Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Movement
Unfortunately, I don’t have access to Internet at my apartment. I am not too optimistic about being able to set it up which is quite disappointing. This will limit my ability to post pictures, update my blog, communicate, etc. Today, I am using the computer after to work to update my blog. It seems quite a lot has happened since my adventure at Walibi World.
I went kiting with my cousin, Nick. I had a bit of difficulty keeping the kite up but think I may fare better next time I try it. The wind was a bit sporadic as well. I took quite a few pictures and planned to post one or two to give a better idea of kiting with Nick, but it may be sometime before I am able to do this. I had the pleasure of wearing what can be described as an oversized diaper.
I have left Almere and am now in my apartment in Rotterdam. The journey to Rotterdam was an event in itself. Caroline, Rose, and I travelled together by train from Almere Buiten to Amsterdam to Rotterdam. We weren’t given very good advice in our travels and managed to take the only train connecting from Amsterdam to Rotterdam via the slowtrein. Deciphered, this meant we stopped at each and every stop along the way to Rotterdam. With a suitcase, duffel bag/suitcase/backpack, and bike we made it! I was a bit upset upon our first departure because the duffel bag/suitcase/backpack broke. I had the intention of using it as a backpack to aid in maneuvering around upon the journey but to my dismay, the strap I attempted to place around my arm broke. It pulled right away from the bag, a terrible stitching job might I add. I hope to get it fixed so it can be used on future weekends of exploration.
We arrived a bit later than expected to Rotterdam due to a wait in Amsterdam for the train followed by a very, very, slow ride. After arrival, we dropped my luggage off into my room. I was pleasantly surprised at the room. It is quite large. It is actually larger than the room in my old apartment. It includes a bed, closet, desk, bookshelf, TV, a DVD player, and a stereo. The view from my window looks out at the Eurasmus. (I live about 20 meters from the bridge.)
Euramus Bridge
(Thanks for the pic, Els) Picture Courtesy of Els
The rest of the apartment includes a bathroom with shower and another bathroom with a toilet. Another pleasant surprise involves the refrigerator. We each have our own. When using the kitchen, I can look out the glass windows/door onto our balcony. This overlooks a roof and water. Apparently, I will be able to see cruise ships coming in and out of the harbor.
I located the grocery store, a five-minute bike ride. Next, I need to purchase a couple of more items including some hangers and something to keep me a bit warmer in my bed. Friday will be the day of exploration because I do not work.
Work. Yes, work. The people are pleasant; there are about 50 of us in two wings. Each day, we have lunch together. I am quite fond of the lunch. It includes typical Dutch food. I have only taken the train to and from work and purchased a monthly pass yesterday after work. Work is also close enough for me to bike. The transit system here is quite thorough. I have also been given my project. It looks to be interesting.
I hope by the time I submit another blog entry I will have more Rotterdam sites to describe interjected with a bit of entertainment. This weekend, I plan to spend in Zeeland.
I went kiting with my cousin, Nick. I had a bit of difficulty keeping the kite up but think I may fare better next time I try it. The wind was a bit sporadic as well. I took quite a few pictures and planned to post one or two to give a better idea of kiting with Nick, but it may be sometime before I am able to do this. I had the pleasure of wearing what can be described as an oversized diaper.
I have left Almere and am now in my apartment in Rotterdam. The journey to Rotterdam was an event in itself. Caroline, Rose, and I travelled together by train from Almere Buiten to Amsterdam to Rotterdam. We weren’t given very good advice in our travels and managed to take the only train connecting from Amsterdam to Rotterdam via the slowtrein. Deciphered, this meant we stopped at each and every stop along the way to Rotterdam. With a suitcase, duffel bag/suitcase/backpack, and bike we made it! I was a bit upset upon our first departure because the duffel bag/suitcase/backpack broke. I had the intention of using it as a backpack to aid in maneuvering around upon the journey but to my dismay, the strap I attempted to place around my arm broke. It pulled right away from the bag, a terrible stitching job might I add. I hope to get it fixed so it can be used on future weekends of exploration.
We arrived a bit later than expected to Rotterdam due to a wait in Amsterdam for the train followed by a very, very, slow ride. After arrival, we dropped my luggage off into my room. I was pleasantly surprised at the room. It is quite large. It is actually larger than the room in my old apartment. It includes a bed, closet, desk, bookshelf, TV, a DVD player, and a stereo. The view from my window looks out at the Eurasmus. (I live about 20 meters from the bridge.)
