Black Expat Life

Well I’ve lived in Amsterdam for a little over two years now and it’s been an interesting experience.
The Dutch speak English and are very good at helping you out. I do love that once they find out you’re an Expatriate (“Expat”) they start with the  “Questions” like Mos Def’s song.
Here’s a sample list of questions:

What brought you here work?
Do you have a wife or partner?
Does your partner/wife work?
Kids?
Do you speak Dutch?
How often will you go back to states?
How long are you staying?

I’m also asked if I’m Latino, Surinamese , Moroccan or Turkish. Also where are my parents from and why did they move to the states.

Yes there is racial profiling and yes you get the mean mug when you say I live here while pronouncing your neighborhood correctly.

I haven’t had any racial incidents like I’ve had in States but you can feel the uneasiness in some places.


Overall a very positive experience moving abroad for The Most Interesting Nerd From South Shore.

A Few Things Amsterdam

So let's get a few things out there about living in Amsterdam.

Weed is illegal but is tolerated when smoked in coffee shops. The coffee shops are allowed to keep a certain amount there and growing it can get you in trouble. 

Prostitution is legal and the Red Light District is a popular tourist destination with tours and a visitors center.

Apartment hunting was an experience I will never forget. The places are smaller than in the US and rents are about the same. The buildings are older and some are even on a slant because are the houses are built on a typical foundation of wooden poles. The steps are very steep in some places and were a real trek when looking at third floor places. We looked at a place in the Red Light District which was located across from a coffee shop that was on a slant a trifecta of negatives. 

The canals are beautiful with some having houseboats which people live on. There are 165 canals in the city of Amsterdam. They are very nice to go to and hang out on a nice day with some having flower shops and restaurants on the bridge. 

There are more bikes than people in the city which is an amazing site to see. I have not purchased a bike but I will and I am sure there will be a blog about that. 

I am an Expatriate which means a person who is temporally or permanently residing in a country outside of their native country. Expats are a plenty here so it is uncommon to meet people from anywhere in the world. Amsterdam is known as a place that is friendly for people to move to and so far I would agree. 

Well the food scene here is exploding there are all types of cuisines since there are so many different expats here. The next blog will be about the different foods and some of my favorites so far. 

Tot Zeins!!  (See you in Dutch) 

Life in Amsterdam

                 

Well it’s been seven months since I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. I accepted a job offer in Amsterdam. I now live on the southside of Amsterdam how fitting after living on the south side of Chicago for all my life.

They say “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” they ain’t lying about that.

Amsterdam is a cool ass city lots of history and mix of cultures. The Dutch have their ways and you adapt. The service in restaurants is different, saying excuse me is rare, bike riding is mandatory, stampot is a dish, markets are a plenty, and English is spoken by most. The flats are smaller and food delivery is amazing. I watch football (soccer) and rugby at the borrrel or brown bar with my neighbors. Go Ajax!!

I’m going to write more about this experience and my travels through Europe.

So enjoy the ride!!

Moving On

As reflection occurs during an unknown time in life 

The question for me was I living life through myself or through another  

Was I smelling the flowers of my life or was I admiring the flowers blooming in the garden of others  

I began to gather the essentials to grow my garden of enjoyment  

The planting of seeds was step one 

It was truly time to begin the process of growing my own garden of life  

Step two get sun for photosynthesis to feed my life plants  

A Chance Ending

I saw her by chance on the fifth day of the week  

I was cautious in my approach 
Her look of surprise was warming  

An exchange of pleasantries ensued  

I asked how did your summer go  

I went out lived and loved through my own eyes she said  

I didn't live through social media, inside an apartment, or through someone else  

I immersed myself in my own life  

She kissed my cheek and whispered  

Time for you to do the same  

Summer Blues

     

As the summer drew to a close
I wondered if I'd see her again
This was more than missing her touch, voice or just the smell of her hair
I couldn't describe what it was I tried to put my finger on it
My mind was in an unfamiliar place
She was becoming more of a distant memory
It seemed like the sunset of our experience was starting
I wiped away the tears to enjoy the beauty of our sunset

