Well, I am back on a short visit in the US for the Christmas holiday week. Its been very busy with all the preparations for the wedding...I hope I can get something accomplished...mostly finding a dress is the of the upmost importance. After spending most of my day shopping last minute, tomorrow I can sit and rest (I hope)...enjoy the tree, enjoy being back in WI, enjoy the day. I hope to get over this cold, and I hope to catch up with some friends on the phone. It might be the last xmas in this house for us all, which is quite sad...as my parents might move before next xmas. i've been too busy to dwell on this.
Merry Christmas to you all, and here is a pic M took of Bram last week in front of our tree in Utrecht. He wishes you a wonderful holiday too!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
sunset in rotterdam
this past saturday afternoon we went to rotterdam to see where 2 of M's friends are living...and where they will be moving to in a year or so...they are planning on buying a house in an 'up and coming' neighborhood. the entire house needs to be refurbished and re-done. but currently they are living in an anti-squat place in the city of schiedam. its in a deserted office building in the middle of a industrial area- where who knows what kind of shady things go down. they have a whole floor of this place to themselves, its huge. but its also freezing cold- there's no heat or hot water. so the rent is cheap- i prefer a real house with necessities than cheap living in a shady area. but we went to the top of this building, maybe 10 stories high, it was a nice view.
then we biked from there several km to the city of rotterdam and around some neighborhoods. the city reminds me of baltimore a bit- a city based on its harbor. rotterdam has all these "new" huge office buildings, because everything was bombed in the war and needed to be rebuilt. its the most 'american' city in the netherlands, as far as architecture and a central downtown business district goes.
we had to bike thu a tunnel that went under the harbor. we also biked by this 'parking lot' area for boats, one permanent boat had a playground on it even. beautiful sunset.
then we biked from there several km to the city of rotterdam and around some neighborhoods. the city reminds me of baltimore a bit- a city based on its harbor. rotterdam has all these "new" huge office buildings, because everything was bombed in the war and needed to be rebuilt. its the most 'american' city in the netherlands, as far as architecture and a central downtown business district goes.
we had to bike thu a tunnel that went under the harbor. we also biked by this 'parking lot' area for boats, one permanent boat had a playground on it even. beautiful sunset.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Christmas markets in Cologne
This past Sunday, M and I went to Cologne, Germany, on the train, for the Christmas markets! It just happened to be my birthday as well on Sunday. We went because it was the only free day we had, not necessarily because it was my birthday. We went there 4 years ago in 2003, and it is such a nice atmosphere, we wanted to go again (or he was nice and suggested we go). So, a 2 hour train ride, and there we are in the center of Cologne. There are I think 7 Christmas markets around the city. We walked all afternoon, and got to 5 of them I think (the other 2 you have to pay for!). The weather cooperated and it was nice, but of course, a bit cold. Since it was Sunday, none of the stores were open! That was a bummer, I wanted to buy some shoes!
The city was packed full of thousands of people, and it was just inching along as you were in the markets. I didn't look much at the stuff, since some of it is kitchy. But of course I spent more time with the food! We knew where to go for potato pancakes-- and we bought those first! Yum! And later I had a big bratwurst (not the american/sheboygan kind) which was like a foot long! We also made time for some cake/apfelstrudel and hot chocolate. yum! But I was so full that for dinner I did not want any more meat or anything heavy. Funny enough, we went this place called "Chicago Steakhouse" and they had a salad bar, not up to normal US standards, but they had one. So i had a big salad and some soup and I was good. Oh yeah, and we also went to Starbucks, since there isn't Starbucks in the Netherlands (although, they just opened one in the terminal at the airport...but you have to be a passenger to buy it. Not that I think Starbucks is the best, but its nice to have flavored coffee instead of this dutch koffie). A grande -small- was really too much for me to drink. I'm used to smaller portions now.
The day didn't end so well though. At 840pm our train was leaving. So we got to the track a bit before 830. There was a big steam engine on the track, pulling the train, it must have been some special tour thing. But as it was pulling out, all the steam went up into the air but got trapped by the glass ceiling. It must have condensed very quickly, as I felt these big drops falling down on me, it was dirty steam water or oil, I don't know, but it fell on ME ONLY for some reason, and on my head, glasses and worst of all, on my pink wool jacket. So we went to the customer service as fast as we could and luckily were able to see someone in the 10 minutes we had left....just to ask for a number for the DB (Deutsche Bahn- train company) where we could file a complaint, and hopefully get them to pay for the cleaning or the jacket. It could be ruined if its oil. Even dirt is not easy to get out on a pink jacket. Oh well, I can't control anything. But we made our train and back home by 1130pm. And of course, it was raining here when we got back.
Next Christmas, I may try another Christmas market in Belgium or in London, even though its the German food that draws me back to Cologne!
The city was packed full of thousands of people, and it was just inching along as you were in the markets. I didn't look much at the stuff, since some of it is kitchy. But of course I spent more time with the food! We knew where to go for potato pancakes-- and we bought those first! Yum! And later I had a big bratwurst (not the american/sheboygan kind) which was like a foot long! We also made time for some cake/apfelstrudel and hot chocolate. yum! But I was so full that for dinner I did not want any more meat or anything heavy. Funny enough, we went this place called "Chicago Steakhouse" and they had a salad bar, not up to normal US standards, but they had one. So i had a big salad and some soup and I was good. Oh yeah, and we also went to Starbucks, since there isn't Starbucks in the Netherlands (although, they just opened one in the terminal at the airport...but you have to be a passenger to buy it. Not that I think Starbucks is the best, but its nice to have flavored coffee instead of this dutch koffie). A grande -small- was really too much for me to drink. I'm used to smaller portions now.
The day didn't end so well though. At 840pm our train was leaving. So we got to the track a bit before 830. There was a big steam engine on the track, pulling the train, it must have been some special tour thing. But as it was pulling out, all the steam went up into the air but got trapped by the glass ceiling. It must have condensed very quickly, as I felt these big drops falling down on me, it was dirty steam water or oil, I don't know, but it fell on ME ONLY for some reason, and on my head, glasses and worst of all, on my pink wool jacket. So we went to the customer service as fast as we could and luckily were able to see someone in the 10 minutes we had left....just to ask for a number for the DB (Deutsche Bahn- train company) where we could file a complaint, and hopefully get them to pay for the cleaning or the jacket. It could be ruined if its oil. Even dirt is not easy to get out on a pink jacket. Oh well, I can't control anything. But we made our train and back home by 1130pm. And of course, it was raining here when we got back.
Next Christmas, I may try another Christmas market in Belgium or in London, even though its the German food that draws me back to Cologne!
Friday, December 7, 2007
i'm a zwarte piet!
From American holidays to Dutch holidays we go….Dec 5th is the night that Sint leaves presents outside the front door for all the little Dutch kiddies. It is the night of the 5th that he sails back to Spain with his helpers, the zwarte pieten. Since Wednesday night I was at my dutch class, we just planned on having a short lesson, then we all brought some food to share with the class, and if possible, the food could be something from your home country. I made a pumpkin pie, or in dutch : pompoen taart. They don’t really ‘do’ pies in the Netherlands. The whole idea of a pie crust is not exactly the same as our pie crusts. They have vlaai , which is more like our pastry tarts or something. If they have a crust (like in apple pie), its usually much thicker and bread-ier, not just a thin crust like we have.
Anways, the pie was enjoyed, even though it was a bit burnt, and the top part was wrinkled (perhaps too many eggs?? I don’t know!). They still were adventurous and tried it.
But at 8, unannounced to us, Sint was coming to the school where we were at. We all went to the break area, and he drove in on a blue Honda motorcycle! That was interesting for sure. Guess he couldn’t find his white horse. But then he immediately choose two people as he needed some helpers, some piets. He choose a black guy and then he pointed at me and I thought he said I was to help him get dressed…but he really meant I was the other piet! My first time being a piet. I had to put the clothes on over my jeans and sweater…and had an afro wig and a hat with a feather. The other guy said to me in Dutch ‘I am a REAL black piet!’ How funny! And if this isn’t integration, I don’t know what is.
Sint read some stories, sang a few songs, and then 30 min later he had to go back to Spain. I wish I could have really gone with him. Its warmer there, and rains less. Plus, I could use a vacation!
Anways, the pie was enjoyed, even though it was a bit burnt, and the top part was wrinkled (perhaps too many eggs?? I don’t know!). They still were adventurous and tried it.
But at 8, unannounced to us, Sint was coming to the school where we were at. We all went to the break area, and he drove in on a blue Honda motorcycle! That was interesting for sure. Guess he couldn’t find his white horse. But then he immediately choose two people as he needed some helpers, some piets. He choose a black guy and then he pointed at me and I thought he said I was to help him get dressed…but he really meant I was the other piet! My first time being a piet. I had to put the clothes on over my jeans and sweater…and had an afro wig and a hat with a feather. The other guy said to me in Dutch ‘I am a REAL black piet!’ How funny! And if this isn’t integration, I don’t know what is.
Sint read some stories, sang a few songs, and then 30 min later he had to go back to Spain. I wish I could have really gone with him. Its warmer there, and rains less. Plus, I could use a vacation!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Things to be thankful for
This past Thursday was Thanksgiving in the USA. Originally, this holiday was celebrated to give thanks for the fall harvest, dating back to the 1600's and the times of the Pilgrims in America. Now days, it is a day when people gather with their families and eat a large meal, usually with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, green beans, cranberries, squash, and pumpkin pie. Then the afternoon is spent trying to digest all this food...traditionally watching (American) football on tv. Ahh...the memories.
I enjoy this holiday, but this was not the first time I have not been with my family on this day. This was the 3rd time I was not home in my 26 years. But for some reason, I was particularly nostalgic and sad that I was not home, at least in US where the general feeling of a holiday gets everyone all excited. I think the holiday, in combination with my problems with work, and for the first time I missed home...I was really sad.
But when I got home at 630, I was expecting lasagna for dinner, as we had previously discussed. But, M apparently left work early at 2 to come home and make a Thanksgiving meal for me to make me feel better. That was so sweet of him! Of course I immediately started crying. He made an excellent dinner, with pumpkin soup with feta, butternut squash, potato casserole, and a piece of turkey for me. Also some pumpkin pie afterwards! Bonus points for him!! ;-) It was really very sweet of him, and it helped my feelings of sadness disappear. I am very thankful for such a wonderful man in my life.
I enjoy this holiday, but this was not the first time I have not been with my family on this day. This was the 3rd time I was not home in my 26 years. But for some reason, I was particularly nostalgic and sad that I was not home, at least in US where the general feeling of a holiday gets everyone all excited. I think the holiday, in combination with my problems with work, and for the first time I missed home...I was really sad.
But when I got home at 630, I was expecting lasagna for dinner, as we had previously discussed. But, M apparently left work early at 2 to come home and make a Thanksgiving meal for me to make me feel better. That was so sweet of him! Of course I immediately started crying. He made an excellent dinner, with pumpkin soup with feta, butternut squash, potato casserole, and a piece of turkey for me. Also some pumpkin pie afterwards! Bonus points for him!! ;-) It was really very sweet of him, and it helped my feelings of sadness disappear. I am very thankful for such a wonderful man in my life.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Its that time of year again...
...Where all the discussions open up again about 'zwarte piet' (black pete) and racism. Its a tradition in Holland, that Sinterklaas comes around the middle of November. He arrives on a boat 'from Spain' with all his helpers, who are named 'zwarte piets'. Now, in reality, these are a bunch of white dutchies dressing up in sort of festival carnival outfits, with poofy pants, painted black faces, painted red lips, and gold hoop earrings. They have hats with feathers on them. Oh yeah, and big black afro wigs. They lead Sinterklaas (who dresses like a bishop) around on a white horse. Its a Dutch tradition, and the children love it.
But, every year, the Saturday around Nov 15th he arrives on a boat, and in Utrecht this takes place on the Oude Gracht. Sinterklaas is basically St. Nicholas...but delivers presents as Santa Claus does in the US. In the US, Santa has elves, here, Sint has zwarte pieten. So, Sinterklaas arrives, and the zwarte pieten deliver presents to children and help Sint out. If children are naughty, he and his black petes take them back to Spain with them. Now, I don't see this as too shabby of a deal. Maybe I should be a naughty kid--take me away to Spain!
But why are there white people painting their faces black year after year, in the name of tradition? Where's the political correctness? Year after year, this tradition stays the same. I doubt it will ever change, knowing how things work here in Dutch society. Originally, the theory is that the zwarte piet represented the devil. Other things that are more mainstream and given as sort of an excuse as to why they do this, is that the Piets are Sint's Moorish friends from North Africa. Other people give the reason that they are black because they went down the chimney to deliver presents. I don't buy this because most dutch homes do not have chimneys and fireplaces. And what's the reason for the large red lips and afro wigs? In any case, its open for debate every year, and in typical dutch fashion, all this discussing things never leads to much of anything. The polder model, their own form of consensus decision making. Discussion leads to ...more discussion. Perhaps Americans are a bit too overly concerned about everything being politically correct, which can bring problems of its own in trying to get through anything without offending someone else....but this form of Dutch un-PCness is almost a little beyond belief for me, every year.
