Reizen in het buitenland in Nederland

One last day in Leiden...

2010-05-08T10:35:00.000-05:00

Well, this is my last day in Leiden and it's quite a rainy one. It's been storming for most of the afternoon but that didn't keep me inside for long. I ventured out to the market for one last stroll through the streets and to smell the fresh stroopwaffles cooking on the hot plates. I'll probably go out one last time for a couple drinks and then rest up for my long journey home. I leave in the morning for my trek to the train station with 2 carry-ons, a large backpack and a suitcase. It's going to take some time; hopefully the sky clears up to make this journey a dry one.
I can't wait to see my family and friends in St. Louis!

2010-04-25T05:26:00.000-05:00

With only 2 weeks left in Leiden, I look back at all of my trips and adventures and am grateful for such great company and wonderful experiences. I could not have asked for a better semester or more outstanding sights. I spent most of yesterday at Keukenhof, a flower garden in Lisse, The Netherlands. The single day journey made my stay in this country so much more beautiful. I have never seen a more perfect garden or more stunning flowers. The vibrant colors and smell of spring filled my senses with delight. The day began with a 35 minute bus ride from Leiden to Lisse. Crammed with 80 others in a bus with a 75 person limit is not a pleasing way to begin, but it was quite worth it. As we passed the fields of tulips I couldn't wait to get out and wander through the gardens. Upon arrival, I hopped off the bus and could immediately smell the beauty. The aroma was filling the air (much different from the scent on the bus). I walked around the grounds for a couple of hours, stopping to rest by a tree and to take some photos. The weather was gorgeous and the sun beating on my face made me anxious for summer. The place was quite crowded for it is only open 2 months a year, but I was so enthralled by the display of colors that I didn't notice the others much. After a day spent in the gardens, walking aimlessly and enjoying the sights and smells, I headed towards the exit and out to the fields. This was my favorite experience while there and one of my favorites in The Netherlands. I walked around the fields of tulips for awhile and took many photos, posing for some as well. The sky was clear and the flowers against the blue made for wonderful photo opportunities. I cannot begin to describe the lightness within me while walking through those fields. Truly remarkable. The trip back was a bit troubling, after waiting in a bus line for 2 hours; but like I said, it was worth every waiting minute to see the beauty of those fields.

1 month remains...

2010-04-08T15:43:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how fast 3 months have gone by here in The Netherlands. I've had so many great experiences in many beautiful cities around Europe. I have thousands of pictures and the memory of all of those I have encountered along the way. I have learned so much from traveling and have taken in so many cultural aspects of the world around me. My eyes are wider now and my thoughts much deeper, my hands are wide open and arms outstretched. The road I've been following has prepared me for the future like no classroom could ever do and has inspired me to do the same for those I may teach in the future. A little piece of me is going to miss this continent but a larger piece of me is eager to share my adventures with those I love back home.
I set out in early January with no purpose in mind but the pure thrill of travel, to see the other side of the ocean and mingle with an unknown. It's easy to leave when you know you are returning and it's intriguing to explore when you are not afraid of wandering, but you never forget where you came from and a longing to return sets in and it encompasses your every thought. With midterms out of the way and 4 weeks ahead of me; I am eager to go home. It's a full circle of emotional events that begins with the excitement to explore and escape from routine, upon arrival momentum throws you through a whirlwind of events and before you know it 3 months have passed. The circle has made its way back to the beginning and has awakened my excitement and anxiety to not escape from routine this time, but return to the routine that I left a few months back. My life has taken a giant step in a short time and I am learning something new everyday.

Well I left my happy home to see what I could find out/ I left my folk and friends with an aim to clear my mind out
Well I hit the rowdy road and many kinds I met there/ many stories told me of the way to get there
So on and on I go, the seconds tick the time out/ there's so much left to know and I'm on the road to find out
- Cat Stevens, 'On the Road to Find Out'

2010-03-31T07:50:00.002-05:00

I've had a lot of time to think and write lately with minimal travels. I spent the majority of March getting to know Leiden and its many wonders. I discovered a fantastic little innovation for the average bicycle (photograph). It has a compartment for groceries, belongings and/or kids! It's perfect for the Dutch mother who is gathering food, household items and random knick knacks all whilst accompanied by her children. When I have children, this will be the first thing I will buy.
Springtime has made its way into town and rain is falling heavier and more frequently. I suppose all this rain will produce those lovely tulips in the late spring, making it all worth it. As the rain falls, I have been forced inside and have chosen to be as productive as possible. I picked up a book from the library titled, Childhood & Society by Erik Erikson. It's a great look at the psychological issues of children and will help me prepare for such encounters. It's interesting because most of the time the children are begging for us to help them; if only we would listen in their language.
I've also dug deeper into my art history course which chronicles the Renaissance era. We study art, architecture, geography, culture, fashion, government/politics, and religion. Not much has changed. The same groups are still fighting for the same issues, causing the same arguments and accomplishing the same tactics - nothing much at all.
On another note, I've been thinking a lot about summer. This cold weather and rain has made me eager to get home to hot summers and relaxing at the lake. I will miss Leiden however, with the Wednesday and Saturday markets that surround me with produce and locals, the hundreds of bikes that I have to dodge on the way to school or anyplace for that matter and the trains that run so efficiently, delivering me from one place to another. However, there is something that has been pulling me in the direction of home since I've been abroad; friends and family. No matter how far I go, whether it is a short trip to another state or a longer stay in Thailand or The Netherlands - I am always pulled back to middle America - my home.

