Baby Sister

This week my brother came to stay. Third term had finished, so I only had to juggle writing my final assignments with entertaining Scott. It was still quite a hassle, more than I had initially anticipated, and I might have got into trouble for being late for almost every meeting...oops. 

Monday

After a ridiculous journey from Glasgow to London, then on to Rotterdam, the boy finally arrived on Monday evening at around 20.30. Despite the late hour, I still wanted to treat him to a but of Dutch culture on his first night. So I did the only thing that I could: kapsalon. He vaguely nodded his approval but I got the sense that all he probably wanted an early night. 

First taste of Dutch culture!

Tuesday
The next morning we had our first proper tourist day together. We decided to keep things in Rotterdam to make life a little easier. First, visiting Blaak market to show him where I do my biweekly shopping for my fruit and vegetables. There we treated ourselves to a packet of strawberries and massive a chocolate-covered stroopwafel. Unfortunately it wasn't a warm one, which was a little disappointing, But regardless, it is always a good start to the morning!

Next on the agenda was a boat tour round Rotterdam harbour. And also where I first took advantage of my Rotterdampas - free Spido boat trip (for me, at least)! =D It was a beautiful day so we thought we would sit, out in the elements, on the top deck. Big mistake: was absolutely Baltic. As soon as the boat started moving we realised that it really wasn't warm enough for that. But, before taking refuge in the warmth downstairs, we braved the cold for around 15 minutes to allow Scott to get a proper look at my beautiful city. 

We ate lunch on the boat as well. It was a very Dutch looking cuisine: bread and a meatball. Surprisingly comforting after out short stint outside!

Then onwards and upwards to the Euromast. See what I did there? We strolled through a very scenic section of the city, and a lovely park, to get there. I was a little annoyed because they wouldn't accept my Rotterdampas....apparently "the system was down". Gutted. But it was worth letting Scott see the impressive city skyline: always beautiful!

After a quick visit to the cube houses at Blaak I decided to call it a day, and left my brother to his own devices, as I went home to work on my assignments. 

Wednesday

Amsterdam day. Every guest's most highly anticipated day trip. Whereas, for me, after living in the Netherlands for 8 months already, Amsterdam is more stressful than exciting. Sure, it's a great tourist spot (and I guess I still am a tourist, at least partly). But I much prefer the home comforts that Rotterdam has to offer instead of the hustle and bustle of the capital city. Yet, I was coerced into a 9am meet-up agreement with my brother. Yes, as you can probably guess, I failed miserably. After a late night wrestling with my essay, there was a lot of snoozing of the alarm clock. I promise it wasn't deliberate! Honest! I wanted Scott to get the most out of his time here. So, much to his dismay, and after skipping breakfast to make it out the door, I clumsily arrived at Rotterdam Centraal at around 10am. Sorry about that!

After getting told off by a fellow passenger for chatting in the "silent zone", we had a very muted train journey to Amsterdam. Of course, just in time for our arrival, the heavens opened. So, on our parents recommendation, we quickly ducked inside the most expensive, and least informative, tour bus in history. The windows were steamed up, making it near impossible to determine our whereabouts, and the commentary wasn't much better.

Our first stop was at Museumplein, where we took refuge from the rain in the Van Gogh museum. It was pretty decent, if ridiculously overpriced like everything else in the city. Once we had eventually managed to get through security, we had fun going around admiring some paintings and laughing hysterically at others. Yes, we are so very cultured... Two floor were dedicated to the artwork of Félix Vallotton, who I actually preferred. My personal favourite? Persee killing the Dragon. It is quite something! =P We also stayed for lunch in the art gallery - a very expensive (isn't it always?), but delicious, choice. 

Then it was onwards to the Heineken Experience. Not my first choice, given the fact that I don't particularly like beer, but I was very pleasantly surprised. At first it was touch and go; simply walking from one room to another, reading generic facts, and watching the occasional video and praying that the whole museum wasn't going to continue like that. But it soon livened up once we managed to find the old brewery section. My personal favourite was when we experienced "getting bottled"...it was incredibly cheesy - love it! I was then reliably informed that the reason I don't like beer is because my sips are too lady-like. Well that's a first! Guess I'll take it as a compliment!