But I thought that this was something very typically dutch that needed to be mentioned on this blog. Last Saturday I went to go see his arrival again, but after 15 minutes, I lost interest. I only got a glimpse of Sint, but later in the day I did see a lone zwarte piet walking the white horse home.
And the best thing about this time of year: the cookies! Chocolate covered ginger cookies are so delish, I could eat them the whole day long. There are other traditional cookies and sweets, but these are my favorite by far.
If you want to read more about this sinterklaas tradition, here is a starting place.
But, every year, the Saturday around Nov 15th he arrives on a boat, and in Utrecht this takes place on the Oude Gracht. Sinterklaas is basically St. Nicholas...but delivers presents as Santa Claus does in the US. In the US, Santa has elves, here, Sint has zwarte pieten. So, Sinterklaas arrives, and the zwarte pieten deliver presents to children and help Sint out. If children are naughty, he and his black petes take them back to Spain with them. Now, I don't see this as too shabby of a deal. Maybe I should be a naughty kid--take me away to Spain!
But why are there white people painting their faces black year after year, in the name of tradition? Where's the political correctness? Year after year, this tradition stays the same. I doubt it will ever change, knowing how things work here in Dutch society. Originally, the theory is that the zwarte piet represented the devil. Other things that are more mainstream and given as sort of an excuse as to why they do this, is that the Piets are Sint's Moorish friends from North Africa. Other people give the reason that they are black because they went down the chimney to deliver presents. I don't buy this because most dutch homes do not have chimneys and fireplaces. And what's the reason for the large red lips and afro wigs? In any case, its open for debate every year, and in typical dutch fashion, all this discussing things never leads to much of anything. The polder model, their own form of consensus decision making. Discussion leads to ...more discussion. Perhaps Americans are a bit too overly concerned about everything being politically correct, which can bring problems of its own in trying to get through anything without offending someone else....but this form of Dutch un-PCness is almost a little beyond belief for me, every year.
But I thought that this was something very typically dutch that needed to be mentioned on this blog. Last Saturday I went to go see his arrival again, but after 15 minutes, I lost interest. I only got a glimpse of Sint, but later in the day I did see a lone zwarte piet walking the white horse home.
And the best thing about this time of year: the cookies! Chocolate covered ginger cookies are so delish, I could eat them the whole day long. There are other traditional cookies and sweets, but these are my favorite by far.
If you want to read more about this sinterklaas tradition, here is a starting place.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Hmm...somehow this doesn't surprise me
File this in the "duh!" category!!!
Apparently I live in an even more democratic country than the one of my birth which is trying to spread democracy world wide. About 2 weeks ago, a judge in the city of Den Bosch was found to be unqualified, and therefore, 11 cases tried by this judge must be dismissed...and as a result, so far 6 criminals that were found to be guilty by this judge, had to be released back into society!!! One was found guilty of murder, one of rape, one of strangling HER boyfriend, and one of child molestation. Obviously not people that should be released into society!
The court had this to say about the "blunder":
"In a constitutional state like the Netherlands people can only be held if there is a legal basis for that. The fact that the suspects are thought to have been involved in serious crimes and that it is socially inadvisable for them to be released does not diminish this constitutional right."
Yikes! Apparently constitutional right comes before society safety!!
Sure, of course they were going to watch and monitor them until their next trial with a qualified judge, right? yes yes, of course.
oh wait, take a look at this headline:
Two released suspects missing
Doh! Yes, less than a week after they were released, 2 of the 6 are missing. That's not a very good success rate. And yeah, its the child molester and the abusive girlfriend that are missing. Remind me if I ever do something against the law, to be tried in Den Bosch so I can get released and have the chance to make my get-away.
Friday, November 9, 2007
I didn't see Al Gore predict this one
Another prominent feature of dutch society, besides bikes, is water. Water is everywhere here. Canals in cities, lakes all over the place, and ditches in farm fields. Its all planned of course though...all these waterways were man made. This is especially evident if you look at a satellite image of Holland - you'll see rural areas covered by long rectangles. These rectangles are not made evident by tree lines or big fences-- its by little canal drainage ditches.
Well, this weekend there is a big storm blowing through off the North Sea. There are worries of flooding, as a third of the Netherlands is below sea level. Besides the normal wind and rain of a 'typical fall storm', they are worried about the storm surge, and the rising sea level. For the first time since 1976 that the entire coast of the Netherlands is on alert. The water barrier in Rotterdam was closed for the first time ever since it was built over 10 years ago.
My first hand experiences of this storm that I can report to you: riding a bike without a rain jacket or hat in the dark with the wind blowing is really not my idea of a fun time. Rain + dark + glasses + steam = you can't see a damn thing. You get soaking wet before you go anywhere, and you can't go anywhere fast because the wind is blowing so dang hard. And in typical mocking manner: it stops raining momentarily at the moment you reach home.
And luckily for me, I live on the 5th floor of an apartment building, so hopefully I am above sea level by this point! :-)
I think the threat of attack by a big giant wave calls for an elevation to CODE RED in the FREAK EVERYONE OUT WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE table below (otherwise described as the "threat-based, color-coded system so that protective measures can be implemented to reduce the likelihood or impact of an attack" system).
Well, this weekend there is a big storm blowing through off the North Sea. There are worries of flooding, as a third of the Netherlands is below sea level. Besides the normal wind and rain of a 'typical fall storm', they are worried about the storm surge, and the rising sea level. For the first time since 1976 that the entire coast of the Netherlands is on alert. The water barrier in Rotterdam was closed for the first time ever since it was built over 10 years ago.
My first hand experiences of this storm that I can report to you: riding a bike without a rain jacket or hat in the dark with the wind blowing is really not my idea of a fun time. Rain + dark + glasses + steam = you can't see a damn thing. You get soaking wet before you go anywhere, and you can't go anywhere fast because the wind is blowing so dang hard. And in typical mocking manner: it stops raining momentarily at the moment you reach home.
And luckily for me, I live on the 5th floor of an apartment building, so hopefully I am above sea level by this point! :-)
I think the threat of attack by a big giant wave calls for an elevation to CODE RED in the FREAK EVERYONE OUT WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE table below (otherwise described as the "threat-based, color-coded system so that protective measures can be implemented to reduce the likelihood or impact of an attack" system).
Thursday, November 8, 2007
You can't catch them if you can't see them!
Along with the change to 'wintertime' two weeks ago (one week ahead of the USA), comes the darkness. Being at 52 degrees N latitude, you see much less of the sun during the winter time. The shortest day of the year in December, brings only 7 hours and 43 minutes of daylight. In comparison to Chicago, IL ( at 41.5N latitude), you see 9 hours and 7 minutes of daylight. Here are some interesting graphs I found with this sort of information about Utrecht. The timing information I found on www.timeanddate.com . Currently, my day is getting shorter by over 3 minutes each day! Amazing!
Well, I'm faced with this sad reality of 3 minutes less daylight every day, when I ride my bike to and from the train station in the morning and night. Especially in the evening, as I walk to my bike, past the junkies shooting up heroin in wide open plain view, and dodging the the other bikers racing by going home. You must have lights on your bike in order to be seen by everyone else, not only cars and buses, but other bikers too! And I mean working , functioning lights.
I'd say about 90% of the bikes here are old pieces of junk. The lights are no longer working, having seen their better days maybe 15 years ago. So, people must buy their lights, battery powered clip on lights, available at all bike stores, at the market, and at Hema (dept store). But, a large portion of people still do not do this!! Its dangerous for them AND for me!
Recently, in the past week, the police made it widely known that they would start ticketing bikers with lights clipped to their clothes or bags. Before, you'd get a fine if you didn't have lights at all (for example, me in 2004!). Now, if they aren't attached to your bike, you will get fined, even if you have lights on. But since this 'threat' from the politie, I have not noticed a change at all in how people wear their lights. I still see them attached to their messenger bags or front of their jackets. I also haven't seen the police out at check points trying to catch people. So what incentive is there to attach the lights to your bike?
I personally agree that it is safer to have the lights on the bike, and not just on the person/bag. You can't see lights as well when they're attached to a coat- as the person moves, the light moves and you can't see them very well at all. So , it is a hassle that you have to go dig up that old screwdriver to attach the lights to your bike...but I think some dutchies would rather be caught several times and pay the 20euro fine, before they actually do it. I think I read that some guy was already caught 3 times with lights on his bag, yet he still won't attach the lights to his bike. But after reading this article that the politie are giving less priority in giving fines...you get a mixed message, and even less compliance.
I guess the politie must accept that there are just too many bikers out there to catch and fine. Also, when you don't have lights on ...you're harder to catch! They can't see you!
Well, I'm faced with this sad reality of 3 minutes less daylight every day, when I ride my bike to and from the train station in the morning and night. Especially in the evening, as I walk to my bike, past the junkies shooting up heroin in wide open plain view, and dodging the the other bikers racing by going home. You must have lights on your bike in order to be seen by everyone else, not only cars and buses, but other bikers too! And I mean working , functioning lights.
I'd say about 90% of the bikes here are old pieces of junk. The lights are no longer working, having seen their better days maybe 15 years ago. So, people must buy their lights, battery powered clip on lights, available at all bike stores, at the market, and at Hema (dept store). But, a large portion of people still do not do this!! Its dangerous for them AND for me!
Recently, in the past week, the police made it widely known that they would start ticketing bikers with lights clipped to their clothes or bags. Before, you'd get a fine if you didn't have lights at all (for example, me in 2004!). Now, if they aren't attached to your bike, you will get fined, even if you have lights on. But since this 'threat' from the politie, I have not noticed a change at all in how people wear their lights. I still see them attached to their messenger bags or front of their jackets. I also haven't seen the police out at check points trying to catch people. So what incentive is there to attach the lights to your bike?
I personally agree that it is safer to have the lights on the bike, and not just on the person/bag. You can't see lights as well when they're attached to a coat- as the person moves, the light moves and you can't see them very well at all. So , it is a hassle that you have to go dig up that old screwdriver to attach the lights to your bike...but I think some dutchies would rather be caught several times and pay the 20euro fine, before they actually do it. I think I read that some guy was already caught 3 times with lights on his bag, yet he still won't attach the lights to his bike. But after reading this article that the politie are giving less priority in giving fines...you get a mixed message, and even less compliance.
I guess the politie must accept that there are just too many bikers out there to catch and fine. Also, when you don't have lights on ...you're harder to catch! They can't see you!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The nice side of Amsterdam
This past Saturday I went to Amsterdam --yes on my day off even! But its much nicer to be able to walk around the city and enjoy it, and not go to work. I went there with my friend V to try some wedding dresses on. Then we walked around the shopping street some, and later M came and met up with us on the Leidseplein. We walked around, and as it got colder, we got hungrier, and needed to find a place to eat! We walked along some nice streets-- where the locals are and the tourists probably don't even venture out this way. We wanted to go to our Ethiopian restaurant near the Wibautstraat metro, but when we got there- it was closed! It looked like they were remodeling. So we settled for Italian instead, and of course, that was good. It was a crisp day with a biting wind. But it was a nice day, definitely. I enjoy walking through Amsterdam's streets and neighborhoods that are removed from the tourist track.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Fall Break
Thanks to something called "herfst vakantie", a week long vacation that school children enjoy every year, I am enjoying a break from my Dutch language lessons this week. It was a much needed break. Its nice to leave work and not have to rush around on my bike all over Utrecht and go to bed so late. I can stay home and sit in my pj's and watch my bunnies hop around!
This past weekend I started the search for a wedding dress. The day is still 243 days away (according to my knot.com page). I went to a shop in Utrecht that sells couture dresses. I'm not aiming for couture, but it is the only shop I know in Utrecht! I tried on four, and one was really nice on me. It was definitely a style that I never had in mind, as it is not as 'simple' as I picture my dress to be. But it was still nice. The price was also nice... 1700 euros!! Too bad I can't afford that. Well, we shall see what else is out there. I wasn't allowed to take a picture of myself in it, but for a picture of the dress, take a look here and click on 'diamante'.
http://www.theweddingshop.co.uk/pronovias.html
This past weekend I started the search for a wedding dress. The day is still 243 days away (according to my knot.com page). I went to a shop in Utrecht that sells couture dresses. I'm not aiming for couture, but it is the only shop I know in Utrecht! I tried on four, and one was really nice on me. It was definitely a style that I never had in mind, as it is not as 'simple' as I picture my dress to be. But it was still nice. The price was also nice... 1700 euros!! Too bad I can't afford that. Well, we shall see what else is out there. I wasn't allowed to take a picture of myself in it, but for a picture of the dress, take a look here and click on 'diamante'.
http://www.theweddingshop.co.uk/pronovias.html
Friday, October 19, 2007
A perfect lap-bun
Here's our little Bram, who actually jumped up on my lap while I was occupying myself with a little emailing and Flickr....no space on my lap, but he wanted to join me. so cute!