A little home cookin'

2010-03-20T09:41:00.000-05:00

I decided to make something for dinner that reminded me of home. I thought about it for awhile thinking about the materials which I had to use: a few pots and pans, silverware, a stovetop and microwave. I finally came up with chicken noodle soup. I woke up early today to beat the crowd to the Saturday market. I ventured through the tents full of fruits and veggies and grabbed a few ingredients for my soup: peppers, onion, carrots, celery, lima beans, and finally a chicken. Yes ma'am, the entire chicken. Luckily, the chicken's were cooked on the rotisserie and all I had to do was add it to my soup. However, I did feel a bit strange walking around with a chicken, so I hid it in the bag of veggies. I dropped off my main ingredients in my room and headed to grocery store to pick up some essential cooking ingredients: chicken broth, noodles and spices. Once I had gathered the materials, I was ready to cook.
Back in the room I chopped up the ingredients and dealt with the chicken; dismantling the best I could. I finally decided to throw in the legs, thighs, and wings and chop up the breast myself. Once I had all the needed ingredients in the pot, I began to simmer the soup. It is now about 3 hours into the simmering process and smells delicious. There is plenty to feed the entire dormitory, but by the smell of it I think I'll just keep it to myself. I can't wait to give it a try.

10K in Den Haag

2010-03-14T16:28:00.000-05:00

A couple of months ago I decided to sign up for a run in The Netherlands. I found a 10K (6.2 miles) in Den Haag scheduled for 14 March. I thought it would give me plenty of time to train. However, those two months flew by and let me say I was not prepared. But I did have a fantastic time and the entire experience was one of the greatest cultural realizations. I packed my bag this morning with a change of clothes and extra jacket then caught the 11:20am train to Den Haag. The race was scheduled to begin at 1pm, I arrived around 11:40am and began my adventure. I honestly had no idea where I was going and I walked out of the train station to be pleasantly surprised by mobs of runners headed in the same direction. I took a chance (a pretty good one) and ended up at the grounds. The next step was to find my bib number and D-tag (shoe timer). I walked around looking at the signs written in Dutch and realized that I was a tourist. Mind you, I've been living in The Netherlands for a bit over two months now. I began to look around for people with their bib numbers and found the tent that housed them all. Upon arrival, I was asked many questions in Dutch and found myself smiling then shying away as I kindly responded, "Do you speak English?" I was in luck, the man led me in the right direction and I was able to get my number after writing down the spelling of my last name and handing it over to the nice woman. It was a strange experience and I was the odd man out.
Step one was successful. After dropping my bag off at the bag drop area; which took some time to find, I was almost ready to run. The sky was grey as usual and the sun was hiding away, I thought for sure it would rain. I pinned on my number and strapped the timer to my shoe, then took a jog around the grounds. About 20 minutes to 1pm, I headed over to the starting line and continued warming up. It was quite chilly and I knew my muscles were stiff. A woman approached me and asked me a question (in Dutch) I was not able to answer, so she quickly switched to English. It's almost like a light switch in the brain, I was amazed at her talent. She asked me about the letters posted on the signs and needed to know which one to stand at, I was just as confused as her so we headed to the back of the crowd.
Starting time was approaching and I began to get a little anxious, probably from the nippy breeze. The speakers were blasting some sort of Dutch pop song and people were dancing and stretching and laughing all around me. I joined in and figured I may as well have a good time as well, even though I do not understand Dutch, beyond thank you & you're welcome. Before I knew it, the cannon went off and I was running through the cobblestone streets of Den Haag. I could not have seen the city in a better way. It was amazing to run past the landmarks and winding canals. I forgot about the grey day and the smile on my face grew as I kept on running.
The race was flat, which I was very grateful for, and the distance was not too bad. I enjoyed the run and definitely the experience. After the race, I am used to being offered carbohydrates and sweets. However, after this race and after receiving my medal and t-shirt, I was given a great big bratwurst with many toppings and a pile of french fries with mayonnaise. I could not have been more surprised or happy. It was a truly Dutch experience. While retrieving my bag I was once again approached and had to claim my tourist identity. The man just kept on walking, as he seemed to be in quite a hurry. I made it to the bag drop counter and retrieved my bag. I ate my bratwurst and fries while watching some children play in a pile of dirt nearby. After finishing, I headed back to the train station and found my train to Leiden. Despite my aching knees, I had a great time exploring Den Haag on this grey afternoon and an even better time being emersed with the local Dutch. There is so much to learn!

"I'm sittin' in the railway station, got a ticket for my destination..."

2010-03-04T15:03:00.000-06:00

Soon I will be homeward bound; in the words of Simon & Garfunkel. I am approaching the halfway point of my semester abroad. Winter is still amongst Leiden, even though spring break has begun. The sun shines bright, but is accompanied by the chills of winter time. The dormitory halls are full of noisy undergrads packing up to spend the week in Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The solidarity is much needed though, as I must complete my Advancement to Candidacy in order to graduate next year. My travels are slowing down and I'm preparing myself for the arrival of the new study abroad students. It's always fascinating to see a fresh set of faces wander in with their wide eyes; lost in a city of winding canals and cobbled streets; inching past the bicyclists who find little amusement in avoiding these awe-struck newbies.
My new course for the second term is Italian Renaissance Art, I'm pretty eager to begin and study in depth the many works that I've had the pleasure of seeing first hand. I've also registered for my summer courses which will begin in June and return me to the classrooms in St. Louis. For the last eight weeks, I plan on visiting The Netherlands and taking in as much as I can of the country that has allowed my residence for the first half of the year. I hear, one can get anywhere in The Netherlands by train in two hours or less; which is even more incentive to see the countryside, windmills and beautiful tulips when they come into bloom. I'm looking forward to new beginnings as I start my journey back to where I began. Soon I will be homeward bound.

