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.

Willie Nelson

I met with my team today and picked up the bike that Brent Hicks has so graciously lent me. The bike needs a new back wheel and front and back light but other than that it isn't too bad. I'm thinking of calling it, Willie Nelson. Blue Skies was the song that popped into my head and I think Willie when I think that song. I will post a picture of Willie (the bike) when I get a chance. My work day was only an hour long but I am still in the process of getting settled.

Today included my first trip to the grocery store. The Dutch have hand baskets like we do but theirs have a long retractable handle and rollers. Another example of something the Dutch do better.

Movin' In

My phantom roommate never showed up last night so I had a hostel room to myself. Sadly, after all the hospitality shown me by Jeanette and the StayOK staff, I left StayOK and moved into my apartment. It is right next to the Central train station which will be convenient for taking the tram and exploring Europe. The apartment is surprisingly nice. My “bedroom” is more like a closet and may end up being losing its job to the futon that sits in the living room. I have internet access and a television with several channels including CNN and MTV. I will be able to keep up with the RNC to see if McCain can capitalize on the DNC’s lackluster performance. I am also interested in his Vice President. I suppose everyone is since she has no public history. Just in case you were wondering, the Europeans love Obama and don’t understand why we don’t skip the election and name him king. I think that’s how they do it over here.

Betty was gracious enough to meet me again and show me the town. I had already seen most of it but she explained exactly what I had seen. She also taught me how to use the tram. It was like the first time you jump into the water in the spring. You know it is going to be cold but that once you get in everything will be fine yet you sit on the edge of the boat and fret over those first few moments. The tram isn’t really all that hard except you have to know how far you are going before you board. It’s not like every subway in America where you pay two dollars and go as far as you want. You have to pay for how many “zones” you are going to travel and you do so by stamping a long ticket with perforated slips on it. It looks like those labels that you get when you buy dividers for a binder. You know the ones that you put in the plastic tabs so you can mark each section. It looks like that but each one is numbered. This may sound confusing. It is. I am not entirely sure how to use it. Cross your fingers that I don’t end up in Dutch jail tomorrow for improper tram riding.

Tomorrow is my first day at the ICTY. I’m ready to get in a routine. Cheers.