By Erica Watts
“Sit wherever you want,” I hear.
I laugh it off.
I left the country for the first time at nineteen. Growing up, it felt as though I was surrounded by world class travelers. I heard about trips to London, Paris, Iceland, Japan, and Mexico. All I could do was imagine.
Being in Amsterdam was everything like I had imagined it to be. I heard rumors and stereotypes about the free spirit of Europe. How they smoke anywhere, how they love to love, how they follow their own rules. I admire this way of life. The people of Amsterdam. The biggest crime that Amsterdam has to worry about is bike theft. This is the life I want to live. “Sit wherever you want,” I hear.
I laugh it off.
The bartender mutters, “I can tell you’re an American.”
My heart aches as I find my own table.
Erica Watts (she/her) ‘27 is a television, radio and film major and marketing minor from Haddonfield, New Jersey. She is involved on campus in Groovestand A Cappella, First Year Players, and Live From Studio B. Erica enjoys comedy, nature, and going on side quests with her friends.