A Birthday Weekend in Rome

2010-03-02T15:23:00.000-06:00

As the mercury rose to 65 degrees and the plane descended, I knew I was in for a wonderful weekend. The Roman temples in the distance and the night of my 23rd birthday ahead of me. I found out the hard way that the Roma pass does not cover your train ride from the airport to the metro and it is best to buy a ticket beforehand. However, the train official was very kind and waived the fee; charging us the normal price for a ticket. Birthday luck #1. That night, after finding the hostel and eating a non-authentic Italian dinner we hopped the metro to find the Trevi Fountain. We made a quick pit stop at the gelato shop and got ourselves a birthday ice cream; chocolate and banana. Delicious. We ate our ice cream and followed the signs to the fountain. The sound of falling water was rising and the street became crowded as we neared. I could see the turquoise water reflecting off the statues. It was beautiful. I made a wish into the fountain as I flung a coin behind my back. If the wish comes true; I will be sure to let everyone know. After a few moments of picture taking and wishful thinking we headed back to the metro. Our next stop, the mighty Colosseum. As I ascended the stairs from underground I could see the massive arena itself. The Colosseum was erected by thousands of men right in the very spot that I stood, I was amazed. The moon was glowing, nearly full against a deep navy sky. My eyes widened as we got closer and I put my hand against the structure to feel its strength. With the Colosseum to my left, the Roman Forum to my right and the Arc of Triumph in front of me... I celebrated my birth. 23 years and many more adventures await.
As I woke on Saturday morning, I was anxious to get going. The adventures from the night before had pumped me up for a thrilling weekend. I hurried out of the hostel, grabbed some food from the train station and ate as I headed back to the Colosseum. I was anxious to get inside. When we arrived at 9am, we found out that we were too early to go inside... but the Roman Forum was letting people in. We waved our Roma pass to the man in the ticket window and he gave us tickets to go inside. No line at all. Birthday luck #2. As I walked through the forum I tried to imagine the ancient Romans at work; building these great structures, working endlessly on brilliant architecture and paving the path to my modern world. Quite honestly, if it weren't for the Romans... I would not have been in Rome. Their innovations with concrete, structures, plumbing, architecture and mobility led me to them many years later. The sky was the bluest I've seen since summertime and the grass as green as the Irish field. I took too many pictures and spent hours in the forum. As we made our way out of the forum, we headed back to the Colosseum for the internal tour. We decided to take the stairs as the Romans would have done, and bypassed the lift. The inside of the arena was just as glorious as the outside with its enormous arches and stadium seating. I stared out at the playing field and tried to imagine a full house cheering for their loyal warrior; the entire stadium erupting with excitement. We walked along the edges of the stadium, on each level making our way to the top. Each seat in the house was just as good as the one below it. No wonder our modern arenas are modeled off of this magnificent structure. It's simply ingenious.
We continued our journey around the center of Rome and found ourselves inside a military building walking through an exhibition on the Italians affected by Nazi Germany. The photos displayed many children and put a damper on the moment. However, the exhibition was eye-opening and displayed some great opportunities for knowledge. We sifted through the museum and went on to visit the site of the Roman chariot races. We happened to come across this field and children were playing soccer and rugby on the grounds; while the adults enjoyed a book in the cool grass and springtime weather. It was a neat sight and the dirt path sketched around the pallet of green grass blew dust in the air, just as if a chariot had passed. That evening we found the Porta Pia and Republica, then headed for the Pantheon. The Pantheon was a great structure as well, however it was being renovated and half of the front side was covered with scaffolding. The inside was a beauty though, lined with sculptures and paintings. We left the square and found some dinner on a random street to relax for a bit. After dinner we wandered through the big shopping street and went into a few shops. The streets were full of Scottish men and women in kilts; pre-gaming for the Scotland v. Italy rugby match. It was madness and I got a kick out of their spirit. We called it an early night and made plans for Vatican City in the morning.
My alarm woke me at 7am and I quickly showered and dressed in my best. I was going to the Vatican and eager to be on my way. We found out that on the last Sunday of the month.... everyone is headed to the Vatican. The train station was packed with one destination on everyone's mind. We arrived at St. Peter's Square (which is indeed a circle, strangely enough) and walked underneath the huge pillars making up the square. We passed the line of people waiting to get into the Sistene Chapel and decided to see St. Peter's Basilica first. The line moved quickly and before we knew it we were inside. The basilica is gorgeous (for lack of a better word) and the vibe was breathtaking. All of the beautiful sculptures of saints and patrons surrounded me and the artwork displayed was priceless. I walked along for quite sometime and went as close to the altar as possible and stood amazed at its precision. After many minutes on the ground floor of St. Peter's Basilica we made our to the cupola; or dome. The cupola was the first hike of the day and certainly not the last. Burning legs, rhythmic breaths and 551 steps later; I stood many feet above the altar of St. Peter's Basilica and watched mass in procession. It was a sight that not everyone has the opportunity to see and I am honored to have witnessed such solemnity. I made my journey back down the steps and narrow stairways and ended up outside the basilica in St. Peter's Square, once more. The next stop - the Sistene Chapel. And this brings me to birthday luck #3, and my new lucky time, 12:24pm.
As we approached the line to enter the Sistene Chapel and get inside the Vatican walls it was inching around ten minutes to noon. The line was relatively long but still shorter than it was a few hours earlier. I stood patiently, resting my legs and awaiting the moment when I could look to the ceiling and see 'The Creation of Adam'. However, as I overheard the folks behind me in line I became anxious. Apparently the Vatican is free to everyone on the last Sunday of the month; but it also closes at 2pm. No problem, that would still give me plenty of time to see Michelangelo's masterpiece. But there was one more condition, the last person would be allowed in at half past noon. I looked alarmingly down at my watch and saw it was 12:11. The line seemed to have grown in that moment and goosebumps lined my arms. 19 minutes remained. As time ticked away I lost a bit of hope. But the gates ahead were getting nearer. I didn't know which would be worse; being the first person turned down at the entrance or finding out later the gates were closed. The entrance was in sight now and I could feel the tension of those behind me. I moved quickly each time the line took one step closer and at 12:24pm, I walked through the entrance of the Vatican museum. I was so relieved, I made it. Hence, birthday luck #3.
As we piled through the crowd to see the Sistene Chapel, I felt like a sheep being herded into the grassy field. Single file and sometimes in mobs, we walked and walked and walked and walked. Let me remind you, I had just climbed up 551 steps and then back down 551 steps. My legs were feeling it for sure. Oh and one more thing, I hadn't eaten since 630pm... the night before. My anticipation led me most of the way. After 45 minutes of following the sheep ahead of me, I was winding through the museum like I owned the place. The signs were leading my way and at one point I was convinced it was a big joke. I felt the Sistene Chapel was so far away, and it was. I thought this journey through the museum was a great metaphor for the time it took Michelangelo to create his masterpiece; 4 years. I'm sure the museum workers had planned it that way. But the sight of the Sistene Chapel was the only thing that truly concerned me in that moment and I trekked on. I finally made it and the total journey was about 1 hour 15 minutes. As I stood before the entrance of the chapel, I took a deep breath. I walked in silently and stood in pure amazement for about 5 minutes. My eyes wandered the walls and ceiling and I couldn't have been happier in that moment. I would have gone through many more winding hallways and rooms to see the precise brush strokes of the paintings above me. I would have spent many more hours waiting outside the Vatican walls, just to see the beauty of 4 years worth of masterful work. Words cannot explain.
This was a great ending to my trip and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday weekend. Sunday evening was spent at a restaurant near the Pantheon where I enjoyed authentic Italian food and marveled over the countless journeys of the weekend. My camera topped off with 333 pictures and Monday morning's plane ride brought me back to The Netherlands.