Either that, or he wanted to do some online shopping for carrots and yummy treats.
Either that, or he wanted to do some online shopping for carrots and yummy treats.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Sunset over Amsterdam
Its getting lighter later in the morning, and darker earlier in the evening. I ride my bike to the station before the sun is even up! I think within a week I will be in complete darkness at 730am!
This beautiful picture was taken by a collegue from our 6th floor window of our office (i'm on the 6th floor). Its a view westwards towards the sunset. Rembrandtplein, a popular tourist area with bars, clubs and restaurants circle the square.
This beautiful picture was taken by a collegue from our 6th floor window of our office (i'm on the 6th floor). Its a view westwards towards the sunset. Rembrandtplein, a popular tourist area with bars, clubs and restaurants circle the square.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
being a part of something (takes time)
I wanted to write about this past weekend. I've been keeping myself REALLLLLY busy, that's why I haven't been able to write til now! Language lessons, basketball, and basketball related duties are keeping me very busy. Last night I didn't get home til after 1130pm! And didn't get to bed til 1am! I have to let the rabbits out for a little while, or they won't have any time to stretch their legs and hop at any other time of the day! M is not here in Utrecht this week. He's far far away in a place called Friesland...in northern Holland. You know, for the Dutch, 2.5 hours away really is like the edge of the world! He's there helping his parents settle in to their new house. Oh, and his contract was renewed for one more year (or really, it is in writing this time since it really shouldn't have had to be 'renewed' in the first place). So his job is safe, and he will be able to still get his PhD in the end.
Last weekend was full of basketball, as I'm sure many more weekends to come will be as well. Saturday night I had to score-keep for the women's' 1 team. They have a very weird score keeping card/sheet here, it took awhile for me to understand it. Seriously, changing colors of the pen each quarter to keep the stats....very weird. there must be more efficient way of score keeping (there is...trust me...in the US of course).
Then on Sunday, i was again at the sport hall from 530-11. I watched my team play, then I had to keep score again for another game, then I watched M play in his game (he joined the club too). While it was busy, it felt nice to be involved in something, to be apart of something. Its a good way to see some sort of 'result' to just the practicing, as so far that's all I've mostly been involved with. I kinda felt like I was back in middle school again- when we had weekend tournaments and 20 schools would take part in the weekend tournament. Those were fun times. anyways, it felt nice to be apart of something again. (It also helped though that M was around to help me score keep the first game!! and that he was around for the afternoon too). Now, if only I could really be able to communicate better...
Oh, and I'm the 'smoelenboek commissie'...the 'address/picture book committee' for the club...I have to put together all the pictures, addresses, and they have to answer one question based on the theme of the book...we're putting it together and giving it out at the next Borrel ('drink/happy hour'). I'm working with one other woman on this. The theme is 'film'...and the question is 'which film star would you want to resemble and why?' Just an added fun element to the book. This is a good way for me to know people better- to study pictures and figure out who people are! :-)
Last weekend was full of basketball, as I'm sure many more weekends to come will be as well. Saturday night I had to score-keep for the women's' 1 team. They have a very weird score keeping card/sheet here, it took awhile for me to understand it. Seriously, changing colors of the pen each quarter to keep the stats....very weird. there must be more efficient way of score keeping (there is...trust me...in the US of course).
Then on Sunday, i was again at the sport hall from 530-11. I watched my team play, then I had to keep score again for another game, then I watched M play in his game (he joined the club too). While it was busy, it felt nice to be involved in something, to be apart of something. Its a good way to see some sort of 'result' to just the practicing, as so far that's all I've mostly been involved with. I kinda felt like I was back in middle school again- when we had weekend tournaments and 20 schools would take part in the weekend tournament. Those were fun times. anyways, it felt nice to be apart of something again. (It also helped though that M was around to help me score keep the first game!! and that he was around for the afternoon too). Now, if only I could really be able to communicate better...
Oh, and I'm the 'smoelenboek commissie'...the 'address/picture book committee' for the club...I have to put together all the pictures, addresses, and they have to answer one question based on the theme of the book...we're putting it together and giving it out at the next Borrel ('drink/happy hour'). I'm working with one other woman on this. The theme is 'film'...and the question is 'which film star would you want to resemble and why?' Just an added fun element to the book. This is a good way for me to know people better- to study pictures and figure out who people are! :-)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Two of my favorite things: bunnies and the Packers
This bunny loves the Packers! His one ear up is him giving the 'bird' to the Vikings. What a cutie.
Don't know whose bun this is, but I found it on cute overload.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
List of things I've learned
Some things I've come to realize over the past week:
1. This past Sunday I missed another milestone in historic American culture and life by living "far away" in a different country. I'm of course talking about Brett Favre's 421st and 422nd touchdown passes, making him the all time leader in TD passes in the NFL. I will always be a Wisconsinite-- if there's one thing I always miss, it is the fall in Wisconsin, and the Packers football season and watching Brett Favre play.
2. I am very clumsy and should not be left unattended for my own safety. This past weekend I slipped and fell backwards while trying catch little Bram before he ran under the bed. Well I fell backwards and hit my back on the corner of the bed frame. Now I have a sore back and a red and purple wound to show for it.
3. I am not a hindrance to my basketball team as I once feared/thought. Although I could not play in the first game of the new season this past Sunday, I did go to watch and 'support' them. They really could have used my help, especially with rebounding and boxing out. At least now I can tell myself that every mistake I make is not the end of the world, as they are not perfect either. For me, it was important to make as few mistakes as possible, as that way they can see that I'm serious...since we haven't all communicated a whole lot otherwise. I don't want them to think that I am dumb and slow, since that may be the impression they get of me since I don't speak Dutch.
4. There are a lot of "love migrants" in the Netherlands. Of course that is due to my situation as well and the situations I am in that leads me to meet these people (just as I met and associated with students 6 years ago). My language class consists of roughly 15 people, but several of the girls in there have come for partners. Also, some people at my job too. I met the first foreign guy to come for a Dutch girl here as well. you don't see that as often.
5. Love migrants will take whatever job is offered to them. Of these people I've met, I think a lot of them are under-employed. People would rather be with their partner than have a job that they are educated for or enjoy. I am not the only one!
6. Don't expect anything at work. That way I will be more surprised when something actually does happen. Surprised both good and bad. Good when I actually get a drawer or am told where the printer is. Bad when I have to train new people when no one ever asked or told/warned me to begin with, while my supervisor does nothing.
7. There are still people out there (my age) who still don't know how to use google maps or copy and paste shortcuts on Windows. This is amazing to me.
8. Despite my recent swing to a more cynical and negative mentality, apparently I'm still considered a 'sociable' person. Why else would the new people be put with me to train on things, and not with others who can't really communicate on a personal level....because I'm friendly. At least initially! ;-)
9. I will never understand nor get over how I think it is rude that the majority of Dutch people never say 'excuse me', but instead just run/bump into me (in a store, on the street, on the bus) and move on, or try to throw an apple away in the train when my knee is in the way. Instead of saying, 'excuse me', they still just open the container with my knee still there. Pardon me for having my knee in the way of your freedom. Just speak up and I will gladly move my knee.
10. Why don't people get out of the way of opened doors on the train or metro to let the people inside get out first? The NL is full of educated people and they have lived with public transport for a long long time. Yet they still don't understand that you gotta clear out of the doorway to let people out. You will get in faster if you get out of my way and not try to push your way in before I get out. I will start to push back.
11. You cannot resist change. It will always happen. I can resist going to my job. I will still end up going. I can resist wanting to learn Dutch. It will still happen, and I will learn it (note: I am no longer resisting it as I once did). I can try and resist biking in the rain. It will usually end up raining. I can try to resist growing up. I can reminisce about the past and how wonderful and satisfied I was with my life then. But I can't keep looking back to the past, I have to (try to) live in the present and look forward to the future, that it will be just as great and satisfying, just not in the same way (with different people, in a different place, and different circumstances).
1. This past Sunday I missed another milestone in historic American culture and life by living "far away" in a different country. I'm of course talking about Brett Favre's 421st and 422nd touchdown passes, making him the all time leader in TD passes in the NFL. I will always be a Wisconsinite-- if there's one thing I always miss, it is the fall in Wisconsin, and the Packers football season and watching Brett Favre play.
2. I am very clumsy and should not be left unattended for my own safety. This past weekend I slipped and fell backwards while trying catch little Bram before he ran under the bed. Well I fell backwards and hit my back on the corner of the bed frame. Now I have a sore back and a red and purple wound to show for it.
3. I am not a hindrance to my basketball team as I once feared/thought. Although I could not play in the first game of the new season this past Sunday, I did go to watch and 'support' them. They really could have used my help, especially with rebounding and boxing out. At least now I can tell myself that every mistake I make is not the end of the world, as they are not perfect either. For me, it was important to make as few mistakes as possible, as that way they can see that I'm serious...since we haven't all communicated a whole lot otherwise. I don't want them to think that I am dumb and slow, since that may be the impression they get of me since I don't speak Dutch.
4. There are a lot of "love migrants" in the Netherlands. Of course that is due to my situation as well and the situations I am in that leads me to meet these people (just as I met and associated with students 6 years ago). My language class consists of roughly 15 people, but several of the girls in there have come for partners. Also, some people at my job too. I met the first foreign guy to come for a Dutch girl here as well. you don't see that as often.
5. Love migrants will take whatever job is offered to them. Of these people I've met, I think a lot of them are under-employed. People would rather be with their partner than have a job that they are educated for or enjoy. I am not the only one!
6. Don't expect anything at work. That way I will be more surprised when something actually does happen. Surprised both good and bad. Good when I actually get a drawer or am told where the printer is. Bad when I have to train new people when no one ever asked or told/warned me to begin with, while my supervisor does nothing.
7. There are still people out there (my age) who still don't know how to use google maps or copy and paste shortcuts on Windows. This is amazing to me.
8. Despite my recent swing to a more cynical and negative mentality, apparently I'm still considered a 'sociable' person. Why else would the new people be put with me to train on things, and not with others who can't really communicate on a personal level....because I'm friendly. At least initially! ;-)
9. I will never understand nor get over how I think it is rude that the majority of Dutch people never say 'excuse me', but instead just run/bump into me (in a store, on the street, on the bus) and move on, or try to throw an apple away in the train when my knee is in the way. Instead of saying, 'excuse me', they still just open the container with my knee still there. Pardon me for having my knee in the way of your freedom. Just speak up and I will gladly move my knee.
10. Why don't people get out of the way of opened doors on the train or metro to let the people inside get out first? The NL is full of educated people and they have lived with public transport for a long long time. Yet they still don't understand that you gotta clear out of the doorway to let people out. You will get in faster if you get out of my way and not try to push your way in before I get out. I will start to push back.
11. You cannot resist change. It will always happen. I can resist going to my job. I will still end up going. I can resist wanting to learn Dutch. It will still happen, and I will learn it (note: I am no longer resisting it as I once did). I can try and resist biking in the rain. It will usually end up raining. I can try to resist growing up. I can reminisce about the past and how wonderful and satisfied I was with my life then. But I can't keep looking back to the past, I have to (try to) live in the present and look forward to the future, that it will be just as great and satisfying, just not in the same way (with different people, in a different place, and different circumstances).
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
more dutch bureaucracy
The eternal dreary rainy weather here is getting to me lately...actually, I don't think its entirely that. Probably not that at all (ok, maybe 10%).
It's my job. It makes me very unhappy. There are several things as to why it makes me unhappy, but since this blog is public, I don't need to go into detail.
Since I started on Sept 3rd, everything else has sort of jumped into motion as well. The language classes started, and are two days a week for 3 hours. Yesterday I did not get home until 1030. every monday will be like that, gone from 7am-1030pm. Wednesday are even worse, I won't get home until 1130pm or later, because of basketball practice. On the one hand, yes, its good to be busy and involved and investing in myself (learning a language, exercising, and being around people). But on the other hand, I get over stressed easily by my lack of time for myself, to relax. Yes, exercise would help with stress relief, however since my ankle was injured, I can't exercise. And basketball is only once a week for about an hour (and a game on the weekend). My gym membership ended Sept 3rd as well...so no more lifting weights for me (my arms were getting muscular!)
I know that I am not the only one like this, and this is just a matter of adjusting to a new schedule. I need to find a balance. If I had a job I enjoyed going to, I'm sure my days would be more easy going though.
To make matters more interesting, M's PhD work is coming along...however the HR at the university seems to think that his contract ends THIS december of 2007, not 08, as was planned and verbally agreed to.... so he might not even get his PhD after all this work!!
