should I be paying attention in class?

It's funny to think we are so anxious to lose our innocence, and one it's gone we seem to envy those that have it. As you get older, you seem to gain a different sense of that same innocent quality; you have seen and experienced more, but either by choice or age you seem to forget about it. Why are we so eager to grow up, start a career, start a family? Looking back, I think we may regret it.

 

Sometimes I can't help but laugh. People take themselves so seriously, and I don't understand it. I don't expect to only have good experiences or not live up to society's expectations of what is required for me to succeed in life, but success is only what you make of it. I don't see why you shouldn't have fun along the way. If it's true that we only get to live once, why not take advantage of every opportunity? As I write those words, I know I don't practice them. I came here to change my life because I was bored. I don't want to change myself, but I want to be changed and influenced by those around me, those that challenge me to prove myself and think for myself, not follow the crowd. 

Most importantly, I just want to laugh. While people may not always understand my humor, I genuinely think I can see the good in every situation. Although I can get upset easily, looking back I see where certain instances have affected and changed me, and am confident that while in the moment, I've been positive for the most part.

Living here has been easier that I thought it would, or should, be. Speaking English in and out of school only helps the situation, but I can't imagine how the other kids are feeling. My goal is to meet more foreign people and most definitely become friends with the locals. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I better make the most of it. I don't want to look back and feel like I didn't try, I didn't do it right. Didn't achieve everything I thought I should. This will change my life. This is my life. 

And I can't wait to travel. Paris for New Years? Munich for Oktoberfest? Ireland for Christmas? I can't believe I'll actually be away from my family for the first time. Hopefully I'll find someone to adopt me, or all the orphans can ban together and have our own special holiday.

It's weird to think about how much I love it here. I was always itching to get out of Gilroy, knowing I was destined for a bigger place. And San Francisco suits me. Populated, but in a small geographical area. New York, LA, and Chicago will never compare to the love obsession I have with the foggiest place I know. But as much as I love it, there is something to be said about how quaint it is here, how genuine everything is. I didn't get to experience Amsterdam too much, but what I did see were tourists. Utrecht is much more than that. It's a small city, but the center proves me wrong everytime. Especially when it is sunny, there are always people out, on bikes and on foot. The air is clean. There is rarely traffic, and when there is, rush hour is from 9-1030, not 530-830 like the US. 

People here just don't try so hard. Things get done when they get done, but the Dutch hate being late. Almost every cafe, restaurant, and bar has outdoor seating, with huge umbrellas to prep for the chance of rain, which is inevitable. And while going out for a meal is much more of a big deal than at home, going out fro coffee or a beer is completely normal. And these occasions are prolonged, anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. People love to sit and talk, friends come and go.

It's such a different feeling to not have a job either. I want to look into it, but feel it would sacrifice my learning and leisure time. I heard once that Americans don't know how to relax, and now I believe it. These people aren't lazy- they just live their lives how they want to, and I admire them for it.

An American vacation consists of jam-packed outings and excursions, no time to yourself. There is no chance for even a glimpse of relaxation. Rush to meals, eat quickly, pack everything in. What happened to enjoying your food? Enjoying your much-earned spare time? Enjoying each other's company?

Americans also keep to themselves. Here, everyone is talking and chatting to each other on the train, in line at the supermarket, riding by each other on their bikes. 

I have already run into a ton of American stereotypes, but can't say that I don't fit into some of them. I may not be an expert on anything European, but I am making an effort, taking a chance, and trying my hardest. It really rubs me the wrong way when people say Americans don't want to learn about the rest of the world. In our educational system, we have to take it into our own hands in order to learn anything specific about Europe or China or Russia. It's not until college that we are even offered the chance to take classes geared in that direction. And it's obvious we don't all make it to college. 

How can someone from Finland say we don't want to learn, when we aren't ever given the choice? (True story, btw.) 

Becoming a global citizen works both ways, and it's not only up to the Americans to educate themselves. If you think we're ignorant, maybe you should take more than 2 seconds to judge me and help me learn, rather than criticize me for not knowing everything already.

interesting...

In a conscious effort to NOT continue with my economics reading, I find myself here, looking for a distraction :)

I only have 5 classes (the others have 6 due to an english course, boo!) but I have 2 econ classes, regional and european, lord knows if I'll ever understand the difference, a European history class, an investigative reporting class, and "Utrecht views" and a web design class that coincide so we get our stories up on the website. (I'll post the link here when it's finally up!) Our classes are at maximum only 2 hours, and only once a week. This week we only have school 3 days, but next week we have 5 days. It's definitely odd how the schedule is worked out, because 4 of the classes end at the end of october, and then 3 more start. Something along those lines...very, very fishy!

We're also headed to Rotterdam this week for an econ class, and to Berlin October 23-27 for "class." I've heard Berlin is super cheap, so I'm excited! I could use a break on my wallet. Also, our 2 German friends are taking us to Munich for the REAL Oktoberfest! I am so stoked...they're also trying to get us to find a traditional drindl (the dress the women wear) but so far they are looking pretty expensive, even though it would only add to the experience to get to dress up.

