Brussels- where it all began

This past weekend M and I went to Brussels....aka the capital of Europe...aka Brussel/Bruxelles.


This is the city we met in, back in 2002 on a class field trip. It was nice to go back there together again. Although this time we actually did get to do some site-seeing...the first time it was all just class related stuff at the EU HQ. We took a bus there (Eurolines), and it was only 16 euros round trip each (on the train its about 40 r/t). It takes about 3 hours to get there with traffic.

We had a beer on the terrace of the restuarant where we first met (the White Rose/Rose Blance/Witte Ros), which happens to be on the Grote Markt, the main town square with beautifully decorated buildings. We posed for pictures in front of Manneken Pis, the fountain of the little boy peeing...where 5 years ago we started talking. And we happened to come across the Irish pub we all went into as a group 5 years ago, where we continued to talk to each other. We went to the Atomium (the atom-looking thing pictured below!)...which was neat from the outside, but inside was actually nothing special. we went in the different balls, and you walked between them on steps or escalors. It was built for the1958 Worlds Fair. Its 335 ft high and each sphere is 60 ft in diameter!! Made for some neat pictures.



We also ate many delicious Belgian waffles (with whipped cream or chocolate), and I had 1 cherry beer and 3 raspberry beers over the course of 2 days.





We stayed in a youth hostel that was a great location, but otherwise was not so great. I am biased now, I'm sure...but this place had no character, the beds weren't comfortable, the breakfast was very basic, and the people weren't that friendly. They gave you two basic white sheets that reeked of bleach, and a woolly blanket, without a separate cover for the blanket...which means it had been used by others before me w/o being washed. That is rather unhygienic and kinda of gross. My throat hurt the whole time I was there, partly because I think of the very intense smell of bleach. The hostel also closed at 1am; and between the hours of 10am and 2pm, you are locked out. I should have considered this 1am close time when I booked it, as the reason we went to Brussels was to go to a Dave Matthews Band concert at the Forest National, on the south side of Brussels. We missed the last 2 songs of the encore because we were concerned about timing...listen to Dave for 2 more songs, or sleep on the street. The logical people we are, we decided to leave early to make sure we got on the tram back to the center in time before it closed. we got back with 25 minutes to spare.

The concert was awesome! Probably the best Dave concert I've been to, and this was the 4th one. I went to a concert in Milwaukee in 1998, Dallas 2000, Alpine Valley (WI) 2003, and now Brussels. The last time DMB was in Europe was 1998. This was indoors, so the lighting and sound was great! The bass from the drums is amazing. And since DMB isn't quite as popular in Europe as the states, this place, with seating for 7000 or so...only maybe 4000 showed up. We sat down for the opener (Tom Morello of Rage against the Machine and Audioslave); I thought everyone would stand up at their seats when Dave would come out, but they didn't. So after the 3rd song, we ditched the seats and went down to the floor so we could dance. I mean, how can these people not stand up and dance in the presence of Dave?? It was really fun. And we were about 100 ft from him!! That's the closest I've ever been to the one and only Dave! This was the playlist:



(Still Water) - Don’t Drink the Water - When The World Ends - Grey Street - Dream Girl - Crash Into Me - Jimi Thing - The Maker - Louisiana Bayou - Sister + - #41 * - Satellite * - Crush - Down By The River - Stay (Wasting Time) - Ants Marching - encores: - So Damn Lucky + - American Baby Intro - Two Step

Show Notes: * Tom Morello + Dave Solo

Ah, listening to DMB brings me back to my college days. ;-) Of the brighter, carefree years of being young and a student. Now its reality check time.

When we were on the Grote Markt on Monday night, taking pictures and just taking in the beautiful night, there was a group of about 6 girls playing music on a 'boom box', who were having a bachelorette party for their friend Romy. The even lit something on fire, and the popped open a bottle of champagne and put the first out with that (and drank some of it too!). There was also a couple standing in the center of the square for a very long time, embracing each other. I figured something was up. When one of the bachelorette girls walked by them, the girl said, can you take a picture of us, he just asked me to marry him. It was so sweet. What a special night at the Grand Place.

