Escapades ....

So Much

2010-06-10T23:09:00.001+02:00

There is so much going on in my world, that I wish I had more time to blog. I wish I had time for anything extra to be honest...but as they say...when it rains it pours.

I traveled quite a bit in March---London, Florida, Istanbul, Rome, road trip through Germany and Switzerland...that I could not keep up.

I loved Istanbul. What a magical place. I try to put into words what I saw and felt there, but can't. the vibe and atmosphere of the city was fantastic. I am looking forward to going back, and plan to later this summer.

Finally saw the Sistine Chapel--I was disappointed :( But the Colosseum was amazing.

I am heading soon to Iceland! I get really excited when I think about it. I will be there for Summer Solstice, and plan to see glaciers, amongst other things. I would love to go see the active volcano, but not sure if it is safe or even doable. That will be my mission to find out!

I am trying to practice more photography--but life gets in my way of really testing shots, filters, lens, and lighting...etc.

http://www.photoblog.com/elcie74

Before Iceland though I am moving out of the company sponsored ex-pat life I have been living. I am now a broke dutch tax paying person. I really do hope everything happens for a reason, that is what I am holding on to.

and now what??

2010-03-16T17:54:00.000+01:00

Well, The Netherlands is now my home. Looks like I wont be returning to the good ol' US of A anytime soon. I hope I will still be permitted in. Lots will change, but I am always up for a challenge. Will keep you posted.

Invictus

2010-02-25T22:12:00.000+01:00

William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.

Winter Wonderland ??

2010-01-06T21:14:00.000+01:00

I used to enjoy the 1-2 day of snow we would get in Atlanta per year. It was beautiful, peaceful, could stay home and play in it.

It was just enough that it would tease you but feel fortunate you did not live somewhere where it happened often.

Last year in Amsterdam I had that 1 or 2 days of it...lovely really...even though I was told they had mild winters and there was no snow and freezing of the canals.

This winter so far it seems to me it has snowed since December 20th..yes it is beautiful and peaceful but I am over it! I was over it the day I
slipped flat on my face...
The one thing I am looking forward to is trying out skiing. I am heading to southern France next week and then Austria in February. I am pretty sure by March 1--I will want the beach!

2009

2009-12-29T21:49:00.001+01:00

2009 has been a fantastic year...I have had many ups and many downs, but as they say...some of its Magic and some of its tragic. I look forward to 2010 and hope it brings me what I am looking for. I will still call Amsterdam home and am pretty sure I will have lots more stories to share.

Presidents and Premiers

2009-11-19T23:23:00.000+01:00

I am sick....I have nothing better to do, so thought I would share this link. Read up on whats happening in EU politics. There will be a pop quiz, when you least expect it.

EU Picks President

If I get better, I will be heading to the USA for Thanksgiving. If not, well then I will just keep reading about EU politics.

N8

2009-11-08T21:25:00.000+01:00

My favorite event in Amsterdam was last night Museamnacht

Aside from falling off the bike---almost getting decapitated,skinning my knee, trying to burn down de Hortus---it was a splendid evening.

This years adventures took us to the

Hermitage Museum, which I still am trying to grasp the actual concept of that Museum. I understand the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg..but why in Amsterdam??

Then on to the Jewish History Museum,

Portugese Synagoge,

de Hortus, Rembrandthuis....a stop at the Rembrand Corner Pub....Museum Van Loon,Willet-Holthuysen and finally FOAM!

Today I awoke to lots of excitement...the entire block I live on, including directly in front, on the side and the hotel that is on the main road (Hobbemakade)..was all blocked off with police tape and cops everywhere...Here I am trying to just walk my dog...not knowing what the hell is going on...turns out there was a fight/stabbing in a club near Rembrandplien..they got into a taxi and maybe shot someone in front of the hotel I live attached to, the cops were trying to gather all the evidence.... Well this is what I think happened based on my limited dutch and what I can make of it on the news...Mijn Nederlands es niet zo goed.

I am trying hard to learn dutch and make the effort. I have a private tutor, have all dutch colleagues, even watching Benelux Next Top Model, but it is hard! When I dont know what to say I switch to Spanish. My brain is getting all confused and my English is getting worse by the day!

