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A night out with some fellow classmates...

Over the last few weeks, me and my classmates have enjoyed our fair share of "bonding." When we're not in class, studying, or writing papers, we are discussing our future careers in more social environments and pondering such profound things as elitism, the development of the EU and whether or not the nation-state is declining, and rational decision-making like, where to get the next beer for the lowest cost.

This past weekend was a celebratory weekend where the town of Leiden became completely anarchical involving parades, a carnival (rides that put American fair rides to shame, believe you me), music, dancing and partying in the streets (all ages). It was to celebrate the end of the Spanish siege of Leiden on 3 October, 1574 (read more about the history at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leiden#History). All in all, a very fun and exhausting weekend.

My upcoming weekend and week include a couple of essays, a paper, and a trip to Rome with my boyfriend, Marnix. We'll be meeting up with a couple of my friends there as well (Jess and Mo for those of you who know them).

Daniel, myself, and Pieter doing what we do best...thinking (what else?)















Here's Evelyn and Denis!













Yet another example of me not knowing how to use my camera properly in the dark, but nevertheless cool looking-- visually represents how one can sometimes feel in a crowded, smoky bar, with loud music feeling the effects of a few beers...

Trip to Frankfurt, 16-18 September 2005

Last weekend, I traveled to Frankfurt, which is 4 hours by train, to visit my friend, Kelly. We checked out the nightlife in Frankfurt (notice the torso-size liter beer sitting in front of me), enjoyed some hearty German food, visited a town called Wurzburg located in the Bavarian region, and ate some Taco Bell (yes, Taco Bell--you can imagine how happy I was) on one of the American bases outside of Frankfurt. I have lots of photos to share!

In other news: classes are intense, but good, and I begin Dutch courses in a couple of weeks.

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Frankfurt
The prominent telecom tower in Frankfurt.






The others are a result of me not knowing how to use my camera, but I think they are pretty cool looking.









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Wurzburg
This Bavarian town is more or less an hour via the autobahn from Frankfurt. We were able to enjoy some of the Octoberfest festivities while there, obviously not on the same scale as that in Munich.


Stau (traffic, pronounced like "shtow" the 'au' as in owl) on the autobahn. Germans seem obsessed with stau. A news broadcast on traffic will sound similar to this: stau on the A3, stau on the A5, stau here, stau there....very funny to listen to. Also, despite what you may think, you cannot drive whatever speed you'd like the entire length of the autobahn. Various parts are monitored by cameras which electronically change the speed limits on these sections. Of course, for the sections without speed limits, you can drive as fast as your car can take you. We managed to hit 110 mph and were passed by people doing at least 130-140 mph, if not more.






A castle/fortress surrounded by vineyards and a mountain-side church

Some beautiful facades and buildings in Wurzburg

The best yogurt around...

I introduce to you the world's greatest yogurt!! The creamiest, most perfectly bittersweet, vanilla yogurt. I've never been much of a yogurt-eater, but this is a must-have for everyone who can get their hands on it. Every time I eat it, I am overwhelmed at how incredible it feels and tastes! :o)

Where has the time gone?

I arrived 31 July and it's now 6 September...where has the time gone? Devastation has overcome New Orleans and Rehnquist has died setting the stage for some more significant events to continue to develop in the U.S. over the next several weeks and months. Here in the Netherlands, however, life is progressing at a fairly normal pace. I've gone rowing on the Leiden canals, visited the beach resort town of Scheveningen (the proper pronunciation of which I am still practicing) in the Hague, attended orientation sessions, joined the Dutch United Nations Student Association, and met tons of students. Class began today and the range of nationalities in my program is quite diverse, inlcuding: Tanzanian, Japanese, Chinese, eastern European, Brazilian, Macedonian, Italian, Irish, some Dutch and 4 Americans. The diversity should lead to some interesting class discussions, to say the least.

Scheveningen

The Kurhaus on the boardwalk

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Marnix and I at Oude Harmonie bar/club

Nicholas (left) and Daniel (right) trying to dance ;-)

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I took photos of the beautiful surroundings while Marnix very capably rowed, rowed, rowed down the canal...

Sailing outside of Aalsmeer

Aalsmeer is "the world marketplace for flowers and plants. Every day Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer sets the world price for flowers and plants." In addition to numerous plants, gorgeous flowers, and lovely houses, are the Westeinder lakes where me and some friends were fortunate enough to go sailing on a fellow student's family boat. The day, as it does so often here in NL, began on a very dreary note. By the time we set sail, however, the clouds were breaking and the sun shining through. Here are some photos of the all-day adventure. I had a fantastic time, and even sailed much of the way back to port myself!




Herman is the one standing and the same who was so gracious to host us for the sail. Brian, another American, is wearing the yellow hat and I am to his right, if you couldn't figure that for yourself.

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Brian and I are really happy....

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Some scenic shots

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Ended the day with some hearty food and drinks

L-R: Hope, Brian, Jaap, me, and Herman

A day to remember....

...I finally bought a bike! A good, used, silver, Dutch bike; the "Monte Carlo." Yeah, baby, yeah! Listen to those brakes squeal and to the chain rattle...haha, it's not that bad. Quite a nice ride, if I do say so myself. Check it out. I've spent most of the day exploring town by bike and I am exhausted! Not to mention, today has been the hottest day yet (by Dutch standards), almost 80 degrees! Thank goodness there's no humidity...

A sunny day in Leiden, 17 August 2005

The past two days have been as perfect as they can get here in Leiden, and anywhere for that matter, a pleasant 75 degrees with no rain clouds in sight. Quite rare and much enjoyed by the Dutch (and myself). I thought the sunset had some spectacularly vibrant colors in it (shot from my balcony).

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These are from the river which is just 2 blocks from my apartment. Really peaceful around here.

09 August - 15 August 2005

So, this week begins my 3rd week in Europe and, I must say, it seems like it's been 3 months! I recently traveled to London to visit some good friends of mine and it was a really nice time.

Other recent highlights: bought nearly 5 pounds worth of mussels for a mere 5 euros; cooked them nicely in a tomato sauce; made mashed potatos from scratch; learned where the washer and dryer are located; tango and swing lessons in South Kensington; relaxed in Regent's Park; Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Tate Modern; and drinking some pints in a real pub, not Mackey's...

Photos include some of me and a couple friends, Regent's Park (my fav park in London), Trafalgar Square & Parliament, shot of the iconic Erasmus bridge in Rotterdam (above), and part of my outfit for a friend's "hoe down" party in London.



Photos with Philip and Nita

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Shots from Regent's Park

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Some touristy sights

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The Frida wall in the Tate Modern near the cafe and I dedicate this photo to a certain someone, Frida's biggest fan ( you know who you are ;) )

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You'd never believe it, but there is a shortage of country/redneck attire in London. All I could find was a cowboy hat and this piece of paper I wrote on saying, "I'd rather be huntin me some deer."

I should have some more photos from the party once my friend posts his. Stay tuned...

06 - 07 August 2005

Den Haag (The Hague)
Photos of some of the skyline, the Binnenhof (main government building), and some cool sculptures in the water. I will spend most, if not all, of my second year in the Hague studying at the Clingendael Institute (see http://www.clingendael.nl/about/) and probably interning somewhere, so I will have plenty more photos to add later.

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Some liberal art which just seems to be a bunch of bumper stickers combined together - found some of them to be pretty entertaining, i.e., "If you want to wear fur, stop shaving."

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Back to Leiden

This is my apartment building. I am on the fifth floor and I put a red square around my apartment, just behind the tree branches.

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This is the building where I'll be taking courses in Leiden.