More pictures can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/caclabots/sets/72157600291289598/

Revisiting the past

Vivi, Virginia, me

Virginia, Jill, Tara

Richard and his tower of empty beer glasses

On Tuesday I was able to meet up with some friends of mine from 5 years ago...that I met here in Utrecht as a student. Virginia (Argentina) and Jill (US) are here for a week to visit Utrecht again. Tara (US) has also lived here for awhile. Richard and Martin (Dutch) were 'mentors' in the ESN group. And of course, Viviana (Costa Rica), lives here as well. It was very strange to see them again...just like old times! We met up in Mick O'Connells pub, where we did every Tuesday back in 2002 for International Student night. It was nice to catch up...and to have friends (of my own) around! After several beers, I finally left at 1245am. Which means it was a fun night! :-)

Step 1 of official integration: check

Yesterday was one of the days I've been waiting for for over two months...well, at least it was a move in the direction of something I've been waiting for. And no, I'm not talking wedding related or vacation related things (other things I'm waiting for!). Yesterday I had a meeting with someone at the Inburgering (integration) department at the Gemeente (city gov't). I had no idea what was really going to go on at this meeting....I was expecting something fabulous and entertaining, since I went there to make the appointment over two months ago...they could have at least entertained me or something.

But, to my surprise, the man was actually quite nice; 'normal' in my opinion. He seemed interested in helping me as a person instead of me just as another immigrant client they are pushing thru to integrate that they are indifferent to.

So, what exactly is "integration" you may ask? Well that is a good question. I am not sure what the city defines it as exactly...and at what point or level am I "integrated"? I may have a different definition of it than they do...or as the next Dutchie (that is more likely the case!). Is integration purely/mostly language based? That seems to be my impression from the people who always say/tell me that I must "inburger"...for the fact that I inconvenience them by speaking English. I've lived over 2 years of my life in Holland, I know how things work here. I may not know their history 100% or how their housing system or health system works completely...but for every day life and the general mannerisms of Dutchies, I know how that goes.

What the city of Utrecht is doing, is offering Dutch language classes and some 'culture/society' information in the classes as well (such as, how much does a bus ticket cost? or...where gov't departments can I receive money from? --my friend who went thru this program said this is actually what they teach!). There are four levels of classes and proficiency in the Dutch language, and they teach you and then are later tested on listening, reading, writing, speaking, and grammar structure or something. The city pays for me to inburger for one year. And, if necessary, it may be possible to extend that for another 1/2 year. After the four levels are complete, I can take a 'statsexam'...or a test that will certify me that I am 'fluent' in the Dutch language, and is thus recognized throughout the country for schools or jobs for example. The classes are either 4 times a week in either the morning or afternoon or 2 or 3 times in the evening for those who have to work/go to school during the daytime. Since I am planning on being employed soon after getting my work permit, I will opt for the evening classes. And, not to be prejudiced or anything, but that probably betters my chance to be with a bit more educated group of people, since they have jobs.

However, there is a slight catch...well, not catch, but snag. I have to wait until the Immigration Department accepts me and I receive my permanent residence permit, before I can take these classes. It makes sense...the city doesn't want to spend a lot of money on someone who is not permanently legal. So I hope within the next 2 or so months (I'm being positive), I will get the letter from the IND (Immigration), and as soon as I get a letter, I can call the Inburgering office and we will set up an appointment that week where the contracts will be signed (yes, contracts! They state that they will do their best to get me into a class that suits my needs and wants and will pay for it, and I will attend these classes regularly), and a placement test will be taken to find out what level I need to start out at. The reason for the contracts is again -- money. They are investing a lot of money in me and these classes. If I don't go or get any better at Dutch, then their money is not going to good use. And then I owe THEM the money for the classes, which could be over 1000 euros. I hope that I really can get the test and contract done within a week of getting my IND letter, because the sooner all this is put into motion, the better. The next classes start in September. And it will also help me with jobs, and of course, my overall feeling of acceptance and inclusion in society (I hope...but maybe that is a bit too unrealistic so soon?).

This program of integration is obligatory by all new immigrants to the Netherlands for family/partner reunification, regardless of their country of origin. The laws just changed this past January, so we were unsure if it was obligatory for immigrants from western countries, and if it would even be fully paid for as a westerner. Luckily they are smart and realize the positive effects of helping westerners to 'integrate' as well. We may be from western countries, but if am not allowed to work at this time, how will I have money to pay for language classes that will help me to integrate and find a job and be an asset to society and the economy? Who says just because I'm from the USA, that I have money to afford such classes? But the current program they have sounds alright to me...in the fact that they pay for the classes! Offering language classes is definitely better than nothing at all.

