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.