Euramus Bridge
(Thanks for the pic, Els) Picture Courtesy of Els
The rest of the apartment includes a bathroom with shower and another bathroom with a toilet. Another pleasant surprise involves the refrigerator. We each have our own. When using the kitchen, I can look out the glass windows/door onto our balcony. This overlooks a roof and water. Apparently, I will be able to see cruise ships coming in and out of the harbor.
I located the grocery store, a five-minute bike ride. Next, I need to purchase a couple of more items including some hangers and something to keep me a bit warmer in my bed. Friday will be the day of exploration because I do not work.
Work. Yes, work. The people are pleasant; there are about 50 of us in two wings. Each day, we have lunch together. I am quite fond of the lunch. It includes typical Dutch food. I have only taken the train to and from work and purchased a monthly pass yesterday after work. Work is also close enough for me to bike. The transit system here is quite thorough. I have also been given my project. It looks to be interesting.
I hope by the time I submit another blog entry I will have more Rotterdam sites to describe interjected with a bit of entertainment. This weekend, I plan to spend in Zeeland.
Friday, July 22, 2005
My Day at Walibi World
Amusement Parks are fun. They are particularly fun when you rarely have to wait in lines to go on rides. When we awoke this morning, it was raining so we decided we may need to depart later than previously planned. Luckily the rain ceased by the time we finished eating breakfast, and we set out as planned to go to Walibi World in the morning. We picked a fantastic day to go. We did not really have to wait in any lines to get on rides.
Rose is not too fond of roller coasters and they don’t make Caroline’s stomach settle very well. I think they are fantastic and Nick had a pretty good go at it. We began the day with a roller coaster that had a couple of loops. I enjoyed it as did Nick. Caroline and Rose did not go on it. Caroline asked if she would be able to handle it; Nick and I nodded approvingly. Apparently, this was very bad advice to give Caroline. After going on the ride, her stomach was quite upset for a little more than two hours. Eventually, it passed but we learned not to coax her onto many roller coasters.
They all thought I was crazy for the excitement I displayed for going on the rides, especially Caroline and Rose. I explained to them that I want to go sky diving, bungee jumping, parasailing, etc, etc. (Mom, like I said before…I won’t tell you until after I do it.) :)
The aesthetics of the place were quite good. When we arrived, one of the first comments out of my mouth was in reference to how cheerful the music was. At times throughout the day, I could be seen hopping and skipping throughout the park on the way to the next ride. My favorite rides include El Condor and Goliath.
El Condor
Goliath
I rode the log ride numerous times; it was one of Rose’s favorites. This log ride was unique because you went backwards down the first drop.
By the time the day was over, I was quite tired. I can’t wait until my next amusement park…I’m thrilled to go anytime but be careful if you tell me you want to go; I won’t let it coast over. I’ll catch my bearings and lock you in and won’t let it ride. Are you not amused? Park it.
Rose is not too fond of roller coasters and they don’t make Caroline’s stomach settle very well. I think they are fantastic and Nick had a pretty good go at it. We began the day with a roller coaster that had a couple of loops. I enjoyed it as did Nick. Caroline and Rose did not go on it. Caroline asked if she would be able to handle it; Nick and I nodded approvingly. Apparently, this was very bad advice to give Caroline. After going on the ride, her stomach was quite upset for a little more than two hours. Eventually, it passed but we learned not to coax her onto many roller coasters.
They all thought I was crazy for the excitement I displayed for going on the rides, especially Caroline and Rose. I explained to them that I want to go sky diving, bungee jumping, parasailing, etc, etc. (Mom, like I said before…I won’t tell you until after I do it.) :)
The aesthetics of the place were quite good. When we arrived, one of the first comments out of my mouth was in reference to how cheerful the music was. At times throughout the day, I could be seen hopping and skipping throughout the park on the way to the next ride. My favorite rides include El Condor and Goliath.
El Condor
Goliath
I rode the log ride numerous times; it was one of Rose’s favorites. This log ride was unique because you went backwards down the first drop.
By the time the day was over, I was quite tired. I can’t wait until my next amusement park…I’m thrilled to go anytime but be careful if you tell me you want to go; I won’t let it coast over. I’ll catch my bearings and lock you in and won’t let it ride. Are you not amused? Park it.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Walibi
Tomorrow, we are going to Walibi...a theme park. It was apparently just purchased by Six Flags. We plan to leave between 9 and 9:15 in the morning because the park opens at 10:00 am. Picture me running around the theme park much like I did when I was ten, because that is what I will be doing. To visit Walibi yourself, go to Walibi .