Photos.

2010-02-24T02:01:00.000-06:00

For those who do not have Facebook. Or just want to check out some awesome photos.

http://picasaweb.google.com/jkozeny/Europe?feat=directlink

Paris, France "The City of Lights"

2010-02-22T14:33:00.003-06:00

Apparently, 'The City of Lights' has its own Statue of Liberty. One of three in the entire world. However, it is quite miniature compared to the Eiffel Tower that sweeps over the entire city with its gleaming point and stability. The thing is enormous. I was taken back by its size and more so by its beauty. I spent the first night in Paris at the hostel restaurant studying maps and having a meal. The city is huge and the underground metro, even bigger. On Saturday, I headed out around 8:45am to begin my journey through the sites and streets. The first stop, Notre Dame. The church is a beauty with its stained glass windows and huge wooden doors. The altar is quite a sight as well, constructed with perfection. As we ventured on through numerous subways and cobbled streets we came across the Hotel de Ville, Pantheon and the Musee du Louvre. The Louvre was remarkable, a triangular shaped structure with priceless paintings and sculptures underneath. I was astounded by the sight of the Mona Lisa, hanging freely on the wall, protected by a glass shield and two guards. I stared straight into her eyes for nearly five minutes. I neglected to take a photograph and decided that if one wanted to see such beauty; they must see it first-hand. The entire Louvre was enormous and cased many valuables of the world.
At midday we headed for the Eiffel Tower. With a destination in stone and empty stomachs we trekked to the Eiffel Tower and stood in line for about an hour with a basket of sausage and fries. It was great, we munched and waited patiently for our turn to board the lifts and make our way inside the tower itself. One thing is for certain, the Eiffel Tower puts the Arch to shame. I stood at amazing heights looking straight down and across at the city trickling below. My mind was enthralled with all the excitement and the thrill. After spending most of the afternoon looking out at the city of Paris from great heights we made our way back down and headed straight for Roland Garros Stadium (the sight of the French Open tennis tournament). We returned the next day for the tour, since the facilities were closed.
That night we ate dinner across from the Moulin Rouge and strutted our stuff on the streets (whatever that means). The restaurant was nice and my food was excellent. We were able to see the Arc de Triumphe after dinner and it was pretty awesome because they had a ceremony going on. The ceremony under the Arc is done to honor the fallen soldiers. The public could only see it from a distance but the vibe was passed around. The night sky was a deep navy and the photos turned out great. We made our way back to the hostel in the evening and called it an early night, only to be awaken a couple hours later by some crazy hostel goers from Dublin.
The next morning we woke with some trouble but made it out of bed and onto the streets once again. Sunday was a fulfilling day as well. Our first stop was Versailles, which took around 45 minutes by train and about 3 hours once we were inside. It was marvelous with artwork and sculptures dating back hundreds of years. Some of the artwork and architecture of the building was astonishing and I could see clearly the time and effort given to each creation. It was a long walk around but worth every minute. We were led outside onto the courtyard and the view was beautiful. After leaving Versailles, we stopped for a sandwich and coffee then set out again. We returned to Roland Garros for the walking tour. It was a good tour of inside the facilities and onto the court. I sat behind the interview desk of the first place player and felt like a Champion for a moment. It was thrilling to be on the court where the actual matches take place. The tour took about an hour and afterward we hopped the metro to the Oblisque. It was a strange structure from a distance. It looks a lot like a pencil stuck right in the middle of a courtyard. However, as I got closer I saw its beauty. The engravings were ancient and the gold was vibrant.
Sunday evening brought us more time to see the Eiffel Tower - it was lit up so beautifully at night and I had to see it up close. We went back and took some photos before making our way to the gift shops. As we were walking to the metro station the clock struck 7pm and the Eiffel Tower lit up the sky. It was remarkable, the lights were the brightest I've ever seen and the entire 'City of Lights' was finally living up to its name. I couldn't believe my eyes. I marveled for a few moments and then went on my way. We found a piano bar that night to eat some dinner and listen to some English tunes. It was a good evening and a great ending to our trip.
Sunday evening into Monday morning brought minimal sleep and a 7 hour trip back to The Netherlands. But the truth is.... I'd do it again tomorrow.