Not all cities in the Netherlands have the same types of service and support. Utrecht has an even better program than Amsterdam for example. Amsterdam pays for one year and then they're over with you. Utrecht gives you the opportunity for a possible extension. They also have a new program, a type of internship program, which I think is a really good idea. I can suggest/request a type of job or sector that I am looking for a job in. They will try their best to find a business or office that will take me in as a (unpaid) intern. This way, I can practice my Dutch in the work environment, and learn the words/terms in that field. Also it can help get me contacts in the field I'm looking for a job in. I think I may try this, once I get better in speaking.

So this whole program, while aiming to integrate thousands of immigrants into the Dutch culture, from what they say, sounds like a more individual type format/approach. I have a contact person with the city, if the classes are too fast or too slow, they will help re-place me. They won't just place me in a group with people who are not at my same level, as that won't be any benefit to me at all. This is my current situation with this neighborhood organization that offers a class once a week on Wednesdays. I've gone I think 4 times, and it is not good at all- rather disorganized and loose, and way below my level. Plus the other ladies (like 4) in the class are much older than me, but I think not quite at my educational level...they don't seem like completely bright people...its taking them 4 classes of 2 hours to even understand how to conjugate a single present tense verb of "to be" and "to have". Its like pulling teeth-- painful!

I also learned that I can get a Dutch passport in 3 years instead of the normal 5, because my partner has Dutch nationality and I am here for partner reunification. Normal migrants here for work or school or those that came on their own, have to wait 5 years. But according the the US government I would have to give up my US passport. At this point I'm not even considering Dutch nationality. And honestly, I don't know if I'd ever want to get it. Definitely not at this point! 3 years seems a short amount of time to 'become Dutch'...I don't think after 30 years I would even be considered Dutch, even if I was fluent and everything.

The next big thing I'm waiting for now, is the actual letter from the IND...hopefully by July (they have til the end of August) I'll hear something from them. I'll have to have a party for that one.

First cup of coffee

First cup of coffee
Originally uploaded by dutchlop.

This past weekend I received a new Senseo coffee maker from M's parents! Very nice of them. This morning I made my first cup of Vienna blend coffee, and it was very good! This coffee maker uses individual pads of coffee, so you can make just one or two at a time. Plus the machine itself looks pretty schnazzy.

Anyone want to come over for a cup of coffee?

Holiday weekend in Holland

Again, the weekend, usually a busy time, as weekends in May have been fully booked. But because of the holiday weekend, M had a 4 day weekend, so I had more things to do than just sit around. Thursday I did work, and actually for the first time talked to some guests because I was there later in the day for check-in, and not for just cleaning. I talked to some guy from Miami who was about to take the night train to Prague. Also some other 'kid' (born in 1986!) was there from the US...he was the first American I've talked to in person since I left the US. I find that I stutter and talk slowly and use simple short words...but I don't have to do that! I'll be a mess whenever I actually go back to the US to visit. The guy going to Prague left the hostel and 2 minutes later came back and realized he'd left his train ticket laying there on the table. whoops! good thing he realized it before it was too late! There was also a guy who was totally stoned - he smoked like 7 joints either that morning or the night before and he was totally out of it. He sat in the dining area for like 30 minutes and drank a liter of milk and left. I didn't want to go near him.

The reason so many people were hanging about the hostel instead of out was because Thursday was a national holiday and everything was closed. It was Hemelvaart, otherwise known as Ascension Day. One of the least religious countries in Europe still 'celebrates' a Christian holiday. I find that very interesting.

Friday, M and I decided to go for a bike ride, and we rode from our place north along the river Vecht to Weesp, a 'suburb' of Amsterdam. We were going to go all the way to the IJsselmeer, but we didn't take the right road. In any case, we rode for probably 3 or 4 hours, and it was very nice out. Along the Vecht are some very nice large authentic Dutch estate homes/mansions. They are all very nice, but only make me wish I had more money so I could afford a nice home. I think it was around 35 km. It was a really nice bike ride.

