Mar's Great Adventure

New pictures are posted of the Rollerdisco experience. This is the upstairs of Calypso, the disco where Rollerdisco is held every Thursday night. This was taken during first hour and a half, during the lessons...

Thursday I went to the Rollerdisco.  It began with about an hour and a half to two hours worth of lessons.  I’m not the best rollerdisco’er in the world but poor Agnes.  She came as well and really has very little experience roller skating in general so she couldn’t really participate in the lessons.  She spent a good majority of the time trying to skate back and forth in the back of the place.

The Rollerdisco seemed to garner a bit of press the night I attended.  Yippee!  Just what I asked for!  I have always wanted to appear on foreign television with wobbly legs, flailing arms, and roller skates.  (  Okay, so I’m the foreigner now.  What I properly should have said is I have always wanted to appear on local television as the crazy foreigner on roller skates attempting to keep her balance with flailing arms and wobbly legs.  Basically, there was a camera in attendance.

It was a very interesting experience.  I went to the Rollerdisco with Agnes, some other colleagues and some more of their friends.  After the lessons, the individual skate and dance part began.  (The disco part)  I didn’t far too well but enjoyed watching “the regulars,” as I will call them dance or skate around.  Dance skate…roller dance?  There were some interesting costumes in attendance.  Flashdance anyone?

The camera enjoyed the company of Agnes and videoed her skating in the back during the lessons.  They later interviewed her to her dismay.  I snapped a photo or two while they interviewed and slid away as to escape laughing.  (I really did slide because I was on roller skates…)

Later in the evening, Agnes and I met the other intern from work, Davide, and went to Sarbonne.  Ferry came a bit later after the Rollerdisco.  Sarbonne is fun but I think I have had my fill of it for awhile.  The DJ plays short clips of songs and I think he changes the music too quickly not to mention his voice can become annoying after awhile.  (

I started to fade around two in the morning and we left around three.  I enjoyed people watching for some of the night as well.  Agnes and I were convinced that we would be taken the longer route home if we were to be discovered as foreigners.  So, I spoke to the driver solely in Dutch and even understood his questions as to where to bring us.  (Communication was very, very minimal so when I say I understood his questions and responded in Dutch, don’t think I partook in a long conversation.)

Friday morning, the weather was very nice.  Agnes crashed on my couch the night before so she didn’t have to take the night train to Leiden.  Not exactly thinking ahead, I realized that I did not have two blankets.  I gave Agnes my blanket and pillow and used my towels as a blanket and more towels bunched together as a pillow.  (  When we awoke, we had cappuccino on my wonderful balcony and visited.

Friday evening, I went to the NITENO.  (Need to know)  This was a company meeting with an overview of the recent happenings, etc.  Afterward, everyone mixed and mingled at the company bar because it was Friday.  I stayed for a bit and then ventured off with Fieke to say hi to her brother and grab a bite at Breakaway.  (I think this is the name but can’t remember.)  I hung out one evening with both Fieke and her brother a couple of weeks ago at Nightown.  Breakaway is an American-themed restaurant.  Here, I tried a bite of my first burger in Holland.  It was fine but not an American burger.  (

Saturday evening, I went out with my roommates, interns, and some other colleagues with additional friends added in to the mix.  We went to Plan C.  (When I first heard the name, Plan C, I naturally heard it with Dutch pronunciation.  It rolled off the tongue sounding French: sounding like plon-say.  Later, I figured out what they were saying…Plan C.)  I had fun at Plan C.  There is an upstairs and this is where we began our evening.  We visited for awhile at a couple of tables while a band played downstairs.  When the music began, we went downstairs to dance.  There wasn’t any ventilation in the place so it got quite warm quite quickly.  I was a bit wet with sweat by night end and my clothes reeked of smoke.

Sunday again graced Rotterdam with delectable weather.  I went down to the city center with Marijke to do some grocery shopping.  Additionally, I purchased some pineapple or ananas and then a transport card thingy, dingus, at the kartverkoop since mine is up…today.  I spent the late afternoon reading my book over some cappuccino on the balcony.  (That reminds me.  Yes, Dad I finished Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and will most likely finish reading the H.G. Wells set you gave me prior to your arrival in the Netherlands.  Therefore, another couple of books to read are a welcomed addition to your visit.)  Later, Marijke and I cooked dinner together consisting of fish, potatoes, and green beans.  Marijke was in charge of preparing the fish and I was in charge of preparing the green beans.  Marijke still loves my sautéed green beans with garlic and lemon.  I’m going to practice some Dutch: dinner included vis, aardappel en knoflook saus en sperziebonen met knoflook en citroen.

