Booking in advance...stressful or useful?

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So I was close...it's actually "Hallo allemaal!" which means "Hello, everyone!"

Albeit a stressful day at points, it was also very rewarding. The day started much like the previous two: with a meal and a few mandatory meetings. We learned about the history of the castle, rules about drugs (again. They really nail that into you), some quirky Dutch-related tidbits, and invaluable traveling information. Our two (very cute) orientation leaders, Johnny and René enjoyed informing us about Dutch words that sound like American words, but mean very different things. Par example...

Fly and Vlaai. We think of a little buzzing, annoying insect, but "vlaai", while pronounced the same way, means "pie".

Hate and Heet. Pronounced the same! Heet is translated into "heat".

etc, etc...

After dinner, which was some odd hamburger concoction, and delicious at that, we congregated in the Voorburcht to head over to the River Maas. The river runs parallel to the castle, and flows into Belgium. Upon boarding, we received coupons for two complimentary drinks. Anything in Europe that is free is sacred, by the way.

A lovely cruise down the Maas ensued, with the sun sinking below the Euro-style trees, and only the sound of the boat motor and the water as our soundtrack. As it got colder, Monty, Taylor, Kelsey, Alysia, Ciera, and I headed downstairs to the windowed area to talk and laugh raucously. Upon our return, about 1 1/2 hours later, we headed back to the castle, only to start making travel arrangements for the upcoming weeks...a feat that is not only tiring, but stressful. This coming weekend brings an exploration of the Netherlands, in day-trip form, whilst next weekend, Alysia, Gabe and I are exploring Vienna, the music capital of the world!! Maybe I'll meet Mozart. Or at least find his grave.

As it is later than I wanted it to be, I'm going to hunker down for the night. Tomorrow morning, I am going into town to buy necessities, rent a bike for the semester (at the reasonable price of €75), and perhaps enjoy a quiet breakfast. We'll see!

Warmly,
T

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Photos

Well at Night
"Waiting for Godot" anyone?

Comments

[mum]

Lovely photo
Hope all is well in Well. xo mum

[Pierre Masse]

Trying out my new Dutch expressions
Dehr guten frienden. Ish sind glad dat yoo sind frolich und dat yoo sind kimma nice. Ich hopen dat yoo veel haven einesen gutenes tagin mit deinen freundein. Ich kan nut be happieernin das dat Ich understandin vat yoo sind sprechen. Travelin safein in dem nederlandin und knowin dat Ich love yoo and hopen dat yoo und momin vill havein a gutes timen. Howin ist meini Dutchlanguszusprechen. Ich habe gutes studierten. Love Dad

[Liz's mom]

Yikes!!
Beer???? That sound you just heard was my head exploding. xo :)