner. Beautiful cobbled streets and handsome tall old buildings, with the occasional wink to the neighborhoods past, seriously nice stores and galleries, posh people, tourists, cabs and very expensive cars (I do believe it was a Lamborghini making all the Porsches and Jaguars look bad). More windowshopping for me! And Times Square... Times Square is a friggin' madhouse! A gazillion blinking lights, screens, sounds, buildings high like the sky, cars, cabs, people, tourists and your friendly neighborhood Elmo, Mickey and Mini Mouse trying to get your money by 'offering' photographs for a 'tip'. And all of that in a space comparable to a football field.  Seriously through... Unreal and headache-giving as it might be, Times Square is one of a kind. By now I have traveled many many meters by subway, and can finally say that I believe I am starting to 'get the hang of it'. Changing stations is never easy, as you have to go outside and find the poorly lit entrance of your uptown/downtown subway somewhere along the road (as I learned on my first NY night). You can't say you will meet someone at the subway station entrance, 'cause a subway station always has at least 3 to 5 entrances, facing complete different sides. Announcing the stations in the subway varies from enthusiastic stories with Happy New Years wishes, to none whatsoever. And I have learned the hard way that there are both local subway lines (stops at every station) and expres (stops not so much) subway lines. Hello Harlem (waaaay up north!).  I have had the pleasure of meeting the NY people. New Yorkers are incredibly friendly and chatty, always willing to assist you in your search or quest, and (depending on the neighborhood) will walk up to you and help you as soon as you pull out your map. You are always greeted with a quick "Hey how are you?", or general shouts such as "Hey guys, how's everybody doing today?" and "Did we all have a good time on New Years?". When asked "Where are you from?", don't say 'The Netherlands' since half the people have no idea where that is, let alone that it's country. Always reply with "Holland, Amsterdam", cause Amsterdam they know! New Yorkers like to talk. Or at least the loud ones do. One evening as we were making our way down to Central Park, a minster Dwaine introduced himself to us. He accompanied us to the right direction, and while doing so was making sure that I was looked after. "Are you guys taking care of my girl Ing-ge?! Are you?!!". Tim: "Oh she's your girl now?", Dwaine: "Don't make me ask you again!", and told us to name him Gizmo. My name is proving to be difficult here. So far I've heared a lot of Ing-ge, but also Ing, Ieng, Iegge or Ienggay (seriously). I also had the opportunity to celebrate New Years Eve in New York this year. Two days ago, a New Yorker told me that 'they' could pay him the world, and he still wouldn't go to Times Square on New Years Eve. Oh how I wish he could have told me that before.. On a certain point during New Years Day, I realized that my NY buddies didn't want the same thing as I did. I wanted to stand on Times Square and see the ball drop, they wanted to party and didn't really care about dropping balls.  So after a lot of mind pushing and pulling at my part, I left our 'roof party' at 9.30 PM and went off to Times Square on my own to see that damn ball fall. I wasn't the only one with that idea... Now I don't mind crowds, I don't mind waiting, I don't mind seeing little, I even didn't mind being alone, for I was glad I had the strength to chose my months-long-wish over the warmth that is human company. But Times Square was Way Too Full. Too many people, wáy too many people, with wáy too little space for them to celebrate their New Years excitement in. I tried, I really did, but I felt extremely uncomfortable, nauseated, pressed and pressured, and even afraid in those surroundings. Getting out or to 'the back' wasn't an option, the police had closed off most of the streets and were very strict. Now if I was able to see anything at all... But I couldn't see of hear a damn thing, just the angry shouts of the people around me trying to push closer. Didn't even get close to the 'squares' where people were standing. So I left. I took the subway far away, to Central Park. I stayed for as long as necessary, watched, and went home. My first 'Happy New Years' came from the partying people sitting next to me in the subway. They were really nice. Came home, and went to bed. Perfect location, wrong situation. Lesson learned. Right now I am sitting in the New York Public Library, in a reading room the size of Texas, with a Louvre-looking interior. My NY buddies and I had to leave our lovely apartment today, and I am escaping the cold, wind and my exhaustion with a Starbucks cuppa tea and a 'Black & White American cookie'. My apartmentpeople have spread out over town, back to their studies in Montreal, travels from New Zealand or flights home to the Netherlands. Tonight I will find a new home at the Park Avenue apartment (sure to be with another doorman!) of a New Zealand friend of mine. Still the same city, but new stories for sure! Inge's note: I do apologize for the enormous length of this story! Will try to split it up next time. But at least you're up to date now! And I did want to thank those who are following me and responding so enthusiastically and with many on my last story :) :) It is honestly very nice to know that so many of you are traveling along - whether family, friends, old colleagues or my optometrist ;)  I appreciate it, so many thanks!