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Entangled In Holland
Today, I saw where I will be living and working in Rotterdam. I did not see my room but I was able to see the building. It is very near to the Euromast and about a ten minute bike ride from work. I was able to meet everyone at work as well but don’t ask me to remember anyone’s name yet. I will begin to work on that on Monday. Bloomerce is located in a building across the street from a vast outdoor shopping center.
This morning, I awoke at 7:00 am and hopped into the shower before eating breakfast. (I request that no comments be made about my hopping into the shower; the joke is dead Dad. It has been dead for a number of years.) I had the usual, brood and kass (bread and cheese) with a slice of suiker brood (sugar bread). I don’t expect myself to ever sicken of bread and cheese while I am here. Stick some American bread and cheese in my face and that is another story…
I have fallen down the bottom three stairs at Caroline’s house a good four or five times now. (I did it again this morning.) I suspect it may occur again before I leave. I just haven’t figured out this whole coordination thing yet. Each time, someone can hear the tempo of my feet coming down the stairs followed by a thunderous thud as I grasp the railing and land on the ground. I come into the main room laughing and brush it off as if nothing has happened. Yes, I am fine; my coordination is still under development.
Caroline took me to the train station at Almere Centrum near her work. I believe I am acquainted enough with the trains now to determine how to get from location A to location B. It’s quite nifty. I took the sneiltrain to Amsterdam. The sneiltrain is the fast train…the one without stops. When I arrived, I met Richard at his car. He drove us to Rotterdam and I got to see his cool GPS system called a Tom Tom. It spoke to him in Dutch, as it should, so I did not understand everything it told him. I told him about floating down the river with a GPS gadget. It was really nice of him to drive me to Rotterdam and show me where I will be living and working. I quite enjoyed the drive and gazed out the window most of the ride at the sheep, cows, and windmills.
Yesterday evening Caroline, Rose, and I biked to the Spider Web. I have passed a small one numerous times on my journey to and from Almere Centrum. I told Caroline how I secretly wanted to stop and climb it. I guess it really wasn’t a very good secret. In response, she took me to a much bigger and better one. As you know, us dar Americans like everything bigger…food, cars, and yes play areas. In seriousness, it was quite a fun web. I could never imagine one lasting very long in the states because some kid or grown adult would fall and sue the manufacturer, city, and sand it was built upon.
Had I had one of these to play with during my youthful years of now and before now, it would definitely suffice as a spaceship. Instead of the lava monster, I would try to escape from the aliens. There are even areas for a pilot to sit and maneuver the web and areas to have a jail. Anyone want fly on over here and have a game of Battleship Araneida? We can also play a game of spider catch and eat the fly. Other variations of spider catch and eat the fly will include but are not limited to spider catch and eat the fly tag, spider catch and eat the fly freeze tag, spider catch the fly and climb to the top of the web the fastest, and spider catch and capture the fly. (I was able to see another web on the way home that is more properly suited for spider catch and capture the fly fore there are two peaks to place two flies upon for each opposing teams. I will stop and take a picture next time I pass it.) Needless to say, I enjoyed my spin from the out to the in and to the top and back again.
Tonight is Rose’s end show. She will be presenting. It should be very interesting to watch the equivalent of an American middle school play/show/musical in Dutch. I will report upon it later. I am quite enjoying the weather today. For all of you stuck in hot and yucky Arizona, I am wearing a sweatshirt and jeans at the moment and am still quite pleasant.
This morning, I awoke at 7:00 am and hopped into the shower before eating breakfast. (I request that no comments be made about my hopping into the shower; the joke is dead Dad. It has been dead for a number of years.) I had the usual, brood and kass (bread and cheese) with a slice of suiker brood (sugar bread). I don’t expect myself to ever sicken of bread and cheese while I am here. Stick some American bread and cheese in my face and that is another story…
I have fallen down the bottom three stairs at Caroline’s house a good four or five times now. (I did it again this morning.) I suspect it may occur again before I leave. I just haven’t figured out this whole coordination thing yet. Each time, someone can hear the tempo of my feet coming down the stairs followed by a thunderous thud as I grasp the railing and land on the ground. I come into the main room laughing and brush it off as if nothing has happened. Yes, I am fine; my coordination is still under development.
