Monday, August 29, 2005
Sin City to Jump Start the Weekend
I went to the Bioplein Friday evening and watched Sin City. I hadn’t seen the movie yet so was glad to be able to see it on a big screen. Being outdoors surrounded by the crazy Dutch was an added bonus. In actuality, I was more like the crazy American. I tend to carry around a lot of change with me. I still haven’t settled into the fact that I am carrying around one and two euros as coins. On Friday, I didn’t bring any coins with me or any money at all. Marijke and I ventured out to find the bioplein. We found it by following the mass of people off of the metro. When we arrived, we discovered you could rent chairs. I wouldn’t expect any less from the Dutch. Watching a movie outdoors with a bunch of people, I reminisced of my previous summer outdoor movie viewing experience in Washington for Screen on the Green in front of the Capitol.
Why a crazy American? Marijke wasn’t carrying any change either so we snagged a bar style table top and stood by the refreshment area. We remained standing for the remainder of the film. I didn’t mind too much. It started to get a bit chilly towards the end of the film and wished I had brought an additional sweater with the coat I was wearing.
The one thing that really shocked me about the experience was halfway through the film. All of the sudden there was a scratching sound and the film came to a halt. I was starting to get disappointed because I wanted to see the remainder of the film and I had thought the projector may be broken. I was incorrect. It was time for a break: typical Dutch. I should have known.
One distinct feature of the Dutch is the necessity for them to spread things out and take breaks. This includes numerous coffee and tea breaks throughout the day. In this case, it included a break halfway through the film. Go figure.
I didn’t do anything very exciting this weekend but had a good Sunday evening. Rink took me to see a Stevie Ray Vaughn Tribute Band. In addition to Stevie Ray Vaughn, I heard quite a few Jimi Hendrix tunes. Afterward, we went down to the city center and Rink showed me where Rotown is located, a place I am sure I will venture to before I head back to the states. On that note, do I have to come back? :)
We stopped and looked at a mini-Hollywood Walk of Fame. I took a couple of pictures which I will post in September when I have more room in my flickr account.
Saturday afternoon, I went on a bike ride to explore more of Rotterdam. I went through Delfshaven and found a market. I found a busy street of people walking around from store to store. It was quite nice.
The upcoming weekend includes Harbor Days. I have been told this includes a fireworks show. I have a spectacular view from my apartment kitchen window overlooking the harbor so the fireworks should be nice. I will take some pictures if all goes well.
Why a crazy American? Marijke wasn’t carrying any change either so we snagged a bar style table top and stood by the refreshment area. We remained standing for the remainder of the film. I didn’t mind too much. It started to get a bit chilly towards the end of the film and wished I had brought an additional sweater with the coat I was wearing.
The one thing that really shocked me about the experience was halfway through the film. All of the sudden there was a scratching sound and the film came to a halt. I was starting to get disappointed because I wanted to see the remainder of the film and I had thought the projector may be broken. I was incorrect. It was time for a break: typical Dutch. I should have known.
One distinct feature of the Dutch is the necessity for them to spread things out and take breaks. This includes numerous coffee and tea breaks throughout the day. In this case, it included a break halfway through the film. Go figure.
I didn’t do anything very exciting this weekend but had a good Sunday evening. Rink took me to see a Stevie Ray Vaughn Tribute Band. In addition to Stevie Ray Vaughn, I heard quite a few Jimi Hendrix tunes. Afterward, we went down to the city center and Rink showed me where Rotown is located, a place I am sure I will venture to before I head back to the states. On that note, do I have to come back? :)
We stopped and looked at a mini-Hollywood Walk of Fame. I took a couple of pictures which I will post in September when I have more room in my flickr account.
Saturday afternoon, I went on a bike ride to explore more of Rotterdam. I went through Delfshaven and found a market. I found a busy street of people walking around from store to store. It was quite nice.
The upcoming weekend includes Harbor Days. I have been told this includes a fireworks show. I have a spectacular view from my apartment kitchen window overlooking the harbor so the fireworks should be nice. I will take some pictures if all goes well.