New York, New York!

New York - here I am! After a grueling day of no less then 21 hours of traveling, I was welcomed with open arms in our New York Manhattan apartment. An apartment with a view on the Statue of Liberty, a lovely group of people, and a bed waiting. You have no idea how welcome a bed is after a day like that! My parents and big brother had come to the airport with me to say goodbye. After a tearful (on my end) goodbye, I was on my way. Funny thing, after all those months 'saying goodbye' and 'actually leaving' is as easy as going through security at an airport - after that my mind automatically thinks of nothing else but reaching the destination, looking ahead of what's coming. First I flew out to Dublin, where I had to transfer to a flight to NY. My flight to Dublin was leaving from a gate so close to the 'panorama terrace' from Schiphol, my parents and brother could wave me off and see me sitting in the plane :) This flight was short and easy. It did however got seriously delayed, so I sprinted straight to Dublin airport (helped out by the lovely stewardesses who allowed me off the plane as the very first person), and made my fight to NY no problem. This flight was close to 8 hours, and not the best flight ever to be honest. The plane wasn't as big and fabulous as I had hoped, although all the passengers did all have a little TV of their own. Sitting next to me was a big American man, who was obviously not in the mood for a conversation or any contact at all for that matter. The flight attendents where very nice, food was good and once again delivered on the most strange hours - but I was exhausted, and couldn't sleep. When we finally got close to NY, I was peacefully drifting away and dreaming of taking a cap. Thankfully the captain of the plane woke me up as we were flying over New York. It was a clear night and the view was beautiful, New York was literally a blanket of a million blinking lights. It woke me up straight away. The trip to my apartment was both great and grueling; I met the nicest people from Los Angelos on the subway. They were in town for a visit as well, and invited me to come over for a beer once I'm in LA :) When I had to change subways I got lost though, and easily wandered around for half an hour. This however, gave me the change to talk to a bunch of Americans, asking them for directions. I told the cops "I think I might be lost", to which one of them immediately responded "You can't be lost, you are here in Manhattan with us!". Gotta love that. Eventually and after a lot more (good) advice from New Yorkers, I found the apartment. The building is tall, impressing, with an amazing view, and... it has a doorman!!! Loooved that :D He ushered me in when I was staring doubtfully at the richly looking interior thinking "This can't be it", and asked me straight away "Are you the girl from the Canadian guys?! They are here and waiting for you!" So here I am! Slept 8 hours, had a good shower and some juice, and now ready to explore the city!

Four weeks and a plane ride

Can you believe it?! Only four weeks left! I’ve been thinking of, dreaming about and planning this journey for months – years even – and now all of a sudden I’m about to board a plane with nothing but my backpack and plan. Wow!

As my departure comes closer, I find myself in two minds. Part of me wishes for time to slow down, and stop speeding up as though somebody has bewitched the clocks to go extra fast. I need more time to plan this thing, to talk some sense in the American Embassy with their crap-load-of-crazy-visa-rules, to make more money so I can insure myself of a warm and dry bed every night, to say goodbye.

A different part of me is so incredibly excited that it can’t sit still long enough to take it all in; to realize all ‘The Amazement’ is just around the corner. To finally be able to do this, on my own, with my oh-so-cool new camera and blank Moleskin notebook to capture it all.

The last few months I have been working hard to make the most of plan J. I’ve spend many more weeks on Vlieland, earning money and experiencing with my new (camera) equipment. I have acquired the perfect gear; a new winter coat that The North Face insures me will keep me warm and dry, layers of merino wool and fleece, a backpack for everyday use which is perfectly fitted to my back, sunglasses to block out the midnight sun of Alaska and like I mentioned, a new Nikon D7000 camera with a 10-20 wide angle lens to capture the extreme landscapes, and a 18-105 lens to photograph a grizzly without being eaten alive.