Caroline took me to the train station at Almere Centrum near her work. I believe I am acquainted enough with the trains now to determine how to get from location A to location B. It’s quite nifty. I took the sneiltrain to Amsterdam. The sneiltrain is the fast train…the one without stops. When I arrived, I met Richard at his car. He drove us to Rotterdam and I got to see his cool GPS system called a Tom Tom. It spoke to him in Dutch, as it should, so I did not understand everything it told him. I told him about floating down the river with a GPS gadget. It was really nice of him to drive me to Rotterdam and show me where I will be living and working. I quite enjoyed the drive and gazed out the window most of the ride at the sheep, cows, and windmills.
Yesterday evening Caroline, Rose, and I biked to the Spider Web. I have passed a small one numerous times on my journey to and from Almere Centrum. I told Caroline how I secretly wanted to stop and climb it. I guess it really wasn’t a very good secret. In response, she took me to a much bigger and better one. As you know, us dar Americans like everything bigger…food, cars, and yes play areas. In seriousness, it was quite a fun web. I could never imagine one lasting very long in the states because some kid or grown adult would fall and sue the manufacturer, city, and sand it was built upon.
Had I had one of these to play with during my youthful years of now and before now, it would definitely suffice as a spaceship. Instead of the lava monster, I would try to escape from the aliens. There are even areas for a pilot to sit and maneuver the web and areas to have a jail. Anyone want fly on over here and have a game of Battleship Araneida? We can also play a game of spider catch and eat the fly. Other variations of spider catch and eat the fly will include but are not limited to spider catch and eat the fly tag, spider catch and eat the fly freeze tag, spider catch the fly and climb to the top of the web the fastest, and spider catch and capture the fly. (I was able to see another web on the way home that is more properly suited for spider catch and capture the fly fore there are two peaks to place two flies upon for each opposing teams. I will stop and take a picture next time I pass it.) Needless to say, I enjoyed my spin from the out to the in and to the top and back again.
Tonight is Rose’s end show. She will be presenting. It should be very interesting to watch the equivalent of an American middle school play/show/musical in Dutch. I will report upon it later. I am quite enjoying the weather today. For all of you stuck in hot and yucky Arizona, I am wearing a sweatshirt and jeans at the moment and am still quite pleasant.
Richard in Rotterdam
This is about a block from where I work.
Spider Web
This is the Spider Web I thoroughly enjoyed.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Everytime I say Amsterdam I think of the Streets
Today, we went to Amsterdam. We took the train in. Caroline showed me how the trains work so that I will be able to decipher my way to Amsterdam and Rotterdam. I don’t think it has set in that I am in the Netherlands yet. We got off the train at Amsterdam Central and set off on a walk. The station is currently being remodeled.
I quite enjoyed the architecture of Amsterdam. The kids wanted to do a bit of shopping so we stopped in some stores. Nick got some clothes and Rose got some stuff for school. We walked around quite a bit in the narrow streets and stopped for lunch. It was tasty. The ever present smell of weed was everywhere as were the numerous “coffee shops.” We set out on another walk before becoming touristy and taking a tour of Amsterdam by boat. This was nice as well but I was bummed when the batteries in my camera decided to die. Of course, I left the charged batteries at home. Oh, well. I am sure I will make another visit to Amsterdam before coming home. Across the street from where the boat docked was an easyInternetcafe...the first of many I am sure I will see. Colin will understand the excitement in seeing one of these. :) After the boat tour, we went for a little stroll through the Red Light District. Hmmm.
We decided to head home and just missed a train by ten seconds so we had to wait twenty minutes for another. While waiting, Nick and I played War with a deck of Adult Swim cards. I lost. We were all tired when we got home and had pizza for dinner. After reading a bit and showering, I am now in my room writing before reading a bit more and going to sleep. Tomorrow, we will go to a Castle if it is open on Sunday.
My butt is sore from the bikes, but I did not ride today so it shall enjoy the bike seat tomorrow. The food is good...lekker.
I quite enjoyed the architecture of Amsterdam. The kids wanted to do a bit of shopping so we stopped in some stores. Nick got some clothes and Rose got some stuff for school. We walked around quite a bit in the narrow streets and stopped for lunch. It was tasty. The ever present smell of weed was everywhere as were the numerous “coffee shops.” We set out on another walk before becoming touristy and taking a tour of Amsterdam by boat. This was nice as well but I was bummed when the batteries in my camera decided to die. Of course, I left the charged batteries at home. Oh, well. I am sure I will make another visit to Amsterdam before coming home. Across the street from where the boat docked was an easyInternetcafe...the first of many I am sure I will see. Colin will understand the excitement in seeing one of these. :) After the boat tour, we went for a little stroll through the Red Light District. Hmmm.
