Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
All Night Long
I'm sure when Dr. Morgan Brown fought for the right to be free of the monarchy during the Revolutionary War he never envisioned that one day his great-great-grandson would compose the music of the Queen's Guard. That fateful day in 2011 when we "felt it in our heart, and felt it in our soul" I'm sure both Dr. Brown and King George III rolled over their collective graves. We however, "sang along"
"People dancing all in the street, see the rythym all in their feet"
"We're going party, karamu, fiesta, forever"
"Everyone you meet, their jamming in the street" (well except this guy)
It really did play out that way, and for your enjoyment the original video. We should have known Lionel's grand plan was to have it played by the Guard at Buckingham Palace as his outfit in the video is eerily similiar to that of the Guard. Hmmm.....
"People dancing all in the street, see the rythym all in their feet"
"Let the music take control, we're going party liming, fiesta, forever, come on and sing along."
"Everyone you meet, their jamming in the street" (well except this guy)
It really did play out that way, and for your enjoyment the original video. We should have known Lionel's grand plan was to have it played by the Guard at Buckingham Palace as his outfit in the video is eerily similiar to that of the Guard. Hmmm.....
And as an added bonus, quite possibly the creepiest video of all time:
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Nudity in The Netherlands
Nudity is much more excepted in The Netherlands as well as the rest of Europe. The beaches are the first place you will notice this. On our first few trips to our local beach, we saw many little children running around naked and a few topless young girls (up to age 8-10 I would guess). There were also a some topless women sunbathing and a few even changed into their suits right on the beach. You will also find a nude beach just a few kilometers south of the main beach in our little village. Because of this openness, there is less curiosity so there were no stares or awkward glances.
This leads to a story I recently heard at a program that I attended at the American School. The presenter was a Dutch woman who works for the school and was there to help us all learn a bit about the Dutch culture. She spoke a bit about the European openness in general which lead her to tell us the following story. The middle school band had recently gone on a trip where they were competing with other schools. There are young boys and girls from all over the world who attend the American School and are members of the band. Upon arrival at the competition they were to change into the uniforms in which they would be performing in. The boy's dressing room was just as you entered the building and the girl's was a bit hidden upstairs. In their hurry to change, a group of girls (who were from European countries) went right into the boys changing area and started to undress (keeping their undergarments on). The european boys thought nothing of it. However, for the young boys who were not, this was quite a treat. Their mouths were hanging open and their eyes were glued onto what was occurring in front of them. Unfortunately for them, this was cut short as a teacher came in and quickly told the girls there was a room for them upstairs. The girls popped their tops back on and headed upstairs much to the disappointment of these young boys. There were a few moms at this presentation whose boys had been on this trip and they had not yet heard this story. These moms were looking forward to their dinner conversation that night.
Another place you will notice a difference is the Doctor's offices. I was recently talking with a friend, "Laura" who is an expat from Canada, about the health care here in The Netherlands. She has not been overly pleased with the visits she has had over the past few months, and the last was the icing on cake for her. Having not lived in the Netherlands very long Laura is still battling with the ridiculously steep Dutch stairs and one morning the stairs won. She fell down quite a few of them. Laura quickly made an appointment with her doctor, who in turn told her she would need some x-rays, which would be done at the local hospital. She scheduled her appointment with the hospital and off she went. When arriving at the hospital she was taken by a nurse to a small dressing room and was told she would need to take all of her clothes off (including undergarments). After the nurse left and my friend had taken everything off, she looked around for a gown. There was none to be found so she waited for the nurse to come back hoping she would be bring the gown. A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door and the nurse asked "Is everything alright in there?". Laura peeked out and told the nurse there wasn't a gown. The nurse smiled and explained that they don't use gowns and that the x-ray room was just in the adjoining room. Laura was not comfortable with this but really had no choice, so she followed the nurse to the room where another nurse and a tech joined them (who happened to be male). Laura managed to complete her x-rays without making eye contact with anyone in the room and hurried back to the changing room to cover up.
My personal experience with the health centers here so far has only been at The Jeugd Gezondheids Zorg Centrum (Youth Health Care Center). This is where all well-baby checks and Immunizations are done for children up to age 4. Your appointment starts in the main waiting area where simple things like weight and height are checked. It is requested that your child then strips down and waits to be seen by the nurse. At the time of our appointment there were a few children running around in the buff (or in a diaper) waiting to see the nurse. I am hoping there are actual rooms in the health center I am registered at!
