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Published: February 8th 2007
The Batavus
My trusty bike. You have to say its name like you're announcing a pro wrestler.On bikes: Woohoo! I got me a bike. Although it was tempting to buy a bike from a junkie for 10 euro, I did the legit thing and got it from a recycled bike store. The bike was 75 euro, which included a wheel lock, lights, a three month insurance policy, and and a 50% buy back rate if the bike is still in usable condition. So its really not a bad deal considering I'll get 35 euro back, and the lights themselves are worth about 5-10 dollars as is the wheel lock. So I basically got the bike for 25 euro which isn't too bad. The bikes here are the most godforsaken looking things. Since bike theft is so prevalent, people try to make their bikes look as ugly as possible. Mine is this horrible browney orange color and looks like the last time it was cleaned was in the 50's. It's name is the Batavus. BTW, the dutch word for bikes is fiets. So now I can say thank you, hello, no, yes, clearance, cash register, bike, turkey and apple in Dutch.
On fashion: I have none. And the Dutch have made me realize this. I'm trying to
The Leliegracht Canal
I live at the corner of this canal and the Prinsengracht. go for a shabby chic look with all the layering. I basically just grab pants, a tanktop, a long sleeve shirt, a sweater, a jacket, a hat, a scarf, and some shoes and hope somehow the lack of matching looks trendy. Right now I'm wearing some green cargos, all star shoes, a pink tank top, a grey with red and white polka dots sweatshirt, a black jacket, a green scarf, and a red hat.
On traffic laws: I'm not sure if there are any. People walk when its clear despite what the lights say, cars kindof obey the traffic signals but its not necessary , everyone goes both ways on the streets even if they are only big enough for one way traffic, and bikes are just crazy. As best as I figure...you stay right and treat the traffic laws as suggestions.
On water: Water isn't free unless you specifically order tap water. If they don't have tap water, specify that you want still water. And expect all your drinks to come in glasses the size of shot glasses. I'm not sure how the Dutch stay hydrated.
On weather: It's basically schizophrenic. I usually wake up to
snow, then its bright and sunny an hour later, then hailing thirty minutes after that, then bright and sunny again, then pouring rain.
On my comm teacher: He's the funniest, most affable old Dutch guy ever. He was telling us stories that would definitely be taboo in the US. I don't think any teacher of mine would have ever talked about their political beliefs, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation as candidly as he did. He was by no means neutral in expressing his beliefs, definitely not politically correct. I'd write down some of the things he said but I'm afraid of offending someone.
On chicken ducks: My family will appreciate this. I SAW CHICKEN DUCK LOVE !!!! I have a mission of recruiting people to appreciate chicken ducks as much as I do. Or at least to have the same desire to punt them. Anyways, we were observing a chicken duck one day and we noticed it swimming over to a half submerged boat where lo and behold there was a second chicken duck in a CHICKEN DUCK NEST !!!!!! On his way over, Daddy Chicken Duck found a piece of trash to add to the nest and
The product of the love
You best believe I'm keeping everyone updated on baby chicken ducks lovingly gave it to Mama Chicken Duck who was sitting on EGGS !!!!!!!!! They then groomed each other while making Chicken Duck noises. I have pictures, of course, which I'll put up later.
On the cat that lives by my classes: There's a cat that lives by my classes.
On traveling: I'm going to buy a train ticket to Brussels this weekend, and mayhaps Berlin. I'd also love love love to go to Prague, London, Paris, and Italy (???) if I can swing it.
Pictures to come later
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Judith (cousin)
non-member comment
Talked to your Mom the other day. Sorry, I didn't get to see you before you left on your wonderful adventure. The chicken ducks, I believe may be coots. Love the pictures of the loving couple, though at first I thought you had taken photos of trash. The Batavus is awesome. By the by, today's breaking news is that Anna Nicole Smith died suddenly in Hollywood, Florida after collapsing in her room. I feel for the new baby. Your comm. teacher should be very entertaining. In Europe, maybe they don't have the same type of lawsuits that we have here for possibly offending someone. The concept of having an opinion, whether defensible or indefensible, seems to be disappearing in the United States. Extreme political correctness is beginning to effect in depth discussions. How can you persuade someome to think about something differently, if there is concern about offending someone. I'm glad that you are having someone be so forthright, whether you agree with them or not. I'll be interested to hear about Brussels. I didn't get there when I was in Europe. Enjoy!