Prague

2010-02-15T09:26:00.000-06:00

My adventures through Prague were once in a lifetime. The snow on the cobblestones made the city picturesque. It began Thursday night, with a scheduled 14 hour train ride through the Netherlands and most of Germany, into the Czech Republic. The 14 hour ride turned into 16 hours and made for one interesting night. The train tracks were snow covered and crews worked hard to get us on our way. The occasional stops at train stations throughout Germany brought with them random guards and drug-sniffing pups. I was able to sleep for a majority of the ride, thankfully and made it into Prague around 11:30am. I was greeted by snow and cold temperatures. After purchasing a 3 day train pass, the next step was to locate the hotel. After a transfer on the train line and my nose deep into a street map, we made it to Hotel Anna. The hostess was very kind and informed us that they had overbooked for the weekend. She called us a taxi and handed over a bottle of sparkling wine, then sent us on our way. Hotel number two was less interesting but all the same. We arrived at the hotel, located nearer the city center and locked up our bags then headed out for some grub. Our stomach's were empty and our eyes eager to get on with the sightseeing. After filling up on pasta con broccoli, delicious I might add; we headed straight for the astronomical clock. Upon arrival, I stood amazed at its beauty. Only to find out that it is nearly impossible to tell its time. Nevertheless, I took a photo of the art and headed out to see more statues, towers and crazy Czech's. That evening we found a Cuban bar and enjoyed some drinks and bartending entertainment. We called it an early night and headed back to the hotel to prepare for Saturday.
Saturday came soon and we filled up on the hotel's buffet breakfast before heading out to Prague Castle. It was a magnificant structure on top of the largest cliff hanging over the city. We had quite a long trek ahead of us and wasted no time in hiking up the slippery cobblestone stairs and roads. The hike was worth it, as it usually is and the view from the top was unbelievable. The entire city rustling below us. The castle was huge and the churches just as beautiful. I walked through one of the churches and marveled over the stained glass and marble statues. We made our way down the cliff to find a view of the Petrin Tower in the distance. We stopped for photos and found a warm cafe to enjoy a cup of coffee and warm our hands. Outside there was a carnival going on, people dressed in silly costumes and handing out warm wine and hand-twisted pretzels. It was quite a sight to see and the streets were packed. We joined the carnival for a few blocks and headed towards Charles Bridge. This is quite a tourists sight. Many were walking across the beautifully structured bridge and taking photographs along the way. The river below was running freely, not affected by the weather like the patrons above. The wind blew cold and hard on the bridge and our faces began to freeze. As we came to the end of the bridge we made our way to Bethelem's Chapel and finally some grub. We ate at a nice restaurant near our hotel and I ordered Pad Thai, a dish reminding me of warmth. That evening we ventured back to our hotel to prepare for our journey to find a cocktail bar. We found the bar to be nearly empty and enjoyed a few mixed drinks. As the night grew later more people joined in the fun.
Sunday was a day of rest, well until around 9am when we decided to fill up on breakfast for the last time and head out to see everything we missed on Saturday. It wasn't too much and we even had time for shopping. We ventured out to see the Metronome which stood on the city's second largest cliff at the top of ice covered, cobblestone stairs. It was another adventure and we were up for it. Once again, the hike was worth every minute. Another great view of the city and so much more. We spent the rest of the afternoon browsing the popular shopping streets. They were packed with tourists, naturally. Our last dinner in Prague consisted of a local Eastern European dish of beef and dumplings. It was delicious and we savored every bite. We stuck around for awhile and had a cup of coffee before heading to see the Dancing building which is only of interest because of its 'bent' architecture. It was an amazing sight to see. Time was dwindling down and we made our way to the train station for our 15 hour train ride back to The Netherlands. Once again, it was a great experience to ride the overnight train and wake up in the country I call home for just a couple more months.