And last but not least... the family dressing rooms at the pool. Just this last Monday, I attended a mommy and me swimming class with a few friends from our playgroup. Since there were five of us, we decided to just use one of the family changing rooms. After we had our little ones changed into their suits and were getting ready to head for the pool, an older gentleman and his grandson opened the door to our changing room. I didn't think much of it and figured he would find another room so off to swim lessons we went. We had a lot of fun and before we knew it swim lessons were over and it was time to leave. The only other American, "Ellen" and I were the last of our friends to get to the changing rooms after the other mommies had changed and were on their way out. Ellen and I then got into a conversation about how Americans are a bit more reserved about nudity in public places. She was quite uncomfortable changing in front of everyone else but since it was just the two of us and she had a towel to stay covered she started to change. As we are changing, in walks the little boy and his grandpa. They walk over to the hook where their bags were hanging and both drop trou. Ellen and I look at smile each knowing the other is thinking something along the lines of "Welcome to Europe".
This leads to a story I recently heard at a program that I attended at the American School. The presenter was a Dutch woman who works for the school and was there to help us all learn a bit about the Dutch culture. She spoke a bit about the European openness in general which lead her to tell us the following story. The middle school band had recently gone on a trip where they were competing with other schools. There are young boys and girls from all over the world who attend the American School and are members of the band. Upon arrival at the competition they were to change into the uniforms in which they would be performing in. The boy's dressing room was just as you entered the building and the girl's was a bit hidden upstairs. In their hurry to change, a group of girls (who were from European countries) went right into the boys changing area and started to undress (keeping their undergarments on). The european boys thought nothing of it. However, for the young boys who were not, this was quite a treat. Their mouths were hanging open and their eyes were glued onto what was occurring in front of them. Unfortunately for them, this was cut short as a teacher came in and quickly told the girls there was a room for them upstairs. The girls popped their tops back on and headed upstairs much to the disappointment of these young boys. There were a few moms at this presentation whose boys had been on this trip and they had not yet heard this story. These moms were looking forward to their dinner conversation that night.
Another place you will notice a difference is the Doctor's offices. I was recently talking with a friend, "Laura" who is an expat from Canada, about the health care here in The Netherlands. She has not been overly pleased with the visits she has had over the past few months, and the last was the icing on cake for her. Having not lived in the Netherlands very long Laura is still battling with the ridiculously steep Dutch stairs and one morning the stairs won. She fell down quite a few of them. Laura quickly made an appointment with her doctor, who in turn told her she would need some x-rays, which would be done at the local hospital. She scheduled her appointment with the hospital and off she went. When arriving at the hospital she was taken by a nurse to a small dressing room and was told she would need to take all of her clothes off (including undergarments). After the nurse left and my friend had taken everything off, she looked around for a gown. There was none to be found so she waited for the nurse to come back hoping she would be bring the gown. A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door and the nurse asked "Is everything alright in there?". Laura peeked out and told the nurse there wasn't a gown. The nurse smiled and explained that they don't use gowns and that the x-ray room was just in the adjoining room. Laura was not comfortable with this but really had no choice, so she followed the nurse to the room where another nurse and a tech joined them (who happened to be male). Laura managed to complete her x-rays without making eye contact with anyone in the room and hurried back to the changing room to cover up.
My personal experience with the health centers here so far has only been at The Jeugd Gezondheids Zorg Centrum (Youth Health Care Center). This is where all well-baby checks and Immunizations are done for children up to age 4. Your appointment starts in the main waiting area where simple things like weight and height are checked. It is requested that your child then strips down and waits to be seen by the nurse. At the time of our appointment there were a few children running around in the buff (or in a diaper) waiting to see the nurse. I am hoping there are actual rooms in the health center I am registered at!
