Now that I've mastered the art of biking in the city, I'm thankful that I don't know Dutch. Basically, when people aren't paying attention and cross the bike path in front of me I can't say the things that I'd like to and cause road rage. Instead, I simply manage a sassy "HALLO!" like the natives. Yes. I'm blending in quite well. The new goal is to look as elegant as Audrey Hepburn while I'm out of breath and sweating profusely.
The weekend before this, I went and visited Allix and Mallory (two other COST teachers) in their home in Oud-Beijerland. We went out to a club to meet up with some of Mallory's friends. Let me tell you, clubs here are VERY different. They are so packed you cannot move, which is mostly okay, since they don't really dance either. If you know me, I am a dancing FIEND. I dance like a complete loser, but I still love to shake it.
Also, they play a really eclectic selection of music. There was a lot of 90's and no lie, they played a medley of music from Grease the musical.Seriously, "You're the One That I Want" blended into "Greased Lighting" so what was I supposed to do but
They say culture shock tends to be gradual and then something is a catalyst and makes you hit rock bottom. Let me tell you, I'm doing pretty well here considering the face that the grass is STILL GREEN, the money is pretty colors, and THEY DON'T HAVE BOXED MACARONI AND CHEESE! I tried making it with actual cheese like an adult, but NOPE. Nothing can match the delicious-ness of the artificial orange processed cheese powder. Seriously though, I'm not really homesick. I had one moment, but that was simply because I missed Thanksgiving and I'm a sentimental weirdo. The day after Thanksgiving I got a card from my dad and I opened it and I was a puddle.
BUT my darling parents are coming to visit me next week and are bringing boxed Mac and Cheese, so all will be right in the world!
I know I'm kind of rambling on and on, but that's what happens when I don't blog for two weeks...
So this weekend Allix and I took two day trips. Saturday we went to Delft and had the most perfect sunny day! We climbed the 376 steps up the tower of the Old Cathedral and got some awesome pictures! (I'll post them...eventually) Mad props to Allix for making it all the way to the top and for going out on all the outdoor ledges even though she's terrified of heights. We ate stroopwafels and walked through the market an quoted The Grinch and had a marvelous time.
Sunday, we visited the local COST Coordinator in his hometown, Utrecht and met two other COST teachers. He showed us around and then had us over for dinner. This weekend seriously could not have been any better.
I think that's all I've got for now. If you've made it all the way through, I'm impressed. Here's to you.