Yesterday was 'Family Day'. Every year around this time, M's dad's side has a get together in a different place in Holland. It was his dad's year to organize it, and since they are moving to Friesland in the late summer, the day was a trip to Friesland. We were picked up at 730am, and at 10 we were at the meeting point cafe in Leeuwarden where we had some coffee and torte. We had about an 1.5 hour walking tour around Leeuwarden. Then we drove to the village where they bought their house so we could see it. Then we went to Dokkum and had lunch and walked a bit there. We left around 430 on our way back to Utrecht. There were probably 20 or so of us. It was a nice day. I think Leeuwarden and Dokkum are nice cities. I wouldn't live there because its rather far removed from where jobs would be (the bigger cities in and around the Randstad)...but its nice to go there to get away from all the people here in the south. Friesland is a bit more 'empty' than around here...but really, its not. Its not like Iceland or anything! Farms still dot the landscape.

On the way there, we drove thru the province of Flevoland. This is a large polder that is reclaimed land from the sea, and only as recent as the 1960s. It is rather strange to think of the land there being only a few decades old. When you think of Europe, you think of old things- old buildings, roads, churches, forests, and history. The Dutch who immigrated to the US in the mid 19th century did not come from Flevoland. Its funny to think that this land does not have an ancestral history, no one's family can say that they came from here.

There are also hundreds of windmills in Flevoland; along the way we passed 2 large windmolen parks...I started counting at the beginning, but after 60 and with many to go, I just stopped. Its easy to see tens of them at a time because the land is completely flat. And they are lined up along the dike on the coast to the IJsselmeer as well.

We had to get back so M and I could go to a housewarming party for a friend of mine here (my only friend!). It was a fun time and I discovered that I like another kind of white wine, pinot blanc. Also a kind of Spanish sausage but since I was enjoying the wine so much, I don't remember the name. Oh well.

Today we sat outside in the polders, right by a little tiny lake and listened to the frogs croak and chirp while reading a book. It started to get cloudy so we headed home after an hour and a half. Tomorrow back to 'work'...aka, huis vrouw.

Get off of me!

Not to be a 'Debbie Downer' or anything, but I had a bit of a interesting experience, yet again basketball related...as I dwelled on my actions, I came to an interesting conclusion.

Monday night I played again on M's team in a student league. A player on the other team was a little over aggressive and I think a little over the top. At one point in the first half, I grabbed a rebound and waited for everyone to clear out before I started dribbling out. Well, this player was all over me, smothering me to try to get the ball. In a normal game with real refs, they would have (should have) called a reaching foul. Normally I would not say anything out loud, but this guy was really irritating me. And, as I'm probably a little too overly competitive and too hard on myself, in a burst of frustration as I was pivoting back and forth trying to get this guy off of me (I couldn't dribble to get away from him because he was all over me), I screamed out "Get OFF of ME!!" I was really ticked off! And I think I surprised or scared him so much that he did immediately get off of me. It felt really good to yell. But immediately afterwards, I felt rather embarrassed, as it was a little over the top for me to do that, especially at this level of student play. The game doesn't even matter. And its not like I'm thinking he should treat me differently because I'm a girl player...that's stupid...I just wanted him to get the heck off of me!

In the end, we won by a few points, but in the few times I actually did get the ball, I missed four shots, 2 of which were super easy. I am very hard on myself. I left for the locker room without even talking to the others on my team. I was ticked for missing the shot in the last minute, and I was upset at myself for screaming at the other guy. As I sat outside alone waiting for M to 'hit the showers'...I thought that perhaps this outburst at one guy, was representative of my experience as a whole right now with 'the Dutch'...if I can generalize it so. I feel extremely smothered at times, and extremely belittled by a few select people who don't even know me...where I am immediately put 'back in my place' as someone who is different and not equal. Of course, even after yelling, I realized that by screaming in English, I was immediately recognized as an outsider and not 'normal'...as the Dutch really thrive on having everyone 'act normal' and on the same level. I don't think I'm very often my full, real self when I am around people other than M (or maybe his friends or my one friend too), as I don't feel I can when I'm talking to someone new, which doesn't happen often anyways. I can't use the slang or sarcastic sense of humor that I usually speak with in the US, because its not really always understood here (unless I am talking to someone who is good with English). I just want everyone to get off my back, and get off my case about integration! Is that always the only thing it can be, integrate or not? I want to be myself. But how can I if I am supposed to "integrate" to their ways? Integration is always the first question topic no matter what...if not "where are you from?" Either way, both questions establish that you are not from here.

