Future friends

Last week was a weird one. I spent most of it in Scotland, returning on Thursday evening to attend some introduction activities for the new exchange students.

So, on Friday during the day I went to an introduction briefing about how IBCoM and EUR works. And even though I heard the same speech in September, when I started my exchange, it was quite nice. We went round the room and introduced ourselves, with me and one other guy from last semester being singled out as 'experts'. Ha, God help the newbies if they start taking advice from me!

But it was good to sit in and listen to everyone because I have already started the process of getting a (very vague) grasp over names and countries. And I was, at least, able to recognise the exchange students from random Dutch families at the ice skating activity later on. Although, after a few failed guesses at names and countries I stopped trying to remember and just asked instead...a much less painful exercise!

It was actually a really fun day: I enjoyed meeting random people much more than expected. It was lovely. And a small group of us went back to campus for food and drinks afterwards, giving me the opportunity to explain where to find timetables, course guides and grades. Maybe I am an 'expert' after all?

On Friday evening there was supposed to be a common room party in my building. But by the time I got ready I was already battling against a killer headache. The headache won... So I unfortunately had to bail on that party and just went straight to bed. I think that was the right decision - was completely over tired!

Then, on Saturday, I got to test out my new gym clothes for the first time. I haven't been to the gym since early December, (excluding all those portions of chips and one failed attempt when I forgot my gym pass...) so it was a bit of a shock to the system; supporting aching legs the following morning. Ouch.

Later that evening I was convinced to shed my comfy pyjamas in favour of going for a few drinks with some of the new girls in Beurs. We got on really well, and had a nice evening chatting about all our different cultures and backgrounds. But as we were waiting for everyone to arrive at City Hall, we stumbled across a random video of a (real) frightened pig being chased and caught by a man dresses as a bear...as you do. Welcome to Rotterdam....

Sunday, was a little less interesting, I'm afraid. Although I did buy a new frying pan. Exciting stuff, right!?

Then, something terrible happened. Someone stole my washing slot. Oh, hell no! There is no bigger slap in the face than booking one of the few remaining slots of the week, heading down five minutes early, with your dirty laundry in tow, only to find that someone has literally just started a wash load in your machine. Such a violation! 39 minutes to go. Cheers love... Unfortunately, I don't have the required heart of stone to commit such a heinous crime myself (and knowing my luck they would have just dumped my half-washed items in the sink anyway).

My new classes started this week as well: Human Suffering in Media and Arts, New Media Production, and Global Television. Lets hope it'll be a good term. Thankfully, I have no exams this time round, but that usually means a small tonne of coursework...and the potential to have zero social life. Yay.

Luckily for me, they all seem  like rather interesting (if pretty intense) classes. Although, they have been broken up nicely with a full social calender this week.

Tuesday was, of course, a Bed night. What else? My first one of 2014! It was a really good night: starting with pre-drinks on campus, followed by a, slightly wobbly, cycle to the city centre. There was a nice overlap of people from both the first and second semesters, so it was cool to hang out with both groups at once. Although, people tend to just disappear in Bed, so I spent most of the evening with two new American girls. It was a lot of fun! The night concluded with only one creepy encounter and two broken bikes - I'm counting that as a success!

Dutch food night!

Dining like the Dutch: Stamppot!

And the next morning? Only feeling a little rough, I made it through the day semi-successfully: booking my place on a day trip and going to a Dutch food evening! Lindsey, one of the new girls, had arranged for her friend to cook some Dutch food for us. And after six months in the Netherlands I knew it could only be one thing: stamppot. Not the prettiest of dishes, but definitely good comfort food! Stroopwafles were my contribution (I might have a small addiction to them at the moment). It was really nice, and we had a lovely evening. But I was definitely ready for my bed that night. Shattered!

Thursday was largely uneventful, I did however manage to get a free ticket to to Valentine's day party in a couple of weeks! =D

Friday. Finally. The end to a long, but exciting, week. I ventured into university to start on some group work and an essay. And, yes, it's week one... But, I also got to meet up with Jinn, to indulge in frozen yoghurt and gossip, before she abandons me to go travelling for two months. Come back!!

Tomorrow: Volendam. Bring it on. =D

Loving memory

Death. 

The finality of it leaves a ragged, gaping hole, but also the comfort of knowing. No more 'change in condition'. No more 'deterioration'. No more preparing for the worst. The worst has arrived.

But it was almost a relief. Upon hearing that news the tears finally began to slow and dry up. It was over; he could finally sleep.

Maybe I would have felt differently had I not left again, had I not said my final goodbye. It was beautiful, and I couldn't have asked for anything more. We held each other for so long and made desperate attempts at humour, as I cried into his hair. Both in the knowledge that this would be the last time. 

No one had any delusions. I would never see my Grandad again; that much was clear.

It was just a matter of time before his passing: an abstract concept when I could no longer hear his quick wit, nor feel the unwavering strength in his grip.

Those who remained with him saw further and harsher realities to an already bleak picture. But I don't think there was pain - a blessing.

*          *          *          *          *

You did so well; stretching a prediction of two days into two months. You made death fear you.

You are strong. You are amazing. You are my Grandad. 

*          *          *          *          *

So how did this affect reality?