His original contract 3 yrs ago states that after 1 year, after an evaluation meeting, it would be decided to keep the 3 yr contract or extend it one year more to make it a 4 yr contract. the original reason for the 3 year back in 2004 was in case he was going to come to the US ...and he could get done with it faster. So after one year, it was verbally agreed upon that it was a 4 yr contract, but apparently no one in charge put it in writing for the HR people. His salary stayed on the tract of a 4 yr contract, so he assumed it was a 4 yr. In the mean time, the new Dean of the school made a rule that no phd contracts could be extended. period. so now, when M is trying to figure out where the problem is and simply just stay on for another year to finish it as was the plan the whole time, everyone seems to be on his side and say this is ridiculous...except for the Dean and the HR people under him. So, technically, as of now, his contract ends on Dec 1st, 2007. That means he will not have a job, and most importantly, not have a PhD after all of his hard work. How can they just be so inflexible and uncaring!? This isn't just a job, its a doctorate degree. In discussions with advisors of the geography department, they gave him their word that they would work something out, but what that is, they are not sure yet. there are a few options, including having him enroll in a different university to finish his work. so, he may get his degree from a different institution.
And not only does it affect his education, his job/career, but also my legal status here. He had papers signed and given to the IND that stated he had a more than a one year contract. The university signed papers that he had a contract til 2008; now they state that those papers hold no legal power (say what?). So They seemed to know and believe that the contract was 4 years...until now suddenly. Also, similar papers needed to be signed in order for us to get the apartment we have, also stated til 2008. But apparently HR doesn't really pay attention very well and signs documents that are legal until a time comes when they contradict themselves. So, when my time comes around in Feb to renew my residence permit, hopefully he has a 1 yr contract somewhere---whether a university or a 'regular job'. Or...i don't know what will happen.
Obviously there are people working in the university system that only care about money, when one would think they are an institution that cares about their students' personal development and growth, and expanding social research and understanding in the scientific environment. Plus, they get their name out there. (Oh, yeah, they also get money too...24,000 euros for each PhD student that graduates from there....there's an incentive to keep students on!).
does sound confusing? i bet it does! i'm confused too!
More word later today on what may happen. The geography board is meeting today and this will be one of their topics, i'm sure.
It's my job. It makes me very unhappy. There are several things as to why it makes me unhappy, but since this blog is public, I don't need to go into detail.
Since I started on Sept 3rd, everything else has sort of jumped into motion as well. The language classes started, and are two days a week for 3 hours. Yesterday I did not get home until 1030. every monday will be like that, gone from 7am-1030pm. Wednesday are even worse, I won't get home until 1130pm or later, because of basketball practice. On the one hand, yes, its good to be busy and involved and investing in myself (learning a language, exercising, and being around people). But on the other hand, I get over stressed easily by my lack of time for myself, to relax. Yes, exercise would help with stress relief, however since my ankle was injured, I can't exercise. And basketball is only once a week for about an hour (and a game on the weekend). My gym membership ended Sept 3rd as well...so no more lifting weights for me (my arms were getting muscular!)
I know that I am not the only one like this, and this is just a matter of adjusting to a new schedule. I need to find a balance. If I had a job I enjoyed going to, I'm sure my days would be more easy going though.
To make matters more interesting, M's PhD work is coming along...however the HR at the university seems to think that his contract ends THIS december of 2007, not 08, as was planned and verbally agreed to.... so he might not even get his PhD after all this work!!
His original contract 3 yrs ago states that after 1 year, after an evaluation meeting, it would be decided to keep the 3 yr contract or extend it one year more to make it a 4 yr contract. the original reason for the 3 year back in 2004 was in case he was going to come to the US ...and he could get done with it faster. So after one year, it was verbally agreed upon that it was a 4 yr contract, but apparently no one in charge put it in writing for the HR people. His salary stayed on the tract of a 4 yr contract, so he assumed it was a 4 yr. In the mean time, the new Dean of the school made a rule that no phd contracts could be extended. period. so now, when M is trying to figure out where the problem is and simply just stay on for another year to finish it as was the plan the whole time, everyone seems to be on his side and say this is ridiculous...except for the Dean and the HR people under him. So, technically, as of now, his contract ends on Dec 1st, 2007. That means he will not have a job, and most importantly, not have a PhD after all of his hard work. How can they just be so inflexible and uncaring!? This isn't just a job, its a doctorate degree. In discussions with advisors of the geography department, they gave him their word that they would work something out, but what that is, they are not sure yet. there are a few options, including having him enroll in a different university to finish his work. so, he may get his degree from a different institution.
And not only does it affect his education, his job/career, but also my legal status here. He had papers signed and given to the IND that stated he had a more than a one year contract. The university signed papers that he had a contract til 2008; now they state that those papers hold no legal power (say what?). So They seemed to know and believe that the contract was 4 years...until now suddenly. Also, similar papers needed to be signed in order for us to get the apartment we have, also stated til 2008. But apparently HR doesn't really pay attention very well and signs documents that are legal until a time comes when they contradict themselves. So, when my time comes around in Feb to renew my residence permit, hopefully he has a 1 yr contract somewhere---whether a university or a 'regular job'. Or...i don't know what will happen.
Obviously there are people working in the university system that only care about money, when one would think they are an institution that cares about their students' personal development and growth, and expanding social research and understanding in the scientific environment. Plus, they get their name out there. (Oh, yeah, they also get money too...24,000 euros for each PhD student that graduates from there....there's an incentive to keep students on!).
does sound confusing? i bet it does! i'm confused too!
More word later today on what may happen. The geography board is meeting today and this will be one of their topics, i'm sure.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Breathing fire
The air is crisp, my bones are creaking (attribute that to sprained ankles)...fall has arrived in the netherlands. although, summer never really made an appearance, except for maybe in april. it was a constant summer of cool, cloudy days, and rain. it hardly ever got over 75 degress F. Really quite sad and depressing.
My ankle has improved, its still purple and still hurts some, but I can walk normally again. I wear a brace all day, its still quite unstable. i don't think jogging/running/basketball is an option yet. I can ride my bike fine, just not put too much pressure on my foot when starting to pedal.
Integration classes started last week- the level i was put it is 3-4, 4 being the highest level. its a bit too hard for me, and i was quite stressed and upset on monday when i entered the class, almost everyone knew everyone else from the spring before, and they are all speaking in dutch. and i can't speak much at all...i would like to be in level 2-3, and that may happen after this week. the text we read and had to answer questions on this week was extremely technical- the scientific discoveries and contributions of Huygens. Hello, I don't even understand physics and pendulum movement in English. I get extremely frustrated very easily, and I sort of shutdown. I don't want to be stressed out and nervous and always behind...especially when I have to spend 2 nights a week doing this. It affects my relationship, my sleeping patterns, and my entire life and attitude. If I am to learn Dutch, i would like to go down a level, get a better foundation of vocab and grammar on which to build upon. So, by wednesday I will decide, I'm pretty much set on going to a different class. Too bad, because my teacher is really very nice and encouraging. She's probably the nicest Dutch woman I've ever met. seriously. That's saying a lot.
So, this past Saturday I went to the coolest party I've ever gone to in my life! And funny enough, I was the one to get the invitation to it...and I hardly know anyone here! One of the girls I worked at the hostel with, lives in this 'huge' (for dutch standards) old mansion just outside of the city of utrecht....with like 12 or 20 other people (i got conflicting reports on how many people live here). Its a shared living house, so its not your typical type of people who want to be "married by 28, own your house, kids by 30" type of people (the typical american life course). Apparently, every year they throw a huge party with a different theme, and a few hundred people show up. This year it was Carnivale, based on the american tv series on HBO (I've never seen it). Seriously, it was so surreal, I felt like i was in a dream sequence of a movie. This party was part carnivale, part haunted house, part freak show. They had lights and tents outside in the back. They had a stand of people making and selling crepes. Little kids dressed up were walking around selling lollipops. They had a terot card reader and fortune teller. Bands were playing inside and out. There was a line at the 'box office' to get in - it was 5euros entrance and drinks were about 1 euro each. The band inside when we got there was from the UK! They were old and had dreads and beards and looked like a cross between Sargent Pepper's lonley hearts club band and old british sailors or something strange. there was a TREE in the living room area where the band was playing ....they cut down a tree and put it in there!! The bathroom was an entertaining adventure as well...a paper-maiche head was hanging by a rope and pulley and when you opened and closed the door, it would go up and down...and stared at you while you were on the john. Outside there were tents and bonfires in oil barrels ..mostly everyone was dressed up in some sort of carnivale/freakshow type garb. Unfortunately, I do not carry 30's/40's era- freak show clothes in my wardrobe...but I had a nice hat on.
At 1 am there was a 'procession'....they put the crazy british band up on a wooden cart, 5 people pulled it as if they were horses, and everyone had candles and torches and we walked towards the back of the property --following the fire blowers and torches. I couldn't see what happened from there, but I heard that 3 people were baptised. After that there was a huge "lightning" display...you know those electricity balls...at the science museum...but this was huge and spewing lighting like 3 yards out from the ball! there was someone on stilts. There was a guy hanging from a rope from the roof doing acrobatic movements while hanging upside down. It was absolutely a surreal, colorful dream that I was living! I left at 230, but could have stayed much longer...simply amazing.
My ankle has improved, its still purple and still hurts some, but I can walk normally again. I wear a brace all day, its still quite unstable. i don't think jogging/running/basketball is an option yet. I can ride my bike fine, just not put too much pressure on my foot when starting to pedal.
Integration classes started last week- the level i was put it is 3-4, 4 being the highest level. its a bit too hard for me, and i was quite stressed and upset on monday when i entered the class, almost everyone knew everyone else from the spring before, and they are all speaking in dutch. and i can't speak much at all...i would like to be in level 2-3, and that may happen after this week. the text we read and had to answer questions on this week was extremely technical- the scientific discoveries and contributions of Huygens. Hello, I don't even understand physics and pendulum movement in English. I get extremely frustrated very easily, and I sort of shutdown. I don't want to be stressed out and nervous and always behind...especially when I have to spend 2 nights a week doing this. It affects my relationship, my sleeping patterns, and my entire life and attitude. If I am to learn Dutch, i would like to go down a level, get a better foundation of vocab and grammar on which to build upon. So, by wednesday I will decide, I'm pretty much set on going to a different class. Too bad, because my teacher is really very nice and encouraging. She's probably the nicest Dutch woman I've ever met. seriously. That's saying a lot.
So, this past Saturday I went to the coolest party I've ever gone to in my life! And funny enough, I was the one to get the invitation to it...and I hardly know anyone here! One of the girls I worked at the hostel with, lives in this 'huge' (for dutch standards) old mansion just outside of the city of utrecht....with like 12 or 20 other people (i got conflicting reports on how many people live here). Its a shared living house, so its not your typical type of people who want to be "married by 28, own your house, kids by 30" type of people (the typical american life course). Apparently, every year they throw a huge party with a different theme, and a few hundred people show up. This year it was Carnivale, based on the american tv series on HBO (I've never seen it). Seriously, it was so surreal, I felt like i was in a dream sequence of a movie. This party was part carnivale, part haunted house, part freak show. They had lights and tents outside in the back. They had a stand of people making and selling crepes. Little kids dressed up were walking around selling lollipops. They had a terot card reader and fortune teller. Bands were playing inside and out. There was a line at the 'box office' to get in - it was 5euros entrance and drinks were about 1 euro each. The band inside when we got there was from the UK! They were old and had dreads and beards and looked like a cross between Sargent Pepper's lonley hearts club band and old british sailors or something strange. there was a TREE in the living room area where the band was playing ....they cut down a tree and put it in there!! The bathroom was an entertaining adventure as well...a paper-maiche head was hanging by a rope and pulley and when you opened and closed the door, it would go up and down...and stared at you while you were on the john. Outside there were tents and bonfires in oil barrels ..mostly everyone was dressed up in some sort of carnivale/freakshow type garb. Unfortunately, I do not carry 30's/40's era- freak show clothes in my wardrobe...but I had a nice hat on.