Doei!!

I am going to attempt to paint something like this...

You owe me restitution

2009-10-31T10:40:00.001+01:00

It is Halloween! Even though I am not a huge fan and dont believe I ever have been...I do look forward to the annual pilgrimage to ABC to view, It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.

I still viewed it this year albeit a few hours after it aired but captured after 35 years the most important lesson....from Sally.

Why do we adjust our lives to spend so much of it wasting time waiting with blockheads for things that will never come and we are missing out on the trick or treats?

Honestly, the best lesson ever.

Happy Halloween.

iPhones versus proper camera

2009-10-07T03:45:00.000+02:00

I have no camera..as those that know it was stolen one fine evening in Vondelpark...so all I have is an iPhone...there may be a purchase this week but still can not decide which one and spent time talking to a professional yesterday about it...but I am still heart broken about the lens..

My Beautiful Sister...

Keri likes her hair....and wants to be in my blog...

some of its magic...

2009-09-23T20:49:00.001+02:00

It is that time again...time to go to Paris looking for the questions that bothered me so...is it possible that just 1 evening can change your whole outlook?

I think it does...

Strength and Trust

2009-09-09T10:27:00.000+02:00

STRENGTH

I never knew the strength it took to be an expat, living in another culture that is not your own. Some days I wonder if I am strong enough for this.....just keep hoping I am.
Do I want to to be in my comfort zone or keep exploring? It is a constant battle.

TRUST

Who do you trust? I am just not sure.
_________________________________________

we build up castles
in the sky and in the sand
design our own world
ain't nobody understand
I found myself alive
in the palm of your hand
as long as we are flyin'
this world ain't got no end

LIST

2009-07-27T23:14:00.000+02:00

Do you have a list???

I have a list, its long. I can honestly say I am living my list. One by One. Tick.....

U2 in Dublin was on that list...has been for ages...

What is next??? Oh, just thought of something... this is NOT on the list...but I am going to go Skiing this winter....

This and That

2009-04-12T22:55:00.000+02:00

It has been a crazy year so far...I have had some good times here in Holland and other parts of the EU. I have spent a lot of time wondering if I should stay....and I think for now I have decided to make NL home. I can always go back to the USA, right?? I may be crazy but moving here has been the best decision I made for myself. There are pros and cons to everything but do hope this works out. I think it will.

Travels......I went to Barcelona in March. Had a blast! Tapas, wine and lots of amazing sights.

Then London for a girls shopping weekend. As always fun times were had by all. Then Berlin. I liked Berlin, but it didnt really have an impact on me. Other parts of Germany were more impressive to me. Photos are coming......promise.

All in 1 hour

2009-02-08T22:18:00.001+01:00

I decided to walk through Vondelpark today, it was a beautiful morning with amazing rays of sunshine. No scarf or hat was needed. Within 30 minutes it began to rain. Then it stopped. We keep walking. Then it begins to hail. As the sky pelted little balls of ice at us we continued to walk. Lucy was even squinting wondering what was going on. Then it stopped. We keep walking. Then it begins to snow. I cut through the park to get home quicker. Before we made it out. The sun was out again......

Random thoughts

2009-02-01T12:07:00.000+01:00

I keep thinking I need to blog but the thing is I have been so busy since returning to Amsterdam I havnt had time. I also lost my connection to my wireless hard drive with all the photos and stuff I have been working on..I get so frustrated trying to fix the connection that I just gave up! That also means I lost my wireless network too, ugg!!

I am ready for it to not be so cold here. This is wishful thinking. It is such a pain in the ass to walk Lucy and put on 2 layers of clothes plus a scarf, hat, gloves, coat...and remember the doggie bags, ball, treats, and most importantly Lucy herself. My hair, my skin, my nails is so dry.....I can not believe I would say this but I need some Southern US humidity!
I just keep thinking to the summer and how wonderful it was here.

Today is the Superbowl in the US...not sure why it is bothering me so much that I will not be able to watch it. I dont even like football, but I miss the parties and the festivities. I just dont think I can pull an allnighter again, watching stuff in the USA. The Gator game earlier this month did me in for 3 days, but that was worth it.