Bar Moments

As I took a seat in a place to get away  

I ordered the usual spirit for my mind 

I sipped and felt a tap on the shoulder 

As I turned I already felt who it was 

She smiled and we exchanged pleasantries  

After a workout of mindful conversation  

Another round of spirits followed  

Conversation put me in a zone 

As I yearned for more she kissed my forehead  

Her lovely curves moved toward the door  

She turned around and smiled  

I knew that meant to keep going on my path 

I am getting closer to where I need to be

Return to Paradise

             

As I gathered myself mentally 

I strolled on the path meant for me  

A true spiritual awakening was happening  

Our physical paths crossed for the first time in a long time  

She said you feel better now 

I know you weren't yourself lately  

We laughed she because she knew without even speaking to me  

She said you never explained paradise  

I answered paradise was not seeing you physically but connecting mentally  

She closed her eyes and said yes that's the place I've been in lately 

She said you taught me to Trust my dopeness which helped me fly to new heights  

We hugged it was spiritual recharge for us both  

As she walked away she said welcome back to paradise I knew you'd be back

Thailand Baptism

I thought it was going to be all about sun and fun in the land of Thai
Once I touched down there was a spirit abound
I couldn't put my finger on it nor wrap my head around it
As we parlayed through the streets of Bangkok I didn't get it
The dope night markets of Chiang Mai brought me closer to it
Phuket was the launch towards the purpose of the mission
The boat to the Phi Phi Islands brought about a feeling of mystery
The ride brought a mysterious peace and calm to me
As we strolled through the sand and the sights around started to sink in
I was still in the dark on what was about to happen
The boat stopped and as others dove in I was hesitant
I just wanted to watch and chill
Then suddenly a spirit hit telling me it was time
I dove in with no life jacket nor a care in the world
As my head came above water it became clear
I was letting go of the luggage I brought from the past
The rain started to come down it was like a spiritual cleansing
I got baptized and let go of the past  in the Andaman Sea

Exploration

Our embraces were treading the waters in the ocean of pleasure 

As we slowly explore each other descending further into  warm 

pleasurable water 

I feel her kisses deeper in my mind

Her lips on my neck ignite my desire for a deep dive 

As I explore her ocean further I see her reflection a look of pure ecstasy 

Why I Dance

                     

One finger pointed toward the sky after navigating the obstacle course of life
Missing you heavy on my mind as each day goes by
The peanut gallery thought I would lose my direction after your exit
Little did they know you gave me the plan to get through whatever
The plan is something most will never understand
So as the song plays this dance is for YOU!!!

Last Plane To Paradise Pt.2

She walked out on the balcony with a curious look on her face
As she came closer she said your energy is different I can't describe it
I really didn't know how to explain the vibe
There was nothing wrong just my outlook was fresh and new
I know longer wanted the normal I was focused on the unknown
See the same ole same ole and being on the same course was boring to me
I wanted to see new places and find new adventures on a different course
So I bought two one way tickets on the Last Plane to Paradise

A Trip to Paradise Part 1

As she awoke from her sleep with a fitted sheet wrapped around her curves

She came out to the balcony and asked what are you thinking about 

I glanced at each curve boldly outlined by the moonlight 

With a sly smile I said let's take the last plane to Paradise 

She said I need to pack and plan 

I explained there was no time Paradise awaits

Feeling Good!!!

Do we ever truly let ourselves go 
Let our true self run free 
When we feel we're at our peak 
Would you snap a pic when you're feeling good 
When that outfit feels just right is it time for you to step out for the world to see 
Will you show the world it's your time to shine 
Do you let them know it's your world with that extra pep in your step 
When they same damn you look good do you give them face with a yes I know 
Don't be afraid to let yourself out for everyone to see

Prince

His name is Prince and he is funky no one else could do it like Prince Nelson Rodgers. There will be many tributes, dedications, mixes, stories and memories shared about the Purple Party man. Here are a few words about what he meant to me.

