Queers in Amsterdam

Alley patiently-- or impatiently-- waiting to be reunited with her lovely love, Vanessa. This is something I frequented while living in Amsterdam. ya know, just hanging out of the window watching people go by and smoking a joint. And with being on the top floor you actually get a pretty good breeze. 

We did the full on touristy shit, and it was fantastic. I got to spend so much time with Alley and now I get to finally meet Vanessa who I've followed for so long with her writing! I really started following her once she started writing about her Pacific Crest Trail adventures, which you can read here. Her writing is so open and flowing and real.. she really puts it out there as she's thinking about things and it actually was one of the reasons I decided to start blogging in the first place. I mean, here I am, a millennial, living my best (?) life.. why shouldn't I be writing all about it?! 

One of the major things that happened while Vanessa was here, which I had thought a lot about before she arrived was the meaning of being Queer and if I was Queer or not. And sure enough, she asked me, as I had felt she would :) "Amy, do you identify as queer?" I stumbled a bit because with everything going on in my life and relationship at the moment I hadn't really had enough time to think about a proper response. So I said "well, I'm not straight". Haha. Which is perfect for me, I suppose. And then we all had a conversation where I realized that it was quite okay that I identify as queer, it's okay that I was doing it at 30. There's no rules, y'all.

We visited the Homomonument, which I had no idea about until they arrived. Sometimes I feel so clueless. Anywho, it's a monument erected in 1987 commemorating all gay men and lesbians that have been persecuted because of their sexuality. 

The Homomonument was designed to "inspire and support lesbians and gays in their struggle against denial, oppression and discrimination." It was the first monument in the world to commemorate gays and lesbians who were killed by the Nazis. (Excerpt from Wiki) 

Oh haiiiiiiiii

Vanessa in some lovely Dutch shoes, wearing Amy Jo Wardrobe... hehehe 

It was pretty hot that day so I sat with my feet in the pool by the I Amsterdam sign, chillan with  this doggo.

bitch ya know I gotta get an ijsje wherever I go.

Y'all ready for the cute? I don't think y'all are ready for this cute.....

Both wearing shirts from my wardrobe of course. hehehe.

Finally I got to go on a super touristy canal tour!! 

Seriously I cannot reiterate how much I enjoyed this time. Going through a fucking breakup is hard in another country. These days were the best days I had in a longggg ass time. 

If I had a canal boat it would definitely be in the shape of a Dutch shoe. 

angelz

We learned so much history on the tour, and I wish I had more information in my brain that I could spew out but I only remember a few things. Like with these ornamental things on top of the houses (above)... they were so people could find a particular house much easier. Like, hey! I live in the house on this canal with the whales on top! yAs. 

I miss being able to relax in a park with a million other people in the gorgeous summer weather of Amsterdam. *sigh*

BOOOOOOBS

Sprocket was very obsessed with our house guests. 

As you can see here, patiently waiting for them to come down in the morning. 

Oh just some casual "pints" of Heineken. lol (Photo by Vanessa) 

PROOST!! 

And now I have just one more blog post to make about my final adventures in the Netherlands, including some quality time with my bestie, Yvonne- who you all know about from all my blogs past. <3