At 1 am there was a 'procession'....they put the crazy british band up on a wooden cart, 5 people pulled it as if they were horses, and everyone had candles and torches and we walked towards the back of the property --following the fire blowers and torches. I couldn't see what happened from there, but I heard that 3 people were baptised. After that there was a huge "lightning" display...you know those electricity balls...at the science museum...but this was huge and spewing lighting like 3 yards out from the ball! there was someone on stilts. There was a guy hanging from a rope from the roof doing acrobatic movements while hanging upside down. It was absolutely a surreal, colorful dream that I was living! I left at 230, but could have stayed much longer...simply amazing.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Side-lined
Well, to further complicate problems...Saturday I was to play in a pre-season tournament with the women's basketball team I am joining. It was from 9am-2pm. Our first game was around 930 or so. I played for maybe 8 minutes, came out, then subbed back in. But that only lasted a minute...somehow, when I was trying to defend someone under their basket...I either turned too fast or stepped on someone's foot...but my ankle buckled out from under me and I hear it pop as I was on my way down. I sprained it pretty badly. Luckily some girls helped me to the locker room rather quickly and put it under the cold water faucet in the locker room. And I got some ice after awhile too. It was pretty painful. The same thing happened to me about 3 yrs ago when I was playing just a pickup game at the gym at OU..but with my left foot. It was bound to happen sooner or later I suppose with this foot. But why now!!!?? When it finally matters to be playing. This tournament was for the team selections. Obviously I'm on the 2nd team and that's ok..but I was wanting to play on Saturday! And, here I am, calling in sick on my second week of work, I feel like a complete schmuck. Instead of trying to fit in smoothly on the team, I stand out even more by my clumsy body. I practiced with this team 6 times already, played all spring with M's team, played a few times in the park in the summer...nothing happened. Now finally when I have a real team to play with, a job I need to go to...I injury myself. Sometimes I wonder if i wished this upon myself, by hoping it wouldn't happen.
So, instead of a weekend when I actually had plans and several things to go to and do...I had to stay home and sit on my butt all weekend. Saturday was not good- it was painful and I couldn't do anything. i decided not to go to the ER because apparently in Holland, the doctors don't do much of anything. They could take an x-ray, but i know it wasn't broken because it wasn't that sort of excruciating pain and I could still move my toes. Luckily M rented some crutches at a store nearby...and bought a brace so i can sort of stabilize it myself. At the hospital, they would only tape it up at most, and I could do that myself. 3 years ago, with my other foot, they put it in a cast and after a week i had a boot I could walk on it with. Here, they believe in the body healing itself apparently....So here I am, on the couch. Its still pretty swollen, and I don't have much movement, but I can put a little bit of weight on it at least now. I think commuting on the trains here with crutches is going to be a b*tch. I definitely cannot ride my bike yet. I will try to take the bus tomorrow.
So typical....
I feel like a jerk for taking off already--mostly because my boss doesn't know me and my usual work ethic...I don't want to give such a poor impression when I first start.
In any case, I won't be playing basketball for a few weeks probably. Very disappointing.
So, instead of a weekend when I actually had plans and several things to go to and do...I had to stay home and sit on my butt all weekend. Saturday was not good- it was painful and I couldn't do anything. i decided not to go to the ER because apparently in Holland, the doctors don't do much of anything. They could take an x-ray, but i know it wasn't broken because it wasn't that sort of excruciating pain and I could still move my toes. Luckily M rented some crutches at a store nearby...and bought a brace so i can sort of stabilize it myself. At the hospital, they would only tape it up at most, and I could do that myself. 3 years ago, with my other foot, they put it in a cast and after a week i had a boot I could walk on it with. Here, they believe in the body healing itself apparently....So here I am, on the couch. Its still pretty swollen, and I don't have much movement, but I can put a little bit of weight on it at least now. I think commuting on the trains here with crutches is going to be a b*tch. I definitely cannot ride my bike yet. I will try to take the bus tomorrow.
So typical....
I feel like a jerk for taking off already--mostly because my boss doesn't know me and my usual work ethic...I don't want to give such a poor impression when I first start.
In any case, I won't be playing basketball for a few weeks probably. Very disappointing.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Working woman
Well, it has been a very busy week, thus no time for updates. I started my new job last Monday. The job is ok, but it is only production. I spend the entire day staring at the computer, researching if changes people submitted are valid (blocked roads, directions of the street, name changes, or points of interest like gas stations/stores/doctors/pubs, etc). This involves constant use of Google maps, Google Earth, Mapquest, Yahoo maps, and internet searches for a pub or a street name or for construction updates....its a long day doing only that. I look only at the UK submissions. Other people do other countries. It is a bit of a challenge trying to look on Google Earth to decipher which way the road is going, since they drive on the opposite side of the road as almost everyone else in this world! If the satellite images are good enough, you can make out the cars and sometimes there are arrows painted on the road and yield signs, so you can see which way they are going. I think i have a fairly good background in photo/air interpretation...and just using common sense and my geographical mentality, I can figure things out a bit better than the others perhaps...or they just have to learn how to do it, and then they'll be fine too. I just takes practice. Also, my previous job experience dealing with naming and classifying road systems helps me too to some respect. But really, this job is not geography- specific. you don't need a college degree for this work. and i think that most of the other 'worker bees' don't have a college degree. So it is a bit mind numbing...i wonder how long i can handle it! but, its money, i'm not at home alone, and its something for my resume, even if it is a step backwards, its not an empty hole. Hopefully, if i can learn dutch this year, in some time I can apply for other jobs where i can think and use my brain and use GIS as a tool. Not just 'factory work' in front of a computer.
Its kind of a weird place- i have a table as a desk. there are no drawers or anything, so i have no where to put anything. its all open, no cubicles, so there's no privacy. i don't have a phone yet. i also don't have any connection to a printer, and no one will help find one, or even show us where the printer is. the girl next to me is new too, she's from Israel originally, but has been living in Europe for 7 years now. she thinks its odd too. i think the issue is that the company is just expanding so quickly (a good thing- huge growth!), they can't keep up with the office changes. to me, with my experience of endless cubes but in precise pods of 6 cubes each at the Census...this is kinda chaotic. Since its all open, there are people who sit behind me , and i don't even know who they are. they were never introduced to me...and they don't introduce themselves. perhaps i should do so this week-- but is that too bold or overly 'friendly American'? there are also a group of 4 who sit between me and the window...there apparently are not any conference rooms available because they stand there the entire day, every day and talk - loudly-- about something that sounds so important and urgent but i can never quite follow what they are doing, even though they are speaking in english. who knows, but its very urgent by the seriousness in their voices.
On Tuesday, we had a little section meeting, but since no conference rooms were available, they booked a small conference room in the NH hotel next door to our building. That was kinda funny to me.
Commuting is an interesting thing too. I have to bike about 15 minutes to the station and lock my bike in a mad-cluster of hundreds of bikes. I am lucky if i even find an open spot to jam my bike in at a bike rack at 745am.
The train to Amsterdam leaves every 15 minutes: at 55, 10,25, and 40 after the hour. Once on the train, it is 20 minutes to Amsterdam Amstel station, the one before central. From there I take the metro about 5 minutes to the Waterlooplein exit. This is the stop I got out at back when I lived in Amsterdam in 2003-2004. So I know the area well. Its a big touristy section, since everyday there is a flea market there...for clothes and alternative things. Then I walk about 7 minutes to the Rembrandtplein, where my office is in a corner of the square, nestled in between dance clubs and cafes. Its such a good location, because at lunch time I can have so many possibilities for food (if I had money to do that)...but its so strange looking out a first floor meeting room window, and seeing signs for bars and cafes and advertisements for underwear. But the view from the 6th floor, where I sit, is wonderful. Someday I will have to bring my camera in- the view of the church steeples and old Amsterdam canal houses- wonderful.
Oh, anyways, about commuting...the 755 and 810 trains are so jam packed full of people...usually I have to stand in the doorway area, not in the actual seats. People are not very polite here, instead of standing to the sides of the doors to let people out first and then go in, they all crowd the doors, leaving only enough space for the people inside to come out in a single file. then once they are out, its take your life into your own hands and people rush inside, to find the 2 seats left open. On Tuesday I got there with about 30 seconds to spare, but the three cars I tried to get in, every single entrance was packed, there wasn't even enough space for me to squeeze in. So i had to stand there and watch it drive away with out me. That is the most annoying thing- to watch your train pull away with out you and you have to wait another 15 minutes. And usually I'm quite sweaty already, because of riding my bike there, and sometimes i jog/run to the train b/c i want to make that train. I'm going to try to get the 740 or 725 train because they are less full. it is quite interesting how much a difference 30 minutes earlier makes.
So starting this monday and wednesday i am taking the 'Integration Course', as I am obliged to take by the city of Utrecht. I signed a contract that I would attend, and they pay for all the costs. This is a pretty good deal- except that it meets on the one night in the week when i have basketball practice (wednesday). That is still being debated, on what will happen with that. I was really disappointed when i found out that this evening could not be changed, as playing and participating in a club team with dutch women is about the highest level of integration you can get....instead of sitting in a room with other foreigners learning about the world outside that you should be 'fitting in' to. everyone seems interested in what i will be taught in these classes-- aspects of dutch culture that the city or country finds important, but the average Dutchie might not even know (the words to all 15 verses of their national anthem for example)...or things that really aren't 'that' important. Of course, this will be my outlet for telling the world the important things I learn.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Last day, on to the next
Thursday was my last day working at Strowis (the youth hostel). It was the busiest day of the entire year. How fitting that it was my last day. A large group of about 20 youth left on that day, as well as a large percentage of the other guests. Which means that a lot of the beds needed to be changed and the rooms be totally cleaned after the mess left behind from a group that stayed there a long time. Usually the rooms are cleaned and done before 3pm. Today the first floor wasn't even started til 330 when I got there. Usually I would stay for my 4 hour shift, but often on Thursdays I stay a bit longer and sometimes have dinner there. I was there til almost 930pm..it was busy the entire time. It was a bit strange to think that was my last time there to work. But I enjoyed working there for the last 5 months. I wish I would have been able to have a bit more contact with the guests, like talking more to them...but it also depends on the guest themselves....some individuals are more likely to talk since they are traveling alone. Those that are more comfortable with English also talk more. The Italians and Spanish that filled the hostel in august purely to smoke weed, obviously did not talk much...due to their poor English... and being stoned. I worked with some interesting people, I learned how to make cappuccino, and I helped the continued success of a tourism business in Utrecht. I also spent my time with other people for several hours a week, instead of being alone in my apartment the whole time.
Friday night I went back already, but this time for a party- it was the 9th anniversary of the opening of Strowis. They had drinks and snacks, and a lot of the people involved in getting the place up and running returned for a good time. The party was held in the common area on the first floor, so guests were also there taking part too.
I plan on going back to stop in and visit and drink a tea every now and then. Strowis is a part of my Utrecht experience. I started my time here in Utrecht 5 years ago there...its still part of me.
Tomorrow I begin my first paying job in the Netherlands..and the first paying job in over 6 months. I'm sure it will be an exhausting week getting back to a routine.
Friday night I went back already, but this time for a party- it was the 9th anniversary of the opening of Strowis. They had drinks and snacks, and a lot of the people involved in getting the place up and running returned for a good time. The party was held in the common area on the first floor, so guests were also there taking part too.
I plan on going back to stop in and visit and drink a tea every now and then. Strowis is a part of my Utrecht experience. I started my time here in Utrecht 5 years ago there...its still part of me.
Tomorrow I begin my first paying job in the Netherlands..and the first paying job in over 6 months. I'm sure it will be an exhausting week getting back to a routine.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
little baby bunny
we have added a third bunny to the family! on tuesday night we went to eindhoven to go meet his mommy and bunny family and bring him home with us. he is really tiny, only 10 or 11 weeks old. and his ears are huge for his little head. he likes to hop around and stand on his hind legs. he also likes to pee on me. he's done it twice already in the first two days. i'm very cautious about holding him now! he's in his own cage now, but we hope to eventually bond him with rosie and japie in the coming months so they can all cuddle together. but for now, rosie, the 'royal highness', is very spastic and any time the little one hops by her cage she goes crazy. this upsets japie, and he goes towards her, but she assumes this is him going to attack her, so they end up chasing each other in circles and fighting in their cage....just because of a little bunny. he on the other hand, is quite calm and very socialable. he came from a very nice bunny family and loving human family. i felt a bit sad when leaving his former family's house, separating him from his parents and brothers and his human mom. but i hope he will be just as happy with us here.
and most imporantly, his name...we haven't named him yet. we can't decide between 2 names...but we just keep calling him 'little one' or 'kleintje' or 'stampertje' (his daddy's name)....we can't decide between Hazel (the leader in the story 'watership down') or Bram (and call him brammy or brammertje). Bram seems more fitting to me. I also liked the name Bongo, but someone else doesn't.
and most imporantly, his name...we haven't named him yet. we can't decide between 2 names...but we just keep calling him 'little one' or 'kleintje' or 'stampertje' (his daddy's name)....we can't decide between Hazel (the leader in the story 'watership down') or Bram (and call him brammy or brammertje). Bram seems more fitting to me. I also liked the name Bongo, but someone else doesn't.
Monday, August 27, 2007
baby bunny
We are strongly considering adding this baby to our family. isn't he adorable!??!!!!
His name is Yang (as in ying-yang)...and he lives in Eindhoven. His human-slave mommy is in a bunny group I'm in on Flickr. The two bunny parents, Stampertje and Moenie, are so cute as well...and recently had 5 little ones. LIttle Yang is looking for a home! He might be joining our family this week.
