This past weekend was a hearty blaze of excitement, as I made my way from Utrecht to Maastricht, a city right at the border of Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany. I think at one point in the weekend the people holding the meeting told us it would take around 5-6 minutes to bike to Belgium from Maastricht. Yeah, well, I could...bike...to the end of my road in Chardon in 5-6 minutes! So there!
The proximity of other countries in Europe - where they speak a different language, have a different culture, and way of doing things, government, history, policies, etc. - still blows my mind.
Maastricht, being at the hub of these three countries, is very international. We spent most of Friday in the very beautiful building where they signed the agreement that brought the EU into being. There were comfy chairs. I felt like a powerful ambassador, about to go, like, change history. Kind of.
Mary looking appropriately serious, because she is about to discuss matters of state. Or not. Actually, I just asked her to look serious. Really we were all quite giggly.
The greatest photo of Mary, I, and Bethany (another Fulbrighter), looking beautiful and diplomatic.
The thing is, to get to this beautiful building, we had to walk. So here's what my day looked like:
"Oh, good HEAVENS. It is about -5 degrees Fahrenheit - I'm taking the bus to meet Mary at the train station."
Bus-bum-dum-dee-dum-dum
Mary! Train station!
Train
Two hours later....
Train mix-up. Take bus to another train station. Take quick train. Get to Maastricht, finally.
"Oh, good HEAVENS. It is about -5 degrees - part II! We're taking a cab to the hostel."
Cab. Dutch - not the man's first language. Communicate directions. Good to go.
Arrive at hostel.
"Oh, good HEAVENS. It is about -5 in this room! Let's go back downstairs."
Downstairs, meet Fulbright people
"Alright, so, let's all go outside and walk 15 minutes to the government building!"
My face:
This is a meme, folks, and it is quite funny. For instance, the picture below:
In any case, we went outside, and walked to the government building.
This bridge...was windy. Windy plus -5 = lots and lots of pain.
Look at us! How bundled, how brave...
Mary is actually quite beautiful. Unfortunately, here she slightly resembles a long marshmallow.
Brisk.
Pretty, but brisk.
That little tower and adjoining wall are part of the old city wall that used to go all the way around Maastricht - in the 1200's. How cool is that!?
Well, as aforementioned, we made it to the government building without any significant mishaps. And then we got to sit in those nifty chairs, and learn about the Treaty of Maastricht, which was signed to establish the EU, and we got to talk a bit about Limburg's politics (Wilders, the Dutch politician who is adamantly anti-immigration/anti-Islam, is most powerful in Limburg, for instance). We also had a lovely lunch, after which we got on a bus and were taken to an American Cemetery (from WWII). It was really, really wonderful to be able to go and see this cemetery. It was very moving, to learn about the men (and women) who were buried there. But more than anything, it was so touching to learn that each of the more than 6,000 graves were taken care of by a Dutch person or family. The graves were all "sponsored," for lack of a better word, and the waiting list to be able to take care of a grave, has more than a three year-long wait! The grounds keeper told us about how the Dutch families all plant flowers over the graves, and come spring, it's just a breath-taking landscape.
We took a really nice, rock-star tour-type bus to the cemetery.
A reflecting pool. A woman stands under the tower, with a tree growing next to her (rebirth after war), holding a branch with three doves (peace), but the woman herself is crying.
Found a Diederich. Enlisted in Michigan.
I appreciated the Jewish stars.
We were given flowers to put at a grave of our choice, so I gave mine to a Munn, for my friend Rachel.
So, the trip to the cemetery was sobering, yet beautiful, even though it was still freezing. We went back to the hostel, prayed that our room would get warmer, had a drink, and walked to dinner in the city. The dinner was wonderful - fresh salad with pesto olive oil and grilled chicken, roasted fish, vegetables, and a creme brulee for dessert. Mmm. Came back to the hostel, and, sadly, our room was still freezing. However, we managed to survive, and woke up the next day, and went and had a long discussion about our progress over the last five months, which was really interesting, to hear what people had to say. I loved learning about all the different research projects the Fulbright people had going on. All of them were interesting. Even if they aren't all practical...the study of art and music is still fascinating, and interesting to listen to. And necessary! For a well-balanced, healthy society, right? Right.