I've also been meeting a bunch of people in our living area because it is all students, there was a party next door on Friday and we had come people come over on Saturday, and on Sunday there was a little pot luck/social thing in front. I met an Aussie girl who is planning a trip to Barcelona (determined to go!) and to Ireland (also, a necessity.) I told you I should have taken out a loan mom!!I know it will get pricey, but since I'm here I really want to be able to see as much as I can. So that WHEN, not if, I come back, I'll know where I want to go.

The one thing I am completely aware of is the language barrier between all of us. Although we all speak English, the foreign kids think it's easier to talk amongst themselves because they aren't as embarrassed as they would be in front of "native speakers."

It's honestly starting to bug me! I know they are nervous, but I make such a conscious effort to understand what they are saying and help them, that I don't understand why they continue that way. Maybe it's a personality thing for some people, because others don't seem to care and they really try. But I feel like people don't want to talk as much when I'm around for fear of saying something wrong, when I could really care less if their english isn't perfect :(

Either way, I'm still having a great time. The weather continues to be gorgeous, and things are looking up all around. Although we did make a trip to IKEA the other day, only to find the bedding set I paid 50 Euro for was most likely no more than 20 Euro, and they probably got some sort of insane discount for buying in bulk. These people are just sucking the money right out of us. So when they send an email saying we are too loud during our parties, I will tell them to do something productive with their lives and stop stealing money from poor college kids that have no direction in life.  GRR!!

On a brighter note, I made an amazing Mexi-breakfast today (although it was almost 3pm...don't judge me!) with eggs, refried beans, potatoes and a tortilla, and it made me feel right at home :)

Grocery shopping is probably one of the funniest things to do here, because you have to just look at the pictures and hope you're buying the right thing! And the peanut butter...whoa. The one I bought is semi-normal according to my friend Meryl who bought something not so normal, but it still has a twinge of weirdness. And its coarse...like sand. Very odd flavors and textures all swirling around! But hey, its a learning experience. 

Another is living with someone who has only previously lived with family. Ahinara (Spanish girl) is soo sweet, but has these crazy ideas of how it should be to live people and cleaning and buying immense amounts of food when we have no where to put it...very odd. But I know its an experience for her too, so we're all adapting. Even when Krystle spends time in her room for days on end...

And last but not least, I am going to the BEST concert on November 17! It's a Danish band called Alphabeat, and I'm obsessed. They are playing here, and are getting super popular so I'm sure it will be an awesome show. Can't wait :)

Smooches!

experience

Walking around, Dutch boys are very, VERY cute! Looks, yes, and also their demeanor. They seem so much more polite, and even a little shy. Not like cocky American boys!! Anywho, I was looking forward to meeting some at the International Drink Night our school program sets up every week. We went to Ivana and Meryl's before, and it ended up being 8 of us girls gossiping and talking politics (many of whom knew more about our country than I do...that was reassuring. bleh! They are SO excited for the elections, I can't wait to see what happens!) and we rode over in a big bike gang to the bar after.

Long story short, I met a creepy Dutch guy that at first pretended to be Mexican, but nothing gets by me and my alcohol-numbed senses, and I saw through that one pretty quick!! He was obnoxious, so we went to go dance, and of course he followed, for the rest of the night. Some people just don't get the hint! I talked to Katie about it (who lives in my room in SF now!) and her advice was as follows, verbatim: 

"In these cases it's good to know phrases in Dutch like, 'I hope my third nipple turns you on!' or something else like 'I'm so glad when I was 13 I decided to have the sex change to become a full girl because you're hot!"

Great advice, and I didn't have to sit on a couch or even pay for it. What are friends for??

Even with the creepy creeper, the night was REALLY fun (out till 530am fun...!) My favorite part was when I looked over and saw a boy holding an onion, and nibbling on it. Just for fun, because he can. Boggled my mind, but I kind of fell in love. Oh, the simple things in life...

love :)

It's been a week!

I guess nothing tooo exciting has been happening in these parts. The weather is INSANE, and it was pouring all morning and I didn't want to get up, but then I went out for coffee with a friend and then the sun showed itself for the rest of the afternoon. 

Our house is finally starting to look like a home...and I like being here. Even if there was a spider joining me in the shower this morning, its much, much better than it was. Ahinara  (from Spain) and I bought some things to clean and make it look more home-y, and we finally got our 3rd addition!! Krystle is from the Netherlands Antilles, actually St. Martin in Caribbean. Both of the girls are gorgeous and sooo nice! We've formed a pretty good, instant bond, which i feel is lucky compared with some of the other people I've talked to. But it's hard not to get caught up in speaking english really quickly, because I feel like sometimes Ahinara doesn't get to catch all of it, and I don't want to leave her out.