How am I supposed to make friends here? At this age, people are out of school and not as big into drinking and socializing with new people...they have jobs and partners and perhaps kids (there are older members in the basketball club I'm going to join). They have their established friends, and don't really open up to new people more than an acquaintance level.

Maybe I'm just too sensitive and I should just shut up.

In any case, it was a nice release to scream out loud like that...I know I have to not care as much about what other people say about integrating or speaking the language. But I do care, and I don't know why I am this way. My emotions are stored up til there is a big outburst. Too bad one player had to be the brunt of my screams towards the population as a whole! That is...if you accept my in-depth analysis of what my outburst really was.

Maybe I just wanted the guy to get off of me.

Passive aggressive junkies

On Sunday afternoon we on a bike ride along the polders (after the plants), which should have been relaxing, but started out anything but. We had to ride for a little bit along the canal where the 'whore-boats' are..and it just boggles my mind that even at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon, the road there is packed with cars driving by slowly (this isn't a thru-road, the only reason to be on this side street is to be looking at the girls in the windows). I even saw a guy with wooden clogs on walking from his parked car to a houseboat. Then, we could hear this idiot on a scooter behind us just constantly honking his horn. I just roll my eyes at idiots....and usually its just some dumb teenager kid and they move on. Well, this guy was not a teenager, but an old junkie who was probably pretty wasted on something. Well, since we were on a bike path that is about 10 or so feet wide, and its divided in half for each direction of bike traffic. We were riding side by side and 2 people were coming towards us, also side by side. Well this idiot on the scooter didn't wait behind us and then pass us after the oncoming traffic passed....he instead went right in the middle of the 4 of us bikes at the exact time we were 4 across. I thought he had just hit one of the bikers on the other side. But instead of zooming off after the problem he had caused, he stopped and turned around and started yelling at the other guy, who had the right of way. Turns out the junkie guy SPIT in his face even, not just hit him. But the other guy just stopped and turned around to look back at him, he didn't even yell at him, like 'what the hell is your problem?' But of course M decided to catch up to him and ask him why he spit in his face. Well I was a bit ahead of this and didn't hear what this idiot was saying, I just thought he was talking back to him. Apparently he was threatening to hurt ME now. He told M that he had a knife. So with that M left him and rode up to me and said 'just keep going... but don't follow him'. I learned in Scotland to "Never trust a Campbell", but I guess now days it should be "never trust a junkie". Of course me, maybe because I didn't actually hear him threaten me, and maybe because I think its much safer here than in the gun-toting US urban culture that I have been accustomed to in the last 2 years, and because I never saw him hold out a knife....I thought it was kind of a funny threat. I wasn't even in the confrontation, and M was confronting him, yet the junkie was like, oh I'll go after your girl. Maybe I'm still too naive (there would have been several witnesses because like I said, there were many cars driving by looking at the ladies)...I really can't take a threat from a fried, wasted junkie when he can't even produce a weapon. This is the 2nd time that a junkie has made a threat towards me when I haven't even been involved in talking to him, but a threat to M directed towards me (the other one was actually about May 2004). But, junkies are totally messed up and I guess you can't predict what they'll do next. They probably don't even know what they'll do next! I'm surprised he even had a scooter...I don't seen many junkies on scooters, as all their money goes towards drugs.

Ah, in any case, he drove off and we just continued on with our ride through the polders, in the calm, quiet, and peaceful countryside of Holland.

Integration...by murder?

My life has been pretty full of basketball lately.While it is good I'm keeping busy and getting exercise at the same time, I also don't want to become sick of it so soon! But more the problem now is that I've been busy at night with games and practicing...that I hardly have seen or spent time with M! Monday we both play on the same team. Tuesday he had to work late and was home after 9pm. Wednesday I had practice and got home at 1030 and he was sleeping. Thursday was a free day for once, but Friday I again played in a sort of mixed tourney with some student bball club from Utrecht. Too busy!

Yesterday was also a day related to basketball...but for a different reason. The club I am going to join in the fall, was celebrating their 16th 'birthday'. They were having an all day party, which included some games in the afternoon, and during dinner, we had a game of "murder". I was kinda worried about this all week, as I had to have M's sister translate my part, since he couldn't know who I was or anything about my character. I was really worried that I would not be able to follow along in the game and really embarrass myself...even though this is all for fun. But I don't always have that mindset, as there is usually someone who makes me feel more stressed, and always at least one comment about "inburgering"...aka- integrating. It never fails to be mentioned.

