Hallo!
One of my really good friends from school is visiting! She got to Utrecht yesterday and today we are heading into Amsterdam to spend the next couple of days there as it is her first time in ze nethanethalands. Cue tour-guide Arielle.
I gave her the world's most specific directions to get to my apartment yesterday, since I was in class and couldn't be there to meet her myself, which included the following: "The elevator has graffiti on it lol but dont be freaked out, its fine" as I personally remember the first time I saw that elevator and if it weren't for Rachel who was standing in front of me, I would have been entirely sure that I was at the completely wrong place. I mean, the whole living in a building with an elevator covered in graffiti wasn't exactly part of my pretty little picture of what I imagined Utrecht to be like. Thus, I felt she deserved a fair warning. Any who, she made it in one piece. I gave her the shopping tour of Utrecht yesterday after a delicious lunch at one of my favorite, and probably one of the better places in town-- De Bakkerswinkel. We then came back to my apartment and I gave her the grand tour, during which I made sure to show her my bike and the lovely sheep that live outside. Some people wake up to birds chirping, I wake up to sheep baaing. You say to-ma-to, I say tumatoe. You catch my drift? We then went into town around 9:30ish for dinner at Bis (another goodie) and went to Cafe Belgie to finish off our night! For those beer fanatics out there, Cafe Belgie has an impressively large collection of beer-- cherry, blonde, strawberry, 12% alcohol content , you name it.
But for now, its breakfast time for us over here in the Nethanethalands... we have a full day ahead of us! Tot Ziens (Goodbye in Dutch. See I know some Dutch...) !
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
So, today is June 6. I go home June 22. EEK!!! I remember when I first got off the plane the morning I arrived in the Netherlands, beyond jet lagged and without a clue as to what I had just gotten myself into. Although, even after four months I sometimes wonder what I got myself into...
For so long I wouldn't let myself think about going home because it seemed so far away (and I was a little worried I wasn't going to make it)! Now, with only 16 days left here, I can't believe I can actually say that I am soon going home. If you are wondering if I am excited, the answer is YES!! I cannot wait to see everyone and be back home, although, I am genuinely going to miss Utrecht and the Netherlands in general as I have really come to love it here. Although, I don't know how much longer I could go without an air conditioner and my clothes are definitely on their last days without ever being put through a dryer (stiff jeans are not fun). Similarly, the fact that I will go home and get my first manicure in FIVE MONTHS is amazing to me. I can definitely add that to the list of things I have learned about myself while abroad: I can go 5 months without getting a manicure and come out okay. Some other things that I am looking forward to are chips and salsa--no, I swear I cannot find good salsa, and the whole Tostitos concept definitely got lost in translation--, sushi, iced coffees, and chopped salads. I know what you are thinking, "you can't get iced coffee?!". In response, I can but I better have 4 lactaid on me as an iced coffee in this neck of the woods means I am getting a drink that consists of ice, coffee, ice cream, and milk. No thanks. And no, believe it or not, Starbucks hasn't infiltrated Utrecht yet, unless you count the train station, so yes, ice coffee is something I am excited for.
That being said, here is my schedule for my first day back.
Fly out of the Netherlands at 11 am. 8 hours and 15 minutes later I will arrive in the US around 1 pm. Within forty minutes or so (dear God, it better not be that long) I expect to be greeted by my family and have my first Starbucks Iced Coffee of the day. Then, off to lunch-- most likely The Pizza Place (yes, that is the name) to have some good old New York Pizza and a chopped salad-- followed by a trip to the nail salon for a manicure and pedicure with ma sista. 4:30 to be exact. Dinner that night will be at Satsuki, my favorite sushi restaurant. And then, sleep. I refuse to be jet lagged but we'll see how that plan works out.
If you think I am crazy for planning my first day home 16 days before I even get there, think again. Its been planned for a whole lot longer than that. Reservations/ appointments included.
For so long I wouldn't let myself think about going home because it seemed so far away (and I was a little worried I wasn't going to make it)! Now, with only 16 days left here, I can't believe I can actually say that I am soon going home. If you are wondering if I am excited, the answer is YES!! I cannot wait to see everyone and be back home, although, I am genuinely going to miss Utrecht and the Netherlands in general as I have really come to love it here. Although, I don't know how much longer I could go without an air conditioner and my clothes are definitely on their last days without ever being put through a dryer (stiff jeans are not fun). Similarly, the fact that I will go home and get my first manicure in FIVE MONTHS is amazing to me. I can definitely add that to the list of things I have learned about myself while abroad: I can go 5 months without getting a manicure and come out okay. Some other things that I am looking forward to are chips and salsa--no, I swear I cannot find good salsa, and the whole Tostitos concept definitely got lost in translation--, sushi, iced coffees, and chopped salads. I know what you are thinking, "you can't get iced coffee?!". In response, I can but I better have 4 lactaid on me as an iced coffee in this neck of the woods means I am getting a drink that consists of ice, coffee, ice cream, and milk. No thanks. And no, believe it or not, Starbucks hasn't infiltrated Utrecht yet, unless you count the train station, so yes, ice coffee is something I am excited for.
