Abby Discovers the Morning

Early Morning Mist

This week I have been evicted from my room at 7:30 am by construction workers who seem to be intent on destroying any semblance of peace I may have previously taken for granted. You're probably thinking, oh wow Abby very dramatic, just wear some earplugs and go back to sleep. Well reader, I'll have you know that these guys are in my bedroom, so there's no other choice but for me vacate before the sun is even up in the morning, thanks very much. 

The whole of rowhouses which we are attached is getting updated one piece at a time over the next several months, and the first step was to install new ventilation tubes and plumbing, which evidently involves drilling holes in my walls and ceiling prior to dawn, several days in a row.  

The first morning (monday) I was roughly awoken by Joke bursting into my bedroom, standing over me and speaking a load of rushed Dutch to me. A very jarring experience I can tell you. It was 7:30 and she was telling me that the workers would be in my room in five minutes and that I needed to get all of my stuff (including little old me) out asap. After a whirlwind of grabbing clothes, getting dressed, and shoving all my school stuff in my backpack, I suddenly found myself peddling my bike down the street, unsure where I was headed.

Hozier Album Cover

As I left the house, I was more than a little put out by my predicament, but before I even reached the end of the block, my mood began to change. It was a particularly misty morning and I was listening to my (admittedly moody) peaceful playlist. I felt remarkably as if I was like stepping into a Hozier song. Biking into an emo European city at dawn with a thick autumnal fog all around? Come on. It wasn't long before I was positively grinning, suddenly very grateful to those construction guys who forced me to see a part of the morning that I usually only dream about (during). 

I spent that morning walking around, enjoying the morning, and eating pancakes in a cafe overlooking the canal. I couldn't have had a more pleasant time if I tried. 

The next day I roused myself before I could be violated by the construction crew again. Pal Claire had generously offered to go get coffee with me at that ungodly hour, but instead we spent the morning chilling on her couch, drinking tea, eating toasted cheese "sambos" and watching Harry Potter parody clips. Perhaps not as romantic as my first day, but it made my heart light nonetheless to know I have a friend who will house me early in the morning when I need it. Thanks Caire. 

Wake Up Utrecht

The third (and hopefully last) morning, this morning, I set out on my own again, aiming for a delightful cafe. After I parked my bike I looked up to see the most stunning sunrise, made perfect by the
surrounding sights of the city waking up. Although this was not how I envisioned spending my days this week, I could not be happier that I got to discover what the earlier hours of the day offer. I might have to make a habit out of this... become a morning person?Never? But see the sunrise now and then? I think I can manage that.

I'll also note that since the construction guys were at the house all day, I've been spending dawn 'till dusk elsewhere. Obviously this is the week where we don't have classes (what perfect timing), but my lovely pals have been doing an excellent job of keeping me entertained. From joining me in the various cafes I've been camped at, to inviting me for unwavering hospitality at their apartments (go check my next blog post on international eats), I've been well taken care of.