Traveling will start up again soon, heading to Barcelona next month to try out the new camera. (Still need to learn how to even use it). I will also on the hunt for a guitar in Barcelona. Thinking about going to Africa and Egypt later this year. Hope that works out. Will also be going to Rome (finally) and Greece.

Promise to have pictures next time if I can ever get the link back up to the hard drive!

New Year!!

2009-01-02T05:44:00.000+01:00

HEY!! I have been in the US for 3 weeks and have seen a lot of you...wish I could have had time for everybody and everything! I am warn out! I am very much looking forward to 2009 and the adventures it will bring in Amsterdam and in Europe! I have a brand new fancy camera and look forward to the images I will capture!

Happy 2009 to ALL!!!

Koln.....Cologne....Keulen....Koeln

2008-12-06T12:04:00.000+01:00

There once was a gnome named Jerome who traveled the rails to Koln. He was in search of Gluhwein and Brat.

With the happy times that it brought.

Gingerbread, Nutcrackers, and Christmas delight fills the stalls while children skate and try not to fall.

Jerome will return as he made lots of friends or maybe its was the Gluhwein that will not let it end.

He swung from the tree tops....

And shopped down the lanes...

The Gnome named Jerome will never be the same.

NO IDEA

2008-11-14T11:23:00.000+01:00

I had no idea that people were using my gmail account as I dont use it normally...so I never checked the emails. Until today and to my surprise I had tons of email love. I thought no one was even reading my blog and was pretty much keeping it for myself so I would have a good memory. Thanks for reading and the comments/emails I get!!! I will be sure to read them more often.

Heading to Paris this weekend. I am staying clear away from Chanel as I can not afford another expensive purchase. I am sick again. Third time since moving here. I am sure it a combination of me not sleeping, not taking good care of myself, lots of (fun) activities, and the terrible weather. I really didn’t realize how weather affects you until recently. Living in Florida and even Georgia the sun is taken for granted. I am looking forward to my travels to the US in December. I will be that person sitting in the sun even when it is cold outside, so if you have plans with me better get your coat ready!

Here is a piece of art I saw recenlty, dont know who the artist is to give proper credit.

Thanks to a super-sloth friend, I now know who the artist is of the this piece seen in a gallery here locally. Jesus is my Homeboy , David LaChapelle

Sights uncaptured

2008-11-02T20:08:00.001+01:00

This city never seizes to amaze me. Just THIS week..I have seen hundred of ceramic pandas laid out throughout the Museumplein.Supposedly representing Panda extinction day (or something). I tried to go back before the sun went down with my camera but I missed it...the pandas were cleaned up! The funniest thing was in the morning Lucy was off her leash and ran into the field of Panda's. It was really hard to see her in the middle of all the black and white.
Halloween was a fun night. They do not celebrate Halloween like we do in the USA, except there are a lot of parties. I was able to make it to a party with the theme, Dia de Los Muertos. I dressed up at Frida Kahlo, uni-brow and all. It was scary!!

Saturday night was Museum Night in Amsterdam. I think most of the museums were open until 2am and they had special events planned...singers..wine, champagne..lectures...music. It was a great opportunity to go to Museums I would not normally go to. They had some parade of some instillation art that included a cow dressed up.
We visited the Handbag Museum, Museum Van Loon which was the house of Williem van Loon who was the cofounder of the Dutch East India Company. Musuem Willet-Holthuysen, which was someone's house..i really don't know whose it was, but none the less it was a beautiful place. Incredible actually. Right on the canal with high ceilings...that IS luxury in this town. We ended the night at the Portuguese Synagogue. I have never been in a Synagogue and think I am now spoiled by my first visit. IT was light up by candlelight all over.

Today while walking Lucy we were minding our own business and this processional of people dressed up went by us. I can only explain as a lady on stilts with her face painted black/white and others dancing around her chanting, almost want to say it was voodoo dress; there was also drummers and people holding candles.
This lady in her bathrobe was yelling from her top floor apartment, "Jesus is the way, go away with your bad spirits". I still don't know what that was all about. I never do know what is really going on, so I make up my own stories behind what I see.