And last but not least... the family dressing rooms at the pool. Just this last Monday, I attended a mommy and me swimming class with a few friends from our playgroup. Since there were five of us, we decided to just use one of the family changing rooms. After we had our little ones changed into their suits and were getting ready to head for the pool, an older gentleman and his grandson opened the door to our changing room. I didn't think much of it and figured he would find another room so off to swim lessons we went. We had a lot of fun and before we knew it swim lessons were over and it was time to leave. The only other American, "Ellen" and I were the last of our friends to get to the changing rooms after the other mommies had changed and were on their way out. Ellen and I then got into a conversation about how Americans are a bit more reserved about nudity in public places. She was quite uncomfortable changing in front of everyone else but since it was just the two of us and she had a towel to stay covered she started to change. As we are changing, in walks the little boy and his grandpa. They walk over to the hook where their bags were hanging and both drop trou. Ellen and I look at smile each knowing the other is thinking something along the lines of "Welcome to Europe".
Monday, November 7, 2011
Champions League - Ajax
In order to understand the culture you have to appreciate the games they love and play and there is no more important game to the Dutch than Voetball (Soccer). Soccer has been called the ballet of the masses and is truly an art form when played at the highest level. There is no higher level in the world than the Champions League so I purchsed tickets to all 3 of Ajax's (the Dutch champion) Champions League matches. The first game was against Olympique Lyonnaise and the game ended 0 - 0. The second game was against Dinamo Zagreb and Ajax prevailed 4 - 0 with some spectacular goals. The final match is against Real Madrid.
Photos from my seat.
Photos from my seat.
A photo of what I would call the "student" section. These diehards sang and jumped the whole game. Very much like the Cameron Crazies.
At halftime the whole crowd sings Bob Marley which is rather surreal being in Amsterdam :)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sacre Coeur and Moulin Rouge
Sacre Coeur is a popular landmark in Paris, the basilica is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city. It was also home to our first encounter with the slot like donation machines. It was very odd to go inside this historic building and see slot machine looking contraptions where you could make a donation and then see Nuns surrouded by security emptying them. It was quite the hike to get to the Sacre Coeur but it was well worth it.
A view of Sacre Coeur from the center of Paris.
Sacre Coeur up close
A few views from Sacre Coeur
Giuchie, Giuchie, ya ya dada (Hey hey hey)
Giuchie, Giuchie, ya ya here (here) Mocha Chocalata ya ya (oh yea)
Creole lady Marmalade
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Rome was Burning
Our recent trip to Rome happened to coincide with the Occupy Wall Street protest that was going on. Unfortunately a group of anarchists took the opportunity to get involved as well. We were on our way back from Ostia Antica (more on that trip in a follow up post) we were unaware anything was going on, when we had to wait and wait for a bus. We decided to hop another bus that was going in the same general direction the bus was supposed to take us. During the ride we found out why the other bus was not running.
This was our first view of SWAT teams lining the streets, further in the background were about 10,000 people coming this direction.
SWAT teams were out everywhere.
This was our first view of SWAT teams lining the streets, further in the background were about 10,000 people coming this direction.
As we traveled further we saw the dark smoke cloud in the distance.
This is the view from the backside of Palatine Hill. At this point we thought someone may have bombed the Colloseum as it is located in the direction of the black smoke.
We subsequently learned of the protests and that the fire was from the burning of a ministry building and cars beyond the Colloseum.
Most of the main thoroughfares were closed as well.
A few days later we saw some of the damage that went on for blocks and blocks.
Friday, November 4, 2011
What's in a name?
There are many interesting looking and sounding Dutch last names. Over the last few months, I have heard and seen quite a few funny ones! There is a good story behind these names. It begins in the 1800's when Napoleon was occupying The Netherlands. At that time many people were just adding "_____'s daughter/son" or "from (insert hometown here)" to their first name to identify themselves. Well, Napoleon did not think this was enough so he signed a law requiring all Dutch to choose and register a last name. So when chosing the last names many chose something descriptive. These include Van Buren (from Buren), Bakker (Baker), Visser (Fisherman), Vandenberg (From the hill), etc. Then there are the unfortunate names like Kip (chicken), Goedkoop (cheap), Beenhakke (leg chopper), Kaasenbrood (cheese bread), Aarsman (ass man), and my favorite Naaktgeboren (born naked). It is said that these less attractive names are around because people didn't think the last names would stick around after Napoleon was gone and they could go back to their way. Ooops!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
A Politically Incorrect Christmas
In The Netherlands, Sinterklaas Eve (St Nicholas Eve) is celebrated on Debember 5th, the day before Sinterklaas' birthday, with much celebration. Sinterklass is an older man with long white hair, a beard, and dresses much like a pope. He is also said to be a fairly serious man. The Zwarte Pieten on the other hand are a bit more whimsical. They dress much like a jester, with the addition of an afro and blackface (yep, blackface). Zwarte Pieten jump around and act quite silly (even in the middle of a church service).