Then, on Saturday, it started snowing. And I almost, almost, got stuck in the south of Holland. When it snows around here...It gets messy. The whole train system/public transport system shuts down. As it was, I managed to squeeze my way north by the skin of my teeth, and ended up spending Saturday night with Siri and her family, going out to eat dinner (Schnitzel!) and then sleeping over at Siri's. The next morning, the trains were on schedule, and I was eternally grateful to have a nice warm bed at Siri's house, where I could wait out the public transport nightmare.
Here is the train ride home. Everything was covered in snow and a thick layer of ice - the trees looked like coral - white, glistening coral. Very beautiful in a slightly bizarre way. I'm just glad I managed to get back to Utrecht. Now I'm all safe and warm at home, and kind of contemplating finding somewhere to go ice skating...
This week was rather a drag at the lab. I spend most of my time going through electronic files for children who have been seen at the department, looking for kids with ADHD - but since it's all in Dutch, it takes me about two legs shakes short of forever. And yes, I just made up the phrase, "Two leg shakes short of forever."
In better news, I went over Siri's house this weekend, and made a delicious dinner and breakfast, in honor of Siri's birthday. The dinner was incredible - I was so pleased with how it came out. It was a mushroom and chicken tart with sage and asiago:
I modified it a bit, it was more a "deep-dish" tart for us, but it was still super good. I think I'm going to make it again sometime this week, but try and do it flat like it is in this picture (No, these pictures are not actually of my food - though my food was beautiful too!).
The side dish was roasted brussel sprouts with pancetta and almonds. I'll tell you what, I never thought I would love brussel sprouts as much as I do. I mean, I really love them. They are so, so good when they're roasted in the oven, or, like I did, in a big, heavy bottomed pan. Mmm.
As part of her birthday present, I made Siri "dump" cookies, which is basically just my way of saying that they had white and dark chocolate chips, oatmeal, and M&M's in them. So tasty! For breakfast, I made pancakes with real maple syrup (brought back especially for Siri from the tasteh U.S.), bacon, and eggs. A true American breakfast. I love breakfast.
And now, I give you a bunch of pictures I completely forgot to stick up, anywhere! Let the random slideshow commence!
Oh, look! It's me at the practice scanner. I am a pro-fession-al. That is our "practice patient" Monsieur Oliphant.
These little beauties are known as "bitterballen." They are traditional Dutch drinking snacks. Usually small krokets, fried cheese, and other fried meat objects, etc. YUM.
These pics are from when Siri, Rem, Juliette, Hans and I went bowling, and then promptly afterward went "steengrillen." Why they are together, I will never know...
I have serious bowling skillz.
Steengrillen. In Holland, usually accompanied with bowling. It's like mixing an offshoot of Japanese culture (hibachi), with the Dutch, with 50's and 60's era rock and roll. Like putting Sushi in a bottle of Coke. AKA: Weird.
These pictures are from a school visit I did, where I got to the town super early, and walked around for a bit before meeting the teacher for class.
A beautiful basillica.
I was a little bit of a chicken, and didn't go in the church at first, but instead decided to find food. Here is the bakery I found. Mm. Smells like delicious.
My breakfast. One was an onion veggie thing, and one was just a giant cinnamon roll like bread twist.
Someone give this mannequin a sweater!
More of the Basillica
I think it's meant for dogs. I think. But, it rhymes!
Talking! This was a good class.
And then, after talking, I went back to the Basillica, and had the balls to go inside! It was beautiful. And empty.
Siri's little sister Noah, dressed as Zwarte Piet. On Sinterklaas.
Driving back to Utrecht with Siri and Rem, beautiful morning across the fields (and windmills) of Holland. And, unfortunately, a nice big fat camera in the window.
On my way to work I catch some outrageously pretty sunrises.
In Delft, I believe. Look, they're Golden Snitches!!
At the Dusseldorf Christmas Market. There were a lot of people. This is a photo of a people traffic jam.