For TONS of great photos of this bunny family, go to (she is a great photographer!):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mireilleschoone/
Do you think Rosie and Japie would like a new little friend?
His name is Yang (as in ying-yang)...and he lives in Eindhoven. His human-slave mommy is in a bunny group I'm in on Flickr. The two bunny parents, Stampertje and Moenie, are so cute as well...and recently had 5 little ones. LIttle Yang is looking for a home! He might be joining our family this week.
For TONS of great photos of this bunny family, go to (she is a great photographer!):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mireilleschoone/
Do you think Rosie and Japie would like a new little friend?
Saturday, August 25, 2007
all in a day's work
working hard at strowis....about 3 weeks ago, some pictures were taken of me doing my volunteer work, and they'll be used on a volunteer website in utrecht. so, some of my activities include making a cup of coffee or capuccino.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Everybody hurts...
Yesterday I experienced a part of Dutch society that I have been lucky enough to not experience til now- a funeral. The father of M's brother's girlfriend died last Friday. Yesterday was the funeral in Nijmegen. As the death was sudden and unexpected, it was quite sad. I only met him once, about 2 months ago for a BBQ at their house. He seemed like a friendly and nice guy. He enjoyed drinking chestnut liquor and teasing his kids.
I've only been to 3 funerals in the US luckily, and all three had wakes and a church service funeral. Here, it is not related to the church. Its in a specific building/complex for funerals- a crematorium. There were probably 250-300 people there, and not enough seating room, so over 100 people were standing. I was one of them. A person would talk for a bit or read a poem, and then they would play a song, usually contemporary. the three children each said something, and three others talked as well. It was about an hour long. At the end, we were to walk by the (closed) casket, and since M and I were at the end of the row of people standing up, we were led to the front first. I thought that was a bit awkward and strange, since I didn't really know what to do! I am sad that his life ended early, but I am more sad for those he left behind and how much they will miss him. I'm already a very emotional person, but a funeral is even worse! I hardly knew this man, and I couldn't understand everything being said, but I knew it was very sad.
After that, they lead you to the condolence area where there is tea or coffee and slices of pound cake to eat. That is typically Dutch I'm told. Also, many people dressed rather informally, I was quite surprised at how some people wore jeans or tight pants or bright shirts (white or red), or shorter skirts. They also asked for a round of applause for him at the end, which I thought was rather unnecessary and weird at a funeral- by being there we are already paying our respects and honoring his life. I guess things are different here. I hope I don't have to experience such things very often, as it is very emotionally draining and quite sad. Like I said, I've been lucky enough so far, but as I get older, others get older too, and (bad) health happens.
I've only been to 3 funerals in the US luckily, and all three had wakes and a church service funeral. Here, it is not related to the church. Its in a specific building/complex for funerals- a crematorium. There were probably 250-300 people there, and not enough seating room, so over 100 people were standing. I was one of them. A person would talk for a bit or read a poem, and then they would play a song, usually contemporary. the three children each said something, and three others talked as well. It was about an hour long. At the end, we were to walk by the (closed) casket, and since M and I were at the end of the row of people standing up, we were led to the front first. I thought that was a bit awkward and strange, since I didn't really know what to do! I am sad that his life ended early, but I am more sad for those he left behind and how much they will miss him. I'm already a very emotional person, but a funeral is even worse! I hardly knew this man, and I couldn't understand everything being said, but I knew it was very sad.
After that, they lead you to the condolence area where there is tea or coffee and slices of pound cake to eat. That is typically Dutch I'm told. Also, many people dressed rather informally, I was quite surprised at how some people wore jeans or tight pants or bright shirts (white or red), or shorter skirts. They also asked for a round of applause for him at the end, which I thought was rather unnecessary and weird at a funeral- by being there we are already paying our respects and honoring his life. I guess things are different here. I hope I don't have to experience such things very often, as it is very emotionally draining and quite sad. Like I said, I've been lucky enough so far, but as I get older, others get older too, and (bad) health happens.
Monday, August 20, 2007
vacation is over! i got a job!
Well, a lot has happened in my life this past week. I was too busy to write about it until now! Last week Tues I got my residence permit/work permit. This is in the form of an ID card. I have been spending the last 6 months looking at the jobs available for english speakers in the netherlands. here are some job agencies that specialize in 'multilinguals', those people who don't speak dutch as a native language. On Tuesday I sent my CV in to a work agency in amsterdam, for a job in at company called TomTom. TomTom makes navigational products for automobiles/bikes. they are a dutch company and their HQ are in amsterdam. they operate in english because they are so international. they are the leader in navigational products in europe. they have a new software program that allows its users (potentially the 10 million customers they already have) to update the maps and make changes, if the maps tomtom has are not current/correct. the job i applied to would be to then check this material that is sent in to tomtom if it is valid or not. I applied on Tues, was called on Wed, had an interview on Thursday morning, and was offered the job at the end of the interview! I was so surprised at how fast this all went. It may be only a production job at this point, but it could develop to more. But at least this is a job where I can earn some money, and work in an international company that is doing very well and is the leader in the market for this product...and i can work at a job that is in my field of geography. unbelievable how fast it all went--i was only on the job market for 2 days really! i was quite discouraged the week before, that it would take some time to get a job, but amazingly this one appeared. good timing and luck. i am sure there are opportunities to move around or move up in the company...we shall see how it goes!
So I was offered a 1 yr contract directly from the company itself, not the job agency. I will start on Sept 3rd. Its about an hour to commute, one way, which i will do by either bike/bus, train, and metro. About the same amt of time as it was to commute for me in DC the last 2 yrs.
So, just as I was really getting used to being a 'house wife' and doing the shopping and errands...now i will have to re-adjust my body clock and frame of mind, as adjusting to a full time job will be a bit tiring at first!
And as I look back on the previous 6 months, I can't believe how fast the time has gone. what have i done with the time? i wish i would have read more books and maybe gone for more bike rides...but that just didn't happen. Maybe now that I will sit in the train for 20 min/day, i will be able to read some. I guess the more time you have available, the less you get done b/c you can always say 'ohh i'll do that later'...now that time has come to an end. at least we will have some money now for our wedding and to pay for travel and to pay off our school loans.
so i gotta spend the next 2 wks enjoying myself and my final days of 'freedom'! summer vacation is over!
So I was offered a 1 yr contract directly from the company itself, not the job agency. I will start on Sept 3rd. Its about an hour to commute, one way, which i will do by either bike/bus, train, and metro. About the same amt of time as it was to commute for me in DC the last 2 yrs.
So, just as I was really getting used to being a 'house wife' and doing the shopping and errands...now i will have to re-adjust my body clock and frame of mind, as adjusting to a full time job will be a bit tiring at first!
And as I look back on the previous 6 months, I can't believe how fast the time has gone. what have i done with the time? i wish i would have read more books and maybe gone for more bike rides...but that just didn't happen. Maybe now that I will sit in the train for 20 min/day, i will be able to read some. I guess the more time you have available, the less you get done b/c you can always say 'ohh i'll do that later'...now that time has come to an end. at least we will have some money now for our wedding and to pay for travel and to pay off our school loans.
so i gotta spend the next 2 wks enjoying myself and my final days of 'freedom'! summer vacation is over!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
In integration news this week...
Yesterday I took my placement test for the dutch language classes. It was five parts. First a general one, to see my initial understanding...the 2nd one was nothing to do with language. It was a sort of patterns test, both with numbers and letters, then shapes and putting things into like categories. It was like I was in elementary school again! It was fun...and I finished in like 5 minutes (first out of the 4 others). Then I had a speaking test, where a cassette tape spoke the situation and then asks 'what would you say?', and I have to say what I would do/ask in that situation..and a 2nd cassette recorder recorded my voice. Since I placed higher from the first test, they gave me the more advanced speaking test. So that was too much for me, and i really didn't know what to say. Sometimes, I didn't say anything and the time I had to answer it was totally silent. Then I asked to take the next lower level test, in reading and listening. I know it doesn't matter how I do, since this just places me somewhere. But I think that is sort of hard to do in a way, when over half the questions are multiple choice. One thing I did learn in the US education system was how to answer multiple choice question by process of elimination and deducting answers. I might not know the word for word question, but I can generally guess well. Maybe this shows I'm intelligent, but doesn't show a lot of my fluency in Dutch...by guessing answers.
Today I went to go pick up the actual ID card, the residence permit. The most expensive ID card money can buy. I went at 930 just to make sure I had a bit of extra time before I had to go to the hostel by 11. Luckily only one person was ahead of me, he walked in when I did. His went smoothly. I just had a feeling that something would go wrong...how could I be this close to getting the card...the IND wouldn't just hand it over to me without a fight would it?
Sure enough, the woman said that in the computer system it said I had two cards, the old one and this new one. The 'old one' being from 2002 when I was a student....the card I never received because I left Holland before I was able to get it even. So there was no way I could have the old one. And who in their right mind holds on to such a card for over 5 years anyways when its not needed for life in the US?
I told her I never got this card. The IND should know that, because I would have to sign for it, and I never signed for it. She said I had to go to the police station and get a letter from someone there stating that I do not have an old card. Then bring it back to her and she can give me the new one. Even thought it is sitting right there in front of her. I'm not used to putting up a fight/argument with city workers here because I feel I will never win, they hardly bend on their rules. But I said that was ridiculous...why should I do that when I never got a card to begin with. Plus i was sent this letter to say I could pick up my card today, so that is what i'm here to do.
I didn't have time to go to the police. I could picture it already- I go there, no one knows what the F i'm talking about, or what desk I should go to or who to talk to. I would get no where. Just waiting more time, when she could just give me the dang card.
Luckily she was nice and decided to just give it to me. So I signed a paper and got the card. Now I am truly certified to work in the Netherlands, and able to be insured under M's plan.
When I left, there were 5 people behind me waiting. Just think- I can go through this all over again in 6 months. My card is only valid for one year...from the date of application! I have to get a new card, pay more money, and wait again (not as long and not as much money)...on my March 2nd application date. I will have to take a picture to show how this expensive card looks and post it on here!
Today I went to go pick up the actual ID card, the residence permit. The most expensive ID card money can buy. I went at 930 just to make sure I had a bit of extra time before I had to go to the hostel by 11. Luckily only one person was ahead of me, he walked in when I did. His went smoothly. I just had a feeling that something would go wrong...how could I be this close to getting the card...the IND wouldn't just hand it over to me without a fight would it?
Sure enough, the woman said that in the computer system it said I had two cards, the old one and this new one. The 'old one' being from 2002 when I was a student....the card I never received because I left Holland before I was able to get it even. So there was no way I could have the old one. And who in their right mind holds on to such a card for over 5 years anyways when its not needed for life in the US?
I told her I never got this card. The IND should know that, because I would have to sign for it, and I never signed for it. She said I had to go to the police station and get a letter from someone there stating that I do not have an old card. Then bring it back to her and she can give me the new one. Even thought it is sitting right there in front of her. I'm not used to putting up a fight/argument with city workers here because I feel I will never win, they hardly bend on their rules. But I said that was ridiculous...why should I do that when I never got a card to begin with. Plus i was sent this letter to say I could pick up my card today, so that is what i'm here to do.
I didn't have time to go to the police. I could picture it already- I go there, no one knows what the F i'm talking about, or what desk I should go to or who to talk to. I would get no where. Just waiting more time, when she could just give me the dang card.
Luckily she was nice and decided to just give it to me. So I signed a paper and got the card. Now I am truly certified to work in the Netherlands, and able to be insured under M's plan.
When I left, there were 5 people behind me waiting. Just think- I can go through this all over again in 6 months. My card is only valid for one year...from the date of application! I have to get a new card, pay more money, and wait again (not as long and not as much money)...on my March 2nd application date. I will have to take a picture to show how this expensive card looks and post it on here!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
News in the hostel world...
Well, its been an interesting week at the hostel for me. first, adjusting to being back at 'work' after 2 weeks off...i did a lot of cleaning on Tuesday, which was fine with me, just that i get really sweaty! :-( Thursday I did my first shift of doing the reception desk alone. That means dealing with letting people in, checking people in, answering the phone, and managing the 'bar' area. And both days the place was fully booked, so I was really busy on Thursday ...all by myself. The phone always seems to ring when there's 2 separate groups of people I need to check in! But I think it went well overall, considering it could have been much worse!
But some out of the ordinary things this week- Tuesday I had some pictures taken of me doing things like mopping/cleaning the mirrors/making coffee/folding laundry, because a dutch website on the general aspects of being a volunteer needed more pics for their website. they hired a free lance photographer to take these pics, and he happened to be a house-mate of one of the guys working at the hostel (the photographer is also a board member). so that was interesting. I'm sure i just look super with my hair pulled back and my face shiny after sweating so profusely!!