Upon leaving the museum, Scott and I accepted the challenge to trek across the city to claim our free gift! Emerging victorious with our mini Heineken glasses in tow! Delighted. 

I then took Scott for a walk around Amsterdam so that he could see the main sights, namely: Dam Square and the Red Light District. We eventually found our way and stumbled across the lovely ladies in the windows. However, I think he was feeling a little weird that his baby sister was playing tour guide, and had his "Protective Big Brother" hat on at this point - a first for him!

We ended the evening with a very classy dinner...at McDonalds. My treat! Hahaha.

Thursday

A cycling tour of Rotterdam! Because there is no better way to appreciate the Netherlands than when you are cycling through it. But, first on the agenda is always ice cream: white chocolate and Oreo! Heaven.

First stop on the cycling tour was my building, so I could pump up my tyre... Then onto the more scenic areas, including Kralingse Bos park. Further cycling down to the Nieuwe Maas river and across the red bridge (Willemsburg) into Kop Van Zuid, then back over the Erasmus Bridge into the city centre, where we did our Mother's day shopping. Top children! Scott couldn't hack the cycling though; he was crippled by the end of the day!

We went to a little toastie place for lunch - which was delicious! Then dinner was Pizza Hut. Seriously, we need help in the restaurant department. Utterly useless... To be fair, we were originally thinking of getting sushi, but that's a bit of an expensive option...so no judgements! 

In Pizza Hut, we were seated next to this couple, who were clearly on an early date. It was like a scene from a bad Rom-Com. Do you believe in love at first sight? We were knotting ourselves! Awkward... 

Then, with a bit of a communication break down, I was refused dessert. Gutted!

Friday

The Hague was calling us. I've never been before, which was nice relief as I wasn't expected to spout out my "expert" knowledge. Instead, we found ourselves a map and visited all of the landmarks on it. Certain in the knowledge that we didn't have a clue what we were looking at 90% of the time. It was a lot of fun, and Scott gave me a break from navigation for once! Although, the map we used was less than useless. They had the city centre on one side, and the beach area on the other. But the area that linked them was nowhere to be found. Great! We, naively, assumed that the gap between the two areas would we relatively short. Wrong. We were walking on what felt like a never-ending road. Not the wisest decision. Especially, when we walked past the landmark we were looking for without even noticing. So incredibly smooth.

After that disaster, we decided to take the tram the rest of the distance to the beach. It was wonderful! And a nice, warm day for it! First we ducked away from the sun for a while to devour our sandwiches, then the rest of the afternoon was dedicated to strolling along the sea front and visiting the aquarium, where we watched the piranhas being fed! It was awesome.

With very little prompting Scott later declared the Hague his favourite Dutch city, with Rotterdam taking second place, and Amsterdam third. I, however, wasn't so quick to knock Rotterdam off the top spot. Think I need a little more convincing. But, I'll give it one thing, the Hague definitely has charm!

We concluded the day, and his holiday, by sitting outside a café, eating dinner in the city centre of the Hague. It was lovely and warm. Even better with heat lamps and blankets. Absolutely delightful. 

*          *          *          *          *

It has been a great week. And Scott was a very easy guest to entertain, even when I was receiving the silent treatment...

Also, since this post is a little late, I would like to wish my mum a wonderful Mother's day! Have a good one!

I got...

There's no point in pretending: I am a sucker for these little online quizzes, especially if it means a distraction from homework. However, I generally prefer not to broadcast the outcome. I just felt like this result was very fitting. Didn't think I picked any answers that were particularly 'Dutch' either...it's just meant to be! ;)

On Saturday I took Freya to the market to teach her my ways. The poor girl potentially chose the worst teacher there is - but I gave it a bash and we each left with a fair few items.

Then Freya ambushed me with her bubble tea. I was sceptical because my previous experiences with it have not ended well. But she assured me that if I took a small sip from the top then I would avoid coming into contact with any 'bubbles'. Next thing I know, one shoots up the straw, giving me such a fright that tea starts spurting out of my mouth and nose. Good thing I managed to keep my dignity intact...

I also managed to acquire some new hair straighteners for myself. It makes such a difference to have a pair which are still fully attached to the plug... =P

On Sunday I worked on some coursework then made my way down to the river, which is always a treat. Unfortunately I couldn't stay too long. Had to get back home in time for a Skype session with one of the girls from last term. She had agreed to help me out with an assignment by being interviewed on her TV habits. Was riveting stuff... But it was nice to catch up once we'd got all the formalities out of the way!