We decided to head home and just missed a train by ten seconds so we had to wait twenty minutes for another. While waiting, Nick and I played War with a deck of Adult Swim cards. I lost. We were all tired when we got home and had pizza for dinner. After reading a bit and showering, I am now in my room writing before reading a bit more and going to sleep. Tomorrow, we will go to a Castle if it is open on Sunday.
My butt is sore from the bikes, but I did not ride today so it shall enjoy the bike seat tomorrow. The food is good...lekker.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
My Travel
The flight was a lot shorter than I had expected due to the fair amount of sleep I was able to get. I was quite surprised. I would like to thank the wrap-around-the-head-of-the-seat contraption for the amount of sleep I had. I watched Constantine at the beginning of the flight and read some Harry Potter. I dozed in and out on the flight from London-Heathrow to Amsterdam. I attempted to read but instead found my heading bobbing forward an back. Yes, I was one of those people you laugh at whose head falls forward as they fall asleep and wake themselves up. So, I didn't read much on that flight.
After landing in Amsterdam, I was greeted by a group of five. We had coffee and tea. I was given a very surprising gift from Richard, a mobile. I was not expecting this at all! My first meal in the Netherlands was eaten at the airport. Burger King. Nick and Rose were excited. Yes, it tastes the same. I had some friesaus with my fries. (I may have spelled that incorrectly.) After lunch, we caught a train.
We had to change trains at one spot. Nick was rolling around one of my suitcases and was ahead of us. He was stopped by a man and woman. We approached them. They asked if there were any drugs in the suitcase. After discovering it was mine, they asked me. To be safe, a dog was brought over to sniff my suitcase. The dog sniffed and laid down next to my bag. They let us board the train. We were in a hurry because we did not want to miss it. After getting on the train, we discovered we had a 20 minute wait. Nick said we could pass the time by smoking the weed in my bag.
After arriving home, I called my mother to say hello. Then, I went to my room to go through my baggage. A couple of things were moved around due to an inspection. I found a card in my suitcase from Monique. (Upon departure, I was able to wave to her from my window while she stood on the tar.) I found another card in my backpack from my mom. I finally took a much needed shower. I was quite greasy. I laid in bed and read some more Harry Potter until falling asleep. I plan to finish this tonight. I awoke around 10:00 am. Soon, I will go to the store and then go to see Rose go horseback riding.
After landing in Amsterdam, I was greeted by a group of five. We had coffee and tea. I was given a very surprising gift from Richard, a mobile. I was not expecting this at all! My first meal in the Netherlands was eaten at the airport. Burger King. Nick and Rose were excited. Yes, it tastes the same. I had some friesaus with my fries. (I may have spelled that incorrectly.) After lunch, we caught a train.
We had to change trains at one spot. Nick was rolling around one of my suitcases and was ahead of us. He was stopped by a man and woman. We approached them. They asked if there were any drugs in the suitcase. After discovering it was mine, they asked me. To be safe, a dog was brought over to sniff my suitcase. The dog sniffed and laid down next to my bag. They let us board the train. We were in a hurry because we did not want to miss it. After getting on the train, we discovered we had a 20 minute wait. Nick said we could pass the time by smoking the weed in my bag.
After arriving home, I called my mother to say hello. Then, I went to my room to go through my baggage. A couple of things were moved around due to an inspection. I found a card in my suitcase from Monique. (Upon departure, I was able to wave to her from my window while she stood on the tar.) I found another card in my backpack from my mom. I finally took a much needed shower. I was quite greasy. I laid in bed and read some more Harry Potter until falling asleep. I plan to finish this tonight. I awoke around 10:00 am. Soon, I will go to the store and then go to see Rose go horseback riding.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
I Have Arrived
I'm here. The flight was pretty good...I have some stories for later but for now, good night!
Sunday, July 10, 2005
The Party
The countdown is almost complete. Yesterday was a going away party held at Beth and Kimmie's place. Much time was spent in the pool and a good time was had by all! One highlight of the evening includes a cake fight. (Many pictures were taken on numerous cameras including my own.) Thank you to everyone who came to the party and thank you to Beth, Kimmie, and Jes for organizing and executing a fantastic event.
Friday, July 01, 2005
July 12th
It is official; I just purchased my ticket. I will depart at 7:15 pm on Tuesday, July 12th for Amsterdam. My cousin will pick me up at the airport and I will stay a couple of days at her place before going to Rotterdam. I am still in the process of determining where I am going to live in the city. The trip is very quickly becoming real.
