Spring Break!

...okay, that sounds more than a little American. And I'm pretty sure this week was more of a second exam week, but luckily for me, I wasn't taking part. Assignments handed in, and zero exams. Result!

After a long, long term, followed by a week entertaining my brother, I was more than ready to slow down. No need for outlandish day trips or holidays. A total detox from alcohol and coursework. Nothing complicated.

Just me. In the park. With a book. Bliss. 

And that's pretty much exactly what I did. Stepping back from the madness for a week. Of course, there have been a couple of deviations from that routine, but on the whole I have just taken some time to be Natalie and relax.

I know this sounds ridiculously cheesy, but the little forest area in the park legitimately smelt like home. That, combined with the glorious sunshine, reminded me of walking my dog on a rare summer evening in Scotland. Happy days.

The weather really has been outstanding. At 20+ degrees, it literally feels like the height of summer. My skin would agree; gradually turning shades of light pink from its usual milk-bottle white. No full on burn though. Not yet.

Pride of place...on the lamp...
next to the Christmas decoration!

Over the course of Saturday and Sunday I said my final goodbyes to Jinn. Spending a few hours with her at the market: gossiping, eating chips and purchasing groceries. Then again for another short stint on Sunday afternoon: chilling at mine, eating ice-lollies, and watching an episode of Girls. We also exchanged small gifts: a late birthday present for her, and some travel goodies for me. It's all very surreal. I'm not convinced that she's actually left - I'll be left expecting her to turn up to class in a couple of days. Such a bizarre situation!

I also spent Saturday evening over at a friend's house for movie night. We watched a French film called Amélie. How sophisticated! It was more than a little odd, but I would recommend it to anyone in a bit of a strange mood. Perhaps not the clearest of movie reviews, but it really was very...different. And I liked it! As a reward for watching a subtitled movie we, of course, treated ourselves to scrumptious chocolates and a few card games. All in all, it was a lovely evening.

Then on Wednesday me and Cameron decided to take a trip down to a photo museum (Netherlands Fotomuseum). We cycled there, which was quite a challenge in this heat, but the distance wasn't too far and, as always, the view of the river was spectacular! The museum itself was pretty good too, especially with a free ticket! I am truly growing very fond of this Rotterdampas - it does wonders! We both really enjoyed ourselves, and afterwards we indulged in toasties and ice cream...brilliant. 

Inspired by the sunshine, I spent Thursday morning writing in the park. Followed by an afternoon at a mini "beach" area with a friend. After a short cycle, we spent an hour or two just sitting on a picnic blanket near the water, enjoying the warm weather and chatting. It was really nice to share a chilled out day without being dragged along to an attraction of some kind. Sometimes I am content just to be. =D

Today has consisted of some retail therapy, which is definitely to be continued! I managed to purchase a skirt and two nice, but simple t-shirts for the warmer weather. I was caught slightly off guard this week in the clothing department, and had to throw a few questionable outfits together just to stay cool. But, as anyone could have predicted, the sun has disappeared now that I actually possess a few more weather-appropriate items. Not cool.