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Published: January 19th 2010
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This whole jetlag/sleeping disorder/insomnia/sheer laziness that has consumed my life continues to plague me. Once again, I refused to get out of bed until the early afternoon. Hopefully I'll shake that soon. Essentially I didn't leave my apartment at all today (other than to take out the garbage) simply because it was raining coupled with the fact that I needed to crank out some of this independent research project that I need to complete for Professor McNeal. (It's exciting to be me, I know). Oh well.
Despite the fact that I have no new adventures to talk about, I didn't want to slight my Mom from being able to keep tabs on me in the virtual world, even after we talk on Skype for over an hour. 😊 (Love you, Momma).
Many people have been asking about my apartment. Yesterday, out of sheer boredom (& because I wanted to be able to use the random lights on the wall), I rearranged the furniture in here. I also put up some photos from home, so it's starting to get cozier by the day. haha. As you can see, I have a washing machine in my bathroom. It's awesome that I
have a personal washing machine. The only slight problem is, there are about 1,000,000 different symbols on it, & I have NO CLUE as to how to even get it to work & there's no "users manual" (not like I could read it even if there was one!) That first day of laundry is going to be an interesting experience, so stay tuned for that blog posting. 😊 My kitchen is small, but functional. There's a 4-burner electric cookplate, a microwave, refrigerator, & sink... plus all of the cutlery, silverware, plates, bowls, cups, & other various cooking utensils that are essentials. I feel bad for this kitchen, though. With my "success" at the grocery store, I highly doubt it will get much use other than for making tea (I'm getting close to brewing the "perfect" Dunkin' Donuts tea that I love so much -- how exciting!). As time passes, I might be singing a different tune. Who knows, I might be a culinary genius for all we know!
I think this is a good time to comment on Dutch TV. I get about 30 channels, which isn't bad. There are a lot of British news channels that are entertaining,
My Dutch bathroom.
My toilet & washing machine. but mostly I stick with Animal Planet because it's in English with Dutch subtitles. Maybe that's the key to me becoming fluent in Dutch by June. haha. Doubtful. I already know how to say "The horse is black," & I feel like Animal Planet is only reenforcing a bunch of words that I really DON'T need to know. Also, at about 2:30 in the morning there are a lot of ridiculous advertisements that come on. Let's just say that no matter what channel you flip to, you can guarantee to find a "sexting" advertisement. So in the States we have the "Text 'Fun' to 5032 for this wallpaper of a sunset on your cellphone!" Well, here we have "Text 'Fun' to 5032 for this wallpaper of naked tatas on your cellphone!" Also, in the States we have "Live Links" where you can call a number to chat with local singles. The Dutch equivalent definitely allows for more than just "chatting" if you catch my drift. All in all, Dutch TV is an experience in & of itself. haha.
Cenay made a good point the other day. She said that because the Netherlands is so open-minded about a bunch of
things (i.e. drugs & sex), there are a lot of outlets for those with different "needs." That being said, there really is a reduction in violent crime & rape & the like because those people don't need to involve innocent people in order to get their kicks. I never thought of it that way, but it really does make a lot of sense.
Since this blog is essentially about random things, here are two other random things that I completely forgot about in my previous posts.
1) There are no to-go containers. For instance, I didn't finish my entire meal at lunch the other day, but had to leave the uneaten portion on my plate because it's not customary to take your leftovers with you. (Which was really a shame because that sandwich was delicious!)
2) To get onto the pedestrian bridge to cross the Maas River, there are some stairs to climb. Granted, there is an elevator for those with baby carriages & whatnot, since bicycles are so common here, I figured that elevator would be packed constantly with people trying to make it down to road level with their bikes. So I was curious how on earth do you get your bicycle down the stairs without it bouncing around all over the place & without taking the elevator? Well, apparently the Dutch are geniuses when it comes to that dilemma. All I had to do was look down to figure out the answer to that question. Along the edge of the stairs, there is a groove cut into the cement in order for you to walk your bike down the steps. How ingenious is that?! I mean really, who was the guy that sat down & figured that out? He deserves a gold metal of some sort for sheer creativity.
Well I think that's all I have for now. I'll be sure to go out & do something "exciting" tomorrow for those of you who are living vicariously. (That means you, Alice. haha).
Dag!
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Alice B.
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Bike Groove
Get drunk, get your bike, and try to ride down that groove! Then blog. Thank you!