I also tend to NEVER have my camera when I need it. I have a new point-n-shot that I should always have in my pocket.
So on the next walk..i captured some of the sunset down my street.

Travelin...

2008-10-29T12:53:00.000+01:00

It has been some time since I blogged. Been pretty busy with work, visitors, and traveling. I am also enjoying the fall colors everywhere and adjusting to the cooler weather! I just need to surrender and realize this is life now.
Besides recently spending time in Italy I spent some time in Germany. I went to Koln for a night, which was a pretty neat town. I really liked their cathedral...

Not only did Koln have a Starbucks but a Dunkin Donuts. Not sure if I have mentioned before that Amsterdam has no Starbucks in the city. You have to go to the airport...yes, I have driven to the airport just for Starbucks before.

After Koln we headed down the Rhine River looking for castles.
It was a very pretty area especially because of the fall colors. Stayed in a town called, Bacharach, which used to be the town where the wine trade for the Rhine was based.
The hotel room was about 10 feet from the train tracks..all night trains went by but the noise became comforting after awhile and you didnt notice it.

I was able to go into a few of the castles, some were ruins and another was once the hunting lodge for the King of Prussia in the 1800's.

I have a feeling that the winter will not bring much traveling. I have been invited to various skiing weekends, but I don’t ski and while in Italy just WALKING I sprained my ankle. Could you imagine if I skied? I may go just for the experience but keep me off the slopes! I think I will become an expert at cooking soups this winter..any recipes send them my way..

Here are some of my favorite shots from Italy.

Diet Coke

2008-10-09T11:56:00.000+02:00

It is official I like US Diet Coke better! I always knew that but we finally performed a taste test. We had one lone bottle of US Diet Coke and one from here...blind-folded I could tell which was which.

If you want to come visit me in Holland...bring a US Diet Coke in a bottle, People Magazine, and some fresh tacos (ok you can leave those behind) and I will let you in the front door.

Ciao Bella

2008-10-07T16:16:00.001+02:00

Just spent the last 10 days in Italy. It was amazing. I went to Tuscany and rented a villa on a vineyard and went exploring to all the small towns and drank some great wine and enjoyed great food. Also made it up to Venice, which is always enjoyable but this trip I really liked the island of Burano. They have all the colorful houses and it was just a pleasant day. I could blog for days about this trip! I really hope one day I get to return.

There was one little mishap where I sprained my ankle on the 3rd day taking pictures, it didn't stop me from seeing all the sites but it did hurt walking on the cobblestones. I would not recommend that to anyone. I will post pics, most likely on flickr and will update when it is done. I have been trying to get back into the swing of things and it may take awhile to load pictures! This trip I was trying to focus on taking mainly black and white photos .

I cast my absentee ballot! I sent it back to the US with a friend who returned Tuesday. Let's see what happens... i really was not sure who to vote for and almost wrote in Jimmy Buffett but changed my mind!

Some of its Magic, Some of its Tragic...

2008-09-23T01:11:00.001+02:00

This was by far the best Buffett show ever and I have been to too many to count... There was maybe..maybe..300 people there, I am really not sure. AMAZING.

Here is an article in Rolling Stone about it.

In addition to the Buffett show I spent a small fortune at Chanel and went exploring more of Paris. I still love the Montmartre area and the eclectic shops and art.
I suppose I should throw in the obligatory Eiffel tower picture:

I didnt take my fancy camera so my pics arent so good.

Ahoy, me hearty

2008-09-18T13:34:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow is Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Enjoy the day...

I am finally off to Paris to see Jimmy Buffett tomorrow night. How apropos that it is talk like a Pirate Day. I plan to enjoy the weekend in Paris hopefully getting to explore more of Montmartre (my fav district in Paris). I come back and will be in Antwerp for some meetings...then off to Italy. A colleague told me that I must have the following in Italy:
Red Wine: Brunello di montalcino, Chianti, Sangiovese
Beef: Fiorentina, Fegatini
Soup: Ribollita

Any other suggestions?

I will have lots of fun stuff to post.

Ij Hallen

2008-09-08T11:08:00.000+02:00

Nothing too exciting going on in Holland this weekend. I finally got some much deserved rest. I am thankful that the sun is finally setting around 8:30pm, I am in hopes that this will allow me to get on a better sleep routine. I am trying hard to start immediately! If you know me you will know that I will not accomplish this.

