It's Not That Bad

It has been brought to my attention that my blog may have a negative bent to it. I don’t want to give the impression that I’m not enjoying myself or that I don’t like Holland. I just like nearly everywhere else on earth more than I like Holland. But, Holland isn’t that bad.

I’ve decided to make a list of Holland’s pros.

Pros:
1. The ICTY has been an amazing experience- I’ve met some incredible people and learned A TON.

2. The beer is incredible- The Dutch beer is pretty damn good but the Belgian beer is out of this world.

3. The towns are beautiful- European cities are gorgeous. They have strict zoning laws that serve to maintain the historical integrity of the buildings. I like this.

4. The cops leave you alone- I have a problem with authority so I’m glad the cops aren’t breathing down my neck all the time (this one is a bit of a stretch since I rarely have trouble with the law at home).

5. I have fallen in love with the Balkans- This one should probably be a subtitle of #1 but we’ll count it separately.

6. Their drug laws are superior- I don’t take drugs but I think people should be able to if they so desire. The Dutch don’t understand why we criminalize marijuana. I agree with them.

7. The bars are charming- They are cozy, a quintessentially Dutch quality.

8. Soccer is actually pretty cool- I got into the game with the Euro 2008 and had my interest confirmed by a trip to a World Cup qualifier.

9. Proximity- Belgium, France, and Germany are very close.

10. Bicycles- This one is the best. Bike travel gives you a morning workout and a stress reliever on your way home.

The Ope

The car we (I) drove through Germany, so big it doesn't fit in the frame.

Don't Use Your Hands

I just bought a ticket to the Netherlands vs. Iceland World Cup qualifying game. It is being held in Rotterdam, a city I have yet to visit. Rotterdam was destroyed by the Germans in the war. It is supposed to be an architectural wonder. The city is the main port of the Netherlands and services Germany and Belgium as well.

The Dutch still hate the Germans for that episode-that and the fact that the Germans defeated the Dutch in the European football tournament twenty years ago. I guess this can't compare to the excitement I felt before my first NFL playoff game or first trip to Wrigley field but it is exciting nonetheless.