I have also spent many (many, many) hours trying to prepare for the various aspects, projects and work-related activity of this journey. You have to understand that this involves a helluva lot of forms, letters, pas photo’s (Dutch, American and Canadian) official meetings, phone calls, flashing of your passport, arranging with my local township to declare me ‘crime-free’, getting all of my fingerprints scanned multiple times, proving that you are not planning to blow up any country or ‘fellow citizens’, promising that I have (and I quote) “… never ordered, incited, called for, committed, assisted, helped with, or otherwise participated in the acts of killing any person” (if you answer “Yes” to any question, describe the circumstances in detail.”), and I could write a book alone on the issues with my visa.

Funny thing, some of my supportive friends and interested family members occasionally ask me “And, have you booked your trip yet?” like I just have to swipe my credit card at the local travel agency and they will take of everything, while I sit on the other side of the desk flipping through a magazine..

But, most important thing: plan J is still going strong! Booked my ticket, have the required visa to enter the States, and working on securing my spot in Denali and Gates of the Arctic National, the Husky Ranch and the Rocky Mountains in Canada! :) :)

I think this journey (including all the preparations) is going to be the biggest challenge and adventure of my life, and right now I’m getting a small sneak preview of just what that might mean.

Preparations for a journey

Finally, my journey has begun!

I am still in the Netherlands and will stay here for another three months or so, nevertheless, I am taking the first small steps of this journey of mine.

A couple months ago, the 30th of April to be exact, I made an important decision which would change my life rather drastically. I wasn’t happy with the way things were anymore; there was too much of too little, and it simply wasn’t good enough. So I decided to use this chance to go in the directions of my dreams, and live the life I want: traveling!

In less then two weeks, I had given up my room, job, business, quit all the courses and classes I was taking and had taken a full time job on Vlieland. I have been working long hours (up to 65 a week) to save up as much money as I can, so I can make my journey as long as possible. Every now and then, I have taken the ferry back to the mainland to work on my travel plans and enjoy a couple days at home.

I have made a lot of plans, a lot. Do you know how in action movies, when plan A is going to hell and the sidekick of the hero is screaming for a plan B, the main character always shouts “There is no plan B!” and then very coolly kills all the bad guys with a James Bond-move. Well, the one thing I have learned these last three months – is to always, álways have a plan B. And a plan C, plan D, E, F and so on. Because whether you like it or not, you’re gonna need them when your Brilliant ‘This Is It’ The One and Only Plan A falls apart.

So now, after three and a half months of working and planning, I proudly present: Plan J!

This December, somewhere between Christmas and New Years, I will board a plain to New York City, where I will celebrate the beginning of this new year and this new phase in my life. Preferably on Times Square with thousands of crazy Americans who are all hopped up on sugar, alcohol and their patriotism love for their country and fellow Americans, screaming madly because Lady Gaga is going to perform live.

I plan to travel up to Montréal, Canada soon after. From there, I want to take three months to explore the country. I will travel west, to Alaska, where I will stay a full six months. Here I wish to work as a volunteer for Denali National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park. I also plan to follow a month-long outdoor training with NOLS, National Outdoor and Leadership School. The last three months of 2012 I am going to spend on a Husky Ranch in the Yukon Territory in Canada, working as a volunteer. The first five months of 2013 I am going to work in the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada. And the last three months of my journey, summer 2013, I am going to travel through America. Mainly the west coast, such as Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. I will end my journey in New York, where I will once again board a plan to Amsterdam, one and a half year after I arrived.

There is still a lot to be done, which is just a nice way of saying that nothing is taken care of yet and I might as well book a flight to friggin’ Timbuktu. I haven’t booked any flights, taken care of my visa, secured my spot in the National Parks, NOLS or the Rocky Mountains. There is still a lot of gear that I need to buy, and a lot of researching to be done.

But, I have this plan! It’s been approved by a second and third ‘opinion’, and I am going to work like crazy to make this plan my future.