Madrid

2010-02-08T09:53:00.001-06:00

This past weekend I flew into Madrid, Spain and dove right into authentic Spanish culture. It was quite a challenge to communicate with the Spanish speaking crowd, but I did my best and learned a few words along the way. The weekend was filled with all kinds of thrills. After hopping from one train line to the next, we finally ended up at our hostel in the center of the city. The buildings were old and beautiful. The streets were a bit 'rougher' then the other cities throughout Europe in terms of bustling people, street vendors and beggars. The streets were always full no matter what time of day and the atmosphere was alive. On Friday, we visited sights such as the Royal Palace and statues and one of my favorites, a temple. The temple was fragile and precise, the weather was great and this added to my photographs. That night we checked out early but only after joining a local crowd at an Irish pub for a few hours.
Saturday morning I rose and was anxious to get moving on the day. There was a lot to see including a park with monuments and landmarks as well as a Real Madrid soccer match in the evening. We trekked around all day on Saturday and saw all there was to see, taking pictures and enjoying the weather. Around 4pm, we hopped a train to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and bought our tickets for the night's match. The next 5 hours were spent walking around the streets near the stadium browsing through vendors selling replica gear and candy. We stopped in at a pizza restaurant and had a pint and a pizza. The crowd was getting ready for the game and began hitting the streets around 7pm. The streets were full of horn blowing, flag flying Real Madrid fans. The occasional Espanol fan would wander by only to be tormented for wearing the wrong color. After much rallying and much waiting... the gates opened and the rush began. One hour before game time and the stadium was filling up. People on every set of stairs, escalator and lift. The atmosphere was amazing and the game was about to begin. At 10pm, the whistle was blown and we were off. It was as if I was right down there on the field with the players... angry at the referee for calls against Madrid and as eager as anyone to see them score. The game was dominated by Real Madrid and the final score was 3-0. I was so happy by the end of the night and so satisfied with the team's success. It was a really great experience and I enjoyed every minute of the game. The stadium began to clear and the train station was filling up. It took a good hour to get back to our hostel where we passed out until Sunday morning.
Sunday was a bit of a long day and the city seemed to be getting smaller. We had seen a lot of sights and some of them twice. That morning we went back to the stadium and browsed around the fan shop for Real Madrid gear. We also found the Athletico Madrid stadium and hoped that they were playing that evening. It turns out they were but not at home. We went to a bar and watched the game play out. Around 2 am we headed to the airport and relaxed for a few hours before our plane was boarding. It was a long and tiring night and I'm still trying to catch up on sleep. Overall, the trip was very satisfying and I'm thrilled that I was able to see and do as much as I did.

London Bridge is falling down...

2010-02-01T09:02:00.000-06:00

Not really. However, I did learn that London Bridge is not the beautiful bridge seen in picture books. It's quite plain acutally. The one that everyone mistakes as London Bridge is actually Tower Bridge and is very unique. After looking through my photos from London, I am amazed at all the attractions and sights that I crammed in, in only a weekend. My favorite was London Eye... a gigantic ferris wheel that takes about 30 minutes to complete and gives the most amazing view of just about anything in London. The city is fantastic. Lots of people, lots of honking cars, lots of tourists and a load of fun. I arrived Friday night and had time to see London Bridge and dine at an authenitc Italian restuarant with music and all. Saturday is when the trekking began, I started out heading towards Westminster where I jumped on the London Eye and viewed the city from great heights, then walked to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. The architecture was amazing and there was so much to see. Next, we headed straight for Abbey Road... what a long walk! Finally we made it there and took lots of pictures and sang lots of The Beatles songs. After a long journey we hopped the tube back to London Bridge, which was near our hotel and stopped in to experience some fish n' chips. They were everything I imagined plus more. That evening we found Clink Prison or London Dungeon's and spooked ourselves out for a bit. Then we headed towards Shakespeare's Globe but unfourtunately, it was closed for the night. We trekked back to our hotel and relaxed for about an hour. Later that night we went to a local pub not far from the prison and met a few British folk who took us out for the night. It was a great time and we met a lot of great people.
Sunday was another busy day. We went to Buckingham Palace and took some pictures of the Queen's residence. The Palace was unbeliveable and the park surrounding it was beautiful. After Buckingham Palace we went to the British Museum where they had a ton of arifacts and treasures from all over the world, including the Rosetta Stone. It was a huge museum and we spent a little over 2 hours inside and didn't even cover half of it. On the way back to Southwark, we stopped in a Chinese restaurant and tried the cuisine. It was delicious and we all pigged out. That night we decided to go on a tour of London. We did the Haunted London tour and walked around the city for about 2 hours learning about ghosts and scary stories that are historical to the city. It was a great time, even though we were freezing! After the tour we headed back to the hotel and called it a night. We got up around 5am this morning and caught the Chunnel Train back to Brussels, then to Leiden. London was another great trip and I would love to return to see the other things I didn't get to.

Brussels.

2010-01-26T05:54:00.002-06:00

I have to say, I love Brussels the most so far. However, it was only my first trip out of The Netherlands. The people were so welcoming and the hostel was nicer than I expected. The chocolate was delicious and the waffles; to die for. The treck between train stations was a bit unnerving; considering we took the wrong train. But it all worked out and we were on our way to Brussels in no time. Saturday was relaxed and we spent the entire day walking around and seeing sights like, the Grand Place, Mannekin of Pis, and Beer Planet. We checked into our hostel and spent the rest of the night at a pub called, Celtica. The next day we ran around for about an hour looking for the Atomium, which was built in honor of the 1958 World's Fair. The voyage was unsuccessful. However, we turned toward the center of the city and headed to the Comic Museum. Even though the comics were in French, I still got a picture with a smurf and that made the trip worthwhile. The next place was quite a walk from the center. It took about 40 minutes to get to the War Musuem. It was totally worth it, though. The museum was gigantic, I spent about 2 hours in the place and didn't even see half of it. It was unbelievable how much was stored in that one museum; tanks, airplanes, military gear, guns, ships.... the list goes on and on. That night we went back to Beer Planet and mosied around the chocolate shop. We took a later train back to Den Haag and another train to Leiden. We got home and I began a puzzle that is slowly coming together. I will go back to Brussels, for sure.