And I think I'm finally learning to stop mumbling! In my class there are 2 Lithuanian girls, 3 Dutch kids, 4 Danish, 1 Slovakian, 3 Germans, 1 Norwegian, and 1 Portuguese, so speaking clearly is imperative.

We are having so much fun already! Friday was really rainy, but we had a (free) group dinner and a little Italian place, then a bunch of us went to an outdoor cafe under a big umbrella (it had mostly stopped raining by then) and sat and talked and drank for a couple more hours, and then split in different ways. I went with the group who wanted to party, and we ended up at a club that had a drum'n'bass show. (Old folks: look it up!) It's like a techno-mix-y vibe that is virtually impossible to dance to. Most of us hung out at the bar while one of the Danish guys danced his heart out (gotta give him credit for trying...) and then went to the "Maria" bar, which is the local bar for all us INTERNATIONAL kids. These places are open till 5 or 6 and that in itself boggles my mind. We ended up getting separated from people, so I hung out with Jesper and Mads (2 Danish boys) and talked about random things, and apparently it's been decided that the American girls (there are FIVE of us...) are cooking Thanksgiving for everyone. I'm totally down with that! But I don't even know where you can buy a turkey, and I'm kiiiiinnndddaaa not sure if I want to go looking. eesh. You never know what you will find here!

Saturday we had a little pre-party at Meryl and Ivana's, then were supposed to go to an "international" party at a club called Woolloomooloo! I liked the name, but the place was hotter than hades, so 6 of us went to a little Beligan bar and had some yummy beers :)

On Saturday I also went with Krystale to meet her "buddy," a Dutch guy that was sent to meet her and a Polish guy at the train station, and I ended up knowing more about the city than him because he lives an hour north, but we went to lunch and the Polish guy cracked us up because he was the only one drinking, and said everyone drinks after 11 in Poland, or before they go to work. Cool life, buddy. Cool life.  He also brought her buddy a bottle of Polish vodka, and I was a little bit jealous :)

Yesterday was pretty unproductive, I had to interview my friend and then I had to write an article about him and these "old music festival" concerts we went to. They were odd, full of old people in wheelchairs that fell asleep. But hey, I finally got my stuff done this afternoon, so we'll see how the professor feels about that. I have to read 100 pages in my European history book by Thursday, and today I went to buy the book and they didn't have any! And the housing place wanted 405 more Euro from me, so I had to go raise hell and tell them they are a little slow in the cabeza. 

After Meryl and I went for coffee and talked and talked, and the sun came out, and then we got some ice cream, and it was magical!! So far so good, I'll try to take more pictures! 

Love all of you :)

Finally settled!

After wandering alone last night for what seemed like forever, I finally found my new apartment! This really nice cab driver had picked me up from the train station, took me to school to fill out my housing paperwork, came back to pick me up and take me to my place to drop my stuff off, and then over to the dome tower for the tour I had to meet up with and would have been late for, without his assistance! It may have been expensive, but so, sooo worth it! Unfortunately I didn't get a good look around, so when the sun set I was completely lost, and theres a ton of construction so the street doesn't go all the way through and you have to go around, thus making me confused. 

Nevertheless, I was stoked to arrive. Until I began to explore. The other 2 roomies weren't here yet, and it was dark so I closed all the curtains and turned all the lights on. First off, its like a rustic cabin. Second, its obviously a converted senior facility, based on the raised toilet seat and handrails, as well as the handrails in the shower and little seat. Not to mention the emergency call light switches! WTF. My mind is thoroughly boggled. It wouldn't be so bad but being on the first floor is kind of weird, I've never been down there before. Also, and toilet area and shower are in separate rooms like most dutch houses, but they're also in a separate hallway, near the front door that has a huge glass window! Very odd indeed. And this place is NASTY. The floors aren't even clean, and there are spiders everywhere, hair in the shower drain, and a moth that won't go away. Plus stray cats wander in if you leave the door open. 

Either way, My room is finally settled and it's not so bad when I don't think about the bathroom and vow to spend as much time away from here as possible. It's relatively close to the center, and in a cool little area that is walking distance. I'm going to buy a bike tomorrow!! Hopefully I don't fall flat on my face. 

Yesterday we took the worst tour ever, with our guides getting lost and taking us to the same place 3 times, the blistering sun beating down on us (but I'm totally soaking it in before it's gone!!), and the fact that our table was the very, very last to get served and everyone left before us. Fun. Don't mess with a hungry girl's food people! I'm doubting these Dutch fellas. 

We climbed the Dom tower, the highest point in Utrecht and I think one of the tallest in the Netherlands. Being that height=465 stairs. Yes, we had to climb them. Hell NO I would not have gotten in an ancient elevator anyway! But it was claustrophobia+ancientness+sweaty people+sweat me+hunger. Alas, it all equaled an AMAZING view! Definitely worth it.

Needless to say, yesterday wasn't the best day, but we had our first day of school today, free lunch, I got home ok, and I just met my first roomie, a fun girl from Spain. She will keep my spanish sharp!!

Love to my fans :)