Avans International day

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Most international students arrived Friday morning so there was a welcome organised for them. I was also invited even though I'm already two weeks in my course. Most of these students are studying International Business and Accountance something like that, or another subject I cant remember...
Matt decided to join the welcome in Breda so he could get a tour and meet more students, as only two had signed up in Den Bosch and 60 signed up in Breda! We arrived early but discovered it wasnt neccessary to be there until 3 hours later! So I showed him around St Joost campus and tried to cycle with one of us sitting on the back of the bike- I've never known a dodgier cyclists but I've laughed hard all day!! The two of us spoke a fair bit with the Dutch 'buddies' who were super friendly. There were teas and coffees, drop, stroop waffel and Dutch cheese refreshments available on registration with a goody bag including info and a map. We were given vouchers for a free lunch and then went in a mini bus with a group of Spanish and Korian students to take them to their accomodation and help lug their baggage up the stairs to their rooms, whilst others waited outside in the biting cold. Eventually our 'buddy' Ernes from Ghana walked us back to Avans as we were running out of time for the city tour, with the Korians slacking behind. Later we all made our way to the center where everyone was pointed out where the banks, post office, supermarkets, town hall, hospital, police station, library etc etc and ofcorse where to buy the cheapest second hand bikes!
We waited by the Grote Kerk to meet up with the rest of the 40 students but only about 4 turned up before we entered a Italian restuarant where we were to eat all together with another voucher from Avans! Gradually all 60 students turned up to fill up an entire half of the restuarant. Had a great laugh with an American, Coleman and the Spanish who have invited the three of us for a Spanish dinner one night! After dinner we had a last voucher for two free drinks at a bar. I showed Matt my house where he had a coffe and a cold rinse to wake him up from the early start and busy, stop and start of the day. We met a couple German students and lost the rest of the international students so wondered further in the city. Later we bumped into some French and ended in the Irish bar where we were reunited with the rest who had decided to stay out or had gone to coffee shops... Also bumped into Ron, a family friend and arranged to meet Sunday for his gig. Matt left with the American, to crash at his. I stayed behind to socialise with the French and a 'buddy', Chris who is English but speaks amazing Dutch as he's been living here most of his life. I've never met quite so many lovely different cultural people in one day! I'm now waiting to hear from the French when to meet up today!

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Comments

[Ilana]

cultural fun
wow! that day sounds amazing, especially meeting soo many International Students :D I'm getting more and more of jealous of you Kiama :p How much are the second hand bikes? Enjoy Ron's gig this evening and keep having fun there in the Netherlands xXx

[Petit Travels]

Aw really? haha! The bikes can be from 35 euros, but more likely around 75/85 and then in the 100s and 300s. These tend to be quite retro, these are not the proper oma fiets hey! more like my blue raleigh at home :) most bikes look like they have hand brakes and 3 gears, but Joke's now lending me her oma fiets- no gears and back pedal brakes, can't wait! x