So we sat at a table of 7, 6 of us were players, and there was one 'host' or leader. the first round i was really rather lost and getting upset with myself that I shouldn't even be here. Luckily the leader helped with some of the translating, and one other woman at the table spoke in English for me. But at one point, someone asked, 'shouldn't we all just do it in English?', and of course, there was one person who quickly objected and stated that I should 'inburger'. Well, what do you think I'm trying to do then? By coming to this party, I was trying my best. I could just stay at home and shut myself inside and never come out. I'm sure people who make these comments have never lived in another country or known someone personally who has lived abroad. Then they would be a bit more empathetic towards my situation. I try to be social, but a lot of times it makes me feel even more isolated. Social situations are hard enough for me in my own language! I'm an introverted person, I wonder why I have gone on this path in life to live in another country.

In any case, the game was alright in the end, the dinner was good, and I had some laughs when I knew what was going on. My character, Meta de Vries, was not the murderer, and on the 3rd and last try, I did correctly guess the murderer (mordenaar).

Today we could finally rest and not have any obligations to go to. We planted some flowers in the planter I bought at IKEA last week to put on our balcony...which I want to make all nice for summer. I bought some marigolds (Spaanse margriet) at the flower market yesterday morning. Also a lavender plant for one euro- that is in the hanging planter. The Dutchie bought a mint plant and some thyme, as he's all about the natural herbs. ;-)

Many congrats today-- to Rachel for graduating with her masters in nursing! Yeah! Congrats to Vivi and Maarten on their engagement! And Happy Mother's Day to my mom...so all you others out there, don't forget to give your mom a call! :-)

Haven't seen this in awhile...

Get out the Hy-vent rain jackets and rain pants...its raining again in Holland!

For the first time in 48 days, it rained on Sunday. It hasn't rained here since March...this is extremely unusual. Of course, all this rain now is good for the plants and grass...but not for bike riding. I really did enjoy the lack of rain, and I started taking it for granted. But, on Monday as I was riding back from the gym in the rain, I did realize that I missed the smell of rain in the air. And, rain is what makes Holland, Holland. You wouldn't have all these canals, lakes, ducks, geese, fenders on bikes, umbrellas, and covered bus stops if it didn't rain here all the time. Well, its been over 2 days now of rain, I'm ready for the sun again.

I'm sorry I didn't update lately. I was having problems signing in to blogger and I could not get to my page to post something new. I did want to write about this past weekend though.

On May 4th, the Netherlands 'celebrates' Memorial Day, remembering specifically all those who died in WWII, and all wars in general too. This is commemorated by 2 minutes of silence at 8pm. In Utrecht, there is usually a large gathering of people on the Domplein (the square in front of the large church in Utrecht- the Dom) to remember and have a moment of silence. This year I did not get to this service, but I was out playing basketball at a park with M and some of his bball mates. And what struck me was that they kept asking me what time it was. At 745pm, the Dom's bell started ringing. At about 8 they all stopped playing and sat on the side of the court. At first, since I'm so oblivious to everything, I just thought they wanted to take a break. But after the bells stopped at 8, and no one was talking, it then struck me that, oh, these guys are paying their respects, 2 minutes of silence. And then at 8:02, it was back to playing. I thought this to be rather impressive and significant... a bunch of Dutch guys in their mid-20's, who don't seem to care one way or the other about many things...are so respectful for this day and those who have died in the war, actually stop their game of bball for a moment of silence.

The following day, May 5th, is Liberation Day, and the festivities are much more visible and fabulous. This anniversary marks the end of German occupation in WWII. Holland was mostly liberated by the Canadians in 1945. On this day, now a national holiday (only since 1990), festivals are held all over the country. Large all-day musical concerts/festivals are held in many of the larger cities. This year, the Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation day) Festival in Utrecht was a good one. My favorite Dutch band, Racoon, (like there's a bunch to choose from!!) played first, at 1:15pm, and only for 30 minutes unfortunately. But I was there and ready and excited. Racoon was great and it was fun times. In typical dutch fashion, M and I brought our own beer and snacks and shared with the 3 other friends who were with us, right before the concert. Also in typical Dutch fashion, the porta-potties were 50cents per use!!! That's robbery! What happened to our freedom!?? Even funnier- you could buy a 'day pass' for 2 euros, and use the porta-potties as many times as you wanted through-out the day! haha!!