To view better pictures of Sinterklaas and his Zwarte Piet, click HERE.
Weeks before his birthday Sinterklaas travels to The Netherlands from Spain (where he lives) by boat with his helpers (slaves), the Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes). Below is the announcement from our local paper letting everyone know when Sinterklaas and his Zwarte Pieten will arive in our little town.
For the next few weeks, he travels the country by horse to find out if the children have been well behaved or not. During this time children put their shoe near the fireplace with a bit of hay or a carrot for his horse. In the morning the good little children will find a small treat in its place. The treats are usually similar to the following: peppernoten (small spice cookie), chocolate formed into the letter of your first name, or pastries. This can continue each night until the 5th. Now, if you have been naughty watch out because the Zwarte Pieten will spank you with a stick and might even toss you in their burlap sack and take you back to Spain (I couldn't make up this stuff if I tried!). In adition to these treats there are also gifts received but only on the 5th The gifts for the children are delivered by Sinterklaas to your front door, but of course he does not have time to wait and hand deliver them so he rings the bells and leaves them on the stoop. Gifts are also exchanged by adults on Sinterklaas Eve. Names are drawn so only one gift is brought by each person. Your present must be wrapped creatively (anything but wrapping paper) and should have a poem attached. The poem cantains hints about the gift and lyrics making fun of the reciever. This poem is read aloud before opening the gift.
To view better pictures of Sinterklaas and his Zwarte Piet, click HERE.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Learning the Language
One of the biggest adjustments when moving to a new country is of course the language and the Dutch language is a bit confusing to say the least! Over the last 6 months I have picked up enough Dutch to have a short conversation with a 5 year old and to answer simple questions such as "Do you want a receipt?". This is because most of my Dutch has come from the children my daughter plays with (who don't speak English) and from cashiers in the shops.
There are many problems with trying to learn Dutch, one being that most Dutch are fluent in English. If you manage to stutter out a sentence in Dutch they will quickly respond in almost perfect English making you feel a bit like an idiot. I have also been told that they are very happy to show off there English skills so will rarely respond to you in Dutch even if you continue speaking it. There are also several confusing aspects of the language, for example the order in which thing are said. An example of this is "Ik zie dat de ouders de kinderen Jan het huis hebben laten helpen schilderen" which word for word translates to "I see that the parents the children John the house have let help paint" but means "I see that the parents have let the children help John paint the house". Really?!? Another confusing issue is that sometimes many smaller words will be strung together to form one very long word. An example of this is the word telefoonbeantwoordapparaat. Yep, that's one word and it means telephone answering machine. Again, really?!? This doesn't even start to get into all of the other issues, like the way multiple digit numbers are said mostly backwards, the feminine and masculine forms of words or the multiple words used for "the", etc. The language is so difficult that during World War II to determine if someone was a spy in The Netherlands they would ask an individual to pronounce certain Dutch words. Only a true Dutchman could pronounce them correctly.
Although difficult we want to continue to learn the language. My husband has enrolled in a weekly class offered by his employer and we have even picked up some study materials.
There are many problems with trying to learn Dutch, one being that most Dutch are fluent in English. If you manage to stutter out a sentence in Dutch they will quickly respond in almost perfect English making you feel a bit like an idiot. I have also been told that they are very happy to show off there English skills so will rarely respond to you in Dutch even if you continue speaking it. There are also several confusing aspects of the language, for example the order in which thing are said. An example of this is "Ik zie dat de ouders de kinderen Jan het huis hebben laten helpen schilderen" which word for word translates to "I see that the parents the children John the house have let help paint" but means "I see that the parents have let the children help John paint the house". Really?!? Another confusing issue is that sometimes many smaller words will be strung together to form one very long word. An example of this is the word telefoonbeantwoordapparaat. Yep, that's one word and it means telephone answering machine. Again, really?!? This doesn't even start to get into all of the other issues, like the way multiple digit numbers are said mostly backwards, the feminine and masculine forms of words or the multiple words used for "the", etc. The language is so difficult that during World War II to determine if someone was a spy in The Netherlands they would ask an individual to pronounce certain Dutch words. Only a true Dutchman could pronounce them correctly.