2 weeks...Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-01-20T15:08:00.000-06:00

After living in Leiden for just two weeks, I have begun to get into a rhythm. I'm finding these streets to be more recognizable and I can find almost any place I'm going. My normal weekday consists of waking up around 10am, showering, eating, Skyping back home, homework/walking around town, class and hanging out with friends. I usually don't get to bed until around 1am. I'm not used to this leisure schedule but I'm having no trouble adapting. This weekend I'm headed to Brussels, Belgium. I can't wait to try a Belgian waffle and world famous chocolate. It will also be my first experience in a European hostel, can't wait to write about that. I'll be sure to take many pictures.
I'm having a wonderful time in The Netherlands and I'm glad that I made the decision to come here. However, there are a few things that I miss back home. One being obviously family, friends and my puppy. I love them dearly and can't wait to share stories! But I'm also missing my library. The one here is miniscule and the shelves are very little. I'll have to go out on a search for a larger library and find some goodly books!
Tomorrow I'm applying for my visa and beginning my Advancement to Candidacy. I can't believe I'm graduating next May. I'll be teaching soon and I'm excited to get into... or get kids out of the classroom.

Amsterdam

2010-01-18T13:36:00.002-06:00

Well, I survived my first encounter with Amsterdam. The stories are true, it is certainly a special kind of place. I fell upon all sorts of characters from glossy-eyed bicylcists to drunken old men. The city is quite safe though, I never felt harmed or unsafe at any point. It is a very easy going and relaxed atmosphere with many sights to see.
After the 30minute train ride I headed straight to the Anne Frank House, which was quite remarkable. Anne's story is unbelievable and to stand in the rooms where the Frank family hid for so long, cannot be explained. I felt many emotions and great detest for the people who forced them to live in such fear. At a young age, Anne was quite creative in her words and I am thankful for her diary. I hope that her story lives on for generations to come.
The next stop was a small pub, in central Amsterdam called 'hole in the wall'. It did not live up to its name, which is a good thing, I suppose. It was very nice and they served wonderful sandwiches. After browsing the main shopping streets and walking in and out of souvenir shops, we headed back to the train station. The four of us made one last stop at a small bar for a cappucino.The weather had turned and it was pouring down rain, leaving us freezing and looking for warmth. Two people left to return to Leiden, but myself and another stayed to watch a soccer match at a comfy bar near the central station. By the time the match had ended and we bundled were all up again, the rain had turned to snow and the streets were covered. It was really beautiful. We then headed back to Leiden on a late train, in the snow.

Den Haag

2010-01-15T12:10:00.001-06:00

I had my first experience with the train system today. It wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I didn't get lost and I didn't have to chase down any missed trains. It was actually a pleasent, relaxing ride that I wish was abundant in the U.S. as well. A couple of us went to The Hague (Den Haag), which is a city just 10 minutes by train from Leiden. It was very beautiful with regal buildings and cafes. We spent quite some time in the art museum and walked around the main shopping street; then made a visit to the Royal Palace. After walking through a few shops, we headed to a cafe called Ludin and sat and had a sandwich and cappuccino. It was a little cold and starting to get late, so we didn't get to go to the beach. But I know I'll be returning to The Hague and I will go straight to the North Sea!

Cheese!

2010-01-13T09:50:00.000-06:00

I went to the market this afternoon and found myself surrounded by loads of cheese. White, yellow, orange...herb, hickory, smoked, parmesan cheese... it was all there. I don't know much about cheese, nor can I read Dutch. As I walked aimlessly around for a few moments, taken back by the amounts of cheese, I decided to put my sniffer to use. I picked up every few stacks of cheese and took a deep sniff... ahh the aroma. I decided on a white and orange cheese. One I am pretty sure to be parmesan, the other I'm not sure but very tasty nonetheless. I suppose I should research a bit more about the cheese... however, both of my picks were delicious, so maybe it's all good!

1st day of classes!

2010-01-12T03:39:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had my first day of class, I started my online class (Geography) and it seems to be pretty interesting. The purpose of the course is to learn methods of bringing geography into the classroom. My other class, which is in the classroom (Macroeconimcs) is a bit more challenging. I have no previous knowledge of economics except that the US economy is unhealthy at the current time. Apparently The Netherlands is one of the healthiest economies, up there with China. I think the course is going to consist of a lot of reading, which will be fine because I learn best from reading. Other than classes, I'm still working on getting my train card, it's been a long process. Hopefully I'll be able to get that today. I've been taking in a lot of the cultural changes and trying to learn a little bit of Dutch, we'll see how that goes.

Still Learning...

2010-01-09T07:13:00.000-06:00

There are so many tiny streets in Leiden. The people are either walking, biking or riding a bus. There are not too many cars, only those passing through. It's refreshing to be able to walk around and be at your destination in less then 10 minutes. The city is bordered by canals which run every which way through the streets and around buildings. I've walked in a circle quite a few times just because the roads are not 90 degrees like St. Louis. But I am learning.
I went grocery shopping today and picked up some essentials for meals. My kitchen is quite nice with a refrigerator, stove top and sink. I was going to make a trip to Amsterdam this morning but the weather is bitter cold and we are expecting a snow storm tomorrow. I prefer not to be stuck in Amsterdam so I'm hanging on to that trip until the weather clears.
Leiden is a stellar university town, there are many people in their early 20's who are very friendly and eager to meet you. I like the atmosphere around this city and can't wait to see more cities within The Netherlands as well as those in nearby countries.

Orientation

2010-01-08T01:34:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I began orientation. It was a bit boring until we got to tour the city and figure out where the grocery store, restaurants and shops were located. The language barrier is a bit more complicated then in Thailand. Everyone is very friendly though and most people know English. I suppose I'll pick up on a few Dutch words along the way. Today is the last day of orientation and I have to purchase my visa/resident permit so that I can stay longer than 90 days. This weekend we are planning a trip to Amsterdam to check out the market; it's supposed to be the biggest in the country. I'm also purchasing a train pass that will get me 40% off all train tickets. I'm excited to begin this semester and visit other countries!