Also, some good finds on Thursday when I cleaned for about an hour. Some people left behind some magazines--so I have 3 English language magazines to read. I also found a bag of weed! I offered to my co-worker, but she said she doesn't smoke, and that I should keep it. Well, considering I don't even know how to roll a cigarette...I'll just hold on to it til we find someone who does smoke it. For now its just sitting here...and it will probably just sit here for awhile. Its a nice centerpiece.
But some out of the ordinary things this week- Tuesday I had some pictures taken of me doing things like mopping/cleaning the mirrors/making coffee/folding laundry, because a dutch website on the general aspects of being a volunteer needed more pics for their website. they hired a free lance photographer to take these pics, and he happened to be a house-mate of one of the guys working at the hostel (the photographer is also a board member). so that was interesting. I'm sure i just look super with my hair pulled back and my face shiny after sweating so profusely!!
Also, some good finds on Thursday when I cleaned for about an hour. Some people left behind some magazines--so I have 3 English language magazines to read. I also found a bag of weed! I offered to my co-worker, but she said she doesn't smoke, and that I should keep it. Well, considering I don't even know how to roll a cigarette...I'll just hold on to it til we find someone who does smoke it. For now its just sitting here...and it will probably just sit here for awhile. Its a nice centerpiece.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
The next waiting game
Now that I have a valid residence/work permit coming my way (I still have to pick it up whenever they tell me to), finding a job is the next major hurdle. Of course I've spent the last 5 months looking for jobs here, some of which i wish I could applied for...and some I did apply for, but got turned down up front b/c I didn't have a work permit. I've also spent the last year looking at the job market here on job placement websites...so I sort of know how it will go. The majority of jobs that foreign English speaking people get placed in are call center jobs. I refuse to do that! Its too stressful and I probably wouldn't last more than a month. There are a lot of big name international companies with HQ or offices in the NL, but I am not a: economist, financial analyst, accountant, IT, marketing analyst, HR specialist, graphic designer...etc etc. I guess that doesn't leave a lot I am qualified to do!
Right away on Monday I began my quest. I went to Undutchables, a job recruitment agency for foreigners, to talk to someone about what I can do to find a job. I went to Manpower and Randstad, but they both don't deal with English-speaking jobs! they didn't even take my CV. I went to another place but they also don't have much for English-speakers. I think the market is flooded with job placement agencies here in Holland. One street alone where I went to Randstad...is just basically a street with job placement offices! There were even two offices of the same company!
So I will spend my days still scrounging for jobs. I still have my volunteer job which I went back to yesterday. But it just reminded me how much I would like to have a job-- a paying job, and one where I can go to and be able to communicate to others about the job. I never fully understand everything they say during the change of shift things, even if they are just joking about something...i really just want to be included on things. I hope I can soon be included in the Dutch job market.
Right away on Monday I began my quest. I went to Undutchables, a job recruitment agency for foreigners, to talk to someone about what I can do to find a job. I went to Manpower and Randstad, but they both don't deal with English-speaking jobs! they didn't even take my CV. I went to another place but they also don't have much for English-speakers. I think the market is flooded with job placement agencies here in Holland. One street alone where I went to Randstad...is just basically a street with job placement offices! There were even two offices of the same company!
So I will spend my days still scrounging for jobs. I still have my volunteer job which I went back to yesterday. But it just reminded me how much I would like to have a job-- a paying job, and one where I can go to and be able to communicate to others about the job. I never fully understand everything they say during the change of shift things, even if they are just joking about something...i really just want to be included on things. I hope I can soon be included in the Dutch job market.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Op Vakantie
Well, one of the things you learn in Dutch vocabulary rather early on is the word for 'vacation'. Vacation is very important in dutch society, and as its now the school summer break, many dutchies are "op vakantie". It is the summer right-of-passage, and a very important part of Dutch culture. 'Ga jij op vakantie?' is the question in early summer. They live for vacation! Whether the warm temps and waters of Spain, or the mountains of Switzerland/France/Austria...any country that is different than the flat, rainy, mild temperatured Holland.
The Dutch enjoy many more paid vacation days at their jobs than in the USA...I'd say at least a 3 week average. Or on the high end you could get 43 holiday days a year (like the person I live with!....however that includes the gov't holidays and the 12 days extra he gets for working 40hrs/wk on a 38 hr/wk contract).
So, we did as any other Dutch couple would do- get outta town and go op vakantie. Due to the fact that we are living in a one-income household currently, we could not do something a bit more elaborate, such as go to Norway, as we have been wishing to do in recent years....but we did something still just as fun. We went by train to southern Germany and went camping!
We left the 18th, and spent 9 nights at the Campingplatz Tennsee, a camping place in the middle of tiny towns by the names of Klais and Krun. This was all within a few miles of the border of Austria. The nearest real 'town' is Mittenwald. I believe this area's only hope in their local economy is tourism- summer camping/hiking/holiday apartments, and in winter its skiing. It was such a beautiful area, the 2nd highest mountain peak in Germany was nearby, the Karwendel. The first thing we saw when exiting our tent in the morning was Karwendel. And the Tennsee (Tenn lake) was really more of a pond. Every night at dusk for about 3 hours, you could hear the hundreds of frogs/toads and crickets chirping and singing a melody to put you to sleep. (Or in M's case, since he hates frogs, he had bad dreams the first night thinking they were in the tent and he was trying to swat them away! haha!!).
The first day we took a cable car to the top of the mountain, over 2400 meters up. And we decided to hike down, even though it is easier to hike up a mountain than going down. It took several hours, as the first half is all loose rock, it was very slippery and dangerous! Quite a challenge. My legs muscles ached for days afterwards, it was difficult for me to even walk up/down steps after that b/c of my calves/quads/hamstrings. And the blisters on my toes and feet---I had problems with that all 2 weeks, my hiking boots were probably a size too small (you should buy one size larger than your normal shoe size apparently). It was quite painful to walk most of the time. I bandaged them and taped them up, which helped some in preventing more, but didn't help those already there. My feet are in pretty bad shape now.
The second day we hiked up another small mountain over 1100 meters, and around in our area. Saturday we went to Innsbruck, Austria by train, as it was only 1 hour away. Its a nice city in the valley between some large mountains. Sunday we hiked some more to Mittenwald and in gorge walking trail outside of Mittenwald. On this train we crossed the border into Austria.
Monday was supposed to be a 'break' for my feet...we were going to take the train/bus to Vils, Austria, then try to catch a bus to Fuessen, Germany, about 6 km away. This is where the castle Neuschwanstein is located, the fairy tale castle of Mad Kind Ludwig that was built in the 1800s and which Disney based their castle on. Well, the bus was over an hour wait, if it actually came that is...and we were told it was only 4km to Austria.
So we walked to Austria.
It took over an hour...and was probably more like 6 km to the city center. And by this time, the painful feet I had, I was stubborn and wanted to actually see Neuschwanstein again (I saw it in 1998) since we had already walked this far. But it was another 3km to walk. Oh the stubbornness that ensued (on my behalf). But through the heat and the blisters and the pain...we saw it. And 1/2 hour later we had to get on the bus back to Fuessen, to make sure we could get a bus that would take us back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (where we could get the train to Klais and then walk another 25 min to our campsite). Just barely, it all worked out. Neuschwanstein is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Germany. Its fricken crazy there, and the busses don't leave when they should, so we almost didn't make our connection in Fuessen.
But we saw the castle!!
Tuesday and Wednesday we did actually rest my feet...because we biked. We rented mountain bikes on Tues from our campsite...they were a bit too small for us, they were made for teenagers. Imagine 6'7" M riding a small framed bike. With a 7kg backpack. It rained all day, pretty heavy at times. But it was beautiful ride. Wednesday was much better weather, we got better 'touring' bikes from a place in nearby Krun. We biked probably 60 km that day, up to the Walchensee (lake) - it was 24 km around it. It was such beautiful blue-green water,due to the mineral content in the water!!...unfortunately it wasn't as warm as Caribbean waters!
Thursday we went on a hike organized by the town tourism office of Krun. It was to the Hoellental. This means valley of hell. It is a narrow gorge you walk through (thru tunnels and walkways they installed along the wall/edge)...and it is one of the ways leading to the Zugspitze. It was really a neat hike, very enjoyable and scenic. Sometimes we were really near to the edge, a bit scary. However my feet were in so much pain the way down. Ouch.
Friday we made our way by train to Esslingen. We transferred several times, because we got a cheap ticket. But for 3 hrs we were in Munich. We had time to walk around a bit, and to eat lunch at the Hofbrau Haus. That was yummy. We met up with my host parents from 1998 and stayed with them for 3 nights in Esslingen. It was nice to see them again, and to sleep in my old room looking out to the city center, and drink wine with dinner on their balcony. Monday through Wednesday we were with my friend Anna-Lena (who was in the high school class there). We visited the city of Konstanz, which is on the Bodensee (Lake Constance) in southern Germany. We crossed the border to Switzerland by foot here!
Overall, it was a very nice time and a nice trip. I wouldn't mind going back there again. My Germany language skills slowly came back to me, as the first week I was totally confused in my head between Dutch and German. I wanted to say more dutch words than German, now i'm back to more German than dutch. Camping was enjoyable, but this camping place had mostly small RV's/camper vehicles. There were probably 40% Dutch people staying there. You could tell the difference between the children...the Dutch children were louder and more obnoxious than the German kids.
Things I like about Bavaria/Baden-Wuerttemburg: scenery, lederhosen, Fachwerk, little chapels in tiny corners of alleyways or along regular streets, bells on goats/sheep/cows so that you can hear them all the time, chocolate croissants, bakeries, kuchen (cake/tortes), WINE, sunshine.
The Germans have a stereotype of Dutchies in their heads...that they all drive with their caravans (campers) in the left lane of the Autobahns at 40 km/hr slower than everyone else...in mass exodus to southern Germany. Considering the number of campers that were in our camp site alone...and all the cars we saw on the road...I think its a pretty accurate stereotype!
For some nice photos, please check out my Flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/caclabots/sets/72157601200917965/
Fun Geography Facts:
- Crossed 2 international boundaries by foot 3 times in total (Austria and Switzerland)
- Hiked on the 2nd highest mountain in Germany (Karwendel)
- Zero passport stamps
- Sat on the shore of Lake Constance where the Rhine River begins (in this lake)
- About 87 km biked (54 miles)
- Unknown km hiked!
- Around 1900 km travelled by train
- Top speed of 300km/hr reached while on ICE train
Friday, August 3, 2007
the decision
the news i've been waiting for for the last almost 5 months...the decision from the immigration dept on my application for residence within the netherlands. i returned from my vacation in germany yesterday afternoon (haven't the last 5 months been something of a 'break' anyways?), and as i had thought, it was waiting in the mailbox for me. my application was approved!! and now i have to wait to hear from the city hall as to when i should go pick up the ID card, the actual proof. i can now apply for jobs!! woo hoo!!
Check back tomorrow for a report on our trip to Deutschland and the Bavarian Alps!
Check back tomorrow for a report on our trip to Deutschland and the Bavarian Alps!
Monday, July 16, 2007
anti-social-ness and garbage
One thing that is very present in Dutch society is that of being a "social" person. Not in the way that an American may think social...as in going out and interacting with a lot of people and having a busy calendar full of things to do and places to go with many people. No, in the NL, "social" is more of a way you should behave and be 'normal', a way take an active part in society to make things run more smoothly. More often you hear of someone being "anti-social". The phrase, 'don't be so anti-social' is probably a quite commonly used phrase...as often as 'dank u wel' or 'alstublieft' (maybe not *that* much).
I've heard this before, referring to (funny enough), garbage collection. While I know, growing up back in the 'hood of Sheboygan, with neighbors who don't really give a crap about what day the garbage is being collected and put bags and bags of garbage out in the alley behind our house a day or two before the trash collectors were to come....that isn't the nicest of behavior. But in my own experience with my Dutchie, and from talking to other expats living in Amsterdam...its quite amusing to me, this huge importance dutchies place on timing of taking out the garbage. your whole reputation amongst your neighbors pretty much depends on it! if you put your garbage out any earlier then probably 2 hours before the collection, you are labeled as 'anti-social'. if you put it out the night before: anti-social ---this was the case of another expat I talked to. (what if you don't have time in the morning, or may forget in your mad-dash of getting ready for work? its better to put out the trash than have it pile up inside and help aid in starting an infestation of bugs or rodents!)
And in our case, we have a trash bin outside that some employee from our apt complex puts out in the morning, usually by 730am. The trash collection usually comes at around 930am. This is a pretty short window to put trash out. If you put trash outside on the curb if the bin isn't yet out if, say, the employee doesn't put the bin out before you leave or before 9am, you are anti-social.