Although difficult we want to continue to learn the language. My husband has enrolled in a weekly class offered by his employer and we have even picked up some study materials.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
How the Dutch do breakfast (and sometimes lunch)
The typical Dutchman loves his carbs! I think the rule is the more bread, the better. The thing that sticks out to me the most though is the toppings. The favored topping is hagelslag, which are sprinkles. Yes, sprinkles! Similar to the type that Americans put on ice cream or cupcakes. The type that as a child if you asked for them for breakfast you would get shot down quickly by any adult around. These sprinkles are enjoyed by all ages, both morning and mid day.
Another topping that at first I thought was quite odd is Speculoospasta. It is basically spice cookies that have been ground into a spreadable paste similar to the texture of peanut butter. Something didn't seem right about a cookie spread for your toast but of course we had to try it. Oh it is heaven!! I am hooked and may have to ship a case when we move back to avoid withdrawal. I try to only use in moderation but I really want to just dig right in with a spoon and eat it right from the jar.
As for the drinks at breakfast, there are many kinds (some strange to us and some not so strange). There is coffee, tea and milk. There is also karnemilk (buttermilk) as an option. I cannot bring myself to drink that one. Then there is the milk & fruit drink, which tastes a bit like watered down fruit yogurt.
This one is actually pretty good.
Eet smakelijk!
(enjoy your meal)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Iowa v Iowa State
Went to our cousins in England to watch the Iowa vs Iowa State. We hooked the computer up to the TV and watched the unfortunate debacle.
In positive news we had a fantastic meal that our cousin made us. We knew a lot about her but didn't know she was such a fantastic cook. It was just like home!
In positive news we had a fantastic meal that our cousin made us. We knew a lot about her but didn't know she was such a fantastic cook. It was just like home!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
What I miss most about home
I miss you the reader the most obviously, but other than that I miss the $1 bill more than anything.
Not because it was weakening against the Euro for most of our time here (thankfully for us it is currently rebounding and is at $1.34 per Euro at time of writing).
Not because it is the world's reserve currency and a bastion of safety.
Not for the ideals it represents of life, liberty, and freedom.
Nope, I miss it most of all for the fact whenever I buy anything in cash here I get a pocket full of change as the smallest bill is the 5 Euro.
Not because it was weakening against the Euro for most of our time here (thankfully for us it is currently rebounding and is at $1.34 per Euro at time of writing).
Not because it is the world's reserve currency and a bastion of safety.
Not for the ideals it represents of life, liberty, and freedom.
Nope, I miss it most of all for the fact whenever I buy anything in cash here I get a pocket full of change as the smallest bill is the 5 Euro.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Eifel Tower
Not much to say about the Eiffel tower, but we did take some photos at various times during the day.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Paris - Random
As you are most likely a frequent visitor to this blog :) you know that we like to post some of the random things we see on our adventures.
If you have ever been to Paris then you have most likely seen the hoards of salesman with mini eiffel towers on humongous key rings or other assorted knick knacks on blankets. They always have one eye out for the cops as well. At the Eiffel Tower we saw the cops try to take down one ring of sellers however they got across the street which we assume was no longer in jurisdiction and just taunted the police. Look for a fine piece of street junk as one your gifts this Christmas.
At Sacre Coeur we saw the purse sellsers get busted with all the Louis Vitton and Coach bags being comfiscated.
Herbie takes Paris.
A poor mans Kimbo Slice, and that is saying something.
When I first saw this sign I thought they were paying homage to our former President.
1) The wife and I on a stroll through paris.
2) Oh Eddie, you shouldn't have
3) The lady on the right is just jealous
The Asian Elvis
Going tailgating!
When we entered this place I thought we would see photos of Larry the Legend, the 500, an empty football stadium, maybe even a Bobby Knight chair. Unfortunately, this place had the term Indiana and Indian (as in Native American) very confused. The entire place was done in Native American photos and signs.
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