Three kisses.

After living in the Netherlands for five months there are still a few things I have yet to master:

1. The Language. Okay, lets face it, I think speaking Dutch fluently (or at least being able to construct a simple sentence) is a bit beyond my very limited talents. But I have more than mastered the supermarket (as long as the workers stick to their script and don't try to be too friendly). Just a few days ago this woman was being super friendly (or, at least, I think she was) and just randomly chatting away to me. But I feel so utterly useless when that happens! Depending on the situation, I can usually work out what is being said, but I literally have no words... Plus, it had gotten past the point where it is acceptable to stop and say you don't understand, so I just frantically smiled and backed away. Smooth, Nat. Smooth.
2. The greetings. I think the usual greeting in Holland is three kisses on alternating cheeks. Granted, that doesn't sound too confusing, but I always forget this exists. So, I'll automatically go in for a hug and there will be an awkward mishmash of both attempts. Messy. 
3. Crossing the street. Sounds deceptively simple, but with bike lanes, regular traffic, and trams to contend with, it can very quickly become overwhelming. There is just too much going on. Someone help me, please! 
4. Tram lines. I hate them. I mean, the trams are great, but the tracks are a nightmare. It's just that moment of pure terror when your bike wheel casually slips into the tram line and you suddenly loose all control of life. Nope.
5. The doctors/health insurance. I literally have no idea what is going on. I do have some coverage, but I have no clue what is included. And, after living my whole life in Scotland with the NHS, even paying for a prescription feels so foreign. I just can't grasp the concept of paying for health care. Not cool. 
6. No queues. Okay, I'm exaggerating. People do queue in Holland, but there have been multiple instances were I have tried to line up (or have just approached a desk because no one was waiting) and been told to go back and get a ticket. I mean, yes, I do understand the logic - at least you know you know you are speaking to the correct person when you pick your topic on the screen. But why bother with the hassle of a ticket machine and waiting for your number to be instantly called when no one is there? It makes no sense. I haven't skipped anyone's turn. It's just me! But now I have to leave the desk, collect a ticket, and go straight back to the same person. Urgh.

There must be a few more, but now I am going to quit my complaining and move onto my final week in the Netherlands before Christmas in Scotland.

Look at that wee guy go!!

I had a lovely start to the weekend, and had arranged to go ice skating with my friend Freya. She also brought her room-mate along, who I had only met briefly before - but she turned out to be a really cool girl! It was a really fun day out, although I'm pretty sure we were the worst group and looked ridiculous sliding and slipping about while the toddlers ran rings around us! Plus there was absolutely no order to the ice rink. Back in Scotland we have a set rule to always go anti-clockwise. And this rule is strictly enforced! But not in Rotterdam. Oh no, they just let all hell brake loose, with small children skidding about in all directions. It was terrifying! Although I did like the little orange seals you could push people around on. Not that we had the chance to steal one - think Hsin-Yin could have done with a shot on one. Bless her.

Afterwards I decided to gatecrash their room-mate dinner bonding session. Sorry, not sorry. We ended up at Vapiano which is a really cool Italian place. You just kind of grab a table, then go up to the counter and order whatever you want and the chefs make it for you. It's great for students because you each get your own separate card to record what you've eaten and it's easy to pay separately at the end with no splitting-up-the-bill drama. Perfect. I had a gorgeous vegetable pizza. Delish!

Then, up until Wednesday I spent the majority of my life stressing over a presentation. At least I now know all about journalism in Russia...

Wednesday night a big group of around 14 us went to Very Italian Pizza for a send of dinner for those who are leaving us at Christmas and in the new year. It was really lovely to chill with everyone, but I still haven't quite accepted that some of my mates aren't going to be here after the holidays! Please come back.

I'VE FINISHED MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!! :D 
I mean, let's be honest - don't get your hopes up for anything good. I am a poor student after all, but relatively speaking, the presents aren't too bad! Thursday was such an amazing day though. As well as my shopping success, I began packing for the holidays and went on a great night out.

Initially, I wasn't feeling too excited about the night out: I wasn't feeling on top form and I would have quite happily sat in and finished some assignments. I know, wild, right? But to be honest, my main motivation was that it was some peoples last night. Like, ever. Thank God that I did have that motivation, because it was great. Starting with pre-drinks on campus then onwards to the Irish pub. I felt like everyone was there. Wherever I turned, I recognised someone, which was lovely. Plus, Irish pubs always feel so homely, I just love the atmosphere. Literally, everything about the evening was perfect: the place, people, music. Everything. We laughed, danced and made a fool of ourselves. What more could you ask for?

And that night, for a second time, I tried and failed to give someone a lift home on the back of my bike. It turns out that I just don't have this ability. My wee legs can't handle the pressure... Maybe I should try to remember this for next time. Disaster. 

The following "morning"? Friday. A weird, sad day. I sat in the sports building with some of the girls: eating, being slightly hysterical, and occasionally crying over their impending departure. We then retreated to the dorms and critiqued four beautiful cupcakes. The girls were incredibly critical - but I was just happy to be chomping on some cake to be honest. The peppermint one was divine! 

It's really odd, very recently I've met some really cool folk (especially in this last week). But, of course, they are all leaving at Christmas. Why didn't I know them sooner? But it has been an amazing five months, in a wonderful place, which some amazing people. The next six months have a lot to live up to!

So, what now? Frantically writing this blog to distract myself from the fact that I'm leaving tomorrow. Airports make me so bloody nervous. It is ridiculous. I love flying, but can we skip all the other nonsense? No? Urgh, I probably wouldn't be this bad if my flight wasn't so bloody early though!

Oh well, guess I'll see everyone back home on the other side!