I will post pics from the Rollerdisco as soon as flickr is back up and running…

Guess who is going to the Rollerdisco tonight with some others after work? Yes, I am. Wish me luck! I have been known to fall standing on my own two feet. Add an attempt to dance on two skates and the combination could be deadly. Anyone remember my bruise from the adventure that included hiking/climbing around rocks and two jumping cacti in the leg?

And...I'll have my camera.

Well, well, well…there is so much to write. My weekend technically began Thursday evening. Thursday was Marijke’s birthday. She had asked for an American cake a couple of days prior and I wanted to attempt to make one. I took a shot at going to Konmar, a large grocery store, and was able to find frosting. I was unable to find an American or American-like box cake. (Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, etc.) I could have made one from scratch but that would have involved the purchase of all the ingredients which I did not want to do. So, I found a Dutch box cake…sort of. I found Dutch flour for a cake. All I had to do was decipher the instructions in Dutch and bake the cake in an oven…a different kind of oven than I have ever used before. This oven also functions as a microwave and is dissimilar to any microwave or microwave oven I have ever seen in the states. I had to determine how this worked as well.

First, I picked up a bottle of wine for Marijke on the way home. She is a fan of rosé as they call it here; therefore, that is what I got her. I also bought her my favorite chocolate bar in the world; she happens to like it as well. When she came home, the bake was complete. She was quite surprised and happy. She didn’t expect me to really attempt to make an American cake. I call it a 50/50 cake like me, half Dutch and half American. It turned out quite well and had a bit of the boterkoek taste. (spelling anyone?)

We went to a place called Sarbone’s. I have been there once before with some others from my company after our outing in Delft. It is quite nice and was student night. As the night progressed, it got busier and busier as the music got louder and louder and the dancing increased more and more.

On Friday, I went to work around 4:00 for a “nicetoknow”. There are a bunch of new people so all of the newest faces introduced themselves. (This included me.) Afterwards, everyone hung around in the company bar for a drink as usual. (A typical Friday at work.) A couple of people went out to dinner but I head home for an early night.

Saturday, I met up with others from work for Asia’s Surprise Going Away party. (She was one of the old interns…from Poland.) She was really quite surprised! We hung around for awhile and I experienced my first Dutch party. This means there was much food to eat. Afterwards we went to what is one of my favorite places thus far, Rotown. All night I kept telling the people I was with, “I know this song. I saw this band in concert.” It was a lot of fun.

Our next stop was at Vibes, a place around the corner. We stayed there and danced for the remainder of the night until the place closed down. (5 am) Yes, the Dutch stay out much, much later. I rode my bike home as did most of the others.

Sunday, I slept in a bit and went to the city center for some groceries. Afterwards, I marched Marijke around in attempt to find Rotown. I didn’t know the name of the street it was located on but knew the vicinity it was located in. Marijke was starting to wonder where I was trying to take her until we found it. (We had a little help.) After we found it, we stopped and had a soda and visited for awhile before heading home.

For dinner, I made my garlic and mushroom chicken in wine sauce with sautéed green beans with garlic and lemon finished off with potatoes. It was good but I fear my breath may be abominable today.  All in all, I had a lot of fun. Tonight, I am going to Rotown again to see a band play. (I really do like that place!)

New pictures posted...

Yesterday, I went bowling with a group from work.  It was an amusing experience.  I garnered much praise from everyone while bowling a decent game.  I would not say I am a good bowler as I am sure some people back home will attest to but I did hit a strike or two or three in a row followed by a couple of spares in my first game.  One comment included, you look like a professional.  (I know my form is not the greatest either.)  I took it all in stride and bowled a less than perfect second game but a much better third.  My first game was by far the best with a score of 140…my last was a 112.

But…that wasn’t the amusing part.  The amusing part was watching the approach of others when bowling.  Some approaches were none existent and included walking up, stopping, and delicately dropping the ball with a slight push as it slowly rolled down the alley.  Another approach included walking up, stopping, spreading the legs far apart with one leg very far in front and one leg very far in back and throwing the ball as hard as possible down the alley, sometimes with success but many times not.  Yet another approach included using a very light ball, running and throwing it.  (Using this approach, the ball was dropped on numerous occasions before getting to the alley.)

The bowling alley was a bit older and felt very awkward when bowling.  The pins were attached to stings as well.  But, it was fun.