This is how I feel about things like, "People traffic jams."
Reibekuchen. In Heaven, I will be able to eat all the fattening German food... These delicious treats are pictured below.
Fried potato pancake type things, with "apfelmous" also known as applesauce. They were so, so good. They were hot, and fresh and tasty...
Again with the people.
Siri!
Yes, I know what you're thinking. My, Kelli, you look so lovely in this photo! Right? Oh, wait. And: "Hmm, I think she's posing next to a giant wiener."
Mushrooms in a creamy sauce, served with a slice of bread and an even creamier sauce. What will the Germans think of next!? They were also really good. This day was basically 1/4 shopping, 3/4 eating. It was Germany. I mean, what else do you do in Germany?
My fried wheel of Camember (sp?) cheese. With delicious jam to go with it.
Siri and her sister Sum had me pose with all the street performers.
I thought this was so funny. Sorry it's sideways. I was going to give it to my friend Jacob (who plays the accordion) on his birthday.
Siri and I. Note the Flasses.
Siri's sister Sum and I. At dinner. Nom nom nom.
The next street performer was a wizard.
Wizard. Awwkkkwwwaaaard.
And this, folks, is the line that greeted me at the airport, at about 7 AM, in Amsterdam. I was like to about kill somebody. Luckily, I was plucked from the line and did not end of missing my flight, though I enraged enough people with my plucking that I'm lucky I wasn't shanked.
Two things the Dutch love: Milk, and licorice. Milk comes in all shapes and sizes, but unlike in the U.S., you won't find 2% or any of that weak stuff. Here, they have "Volle melk," which is basically full-fat milk, "Half-volle melk" which is half-fat milk, "Magere melk" which is fat-free milk, and then they have a very special type of milk called "Karne melk." Now, "carne" in Spanish means meat, but no, this milk is not mixed with meat. Alas. No, karne melk is basically buttermilk. Buttermilk. That stuff that you're supposed to feel ridiculously guilty about putting in your breads and biscuits. And the Dutch drink this stuff, every day. With breakfast, lunch and dinner. I mean, you can't beat that.That's like the perfect stereotypical Dutch lass, with the wooden shoes and the blond pigtails, with round cheeks, who just goes, "Oh, ja! I drink the fat right off the top a' the milk! It gives my haar an healthy glow!"
Now, the Dutch also love licorice. But I believe I have discussed this previously, and will therefore refrain from mentioning it here except to say, I have had salty licorice, and folks, it may be kind of okay in a decent sort of way, but when you're eating salty licorice, and the only thing you can think to yourself is: "Damn, I wish I had a box of jujubees right now," the candy is not right.
On another note, I'm back in Holland! I'm not entirely thrilled about it, but I'm making it work. Going home for Christmas was both wonderful and tragic, because constantly lurking right behind every happy moment was the thought that it was all going to end, and I would have to once again make a voyage across an ocean, separating myself by more than 3,000 miles from family and friends. Not all of being back is bad, by any measure! But I find myself thinking, fairly often, "This is really great/fun, but what I wouldn't give just to be at home, watching a movie with my family, talking about how we're going to build a stupid wall between the dining room and the living room."
Homesickness aside, my main New Year's resolution was to travel more, and keep myself occupied, in order to take my mind off of missing my family. So! With that in mind, my best friend Rachel and I are planning a trip at the end of March, when she is coming to visit me, and the trip will include doing a wee bit of Dutch touring (I plan on showing her my favorite things, like riding a bike, and eating french fries with peanut sauce, and going to the pancake house next to the river), and then going to London for a few days, where we will part ways. Doesn't that sound like fun!? I'm super excited for that.
And. Wait for it. After a whole week of awesome with Rachel, do you know what I will be doing? Do you? Because it is going to be AMAZING. I, my dear friends and family, will be going to Cardiff, Wales, for the first ever Doctor Who convention. AND I will be getting photographed with Arthur Darvill, who plays Rory in the show. Ahem. THAT IS SO COOL.
If you are unfamiliar with The Doctor, I have included this excellent link, to show you just what you are missing.