Last week, both on Monday and Thursday when they come to collect the trash, the bins weren't out before 9...M leaves before 9. I don't get out of my pjs til after 10...(so this meant no trash was being taken out). I suggested, just put it out on the curb..that's not our problem that he forgot to put the bin out in time. I dont want bags of trash sitting on our balcony all week. 'No! That is really anti-social' was the response! 'Its not the job of the collector to pick up the bags off the curb...they are supposed to only empty the bins.' Well, to me, bags and bins, same thing...their job is to collect the trash.
But as the bins were out late twice last week, I think M changed his mind and is becoming defiant to the risk of labeling by neighbors and the trash collectors...and simply will put his trash out no matter what (you could argue that being late on putting the bins out is also anti-social!). Dutch society, pretty much as a whole, follows the rules. If you don't do what's socially accepted, someone will let you know and put you in your place. Unless of course you're an apethetic immigrant who just wants to put her trash out. A few hours off on your timing, and a plea to attend integration classes will ensue! ;-)
PS- I wrote this last week...but posting today. This morning the bin wasn't out when M left at 745. When I looked out the window at 9am , the bin was there, and the trash bag that should have gone out with M an hour earlier...was still sitting in our kitchen. So I had to take it out. Why wait for the dang bin? Just take the trash out and put it on the curb! The trash collectors are coming no matter what, so put it out there or have your kitchen smell like garbage and watch the fruit fly population soar.
I've heard this before, referring to (funny enough), garbage collection. While I know, growing up back in the 'hood of Sheboygan, with neighbors who don't really give a crap about what day the garbage is being collected and put bags and bags of garbage out in the alley behind our house a day or two before the trash collectors were to come....that isn't the nicest of behavior. But in my own experience with my Dutchie, and from talking to other expats living in Amsterdam...its quite amusing to me, this huge importance dutchies place on timing of taking out the garbage. your whole reputation amongst your neighbors pretty much depends on it! if you put your garbage out any earlier then probably 2 hours before the collection, you are labeled as 'anti-social'. if you put it out the night before: anti-social ---this was the case of another expat I talked to. (what if you don't have time in the morning, or may forget in your mad-dash of getting ready for work? its better to put out the trash than have it pile up inside and help aid in starting an infestation of bugs or rodents!)
And in our case, we have a trash bin outside that some employee from our apt complex puts out in the morning, usually by 730am. The trash collection usually comes at around 930am. This is a pretty short window to put trash out. If you put trash outside on the curb if the bin isn't yet out if, say, the employee doesn't put the bin out before you leave or before 9am, you are anti-social.
Last week, both on Monday and Thursday when they come to collect the trash, the bins weren't out before 9...M leaves before 9. I don't get out of my pjs til after 10...(so this meant no trash was being taken out). I suggested, just put it out on the curb..that's not our problem that he forgot to put the bin out in time. I dont want bags of trash sitting on our balcony all week. 'No! That is really anti-social' was the response! 'Its not the job of the collector to pick up the bags off the curb...they are supposed to only empty the bins.' Well, to me, bags and bins, same thing...their job is to collect the trash.
But as the bins were out late twice last week, I think M changed his mind and is becoming defiant to the risk of labeling by neighbors and the trash collectors...and simply will put his trash out no matter what (you could argue that being late on putting the bins out is also anti-social!). Dutch society, pretty much as a whole, follows the rules. If you don't do what's socially accepted, someone will let you know and put you in your place. Unless of course you're an apethetic immigrant who just wants to put her trash out. A few hours off on your timing, and a plea to attend integration classes will ensue! ;-)
PS- I wrote this last week...but posting today. This morning the bin wasn't out when M left at 745. When I looked out the window at 9am , the bin was there, and the trash bag that should have gone out with M an hour earlier...was still sitting in our kitchen. So I had to take it out. Why wait for the dang bin? Just take the trash out and put it on the curb! The trash collectors are coming no matter what, so put it out there or have your kitchen smell like garbage and watch the fruit fly population soar.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
New to my wallet: a library card
Last week I finally made a move to further 'integrating' in Dutch society...I got a library card.
The Utrecht public library isn't really confined in one library...there's the central library in the city center, but also at least 10 'branch' libraries in the different neighborhoods. I think this is kinda dumb, since its not like Utrecht is really all that spread out and each branch is not more than probably 5 miles or less to the next place. Well, I heard that at the Overvecht library there are several books or textbooks/CDs about learning Dutch. So finally I went, to try and do something about learning Dutch.
You have to pay to join the library in the Netherlands. Here in Utrecht its 16 euros per year, plus a 2.50euro joining fee. In addition to that, all books are 25 cents to borrow for a 3 week period. CDs are more, CD-roms, videos, and other things cost different prices. While I understand that maybe some money is needed to fund the system of buying books and paying employees....I think a joining fee prevents certain people from joining...and perhaps growing up not learning to read well or enjoying to read. I think it sort of pushes out a certain sector of society.
Anyways, the good news is that the Dutch for foreigners books and CD-roms are free to borrow! that's finally a smart move by them...it encourages people to learn the language without worrying about money and having to pay all the time to take out the books. and luckily since its the summer vacation, books can be borrowed for 6 weeks. That's good because I'll be gone for the next two and won't even have time to look at them.
So, hopefully I will make myself look at these books...and hopefully I will learn something from them.
I'm excited to go to Germany, I just hope that some of the language skills i once had come back...I get so mixed up with Dutch and German in my head...but I think recently more dutch is coming to my mind/mouth than German words. that is a good sign.
The Utrecht public library isn't really confined in one library...there's the central library in the city center, but also at least 10 'branch' libraries in the different neighborhoods. I think this is kinda dumb, since its not like Utrecht is really all that spread out and each branch is not more than probably 5 miles or less to the next place. Well, I heard that at the Overvecht library there are several books or textbooks/CDs about learning Dutch. So finally I went, to try and do something about learning Dutch.
You have to pay to join the library in the Netherlands. Here in Utrecht its 16 euros per year, plus a 2.50euro joining fee. In addition to that, all books are 25 cents to borrow for a 3 week period. CDs are more, CD-roms, videos, and other things cost different prices. While I understand that maybe some money is needed to fund the system of buying books and paying employees....I think a joining fee prevents certain people from joining...and perhaps growing up not learning to read well or enjoying to read. I think it sort of pushes out a certain sector of society.
Anyways, the good news is that the Dutch for foreigners books and CD-roms are free to borrow! that's finally a smart move by them...it encourages people to learn the language without worrying about money and having to pay all the time to take out the books. and luckily since its the summer vacation, books can be borrowed for 6 weeks. That's good because I'll be gone for the next two and won't even have time to look at them.
So, hopefully I will make myself look at these books...and hopefully I will learn something from them.
I'm excited to go to Germany, I just hope that some of the language skills i once had come back...I get so mixed up with Dutch and German in my head...but I think recently more dutch is coming to my mind/mouth than German words. that is a good sign.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Residence Permit update
Well, some news on the residence permit- not what I wanted to hear though. After getting back from the gym, I was riding home, wondering if something could possibly be in the mailbox waiting for me. And to my surprise, there was actually a letter from the Ministry of Justice- the Immigration Dept. It didn't look thick with information or anything, so I was already a bit apprehensive. I went from surprise to excitement to apprehension within 5 seconds.
I opened it and immediately knew it was not the letter I wanted to get. I couldn't understand it completely, but I knew they wanted something to be sent in within 2 weeks from the dated stamp, thus my application was not approved yet. DAMN IT!!
After scanning the letter and emailing it to M, what they are requesting and saying that we did not include in our application (we must have had over 40 -50 pages of information) was that we lived at the same address. So basically this delay is not even our fault. We included both official papers from the City hall (that cost 10 euros EACH) saying that we lived at this address in Utrecht (but on two separate papers, one for each). I registered with the city the day they accepted my application and sent it on to the Immigration. Its weird that they would accept it if I wasn't even a resident at a certain address with my partner in Utrecht.
So to clarify this and make sure it gets back on track again as soon as possible (esp since we're going on a trip for 2 weeks on Wednesday!), we had to do something today. So after a quick shower and hardly a lunch, I met M at city hall at 2. There were tons of people in there waiting. The only thing I can compare the city hall here to is the DMV in the USA. A ton of people waiting around for EVER. You take a number and wait. there are several desks open, but some areas are for different issues. Luckily we were in the line for the citizen service that didn't have a long wait! Within 20 minutes we were out, and 20euros poorer. We each requested a printed out official paper with a stamp on it saying that we are registered at this address, and two people are registered at this address.
Then off to the post office to send it by registered mail so that by Monday they'll get it. We'll call and check on Tuesday, as now my particular case has an actual case number and a person assigned to it. Hopefully this does not put my application back more than 2 days. But I bet if the city had done what they were supposed to, or the IND is just trying to challenge us, I would have the RIGHT letter today- saying I could go pick up the ID card anytime. I hope the REAL letter will be there waiting for me when we get back from Germany.
This is just like all those stupid rebate 'deals' in the US-- some many times you send a rebate in and they send you a letter back saying you didn't buy the object/good in the valid period or send the right UPC thing in or the original receipt wasn't circled...or some stupid arse reason...just to discourage you and steal your money that you should be rightfully getting back. You gotta keep fighting to prove that you're right. I hear horror stories that those rebate fights go on for years. I hope this is nothing like that, although the IND has been known to have several problems like that. Just last week a 4 year old boy finally received his residence permit after 4 years (he was born here)...but with a hang up because of his mom's status (they were illegal apparently), he was never rewarded it and the IND kept putting it off.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/04/europe/EU-GEN-Netherlands-Immigration.php
I opened it and immediately knew it was not the letter I wanted to get. I couldn't understand it completely, but I knew they wanted something to be sent in within 2 weeks from the dated stamp, thus my application was not approved yet. DAMN IT!!
After scanning the letter and emailing it to M, what they are requesting and saying that we did not include in our application (we must have had over 40 -50 pages of information) was that we lived at the same address. So basically this delay is not even our fault. We included both official papers from the City hall (that cost 10 euros EACH) saying that we lived at this address in Utrecht (but on two separate papers, one for each). I registered with the city the day they accepted my application and sent it on to the Immigration. Its weird that they would accept it if I wasn't even a resident at a certain address with my partner in Utrecht.
So to clarify this and make sure it gets back on track again as soon as possible (esp since we're going on a trip for 2 weeks on Wednesday!), we had to do something today. So after a quick shower and hardly a lunch, I met M at city hall at 2. There were tons of people in there waiting. The only thing I can compare the city hall here to is the DMV in the USA. A ton of people waiting around for EVER. You take a number and wait. there are several desks open, but some areas are for different issues. Luckily we were in the line for the citizen service that didn't have a long wait! Within 20 minutes we were out, and 20euros poorer. We each requested a printed out official paper with a stamp on it saying that we are registered at this address, and two people are registered at this address.
Then off to the post office to send it by registered mail so that by Monday they'll get it. We'll call and check on Tuesday, as now my particular case has an actual case number and a person assigned to it. Hopefully this does not put my application back more than 2 days. But I bet if the city had done what they were supposed to, or the IND is just trying to challenge us, I would have the RIGHT letter today- saying I could go pick up the ID card anytime. I hope the REAL letter will be there waiting for me when we get back from Germany.
This is just like all those stupid rebate 'deals' in the US-- some many times you send a rebate in and they send you a letter back saying you didn't buy the object/good in the valid period or send the right UPC thing in or the original receipt wasn't circled...or some stupid arse reason...just to discourage you and steal your money that you should be rightfully getting back. You gotta keep fighting to prove that you're right. I hear horror stories that those rebate fights go on for years. I hope this is nothing like that, although the IND has been known to have several problems like that. Just last week a 4 year old boy finally received his residence permit after 4 years (he was born here)...but with a hang up because of his mom's status (they were illegal apparently), he was never rewarded it and the IND kept putting it off.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/04/europe/EU-GEN-Netherlands-Immigration.php
chocolate belgian waffle!
last weekend we went to brussels again. this time to visit a friend of m's who lives there temporarily while working for the EU. it was a bit more relaxed this time, less walking, more enjoying of sitting on the terrace of cafes and drinking a beer (or two). the weather finally was alright last weekend, before going back to its crappiness on monday, so we did get some face time with the sun. more belgian waffles (only 3 this time!)...we took 2 home with us. they are SO good. good thing i dont live in brussels or I would eat them every day. it was a nice time, and i do like brussels...but i dont think we'll be going back there for awhile! there are too many other places to see still.
we've been getting ready for our trip to germany. we're leaving next week for 2 weeks. we're going to garmisch-partenkirchen in extreme southern bavaria (south of munich). we'll camp there for 10 days, and then go to esslingen and visit my german host family, as well as a friend from that high school class. hopefully the weather cooperates!
we've been getting ready for our trip to germany. we're leaving next week for 2 weeks. we're going to garmisch-partenkirchen in extreme southern bavaria (south of munich). we'll camp there for 10 days, and then go to esslingen and visit my german host family, as well as a friend from that high school class. hopefully the weather cooperates!
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