We bowled for two hours after work from 6:30 to about 8:30 and then hung around for another half hour.  Since none of us had eaten yet, we walked back into the city center to grab some grub but places close quite early here.  We were going to go to a Chinese place but discovered its closure.  We went to KFC instead.  It was like eating at a KFC, the Dutch seem to like KFC a lot.

All in all, I had a fun and eventful evening.

Tonight, I am going to attempt to make a Dutch cake covered in American frosting for my roommate’s birthday before going to the city center.  Wish me luck!

This picture was taken while going on a bike ride with Caroline around Almere. I stopped to take a couple of pictures. (New pictures posted...not too many so don't get your hopes up.)

On my day off from work, Friday, I awoke and sent myself to the grocery store. After purchasing my favored cheese - Old Amsterdam, chicken with chives (kip met bieslook), bread, and some other necessities I went home and called Caroline. I planned to bike around Rotterdam to check out some more scenery during the daylight hours but hadn’t quite nailed down the plans for the weekend. After speaking to Caroline, Almere was the plan. First, I departed upon my bike ride around Rotterdam, came home, showered, and packed up my stuff.

It was the most humid it has been since my arrival in the Netherlands and I was forced to endure a greasy face upon my arrival to destination Almere. A couple of drops of rain spit on me when I got off the train but none of significance. Because it was a proper summer day, I was greeted with a bar-be-que-ing Nick at the house. We had a pleasant and filling meal full of different meats from the grill. After dinner, Caroline, Rose, Pebbles, and I went for a walk.

Saturday was a very pleasant day as well. Caroline, Rose, and I went for about a three-hour bike ride. We went to Almere Haven and had a cup of cappuccino. After the bike ride, we had lunch and went to the grocery store. I planned to cook for the family at least once this weekend and upon asking what was desired, burritos won. So, using one of my own concocted recipes, I created dinner. It went over very well and I was requested to recreate my creation during my next stay in Almere. (I was conscious of not adding too much spice because I think my level of tolerance for heat is quite higher than others, especially the Dutch.)

After dinner, we went to my first movie in a theatre in the Netherlands. We saw Wedding Crashers. Prior to leaving for the theatre, I was told we were going to a new, large theatre. That it was. I was also told about the old small theatre. It sounds fantastic and I hope to visit it before leaving. The small theatre now houses indie-esk flicks. While seated, people come over and ask what you like to drink/eat and the description of the seats and screen seem quite interesting. I haven’t experienced that…yet.

The theatre I went to…we entered and purchased tickets using a self-service device. This is situated directly upon entrance into the theatre. Up the stairs, humans are located to distribute tickets as well. We opted for technology, something I usually like to do anyway. The stairs were covered in red carpet and awkwardly designed. I was able to comfortably take about 1.5 steps to each stair making it similar to a shuffle. Un-feminine like, I took one step per stair. Halfway up was an area to purchase popcorn, beverages, etc. Thinking back, I did not encounter the distinct smell of buttered popcorn synonymous with theatres in the U.S. Everything was well organized and clean. It was designed as self-service food and drink where one can walk up to the product, pick it up without having to order it, and pay at the cashier. Another difference in the theatre is that liquor is sold: wine and beer. This is available just about anywhere you go in the Netherlands.

We continued to walk the remaining way up the stairs, gave the host our ticket, and were directed to our theatre. I was trying to determine which number on the ticket was the correct theatre because there were a couple of numbers. After speaking with Nick, I determined my difficulty: assigned seating. They assign seats in the theatres here! I was in awe and still am. Like I thought, I know there will still be small surprises to come such as assigned seating in a theatre.

Sunday was a good day as well. The sun did not shine very much and the weather was a bit cooler but not cold. Caroline and I went for another bike ride after she dropped off Nick to go kiting. (The wind wasn’t very good though.) Again, we enjoyed our bike ride and stopped where the boys were kiting to see how things were going before continuing home. At home, I watched Harry Potter with Rose. (I hadn’t seen this one yet so was quite happy.) Before dinner we played table tennis, k’nick-k’nop, ping-pong, whatever you want to call it. After dinner, I was Rotterdam bound. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.

The space age metro stop where I will shoot a music video if I ever shoot one. (New pictures posted)

I had to work Friday afternoon for the first time for a training session in SPSS. Every Friday, everyone at work heads down to the company bar for a drink. (This is the same place that we eat lunch.) I ventured down with everyone to visit as well. In addition to our company, others from our sister company have a drink every Friday as well. We share the place. I visited for awhile with fellow colleagues from work and then headed to another place with one of the girls from work that is originally from Albania. I headed home for a fairly early evening…at least for Dutch standards.

