I met my friend Jenny in Den Bosch. It was so nice to see an old friend! Last time i saw her she was she had tape around her boots, a bug hat, a wind jacket (with tape probably somewhere there too) and of course her binoculars. No that isn't a fashion statement she makes, it was field wear when we were at the Biology Station! I was no better, waders... always wearing those waders.
Anywho, lovely Jenny met me with a birthday cake (yeah... I make awesome friends) and I of course provided the french macaroons.
The next day I explored Utrecht. Taking a canal tour, a tour of the Dom, and the several gardens that surround the area. I also reflected on my first impressions of the Netherlands and the Dutch people. My god could they lead happier lives?? Seriously the Dutch people (like actual locals, who are, you know, blonde and blue eyed - i.e not immigrants and not tourists) are just so relaxed, polite, and generous with their manners - does that make sense? Anyways kind of the opposite of the French, and other city people, who always seem to be in a hurry, who look like they hate their lives, and would do anything to elbow you off of a bridge. Oh also the Dutch can speak both English and Dutch, fluently. The only thing that was weird to me was their toilets! Holy.. my legs literally dangled when I sat down on the toilet... and their sinks are like 4 inches wide... So apparently the Dutch people are tall with small hands. But yeah they are really tall, I felt like quite a shorty. But it was so nice people would continuously mistake me for Dutch (yes for blonde hair and blue eyes!). Dutch people are also probably more organized... ughh! The French organization (or lack there of) bothers me so much! I either find things out last minute, or have to do lists last minute, or other things... all last minute, or stuff is just never told to me and I find out by surprise. So frustrating!!
Anyways here are pictures of my travels in Utrecht
The next day we went to the second greatest place, Amsterdam. It took about an hour and a half to actually get there. According to Jenny it was all my fault that we had to take a detour (or just get off and then back on a train 20 minutes later).
But we did get these beauties!
Our "heart"
Oh and then there's this beauty Jenny had made. It alternates between her and me in every letter. Cause we are cool like that.
Amsterdam is a beautiful place! It has so much culture and beautiful architecture, even if it is wonky:
We went into a restaurant with a cat! I love cats! The cat was so cute! While at first glance it seems she prefers Jenny, she actually came and sat in my lap after, so Ha!
Then it rained all day in Amsterdam..
An actual Dutch person's shoes. Wait no...
And then the sun came out!
During our day in Amsterdam, Jenny showed me around and we went to the Anne Frank Museum. Which was just incredible, but really hits you... these people were locked away in here, just hoping they would survive to the next day.
Then we went to the red light district. While I cannot take pictures of prostitutes (and nor did I want to, lets just say these women weren't necessarily Miranda Kerr's), I ended up taking a picture of this guy who "plays the branch". He was pretty cool.
The travel back to Paris was stressful and horrible! I got ditched for my first way back, so then I had to buy a last minute train ticket, I blocked my visa trying to purchase it, I thought my debit card was blocked too and had money withdrawn on it, and I just felt like crap. But I got on my train, ran in the metro (I have a battle wound from falling up the escalator trying to catch my train), and finally made it back home. Even with that hiccup at the end I had an amazing time! Jenny and I laughed until tears, discussed several biology related topics, and some only somewhat related to biology, and well just had a great time overall! Thank you Jenny!
Getting back into work was more difficult than I thought. After seeing how nice it is to sleep in, to understand every conversation that you are surrounded by, and to not be reminded "that [I] don't speak French and should take more French classes to improve it". I did get my birthday present from my boyfriend in the mail:
It made me so happy to receive these! I can just look at these every day, and wish December would come sooner.
Anyways, I hope things will get better. I have almost 2 weeks with the kids. I don't know how I will keep them entertained yet. I think I am turning the little one into a Canadian! Not only is she saying "please" and "thank you" most of the time, but she says sorry as well (contrary to her sister, even when asked for an apology she'll just ignore me..). The little one has started to say sorry to inanimate objects if she accidentally hits herself on them! Aww! So wish me luck for next week. And then its GERMANY! I've already booked my flight, and Halloween shall be spent drinking beer, wearing costumes, and university students; really reminds me of the good old days.
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