Dana Colomina
this is who is writing to you
welcome
My name is Dana Colomina.
Over the many upcoming years (I hope) I will be posting my random assortment of essays, opinion pieces, reviews on any number of topics, and stories. While I hope to be consistent, I cannot promise any specific cadence (this is supposed to be fun). I have months where I want to write everything down and other months where I edit nothing I’ve written. Time will tell and I’m happy you’re here!!
About me. I am 27 years old and I grew up in Colorado. I went to the University of Colorado Boulder, where I studied Accounting and Finance and graduated in 2019. Once I graduated college, I moved to NYC to try something new and it did, in fact, have the most fun ever. I have worked in consulting the past six years, but over the years I’ve known I need something new.
Writing is a consistent past-time for me and I always wondered what would happen if I put a greater emphasis on practicing my writing. Although this thought lingered for several years, I instead focused on random, fun quests; moving to Amsterdam being the most major. I moved in 2023 and that soon solidified as the best decision I ever made. I continue to work in Consulting in Amsterdam, but after what could perhaps constitute a quarter-life crisis, I applied to Master’s programs. I got into the University of Glasgow (!!!) and I’ll be starting my coursework in the September 2025.
I am so excited to be starting school and opening new doors to a potentially completely different career path. It feels so significant and redeeming to take this step since this idea of buying into a lackluster career and life has consistently gnawed at my brain over the years. I’ve applied to many, many jobs and programs and nothing worked. I can’t wait to move forward and see what happens. And equally important – I can’t wait to post my writing here. Xoxo.
blog posts
My prompt response 03.08.25: Here are 30 things that make me happy – no explanation and not necessarily all obvious either. The ocean, text conversations where both parties are firing off at once, comedy shows, drinking coffee first thing in the morning, walks, seeing my dogs at my family house for the first time in months, sitting on the couch with my sister, being entirely engrossed in a book, when a friend gets a new job, getting smarter, dinner parties, lighting long stem candles (especially in winter), a matching workout set, furry blankets, a clean kitchen, the feeling right after a workout class, waking up on Saturday or Sunday without a hangover, savory food, going on a really good date, birthdays, getting people thoughtful presents, receiving written cards, profound conversations, a fresh haircut, when you feel funny in a conversation, making new friends, cozy trips in a cabin in the mountains, speaking Spanish, going to the movie theater, breakfast.
food in Amsterdam
Above are photos from some of the many restaurants I love in Amsterdam. From left to right: Cafe Cenc, Ceppi’s, Cafe Cenc (doubled down), Arles, Buffet van Odette, Ferry.
These are all very cute and fun in different ways. Cafe Cenc I love because there are many unique, small dishes to share in a cozy, rustic environment, although worth noting that most seating is inside. Ceppi’s is a solid go-to for a young crowd, cool vibe, with good Italian food. The service is not great – maybe not even good – but we somehow keep coming back. I think it also turns more cocktail bar-y as the night goes on. Arles is a special occasion restaurant, imo. The food is of higher quality; not pictured here is a beautiful presentation of a scallop in a massive seashell. The vibe is cool and dimly lit, yet fancy. I absolutely love the outdoor setup of Buffet van Odette. The menu is also small and everything we tried was good. This being said, I would go every day for the drinks and the canal-side outdoor seating. Ferry is a restaurant in a ferry. I found it to be so good, and it is definitely livelier than the other places. Next time I will stay for drinks post dinner.
Dana Colomina 