Going to the Netherlands was a dream come true. “I’m ready,” I told myself. Yet beneath that excitement was the fear of the unknown. I didn’t let that stop me, though. I’d arranged to stay in a hotel (temporarily) until my housing was finalized, and I was already thinking about the nice, steamy food I’d try once I was abroad.
When I arrived at the airport, I met up with another Le Moyne student embarking on the same experience, my friend Tatiana. It was nerve-wracking for both of us, the beginning of a huge new adventure. Our parents and loved ones wished us a safe trip and we were on our way. After checking our bags and going through security, we anxiously waited to board the plane. We’d taken our first study abroad photos with our smiles somehow shining brightly underneath our masks, our hearts nearly beating out of our chests with excitement. As I boarded the plane I was overwhelmed with one thought: “This is happening.”
The first leg of our journey was full of naps, books, jamming out to music, and snacking on airport food. We had a layover in Dublin, Ireland, that was supposed to last an hour but which, thanks to bad weather in Amsterdam, stretched out to eight. The wait on the hard metal bench was agonizing. I couldn’t call my friends or family due to the time difference, and spent those moments still thinking: “This is happening.” When we finally boarded the plane that would bring us to Amsterdam, the excitement disappeared and reality set in. I asked myself whether I was meant to spend the semester in the Netherlands. Then, I snapped out of it, telling myself: “There is no turning back. Suck it up.” My inner-pep talk helped, yet I was still in shock. Every step I took as I left the plane felt heavy. Then, a glimpse of light coming through the airport windows made me realize that I’d made it safely. Hip Hip Hooray!
Before leaving the airport, I had to go through customs and get my bags. That took a minute. I didn’t mind. I was in a state of bliss just from being in the Netherlands. When I finally left the airport, it was quite windy. Tatiana and I struggled to hold on to our luggage while also trying to call an Uber. One particularly strong gust picked up Tatiana’s adorable red knit hat, sending us chasing after it. (We eventually got it.) Our driver arrived to bring us to our hotel. Although it was cloudy, the view was so beautiful with its gigantic windmills. We were finally there. Along the way, our driver explained that, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, most places closed at 10 p.m. It was almost 8 p.m., and I was hungry. Finally, arriving at the hotel, we hauled in our luggage and took the quickest showers possible, eager to explore the city.
Stepping outside of the hotel, everything was beautiful. The fairy lights hanging on the trees gave this nice, homey touch to the Hague City Center, which was full of restaurants and the sounds of early 2000's music. Tatiana and I walked around, amazed by the scenery. We found a small family-owned business that served delicious handmade noodles and dumplings. We said “Cheers” with our bottles of Fanta and celebrated being in the Netherlands. Then we devoured the tasty food like there was no tomorrow, and said our thanks to the nice workers there. We headed back to the hotel and shut our eyes as we awaited what was going to happen tomorrow.
Hasina Foye ’23 is an aspiring journalist from Bronx, N.Y., who is studying English literature and communications at Le Moyne. Hasina is spending the spring semester of 2022 at Hague University in the Netherlands and will be sharing her reflections on life abroad. Please continue to follow her journey here.