I made it out to a "Flea Market" called Ij Hallen on Sunday.

Here are some pictures of the event.

It was a nice adventure but not really anything exciting there. I did find some Delft pottery and a blow up parrot for the Jimmy show in 2 weeks.

Fairs and Ferries..

2008-09-01T11:19:00.000+02:00

This past weekend was beautiful here in the Netherlands. It was really a nice surprise! When I first moved here I was told to always get out when there is sun, but I really didn't believe them. This Florida girl had no concept that there were places without sun for very long periods of time...

We went driving in West Friesland or the northern islands. We boarded a ferry for Texal. It was not entirely what I expected, but it was very pretty and a lot sheep. Unlike when I was in Ireland I did not see any sheep behaving badly.
It was nice to walk along the beach and see the lighthouse and other sites.

Then we happened on a town, Alkmaar and it was their summer festival..so we got to go to the fair! We rode the ferris wheel around sunset and you could look out at the city and all the roof tops and windmills. It was a nice way to see a city. I kept thinking about Mary Poppins though and Dick Van Dyke jumping from rooftop to rooftop.

Below is just some of the pictures from the day. I couldn't post all. I will have them uploaded to my other page where I put the pictures, as soon as I fix the mess I created! I accidentally deleted all my pictures....then recovered them to only have them 3-4 times on my computer..

KWARK

2008-08-31T23:11:00.000+02:00

Can anyone tell me what KWARK really is?
Yogurt, Cottage Cheese? I have grown to absolutely love it and get different answers every time I ask what it is.

I am still trying to get my head around the VP pick of McCain. It is fun to watch the election from this side of the pond. Last week I called and asked for my absentee ballot! Very excited...just not sure which direction to go. This upcoming week will be interesting. The whole world really is watching what is going on the US.

Tin cup for a chalice..

2008-08-25T18:06:00.000+02:00

Fill it up with good red wine... in 25 days while seeing Jimmy in Paris. Can not wait to go to a good JB show with other parrotheads. Wonder what the French will think of us? Do I care?

New kind of red light

2008-08-23T21:10:00.000+02:00

Last Thursday evening I noticed that the sunset was beautiful and there was this orange/red glow. I read later that night that the Kasatochi volcano erupted in Alaska in early August and the dust went into the stratosphere and was over western Europe. The Dutch weather service said we would have this type of sunset for a few days....so last night I set out with camera in hand to see what I could..

After loading the pics on here I notice the color doesn't really show up ... it was pretty, but not like Thursday evening when i didn't know what it was. I was going to head to the beach to see the sunset tonight but i have been sidelined with a silly cold! I think my body is preparing for the change in season. The 5 days of sunshine this summer is now a fading memory.

rain rain go away

2008-08-19T14:05:00.000+02:00

Not much going on this past week. I decorated the bike with flowers and bike beads! YAAA. I went for a few rides and am still getting used to the rules of the road. A left handed turn really confused me. Do I cross at the cross walk... or go behind the cars in line...or go up and around...???

Lucy has been up to her tricks of going to the park and stealing peoples picnics. She stole a whole bag of cookies earlier this week. There was like 6 guys sitting in a circle in the park smoking and playing soccer and she swooped in and ran off with it. They just laughed. They must not of had the munchies yet.

I have realized a lot of things about being here, like I appreciate capitolism in America...that blog is for another day. I am still collecting my thoughts on that.

Hope Florida weathers Fay!! Good luck guys.

more...

2008-08-13T21:59:00.001+02:00

You know the more I think about it the more I think Barack is the one for America... yep...talk amoungst yourselves.

Am I possibly the only one who really doesn't care that Edwards had an affair...there is so much more going on in the world.

Da Bike Da Bike

2008-08-13T14:29:00.000+02:00

I have purchased the bike...after advice from all I settled on a brand new shiney bike from Decathalon. It has a bell and a light! I purchased a basket to put on the front. I plan to decorate it with Flowers.