I really discovered Prince right around the time I start liking girls his songs always ended up on a mix tape recorded off the radio. The Controversy album was the start listening to Do Me Baby trying to record for a tape without getting caught by my mother is something I will never forget.
I remember hearing all the talk  about Lady Cab Driver from the1999 album I was clueless in Chicago about how wild that song was.

Purple Rain dropped as I entered high school what a album to welcome me into one of the most awkward times of my life. Prince got me through with "Lets Go Crazy" and "When Doves Cry".

Prince provided the soundtrack for the lives of my generation whether you thought he was the weird dude who dressed funny or you were a devoted fan rocking the curl with a long earring.

Prince you showed us all how to be yourself ignore what people say. Prince did everything his way which is a lesson I'll never forget.

Prince Thanks for the music, life lessons, and the music that shaped our lives!!

Untitled

Our conversations took place through a variety of ways 

The sadness her eyes spoke were wiped away by a gentle stroke of her face

The anxiety building inside her was brought to a calm by placing my hand on her shoulder

When her body screamed of fear an embrace with a soft kiss let her know everything was alright        

Her school girl grin brought out my school boy smile reflecting her enjoyment of the moment

Our eyes told jokes that brought laughter to our souls

The deeply intense moments were discussed with our heads touching 

Our minds discussed the issues while our hands held together our energy 

When I needed inspiration I listened for her heartbeat 

A forehead kiss good ignited the passion for our next conversation 

"Lounge Poetry"-The Preview

I've toyed with the idea of writing a book of poetry titled "Lounge Poetry" which will consist of a collection of poetry that I have written about experiences  in my life.

Please check out the preview below:


The music playing fed my soul
She whispered in my ear
I want to be a distraction that's more than an attraction

She said softly your words fill places I thought were empty
Those words awakened feelings I thought were lost
She said the roses of life smelled fresher after our  talks
We can talk without speaking the conversations were endless

As the vibe between us harmonized
She asked is this what loves feels like?
I said Love to me is how you life your live
If you live with love it will shine through in everything you do!!

Questions on My Race

Are you Puerto Rican?

You look Asian with those small eyes

You sure you ain't Dominican 

I thought you were mixed 

One time I was asked were both your parents Black 

A few of the things I've heard from one side 

Now to be fair a few words from the flip side 

An Uncle Tom I've been called

You think you're white going to that Lab school 

Tennis is for white folks 

You probably don't like Hip-Hop 

Being Black is a full time job for me 

While you critique and call me names 

I smile and realize neither side will ever stop 

I won't apologize for the skin I'm in nor the choices I've made

I say it very loud I'm 100 to 102 percent Black and extremely proud!!!!

My HBCU Mission

I first met her in New Orleans a vision of beauty with brains to match

I ran wild not understanding her purpose in my life

I studied all the wrong subjects all-nighters were my favorite

The Barn was my spot instead of the classroom

I regrouped and focused in the city of wind

My next destination was Chocolate City

My consciousness was awakened liberation was my mission

My assignment was a degree from the Black Harvard

I was focused and then I discovered the Yard

I was cramped between Blackburn and Douglass

I studied the legacy that was there before me

Sutton and Eaton engulfed me with all night spades and conversation

Thursday's were a Trio of half price pizza with full price memories

I went  Wong messing with Tommy on more than a few nights

I was mesmerized by the the Fine Arts on Fridays with a 40 in my bag

Meridian was an Ebony palace I couldn't resist

Park Square was a hidden treasure for educated Soul Sisters

9th and T brought escapades that would live in Infamy

A momentous ride where  I met Nik who was a bit of a Freak 

I sipped too much on the amenities offered ignoring my original plan 
HU I Thank You I don't know where I'd be without you!!

She Was Anti-Social

She was anti-social didn't like when people came @ her

You couldn't book her face nor follow her on the gram of Insta

She spoke more than 140 characters 

Her chats were longer than a snap She didn't need to hash out her thoughts or tag who she was with 

She took pictures to document her journey and posted them to her mind 

Her friends list was her passport, suitcase, camera, and adventure

She requests her friends face to face