That being said, here is my schedule for my first day back.
Fly out of the Netherlands at 11 am. 8 hours and 15 minutes later I will arrive in the US around 1 pm. Within forty minutes or so (dear God, it better not be that long) I expect to be greeted by my family and have my first Starbucks Iced Coffee of the day. Then, off to lunch-- most likely The Pizza Place (yes, that is the name) to have some good old New York Pizza and a chopped salad-- followed by a trip to the nail salon for a manicure and pedicure with ma sista. 4:30 to be exact. Dinner that night will be at Satsuki, my favorite sushi restaurant. And then, sleep. I refuse to be jet lagged but we'll see how that plan works out.
If you think I am crazy for planning my first day home 16 days before I even get there, think again. Its been planned for a whole lot longer than that. Reservations/ appointments included.
No, I didn't forget about all of you, don't cha worry!
So, for the weekend recap:
Friday: I went to the gym and then took a yoga class, only to be told by the American woman who opened the studio that I had misunderstood my contract-- I believe, "oh, right, you can't read Dutch" were the words she used--when I bought my 26 class yoga package which means that of the 14 classes I have left to use I can technically only use 9 of them at most, thanks to the fine print which reads "3 class maximum per week". Thank you google translator. Of course, not only have I been raving about this Yoga Studio but I have also been raving about all of the instructors, telling everyone who is willing to listen how nice they are and how helpful they are to a newbie like myself, never once bothered by the fact that because of me they have to teach their class in English. Of course, the American woman is the one who ruins the nice streak. And, I wonder why Americans have a bad rep in this part of the world! Ugh!
Saturday: Sunbathed in the almost-too-hot 84 degree weather outside in my "backyard" with Rachel then grudgingly went into town to pick up my bike that was in the shop. 3 euro and 50 cent later my bike was back and better than ever. The inner tube was replaced for those who were wondering and while I still prefer a car to a bike at least it is a whole lot more pleasant to ride. In fact, I am almost positive my tires were probably somewhat off from the beginning-- thanks a lot Bike King! I then got home and went for a run in the forest, sans iPod in fear of tractors and the Dutch men who ride them, to the tune of sheep and cows. Talk about becoming one with nature. Then I was off to town with one of my friends for a delicious Italian dinner at this adorable place that is always very crowded and rightfully so. It was yum!
Sunday: Woke up. Ate breakfast. Went back to bed (the usual!). Was (re)woken-up at 12:30 to a call from my friends who were about to ride into the forest for some well-needed pancakes at the pancake house. Well, how could I resist that. It was well worth the wake-up call. In fact, I think I will have to get back there again before I return to the USA. Good excuse right? Post doing my laundry I decided a run wouldn't hurt me, especially after eating the pancakes (see below). Although, this time I ran just a little bit faster than usual when I passed the pancake house that I had eaten at earlier that day. Nothing is a better motivator than the sweet aroma of the high-calorie food you just ate a couple hours earlier.
So, for the weekend recap:
Friday: I went to the gym and then took a yoga class, only to be told by the American woman who opened the studio that I had misunderstood my contract-- I believe, "oh, right, you can't read Dutch" were the words she used--when I bought my 26 class yoga package which means that of the 14 classes I have left to use I can technically only use 9 of them at most, thanks to the fine print which reads "3 class maximum per week". Thank you google translator. Of course, not only have I been raving about this Yoga Studio but I have also been raving about all of the instructors, telling everyone who is willing to listen how nice they are and how helpful they are to a newbie like myself, never once bothered by the fact that because of me they have to teach their class in English. Of course, the American woman is the one who ruins the nice streak. And, I wonder why Americans have a bad rep in this part of the world! Ugh!
Saturday: Sunbathed in the almost-too-hot 84 degree weather outside in my "backyard" with Rachel then grudgingly went into town to pick up my bike that was in the shop. 3 euro and 50 cent later my bike was back and better than ever. The inner tube was replaced for those who were wondering and while I still prefer a car to a bike at least it is a whole lot more pleasant to ride. In fact, I am almost positive my tires were probably somewhat off from the beginning-- thanks a lot Bike King! I then got home and went for a run in the forest, sans iPod in fear of tractors and the Dutch men who ride them, to the tune of sheep and cows. Talk about becoming one with nature. Then I was off to town with one of my friends for a delicious Italian dinner at this adorable place that is always very crowded and rightfully so. It was yum!
