Last night I literally had a dream of Amsterdam. I was surrounded by new-found friends in my MBA program, but instead of being in Canada, we were in the Netherlands. It was raining outside, and as the cold rain hit the cobblestones, we all escaped into a cozy "bruin cafe". I can remember dreaming of golden candles flickering across scratched dark wood tables, and a fireplace emanating warmth from the corner. Plates of bitterballen and bar snacks were scattered between us, and cups of steaming Douwe Egberts coffee were nestled in our hands.
It's strange, because when I woke up I actually believed I had been there. It all seemed so real, especially the surroundings. I couldn't tell you who was in the dream, or what we were talking about...I was more concerned with documenting the exact location and the gezellig feeling of the cafe...
Perhaps I'm going through "bruin cafe" withdrawal. I really do miss running down our steep stairs, emerging directly onto the bustling streets of Amsterdam and strolling a few paces to any number of cafes. I miss ordering our uitsmijters (fried eggs with ham and cheese on toast) and koffies for breakfast, our simple sandwiches for lunch, and our steaks with Amstel beer for dinner.
I'm insanely jealous when I talk to Gabriel, and he has just gotten home from a stroll along the Prinsengracht (the canal where the Anne Frank House is located) and a quiet cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe. Here, I'm laden with chapter readings, case studies, and online quizzes. I must admit, however, that I'm finding the subjects I'm taking to be fascinating: Financial Management, Organizational Behaviour, Economics, Quantitative Analysis, and Financial Accounting. When I first saw my course calendar, I was a bit scared. These courses are dense, hard, and time-consuming. There is no fluff or "light reading". But because my background is firmly rooted in science, I'm used to spending hours pouring over thick material. The world of business is slowly opening up to me, and with each reading I complete, I am that much closer to knowing which area of business will be in my future, and where my path will take me next.
Until then, however, I will continue dreaming of Amsterdam...
9 comments:
*hugs* I hope you'll be able to visit during winter holidays.
Sorry you're not there, but having a dream that feels so real is sometimes a good thing.
Organizational Behaviour would definitely interest me.
It's kind of nice you get to revisit it in dreams- I know it's not the same, but it feels so real, doesn't it? It's always going to be your other home. I'm happy to hear you seem to enjoy your program- that's a really, really good thing!
PS- thanks for your sweet comment.
I love vivid, realistic dreams (when they aren't nightmares, anyway). I'm glad you're enjoying your MBA program, and I hope you do get to go back to Amsterdam soon. It's hard to become comfortable and content in a new country, only to have to pack up and leave after awhile. I think I'm slowly becoming immune to it, which is kind of sad, actually.
Hopefully you will get a chance to visit a real bruin cafe again very soon ;-) If I had to leave & could take 3 things with me, I would take a bruin café with me for sure. Wishing you further succes with your studies & I am really enjoying what all you have to share!
If I went back to London I know I would really miss the bruin cafes too.
I understand how you're feeling :(
The bruin cafes, the cafe culture generally with everyone sitting out on the terrace, is one of the major things I miss.
I haven't been to NL now for 11 months... I'm having withdrawal symptoms!
Saskia x
Hopefully you'll get to visit Amsterdam soon. The city does that to you, makes you dream of it, captures your heart, and never lets you forget it ;)
what a fun inspiring post. science background? fun.
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