It meant that I got to fly home again; a week in Glasgow. Less than two weeks after returning from Christmas break. You lot clearly can't cope without me (and are going to some seriously desperate measures to get me back). =P

It meant that I missed, not one, but two Bed nights.

It meant that this blog missed a weekly post. (How will you ever recover from such a hardship?)

It meant missing my statistics exam. 

It meant that I missed volunteering at the film festival.

It meant batting people away as they tried to pass on their condolences. And making many failed attempts to casually disseminate the news. But, apparently, I'm just not that smooth...just dropping the news like a bombshell onto unsuspecting victims. Oops.

And, of course, it meant attending my first funeral. I guess it was as nice as a funeral can be. There was a lovely minster, who actually knew my Grandad personally, which really made a difference. And the amount of people who attended was heart warming. It was one of those rare opportunities to see all the extended family together again. Funerals and weddings tend to do that I suppose. 

Despite all of this, I feel okay. It was time. And I feel so lucky for those two weeks at Christmas with my Grandad and the rest of my family!

I feel like to respect his memory and celebrate his life, it is important to find (sometimes morbid) humour whenever possible. And to laugh and smile with the memories instead of wallowing in the sadness of his passing. We need to live.

So it's time to return to Rotterdam, starting the new semester positively: meeting new people and (hopefully) future friends. But the details of all those adventures will come next week.

*          *          *          *          *

You were so many things to so many people, and will be sorely missed. A husband, father of five, grandfather of twelve, and great-grandfather of four.

Andy

July 1933 - January 2014

Rest in peace.

Sparks flying

...literally. You know what, don't ask. But Jinn, that certainly wasn't what I was expecting. 

So, what has the new year brought me? Honestly, not much. Things are much the same. Just me plodding along in Holland, trying to battle my way through uni and make some memories. 

It was strange coming back, there was no excitement or fear. Nerves, always nerves, but I'm afraid that's just part of being Natalie. No particular reason is required; they just come and go as they please. Don't mind me.

I don't like returning in the middle of a term. I feel like I don't have time to enjoy being back because I'm frantically battering out thousands of words on my keyboard time and time again. And when I'm not typing? Jabbing at a calculator hoping and praying that the right numbers end up at the bottom of my scribble-filled, smudged statistics assignment. 

Don't get me wrong, I love it here. Completely. But this almost feels like an in-between stage. Semester one people are in the process of leaving, and I have yet to met any of the new, second semester folk yet. That, combined with looming exams and assignments, well...get me out of here! Yuck. 

I'm hoping that once the uni work is out of the way (at least until next time!) that I'll be able to get back into the swing of things. If there is anyone left, that is! Okay, I'm exaggerating. But I can definitely feel the people have who have disappeared. Strange. 

Also, I might have overindulged over Christmas. Mum, dad, I'm blaming you for that! But it's a good excuse as any to kick start my healthy eating/exercise plan again. I've at least been doing pretty good on the food part. 'Cept that one time when I might have had a Mars bar for breakfast... #studentlife. But seriously, I'm making progress! Even made a soup that could challenge my dad's! Exercise, on the other hand...? Well, we'll get there eventually.

My mum's advice? "This should be a life lesson to you: always have a stash of chocolate in case of emergency." Haha, I'm clearly my mother's daughter. Thanks for that little calorific piece of wisdom!

This evening: enjoying my first ever kapsalon with Jinn after our little movie night! 

So, what have I got to look forward to in 2014?

Looking forward...too cheesy?

• If all goes well, volunteering at Rotterdam's international film festival at the end of the month.
• Meeting all the new exchange students in a couple of weeks. Please be my friend! =P
• My brother's Holland venture in March (hurray up)!
• Exploring more of the Netherlands, and maybe even a few other countries. Fingers crossed!
• Then, hopefully, going back to Scotland, getting a job, and maybe, just maybe, learning how to drive.
• Starting my final year at university...that happened pretty fast!

2013 has been a wonderful year, packed to the brim with new people, wonderful moments and experiences. Let's hope 2014 is up for the challenge!

Belonging where?

It'll keep this one short and sweet.

I loved every minute of being home. I guess it was the simple things I missed: watching telly with the family, chilling with the family, arguing with the family... It was such a relief to get back on home soil and relax. Not that I did much of that. Ended up running around like a lunatic trying to squeeze in visits with all my friends and family, whilst struggling away with a mountain of uni work. Not the easiest of tasks, especially when your brain is in holiday mode.

For that reason, here is my two weeks in pictures rather than words, enjoy.

Dear family and friends, thanks for putting up with me and my absences. Was amazing to see every single one of you. Wouldn't change a minute of it!

"Quiet" family Christmas. Ha.

Reunited. A family dinner.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

Family at Christmas Eve

Santa looking grim.

Group shot, shame a few are missing!

Hiding from the children in the fire room. Bliss.

Christmas Day

Group picture, attempt number 40? I am awful.

  

 

Blossoming onesie collection :) 

Offt, aye.

Grandad's great escape...to the garden centre

Another group shot!

The grandparents. Adorable.

Grandad rocking that handbag! =P

Irn Bru Carnival

Caterpillar selfie. Big weans. 

Inner photographer

Huh?!

Newly appointed judge for cake decoration. And the winner is...

Nice parking skills. Mama Flem murdered the McFlurry. 

 And now I'm back: my little home from home.