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