So, we stayed til about 430, and my knees were killing me from standing up for the last 4 hrs. In that time we listened to a reggae band and some other DJs who were playing. M loves reggae and he was dancing like crazy. Ya-mon. We also enjoyed an ice cream.

Today I worked over 4 hours at the hostel and once again, checked in a bunch of Italians. Those Italians...they like Holland...and I think I know the reason why.

I will try to keep blogging as long as Blogger lets me!

PS- Purple Crocodile has updated! See the link on the right hand column.

A piece of cake

Yesterday would have been my 2 year anniversary at the Census (my previous job before I moved here). Hard to believe that 2 years went by already. It went pretty fast (looking back, of course). If I were still in DC, I would have gone out to RFD's (a bar in Chinatown) to celebrate. I probably would have brought in some cake, as I love cake. :-)

An here I am now, working about 8 hrs/wk at a youth hostel. Tuesday and today I worked, cleaning and changing beds. On Tuesday I cleaned basically the whole first floor by myself. It was quite the job, since the weekend til Monday was full for Queen's Day. I was told there was a loud snorer in the 14-person room, which would explain why I found several empty wrapper bags for ear plugs on the floor. Today there was an Albanian man that I checked in last week, he is still here, a week later. He was playing chess with another man, I think he was Italian...they were waiting for the computer to free up. As I was going to leave the room to move the laundry around down in the basement, this man was standing up in the dining area, with his pants down at his knees. Luckily he had underwear on. I was rather shocked that a man was stripping down in the main lounge area!! I turned around and made a shocked face to my co-worker and she was just as confused. Then I went on with my business pretending I didn't see that.

But today is also the anniversary of several other important things. First, the 8th anniversary of the F5 May 3rd tornado that hit OKC in 1999. It's also my friend Alli's 26th birthday! Happy Birthday Alli! A piece of cake for you!

The biggest garage sale in the world!

And the biggest party of the year!!

AKA- QUEEN'S DAY!!

This is the day that all Dutchies celebrate the birthday of the Queen, Queen Beatrix. To do this, they all wear orange (for the "House of Orange") and booze it up and party all night. The night before Queen's Day (the night of the 29th), is Queen's Night, where all the adults go out and party it up. But in Utrecht it is a bit more special, as the flea markets that are usually only on the day of Queen's Day (the 30th), are allowed from 6pm onwards...the only city in the Netherlands where that is allowed. So, there are several streets that are designated 'vrijmarkt' (free-market) streets...and people set up a table or a space on the ground, and sell all sorts of random things, basically, all the crap they want to get rid of. I saw everything from clothes and shoes to kitchen wear to home decoration to bike wheels and parts to computer keyboards and all sorts of other random things. Little kids set up a little place of their own and sell their old toys and books. Some kids also play their instruments to make a few extra euros like street performers.

Who knew so much junk existed. Two neighborhoods on the north side of Utrecht were designated flea market areas. M and I set out at 615pm, and already the streets were packed. It was estimated that there were over 300,000 people in the center of Utrecht that night. We found some good buys on Sunday night. We bought a 25-box CD set of classical music for 10 euros, an old school geography atlas of the world from 1956 for 1 euro, a new and unused fondue set for 5 euros, 2 books, and some candle holder thing.

We went home for dinner and break from 8-10. Then we went back to the train station to pick up M's sister. We also brought along our own booze and walked the streets with the thousands of others and boozed it up. hehe. Although Passoa and orange juice can't get you that drunk. We were out til about 130am. There were police on horses at midnight, not allowing any more people on to the Dom square because it was too full. We wanted to go there as there was some music there, but of course, elsewhere thru-out the city were many different stages set up with other music.

The next day we set out with some more booze at noon, and wandered the streets again with thousands of others again. But we didn't find anything good this time around...worth buying at least.

But what always surprises me is what a mess is made- the beer cans and smashed beer bottles all over the place and in canals. Broken glass is not good for bike tires, I can tell you that much.

But today the streets were cleaned up already (thank goodness for my bike tires!) and it was kinda weird going thru such empty streets that were so packed less than 24 hours ago.

So, now everyone will put their orange shirts and hats away and save them again for 364 days from now for next year.

Even Nijntje was dressed up for the party!