Sunday: Woke up. Ate breakfast. Went back to bed (the usual!). Was (re)woken-up at 12:30 to a call from my friends who were about to ride into the forest for some well-needed pancakes at the pancake house. Well, how could I resist that. It was well worth the wake-up call. In fact, I think I will have to get back there again before I return to the USA. Good excuse right? Post doing my laundry I decided a run wouldn't hurt me, especially after eating the pancakes (see below). Although, this time I ran just a little bit faster than usual when I passed the pancake house that I had eaten at earlier that day. Nothing is a better motivator than the sweet aroma of the high-calorie food you just ate a couple hours earlier.
 |
| Zucchini, Tomato, CHEESE, and some pesto. Oh, on top of a pancake. mmmm healthy! |
 |
| And for dessert, slivered almonds, strawberries, powered sugar, and some whip cream on the side. YES, I SHARED THESE!!!!!! but still... |
Friday, June 3, 2011
For those of you who are concerned about my bike, let me update you:
It is going to make it!! Woohooooooo. I know, talk about a moment of uncertainty. I brought it into the bike shop today and am picking it up tomorrow between 3 and 5 pm. The diagnosis: most likely a hole in the tire. Although, worst case scenario is that the guys need to put a new inner tube in... as if I know what that means.
Regardless, my bike and I will be reunited tomorrow. Fewf. Because we all know I would just be so devastated without it.
It is going to make it!! Woohooooooo. I know, talk about a moment of uncertainty. I brought it into the bike shop today and am picking it up tomorrow between 3 and 5 pm. The diagnosis: most likely a hole in the tire. Although, worst case scenario is that the guys need to put a new inner tube in... as if I know what that means.
Regardless, my bike and I will be reunited tomorrow. Fewf. Because we all know I would just be so devastated without it.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
About a month or so ago, I was entirely convinced that I was going to send my bike home. No, I do not know why I thought this made sense or why I thought it was a good idea, although, I do know that I thought it would be a nice "keepsake", as I put it to one of my friends when I first pondered the idea. "Yeah, a keepsake that will cost more than you paid for the bike to get to New York", was more or less the response I got. Touche. But true.
Flash-forward to today and I have reached the conclusion that there is no way in hell I am sending this bike overseas. First off, it is seriously in its last stages of life--It was already used when I bought it--and if I were to bring it home, I wouldn't make it past my driveway. Secondly, it is constantly losing air. Today, for example, I biked into town, knowing my bike was on its last "breath" (ha ha ha), only to learn that all the bike shops were closed thanks to the 900th Dutch Holiday this month. Thus, my bike is currently in town, without air in the tires... how convenient...
...Which brings me to my point: Nothing about living a 20 minute bike ride from town is convenient. In fact, I think I have entirely eliminated that word from my vocabulary since arriving in Utrecht-- except, of course, for times like this one, where I rant and rave about how inconvenient most things are here.
If you didn't get the hint by now, I cannot wait until I get to drive my car again. T-minus twenty days. Thank the lord.
Flash-forward to today and I have reached the conclusion that there is no way in hell I am sending this bike overseas. First off, it is seriously in its last stages of life--It was already used when I bought it--and if I were to bring it home, I wouldn't make it past my driveway. Secondly, it is constantly losing air. Today, for example, I biked into town, knowing my bike was on its last "breath" (ha ha ha), only to learn that all the bike shops were closed thanks to the 900th Dutch Holiday this month. Thus, my bike is currently in town, without air in the tires... how convenient...
...Which brings me to my point: Nothing about living a 20 minute bike ride from town is convenient. In fact, I think I have entirely eliminated that word from my vocabulary since arriving in Utrecht-- except, of course, for times like this one, where I rant and rave about how inconvenient most things are here.
If you didn't get the hint by now, I cannot wait until I get to drive my car again. T-minus twenty days. Thank the lord.
The Topkapi Palace is where the Sultans and the harems lived during the Ottoman Empire. It is truly a breathtaking place, one that could easily fill an entire morning of your time, as the number of rooms to go into appear to be endless. Unfortunately, while the Turks have done their best to restore the palace and keep it as in tact as possible, the amazing gardens that once complimented the regal palace no longer exist. Although, I can't imagine keeping up the gardens in today's market that Sultans once had during the Ottoman Empire would be a budget-friendly task. Instead, sans gardens, I took a liking to the fascinating and impressive tiling that is literally in every single room. You know how you might pick out really special tile lets say for your kitchen, well, the Sultan's didn't just stop there. IT IS EVERYWHERE!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
I have nothing to do today (what else is new?) so I decided the least I could do was start my day off right and get a load of laundry done. Well, an hour or so later I decided to check on my laundry only to find that I had never actually pressed start. Unfortunately for me this isn't the first time this happened ...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Up and ready to go to Istanbul. I have decided that it is in fact a very good thing that I had to wake up at 7:40 in the morning today in order to catch the 8:28 bus to catch the 8:58 train to get to the airport... confusing, I know. It is a good thing, however, because if I didn't force myself to wakeup at a normal time when most normal people wake up in the world on a daily basis, I would seriously start to question my ability to do so. Questioning my ability to wake up at 11 am, however, not so much.
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