Friday, June 24, 2005
Road trip
I have always been very much interested in discovering new cities, new countries and places that most people wouldn’t usually be that much of an attraction. In my first months of travels here in Europe, I was focusing on far away places and the most common places such as Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam all of which I've had really great experiences in familiarizing myself in those places. However, what I have failed to discover are the nice places in my "backyard" and appreciating what is more accessible over the weekend.
First discovery was a simple train ride to Luxembourg and Brussels, where I spent my time with my mom and my sister strolling to each and every city. The adventure begins with finding the tourist information center then going for a bus tour or guided walk around the city to find out about the history of each and every nice architecture imprinted in every building.
The second discovery was cities in the south, Arnhem & Nijmegen are definitely just amazing cities especially in Arnhem where we visited one big national park. What seemed to be a 2.5 km walk became more than 5km of trekking around the nice park. It made us appreciate nature once again. As the tourist information told us at the end of the park we’ll be able to look over Germany, and for Dutch people that is definitely a big deal to be able to “look over” Germany. Not really sure if we were able to see Germany already, except the fact that there were more hill and mountain views.
Heat wave in Netherlands
For a week since June 18, it’s been extremely hot here in Netherlands. From 25-30 degress celsius, you wouldn't believe that this is actually still Netherlands. Then people ask me, why are you complaining when it's the same weather in the Philippines. True... except that I don't usually walk 15 minutes or the fact that shopping malls & movie houses are the favorite hangouts with this kind of weather.
Not that I am whining, since the sun is definitely something I’ve been missing during the winter season when it was just extremely cold and freezing. However, with all the sun is a great to excuse to just chill out every night(even weekdays), either for a cold beer outside the cafes or a great walk to the lake. It has probably been the most active week for me in going out because of the fact that you just can’t stay long enough in your room until the sun goes down around 11pm.
Moving out
Moving houses again, to a place closer to the office and a good view in the 8th floor. What I would miss the most though would be the terrace in my room, the view of the city hall clock & the big kitchen where most of my cooking skills has been developed. I guess I just have to get used now to just letting go easily of things that are just yours for a short period of time, for something that could even be better as such.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Mom's 2nd visit in Netherlands(with sis around)
It has been a week since my mom left Netherlands, and it's just now that it sink in. Now it's just another mere memory of having spent great time with my mom and sister. I wasn't able to spend everyday of that week(since they were touring around Netherlands or cities in Germany during the day) yet going home and catching up with them at night just felt so much at home.
It felt really great being able to share to them a bit of my life in this part of the world. They only not got to stay where I was living, but also being with the friends that I value the most & the people that I enjoy working with.
Ofcourse a visit to Netherlands won't be complete without a visit to the AI office where they also got introduced to the different parts of the office. With twice as much people this time though, I am not sure if my mom does remember all the names since the first time was already tough to manage. Then again, that's what photos are for to keep the memories fresh and alive with each and every moment.
It definitely didn't seem like one week, as the time just passed by so quickly. Yet in those quality moments with them, it's worth a memory going back to all the time.
For now, I am just cherishing those moments and thus this entry to my blog. As for the 3rd visit of my mom, let's see where in the world would that be and if she'll bring my brother or dad the next time. :)
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Two weeks before the new team arrived, we had our final team days to evaluate how the year was and getting ready for the last 100 meter race of our term… almost finished, yet have to run the most important part of the race to make it photo finish.
We had 3 amazing days spent in Groningen, at the northern part of Netherlands about 3 hours train from Rotterdam. It was definitely a mix of making the most important decisions and having the best times of our life. Some of us just went crazy and tried the reverse bungee jumping. For me it was going back to childhood and playing bump cars, where the least of the expert drivers are at the advantage. However, being lighter than the car is, it was tough to manage being bumped in front and back… yeah, with my lovely team mates they targeted on the easy one, but it was so much fun having 4 straight rounds of going around. It was a good deal for just 20 euros, and we have 45 tokens.
It was also just a time for us to relax and chill out, either in the coolest pubs and nightlife in Groningen, the Three Sisters, whereby most of the students just hang out as well. Groningen is definitely known for its great academy and other good universities which is why it’s the home for most students. Also went out a little bit far from the center, 30 minutes away where you are in a restaurant facing a lake. It was relaxing with the nice ambience of the restaurant, candles and dim lights, it was just a perfect night.
At this point, it can still be that relaxing despite the very hectic schedule we’re running now on transition. Hectic mainly because of managing transition agenda as well as having to finish the last things to be accomplished within your term. But definitely exciting as the new team has arrived with fresh and innovative ideas, with full of energy and passion. It’s a great 2 months ahead with summer time coming… volleyball, cycling, or just a simple discussion by the lake.
With the sun still up at 8PM, it makes me forget that I have to go home and cherish the warmth while it's there(yeah, it still rains or gets windy once in awhile)