Saturday, I went to the Wereld Haven Dagen. (World Harbor Days) I walked around and saw all the ships in the harbor and looked at some of the presentations understanding a bit of it as it was in Dutch. I took a tour of the harbor on the Spido, a boat that takes you around the harbor. In other words, it is usually full of tourists. It was quite interesting and I got to see more of the harbor and where everything is shipped in and out. I watched two helicopters land and fly off. This was done continuously throughout the day as a presentation by the Marines. I also went through the tents set-up by the Dutch Marines displaying various weapons, places, etc. I also boarded a massive ship. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me but took pictures the following day off of my building of all the ships in the harbor.

I watched the fireworks over the harbor at night from the top of my building. It was a lot shorter than I had expected but very nice. The fireworks exploded with the music. The Erasmus Bridge was covered in people gazing off towards the display. Later in the evening, I met-up with some others from work and went to Night Town.

We stumbled into a breakdancing competition at watched some of it. After the competition, dj’s were spinning music and everyone was dancing. Later in the evening, circles broke apart on the floor and people began break dancing again. It was quite fun to watch.

I rode my bike around for transportation along with a good majority of other Dutch. I am still amused at all the bikes roaming the streets. I enjoy watching the transport of two individuals on a bike where one person peddles and the other jumps on the back of the bike where things such as groceries are usually transported.

Sunday, I helped clean the balcony windows with Marjike. We walked through the city center for groceries at Albert Heijn and she purchased a cd at the Free Record Shop. This was the first record shop I entered in the Nederlands. I have kept myself out of them purposefully in order to insure I do not purchase anything. By Dutch standards, Marjike said it was quite large. Still, the selection was minimal and I was happy about that because I could not peruse the shelves looking for anything to buy. The prices seemed to be a bit steeper as well. I’m sure I will stumble upon a record shop with a different collection of music eventually.

The weather the past week has been quite sunny and the Dutch love it. Everyone seems to be in a good mood. For example, I was told I didn’t have to go to work yesterday. My fellow intern did not have to come either and be both ventured to Amsterdam at different times during the day. I thought going to Amsterdam mid-week to visit a museum would be less busy than visiting a museum on a weekend.

I awoke, showered, went to the tourist info center in Rotterdam, bought a discount card for travel via train at the train station, hopped on the intercity train headed to Amsterdam, figured out how the trams work in Amsterdam, got on a tram five to take me to the Museumplein stop, got off a stop earlier than Museumplein because it was closer to the Van Gogh museum, bought a museum card at the museum, entered the museum, got an audio tour, walked the entire museum for about three hours, walked back to the Amsterdam Centraal area, walked around some more, and hopped on a sneiltrain back to Rotterdam.

A section of the museum currently has a bunch of Van Gogh’s drawings on display. This hasn’t happened for a long time due to light sensitivity, fading, etc. It won’t happen again for a long time. So, I was lucky. There was one drawing with watercolor in particular that I quite liked. I can’t remember the name of it but it is drawn of the garden of Saint Remey.

On my trek back, I decided I wanted a cola light. A difference here: diet coke is cola light. Not only does it have a different name but there is a slight difference in taste. Originally, I liked diet coke better but have become accustomed to cola light. I have forgotten what the taste of diet coke is like and may miss the taste of cola light when returning to the states. Back to my point…

I decided I wanted a cola light. It’s not as easy to stop into a store and purchase a cold, refreshing cola light as it is at home. Actually, it’s a lot easier because cola light isn’t sold at home. :) I found a store similar to a convenience store where a refrigerator was located with cold cola light inside. I grabbed one and went to the counter to pay speaking in Dutch. I was quite proud because they spoke back to me in Dutch. Often if an accent is detected, response from others will be in English. I succeeded! I walked out the door very pleased with myself. Prior to purchasing a cola light, I purchased a kass croissant, (cheese croissant), at another store answering and ordering in Dutch. Again, I was quite pleased with myself.

I took some pictures of Amsterdam this time. I tried to blend and not stick out too much as a tourist fore the streets of Amsterdam reek of them. Had I been a scavenger, it would be quite easy to steal from these lost and confused folk wandering the streets in search of a coffee shop. I think it is easier for me to blend because I am a solitary person wandering the streets and I try to pretend I know where I am going. Due to my stay in Almere and the bike rides with Caroline, I know what kind of signs to look for to point me in the right direction so am somewhat familiar with my surroundings. These pictures will be uploaded in my allotment next month.

Until I write again…dag!