Drops of Jupiter

Exactly one month ago, I landed in the Netherlands, and time has passed like honey: slowly, sweetly, and viscously (at times). The most remarkable aspect of this experience, though, is that even when anxiety billows and things aren’t going as I had anticipated, I have comfort knowing that it is yielding strength. I remember calling my dad in tears the second night of arriving, and he gave the most comforting perspective I have ever heard. He said, “Katia, if everything was easy and seamless from the start, you wouldn’t grow as deeply; the experience itself would lose its meaning if it wasn’t challenging.” His words were particularly special because I know he could empathize, given that he and my mama had gone to Russia by themselves for two years in their 20s. His words felt like a hug from my mama, who I know would be proud of my courage to follow in her footsteps. She was the bravest person I know. From having to change classes last minute, to making friends and adjusting to a new living arrangement with twelve people, I clung to the peace that my dad’s message brought. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that I embraced the challenges willingly, but I have made a greater effort to see them in a brighter light.

I do not want to bore you with vivid details of my problems, though, because this blog is not a therapy session (I have those every Tuesday, haha). This first month in Utrecht brought many adventures, of which I think would be much more exciting to read about. In the beginning of September, my suitemate and I jumped on three buses and strolled along lush pastures to arrive at our “home” castle in Utrecht, the Kasteel de Haar. This was our second castle in less than two weeks, and we began labeling them based on the Disney princess it resembles. The Kasteel de Haar exuded the grand elegance of Aurora, with its quiet swan-filled streams to the rolling gardens of multi-colored roses. We even saw a wedding! My friend and I munched on cheap bread (from our favorite grocery store, Jumbo!), hummed to Disney music, and debated how we would have lived if this was our home in the 1800s. The magic of that day ignited little Katia’s long lost dreams.

By far my favorite memories of this past month were spent with my best friend, Emma, who I met during my high school foreign exchange to Australia. God is so sentimental, gifting me my best friend of one study abroad to send me off at the start of the next. It had been five years since we last saw each other, and she happened to be on the final stretch of her three month European tour. We chatted on and on as I showed her around Utrecht, yet it was not enough for five years worth of updates! We also traveled to Amsterdam together, taking a sunset canal cruise, personalizing our own Tony’s chocolate bars, and dodging cyclists. We accidentally strolled into the Red Light District- whoops! Emma’s wanderlust and passion for exploring inspired me to appreciate this adventure so much more; she also made me seriously consider moving to the Sunshine Coast after I graduate. Australia round two?

An unexpected challenge has been cooking all three meals while resisting the urge to eat cookies and chocolate for lunch and dinner. Goodness, I miss the dining halls! (said no one ever, but UCSD’s food is goated). My roommates, who fill the dorm with delicious scents of their cooking, make it seem so easy. I have succeeded in decorating my room, though, adorning it with lantern string lights, curtains above my loft (making it feel like a fort), a picture wall…essentially anything that is from IKEA or is pink fits the vibe. Basic adulting tasks are the accomplishments I am most proud of; I finished all of my appointments with the municipality (can’t deport me now!), signed up for a general practitioner, and opened my own Dutch bank account. It’s truly the little things in life.

As much as this month has felt like an eternity, I hope that the remaining nine pass in the same cadence. Although I am eager to start feeling like a native (so far the only Dutch I know is “dankjewel” and “leuker”), I appreciate the moments where everything feels new and vivid. I look forward to writing to y’all again in another month, where exciting travels and new challenges will be waiting for me.

Until next time,

Katia