I absolutely loved this article! I happened to stumble upon it while searching for information on moving to Amsterdam. Your writing style is amazing. Surprisingly my major concern with living in Amsterdam is the other Americans. I am an American, but I know how we must act over there in the land where weed is legal. Do they discriminate against us because of the frat boy behavior of the tourists?

If I could find a simple low paying job and a small apartment to live in I feel like I would be in heaven. I am growing tired of America and I feel this intense urge to just get out! I feel like things are about to get bad in this country over the next four to five years.

Ironically enough, my other idea is to join the US Navy. It's at least a way to get out and see other cultures. I have enlisted and have taken the path of a submariner. That will guaranty my chance of seeing other cultures and getting away.

I am enlisting with asthma and poor physical shape as I am very lanky and lack muscle mass. There are endless reasons why the Navy will get rid of me before I can get through boot camp. That's where my goal of getting out of the county will take effect. It's a fork in the road and only time will decide my direction.