My Journey in Amsterdam
After a month of traveling across Europe, my time in Amsterdam, the last destination of my trip, has been an unforgettable experience. I feel so lucky to have so many wonderful friends from different parts of Europe and beyond, many of whom I first met in Bali. I’m a very friendly person who loves connecting with everyone without judgment, even when others might label someone as “strange.” For me, everyone is unique in their own way, and I believe that every person carries their own “backpack,” filled with past traumas and experiences from childhood to adulthood. These elements shape who we are and define the love languages we each carry. Similarly, I’ve faced many challenges, including trauma and even PTSD. Yet, with age, I’ve learned to better understand myself and accept who I am without comparing myself to others.
I’ve learned a lot from them. John even taught me about business and where to shop during a trip to Thailand. This is my second time staying at their apartment in Amsterdam. John is currently traveling to Bangkok, as he doesn’t enjoy the cold winters in Amsterdam. I’m using John’s room while I stay here. Joey is a uniquely brilliant and intelligent man originally from New York, and spending time with him has been so much fun. We take a lot of walks from the apartment to the shop and around Amsterdam—sometimes on foot, sometimes by train.
During my stay, I also reconnected with Corne, another YKPA donor since the early days when we were teaching street children at Kuta Beach. Corne is also my ex-boyfriend who is now like a brother to me. He still continues to support YKPA to this day. Thank you, Corne, for taking the time to visit me in Amsterdam. Our night walk to the Red Light District brought back memories from six years ago. You also took me to 0° Ice Bar, where everything is made of ice—it was such a fun experience! I really appreciate your kindness and the thoughtful gifts you gave me during your visit.
On my last day in Amsterdam, I met with Alex, a close friend of five years. We first met at Toastmasters in Rotterdam, where we learned public speaking together. Over time, we’ve often shared knowledge, collaborated on videos, and explored IT topics. Thank you, Alex, for driving three hours in the rain just to meet me for a couple of hours and say goodbye. It was bittersweet, but I truly value our strong connection and friendship. Alex is now helping to improve YKPA’s website, which I’m incredibly grateful for.
I feel so fortunate to have such long-lasting friendships that feel like family. If any of my friends visit Amsterdam, I highly recommend stopping by Sharp Gear, John and Joey’s gift shop at 44 Rokin Street, right in front of the Amsterdam Palace. They have such unique stones and gifts from around the world—perfect for family, friends, or loved ones. Their shop stands out from the others in Amsterdam.
Thank you so much for all the wonderful memories during my trip to Amsterdam in January 2025. I love you all.
Putu Etik Artini
https://youtu.be/5EZBNEvWqeI
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