University was considerably more relaxing this week. We managed to get everything submitted for New Media Production, which was a massive weight off of our shoulders. The documentary ended up looking pretty good by the time it was submitted. Then the cherry on the cake was when I got my new report results back: 18.5 out of 20! If my maths is correct that translates to 92.5% (just for that assignment). Was well needed, and appreciated, after a slightly questionable VNR... Dead chuffed. =D

After the relief of completing at least one class, it was time to celebrate in the only way you can on a Tuesday. Yes, it has been a while, but a Bed night was definitely in order. I don't know if it was purely because I haven't ventured there in a while, or if this was just an exceptional night, but the amount of...characters there was quite impressive. Over the course of the evening I also appeared to be the main target for everyone's spilled beers - lovely. I did enjoy the night out though. Was well overdue!

But let's not mention the long walk home...and the fact that we chose a closed kebab place, half way home, rather than the open one, right next to Bed. That's okay. It's not as if I'm bitter or anything...

On Wednesday, Cameron, Jess and I ventured out to do some food shopping together. They inspired a fabulous pesto pasta creation for dinner. And, regardless of whether it looks like someone sneezed on my plate or not...it was beautiful!

Then Thursday was presentation morning, gym afternoon, and pizza night! Quite a combination, although I forgot to bring my towel to the gym so had to 'rent' one just to be allowed in. Tried touching it is little as possible since it was dusty and slightly damp. Ew. But that evening my efforts were rewarded with good company, and even better food, haha. Ended up staying up and chatting with the girls until 1.30am...oops!

Then today, was meant to be tapas night at Amigo, which is pretty much on my doorstep and ridiculously cheap with the Rotterdam pas. But I wasn't really feeling up to another food night, especially when I was still recovering from the pizza. Nope. I would have just left feeling overly full and greedy! Plus, I can save that experience for next week when Scott comes over - so excited!!

Also, lovely Jinn has been sending me postcards from her travels over the last two months. And, I finally received them! All at once... Thanks sweetie! =D

Capturing Rotterdam.

I indulged a little over the weekend. Okay, I indulged a lot. But sometimes you've got to treat yourself to good food and good company. It's one of the few things that keeps me going when work is getting tough.

Friday evening brought the delicacies of Hotel Bazar to our willing taste buds. Which is always an experience. The presentation of our meals was amazing and mine, in particular, looked too good to eat. So, of course, it was only after a myriad of clicking and flashing of our cameras that we actually dug in. And it was beautiful. 

Saturday was kind of 'fun' as well. I might have been filming for uni most of the afternoon and evening, but that also meant cycling to Rotterdam South. Which is amazing (and exhausting) when the weather decides to brighten up. We took a route similar to this one, which is a distance of 7 km. Quite a trek! Especially when you are wearing normal, everyday clothes, which are not exercise appropriate. So, that makes a 14 km round trip, not including accidental detours, on a roasting hot day (but granted, that is 'roasting' by Scottish standards)!

We, again, travelled a similar distance later that evening (thankfully by metro this time) to conduct an interview with RAAF. They are a really cool, relaxed, artistic, little company with a cosy wee café near the Erasmus Bridge, on the South side. I've been there once before, for leisure rather than work, and it was a lovely experience. But that was during my initial few weeks in Rotterdam, so I had absolutely no idea where I was at the time, and no way of returning there. I was delighted to rediscover the little place! 

Appreciating children's artwork as I made my way home for the evening. Someone's talented!

The following day I wasted most of the nice weather by being cooped up indoors editing my news report. It honestly felt like we were in the hight of summer. It was heartbreaking to be stuck on the computer. But eventually, at half four in the afternoon, I made my way outside. And it was wonderful. Yes, the edge had been taken off the heat a little, but I was still able to stroll around quite comfortably in shorts and a t-shirt. Lovely!

Soon after I returned home Freya and I made our way to Vapiano, to treat ourselves to pepperoni pizza. Trust me, it was well deserved!

Then, just as the working week commenced, the usual madness ensued.