So, basically, right now, Rachel and The Doctor keep me going strong. That, and the fact that I was asked by the Fulbright Center in Amsterdam to give the keynote speech at a conference they are having for a big group of high school counselors and teachers who are interested in working with the Fulbright Center. Hopefully there will be pictures and possibly even a movie of the event, and I can share it! I am very excited. I've written a rough draft of my speech, we'll see how it turns out in the end. I bought a nice outfit. You know, the essentials.
Last weekend, as aforementioned, my friend Clement and I spent a really great Saturday touring around Amsterdam, where I bought a nice dress for the Doctor Who convention (very important) and we watched a cool silent film (The Artist), and had a really good Chinese dinner.
Here are some photos of the adventure, such as it was!
That little kid in the background looked JUST LIKE A HOBBIT-CHILD. But I couldn't sneakily take a picture of his face, unfortunately, so we're going to have to settle for the back of his head.
This is a hilarious thing where you drink and bicycle to make this giant contraption move. These lovely fellows were celebrating a stag party - the man himself was dressed as Peach, which unfortunately, you can't really see in this picture. Everyone else was dressed as Mario and Luigi. Really, their costumes are quite good, too...
Clement, right before we saw The Artist. The movie theater had a bar. We both decided that was very cool.
The past few weeks that I have been back have mostly been about getting settled again, getting back into the groove of working in the lab. I still spend most of my days in an endless cycle of calling people, hoping to schedule an appointment, and when they say no, finding new people to call. Hopefully some good comes of all this!!
In many ways, being back is great. I do love being able to hop on my bike and just go get a bunch of apples, or something. I like how busy the city is sometimes, how there's always a good amount to do and see. I like the shopping, and the trains. I just wish I had all these things in a place where everyone wasn't a stranger. And where I felt like I was doing really good work. I think I would be much happier if I was doing something more hands on - volunteering, for instance, or being in charge of organizing something, like an assistant teacher, working with kids most of the day. But I spend most of my time doing something that, while useful, doesn't have a lot of day-to-day gratification, or really feel like I'm doing much for anyone else besides myself. This is a good lesson, though. It lets me know that research isn't the path I should dedicate my life too. And that's something very useful to know! I've now worked in two labs, one in neuroscience, and one in psychology, and I can honestly say that the type of work involved is not what I see myself doing. But! I had to try it, and get through it, and make it work to learn that. I am 22 (soon to be 23), debt-free, and learning a little bit more about myself every day. I would say I'm doing alright.
To all my family and friends who read this - I miss you, a lot. My heart aches, wanting to just be home with all of you. But! I am working on becoming the kind of person who can do something great and good in the world, and no one said that would be easy. So, I will leave you, and hope to be able to post more frequently, about great, awesome adventures, in the future.
Hello!! Well, now that I am back in Utrecht, as rosy-cheeked and ruby-lipped as ever, I will begin blogging again! I had a school visit today in a city in Holland called Emmen, it was much farther away than I anticipated, and I just got home, so the blog will not be written tonight (alas!) but probably this Saturday, when I've got some time. Also, okay, it's kind of a lie that I just got home from the Emmen visit. I kind of went shopping too. Which is completely legitimate, as I was buying pieces to an outfit I will be using when I give my KEYNOTE SPEECH to the Fulbright Center in Amsterdam for a conference they are having for high school counselors.
On another note, work in the lab has gotten much busier, and my schedule is getting so full I'm making appointments in March already. That blows my mind. It should blow your mind too.
Minds = Blown.
Clement (my wonderfully nice Hong-Kong-born, LA-dwelling, Physicist Friend) and I went to Amsterdam last Saturday and had a right old time wandering around, doing some shopping, biking, going to see a silent film (that was very interesting), "accidentally" wandering into the Red Light District (Clement basically said, "Let's go to Amsterdam's China Town!" and do you know what's right next to Amsterdam's China Town? Yes, that's correct. The Red Light District), and eating a delicious, more-authentic-than-American-Chinese-food Chinese dinner.
So! I have some pictures of those things, and I will be sharing more details about them on Saturday. As the Dutch say, Tot zo!