But as you know no trip shopping for me in Netherlands would come without some sort of story. I was so proud of the bike even rode it from the store to my car! Yes, to my car as I went during my lunch hour to make this purchase. Then I tried for 20 mintues to get the bike in the back of the car. I was getting really frustrated. But then the bike bell dinged....take off the front wheel! So i figured out how to unlock it...but then it woudln't move. What the heck? Oh ding ding ding...you need to unlock the brake. I was stumped..how did I do that?? So I asked for help. 5 men came and helped..5! OK so 2 helped and 3 watched. The bike is now successfully in the car (and it may stay there). It doesnt have the front wheel, the chain, the brakes, or the basket attached. Also needs the seat adjusted...so NOW what?

TOSTITOS AND SLINGS

2008-08-10T19:38:00.000+02:00

This has been a week of bringing the USA to Amsterdam.....

I never knew I loved Tostitos and Mango Salsa so much until I had a wonderful package sent to me filled with Tostitos, salsa, taco mix, guacamole mix, most importantly 4 gossip magazines! I felt so at home. Thanks again!!

I surrendered and had a Slingbox put in at my moms house, I can now watch American TV via my computer! I then hook it up to my TV and voila there is Channel 9 on my TV with AMS behind me. Bob Opsal where are you???
It isn't that I want to sit and watch TV all the time, but knowing I can turn on the TV and understand what is being said with no subtitles is a great feeling! I can watch Weeds and Mad Men! Thank you to all involved in getting it hooked up!

The opening ceremony of the Olympics was amazing! It was mesmerizing...
It is interesting watching the Olympics on BBC and the focus on British athletes, also the Dutch TV stations focusing on Dutch athletes. It gives the Olympics a new perspective for me.

I decided to rearrange my apartment and try to make it more me or cozier. I had to put things at angles and I finally had the dining light globe cover thing (I don't know how else to describe it) taken down. What do you think?

Last night we went on this thing called a beer bike and basically pedaled around Amsterdam while being served beer. It is this big bike with 10 seats around it, almost like sitting at a dining table, and in the middle is someone serving beer...i have photos and will post soon. It was a very good time and have not had that much beer since maybe college.

There are definitely fun times being had in Amsterdam! Ohh and there is no purchase of a bike yet...this is the week!!

TO Bike or NOT to Bike...

2008-07-31T21:35:00.000+02:00

I think I am giving in and getting a bike. I want a basket on the front to carry the two bike locks you need to ensure it doesn't get stolen. The people on bikes remind me of ant farms ...they cycle in single file lines stopping (well almost stopping) at the red lights and going at the exact time when the light turns green. When you are driving you really have to watch out for them especially if you are making a right handed turn, you need to physically turn around to make sure no one is coming. This does not apply to just driving but walking as well. They come from every direction. The laws protect the bike rider so no matter whose fault it really was if you are NOT on the bike you are SOL.My favorite sight is in the morning seeing the men in their business suits, with their wet hair, and computer bags riding to work. I often wonder to myself...do they smell when they get there?

Wish me luck in finding a good bike and learning the rules of the road.

Weather

2008-07-29T21:48:00.000+02:00

Can someone let me in on the secret to the weather in The Netherlands ... in one day I need a fan (personal airco would have been nice) because it is so humid....an umbrella for the rain...and then a jacket because I am now shivering cold. I also really need to learn Celsius, I know 20 equals 68, dont ask me to figure it out from there.

We are official!

2008-07-26T21:58:00.000+02:00

Today was one of my first "real" Saturdays in Amsterdam, which means that I had no one visiting, no travel to anywhere, no jet lag and no sickness.

Lucy became official...we visited the vet and she obtained her EU Doggie Passport. Yep! She can travel all around now...wonder if she will get stamps? hummm....

We also ironically received in the mail today her official Amsterdam city dog tag! Pretty much just tells the Politie that I have paid the necessary dog tax. They would tax pigeons if they could..

I met up with a friend from work and we went shopping! It was the hottest daysince moving to Amsterdam, it was in the upper 70's...it my have even been 80. Gorgeous day !