All settled in...

2010-01-06T06:37:00.000-06:00

I've just arrived in Leiden. The flight was painless and I was able to sleep for quite a few hours. But I know I'll sleep like a baby tonight. I met a few people on the flight that are also in my program.I'm just settling in and unpacking - learning the ropes. Tomorrow I begin orientation and next week I begin classes. I share a nice and cozy loft-like room with my a bathroom and small kitchen. I'm excited to meet new people and begin classes. The city is beautiful and I can't wait to walk around and take pictures. I plan on getting a bicycle within the next few days and use it for the entire semester. I will post pictures soon and let everyone know about my experience.
-Jessica

I got a new tooth and a haircut...

2010-01-04T20:48:00.000-06:00

I'm packed and ready to go! I also dropped one of my online classes because I was just informed that I did not need it for my degree. So I'm down to 9 hours and 3 classes. Not too bad. I'm going to miss my family and friends but am looking forward to exploring Europe and meeting new people.
Thanks to everyone who has prepared me for my journey. I love you all and will see you in May!

1 week.

2009-12-29T16:38:00.000-06:00

I leave one week from today. I had my last day of work and plan on spending the next few days packing and saying goodbye to friends and family. I'm all geared up and now need to figure out how to fit everything into my pack and suitcase.
I've probably packed too much, but I suppose it will all fit.

4 weeks and counting...

2009-12-06T08:49:00.000-06:00

This Saturday I had my orientation for my trip and it seems like I'm going with some really great people. There were about 15 people from the St. Louis campus that are going and I think it's going to be a really awesome experience.
I got my ISIC (International Student Identity Card), which will grant me many discounts on airfare, train tickets, museums and a bunch of other things! I'm already planning some trips that I want to go on when I'm there and I think I'm going to get a Eurail Regional Pass, which will allow me access to about 5 or 6 European countries.
I'm still picking up some odds and ends and debating on bringing some things, but I've got some time to think about it.

Vaarwel.

get a coffee & a paper... have my own conversations.

2009-11-28T16:12:00.000-06:00

5 weeks. 3 days.

I'm getting more anxious as the date gets nearer. I need something new, different and far away. There comes a time in my life every once in a while, when I need to get out and see the world. Somewhere far from home. It has nothing to do with the people around me, only the person inside me... I need an escape, a sense of freedom. I've needed this for the past 5 years of my life, every so often. That instant in life that wipes the slate clean.
Every time I go away I have an opportunity to start over. It's truly a cleansing, a rebirth and an enlightenment.
It's beautiful.

Vaarwel.

the paperwork never ends...

2009-11-20T22:36:00.000-06:00

Apparently the paperwork goes on and on... just got a bunch of forms to fill out. I'm pretty sure the only thing they don't have is my blood type.
I have to fill out a declaration of academic awareness, visa forms, residency forms, & a financial statement claiming that I have sufficient funds to stay in The Netherlands. Eek.
Mandatory meeting has been scheduled for next week and I'm pretty excited to meet the other students accompanying me on the study abroad experience.
I'm also working on getting my gear together for packing. I made a list, took half of it off and added some more things, now I'm going back in to eliminate. However, I just found out that I have to travel with about 4 text books, hopefully they are lightweight or else they're not going.

6 weeks 'til takeoff.

7 weeks, 4 days.

2009-11-13T08:19:00.000-06:00

I have been admitted to the classes that I registered for, yay! Looks as if I am going to classes on M-W from 18:00 - 20:00, for the first 8 weeks. For the second eight weeks, I will be going to classes on T-R from 11:00 - 13:00. The other two classes are online.

Also, right now I am looking to gear up for this trip. I have written out a list of clothes that I plan on bringing and am also looking for any suggestions that people may have.

Flight is booked... January 5 is the day!

2009-11-02T20:24:00.000-06:00

I just received an email from my travel agent, looks like my flight is confirmed and my tickets are purchased. I fly into Amsterdam on January 5th and stay until May. I have only 2 months to plan and pack, the time is approaching quickly.

Registration

2009-10-23T08:26:00.001-05:00

Things are going smoothly for the most part. A list of courses have been emailed to me from Leiden and now I only have to choose which classes to take. I have a pretty good idea of what I'll be taking.
Here they are:

Term 1
Curriculum Design - online
Topics in Geography - online
Macroeconomics - M-W 1800-2000
Term 2
Topics in Geography - online
Topics in Art History - T-R 1100-1300

If these courses work out, I'll be attending class 2 days a week. A total of 4 hours. Not too bad.

11 weeks, 5 days...and counting.

2009-10-16T08:21:00.000-05:00

I have just receieved an email confirming my housing for arrival in Leiden. I am in a double room with shared amenities. I will have access to a stove, which is fantastic. I never thought I'd be so happy about something so small. However, in Thailand I did not have this luxury and my cooking desires were not fulfilled. Although, the food was quite superb.
I have only left to choose my courses, pack my bags, and board my plane. My life has brought me to many countries and still, no matter where I go, I am just as excited as the first time. I am only required to take 6 credit hours each term. I will plan accordingly and travel, travel, travel. Much is learned when you are able to roam. We as humans were made to roam, to explore, to wonder, to learn. This trip, as my others, will be jam-packed with adventure and plenty of opportunities to learn.

3 months and counting

2009-10-04T09:06:00.000-05:00

This blog is intended to keep family members and friends updated on my travels abroad in The Netherlands. I plan to post frequently and share photos and stories. I hope that anyone who cares to read will feel as though they have joined me in my journey. I leave the States in January and will be abroad for five months. Please keep in touch by commenting on this blog.

Vaarwel.