I've been here, there, and everywhere helping to complete assignments: my own, group work, and other people's. But I've managed to come out the other side, more or less in one piece. And, on the bright side, we only have one week of term left! Cannot wait for a proper break; eagerly anticipating the arrival of my brother and a following week of zero uni work. It's going to be awesome! =D

Also, hoping that this beautiful March weather continues. It has been an absolute blessing. If only I had more time to sit and appreciate it...

On Monday, after a last minute scramble to get our building residents prepared for a change of locks, the locks never got changed. Classic EIH! =P

And, yes, I am becoming slightly obsessive. But...
The proud results of my €7.05 Tuesday market haul (sweet potatoes are ridiculously difficult to find):

Oh, and I might have broken my hair straighteners. That awkward moment when they are no longer attached to the plug. Oops... 

Then today, I treated myself to an afternoon of shopping with Emma. It was really lovely to have some company as I searched for all the items on my list! Although, we might have indulged in a McDonalds... I swear...it was an accident. Promise. =P

Guilty pleasure.

I think we both enjoyed ourselves. That was until Emma returned to find her bike trapped in the bicycle rack by another bike. After standing and staring in outrage for 10 minute we gave up, only for Emma to abandon her bicycle and begin her slow walk home alone... Lets home that the other person wasn't planning on leaving their bike there for too long! 

And then there was this. I have no idea...

Catch you all next week :)

Sliding doors.

Sometimes I feel the need to fill my diary with events and days out, not only to entertain myself, but also for my blog. Nothing annoys me more that having nothing to write about!

But I finally hit rock-bottom with my small mountain of uni work. It has been dreadful. I've never had so much due at once - its been pretty grim. And, I have, quite literally, lost count of the number of assignments this term: as soon as one is completed and handed in, another one falls straight on my lap.

Oh, the exchange year joys.

But thankfully things are beginning to slow down a little. And by 'slow down a little' I mean that I might have half an hour here or there to relax between the mayhem.

As a result I have had very little social life this week. Not that I noticed - I had been too busy running around doing assignments!

So, other than a quick, and very successful, visit to Blaak market, Saturday though Monday was totally gone. Sacrificed for coursework. But on the plus side, only €3.40 for quite an impressive amount of supplies! These market trips are seriously growing on me!

Then on Tuesday I managed to show face at birthday pre-drinks for Ashley and Charlotte, but couldn't conger up the energy to fully embrace a Bed night. Although, at least I wasn't the only one - quite a few were struggling along with me.

Despite having the day off, Wednesday consisted largely of uni work. On the plus side part of this homework was filming for our group documentary project in the South of Rotterdam.

It was a beautiful day. Too beautiful. I was not at all prepared for such warm weather in March. So, still supporting my extra winter layers, I cycled the short distance to campus in blinding sunlight. Where did that come from? Safe to say I wasn't looking too presentable when I arrived. Instead I quickly stripped off the extra jumper and winter essentials before discarding them in a locker. 

Thankfully, after correcting that little blunder, the sunshine was much more enjoyable so we happily cycled over the river and into the South. A good wee bit of gentle exercise and no need to strain my bank balance by using the metro. Even better? The area we picked to film in was absolutely gorgeous. Success. 

Speaking of the metro, it definitely isn't my friend at the moment. Last Friday, I was rushing to get to the South for a 9am interview. So, upon hearing the metro approach, I quickly scurried down the escalators and half ran towards the train. Just in time for the doors to shut in my face. Even more depressing? One of the girls in my group was standing on the other side, staring out at me as train closed its doors and drove away. Just another one of my smooth Natalie moments!

Later that evening, the beautiful weather had inspired me to cook myself a new healthy meal. Can't believe that I forgot how amazing sweet potato is. So little effort, and tastes like heaven!

Thursday, I spent all day juggling classes and filming my news report on the TEDx Erasmus event on campus. It went surprisingly well and I got some great footage. Later that evening, once the majority of my work was completed, Freya and I decided to treat ourselves and actually attend the TEDx talks. Unfortunately we weren't in the Paviljeon itself, but watching the official live screening from a lecture hall on campus. It was pretty cool evening, and we came out feeling rather inspired. Yes, I am that predictable. 

Friday brings a casual Skype interview with my lecturer...not nearly as awkward as I envisioned it to be. And then dinner with the girls this evening. Think I deserve it! Bazar, we're coming for you.