I debated about getting these patten leather heels because I wasn't sure if you could wear
patten..anyhow I got them! According to my fashion adviser (you know who you are), I can wear them!! When I am snickered at I will forward them your name. (not sure if the dutch would snicker; they would just tell me to my face how bad they are, and mumble under their breath something about america)

I also got a much needed pedicure! Now I have no more excuses ...the pedi was 35 Euros..that is the going rate. I had hoped for that amount I was fanned and fed grapes by some of the very good looking men I see in Amsterdam.
I have had to stop converting in my head to dollars how much I was paying for things, it will drive you crazy when you realize it is appx 1,50USD to 1Euro.
I have decided from now on major shopping will be done in the USA.

In the past, I have sent out links to some of my pictures, but the page has changed. Photo Albums are now posted at : http://web.mac.com/ericacarr/

I am teaching myself how to use iWeb program, so inevitably this blog address will change soon as well. I know I just sent it out, sorry :)

3 months in one post....

2008-07-25T17:58:00.000+02:00

I have been in touch with many of you and highlighted my daily adventures...no two days have been the same. I have had funny thing happen, happy things happen, and even sad things...

The first few weeks were challenging and I felt like I was learning to live life all over again. For example, laundry...cooking...going to the store. Speaking of the grocery store, I really did not enjoy it! My first experience found me buying KARNE MILK...or Buttermilk. Not so good on your cereal. You must have a special token for the cart, bring your own bags or buy them...as Jennifer so kindly pointed out BEFORE you check out. Oh and Jen I still have my secret society card and it works perfectly to pay for my groceries. I now do not mind going to the grocery store. I actually enjoy going to the Albert Cuyp outdoor market to buy my fresh fruits and veggies!

Other first week experiences..the phone I bought that doesnt work, ok so it did work it was the user not plugging it into the right socket on the modem. How was I to know that the digital phone line plugged into the modem and not the phone in the wall. The sheet set that I bought that turned out was 2 fitted sheets...so sometimes the guest bed just has 2 fitted sheets on it...get over it!
The set of keys I paid a fortune for ... didnt work and then ordering the correct ones from god knows where for 80 Euro...having to go to the city hall twice to get the correct papers so I could get my things I shipped out of Customs...really it went on and on...

Lucy was hit by a bike in the park while I was in California for work. Luckily for us the lady who takes care of her, Allison is wonderful! She loves Lucy like she is her own and took very good care of her. Lucy has a little bit of a scar on her right leg, but I will forever have the scar of the Dutch woman who hit her. I didn’t see it happen, but I have heard all about it and how she tried to handle the situation. Even at one point tried to throw the "We are not in American" line.
yes lady I am aware we are not in America...everyday I am aware.

How can I forget the night I went to pub to watch Netherlands in the Eurocup and on my way home got subway...then got the worst food poisoning of my life..I will spare everyone the details. But I never missed Campbells chicken soup so much in my life...

I really do enjoy the lifestyle here and I am really looking forward to the adventure. I figure I will have rough patches...but I did in America too!

I have had visitors already .... Jennifer...Keri and Marc... and my mom. I just hope they didnt all come at the beginning and will never come again!

Jen..I have no pics from your visit...next time!

Keri and Marc

Fourth of July

While my mom was here over July 4th weekend we went to Prague. It was a beautiful place, but full of tourists! I should have done more research on the Czech Republic before going.

We went to see REM, which I thought was good show,

I cant believe i lived 30 miles Athens and had to come to Amsterdam to see REM....

Went to Rotterdam for the North Sea Jazz Festival. That was a great experience. I didnt know what to expect but really enjoyed it. We saw lots various artists.including Al Jarreau, Herbie Hancock, Jill Scott, Sergio Mendez and Led Bib ( i think they are from the UK).

Last weekend I was able to meet up with Glenda who has been traveling around. We met up in Brugge...Don't believe what the movie, In Bruges says...Brugges is a beautiful place. There were lots of tourists again, so I showed Glenda some of Belgium. I was happy it worked out that I could see her.

I will keep this updated...keep coming back...I have some fun trips planned really soon.

Only 56 days til JB in Paris...

2008-07-24T11:09:00.000+02:00

I finally figured out how to do a BLOG! I can update my adventures and travels for everyone to see. Awesome!

MORE TO COME I HAVE A LOT TO UPDATE............