Blogs from Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands, Europe - page 4

Had a lovely evening out with my aunt and her girlfriend. They took me out for a meal at Humphrey's restuarant downstairs! Delicious food and such a warm welcome from the both of them. They gave me a housewarming plant and bought me some clean new towels, and took my dirty wash home as I have no washing machine here! It was so great to catch up with them and looking forward to seeing them again very soon. Earlier today I had to get my bike fixed because yesterday I got a puncture. It cost me 40 euros for a new inner tube and tyre, because the tyre was too old and cracked... I wasn't impressed, would have probably prefered to try and fix it myself if I had the neccesary tools. ... read more

Last night I was invited to Vera and Judith's house for diner. I met some of their friends and heard the latest boy drama. I had a tour of their student house which had a bizarre open bath as you climb upstairs and major leaks in the shower?! We played some Mario carts at which I came last everytime... then later we cycled back into town to watch the football. We had some drinks at Studio Dependance and were going to get and dance when one of the girls accidently spilt everyone's drinks and immediately lost the spirit and enthusiasm. As we were about to head home our separate ways, we bumped into one of their friends and were welcomed to see his newly decorated and refurbished house- what a great job! After some laughs there ... read more

The appartment was full of boys this morning after a houseparty in Tilburg- sounded like fun but I only very briefly spoke to them. Wondered round town to find everything shut on a Sunday, unlike back home. So I wondered what everyone does in their weekend. I took the bike out for a ride out of the city and it appears most people take up a sport or do something moderately active or just generaly spend time outdoors. Soon as I got back in town it had got busier and found people out drinking in bars and cafes, socialising. Tonight I am going to meet up with a family friend for a drink. ... read more

Roamed around the center of Breda today to familiarise myself with the place. Beautiful people and old buildings everywhere! The Dutch like their trendy fashion, quality leather shoes, home interiors and prove to be a very child-centred society! I couldn't resist walking into those amazing toy shops with all the colourful wooden toys- it brings back happy memories. I wondered some distance out of town and came across a biologisch eet winkel where I bought my fruit and veg before heading back home. Now listening to Dutch tv in the background...... read more

After having watched the French film, L'auberge Espagnol, I decided I wanted to go on an Erasmus exchange! I chose Breda as my first choice of study because I would like to improve my Dutch language skills and experience living the Dutch culture, indulging in Dutch traditions from cycling, ice-skating, panekoeken, carnival, tulip fields etc. Holland also houses my most inspirational fashion designers, Viktor and Rolf and I will be taking a minor in Scenography which is a cross over between graphics and theatre design. According to UNICEF, Dutch children are the happiest in Europe so I hope to learn more about the Dutch approach on child development to support my current interest on 'Play' explored within my practice. So after much sweat and tears from sorting and organising the exchange, I finally arrived in Breda ... read more