So we went to IKEA last night and dropped 1,100 Euros on furniture for our new pad. Couches. Dining room table. End table. Rug. Bed. Mattress. Bathroom rack. Entertainment center. Our place is goign to be an IKEA model home. The thing is, we were supposed to eat at the Read more…
The election is coming. It is less than a week away. It dominates every newspaper headline, it is on every newscast of every Dutch, German, and Belgian TV channel that we get. There are more articles about who’s leading in the polls than any other topic. Even an ocean away Read more…
Ever since moving here Ann and I have noticed a certain distinct and pervasive sense of Dutch ‘style’. Simply put: the Dutch wear things that in almost all other cultures would surpass acceptable fashion limits. When put into the larger context of their country’s historically inclusive and tolerant culture it Read more…
Our friend Mark Lorenc will love this. Ann called up the IND, the bureau responsible for processing our application for a residence permit, to check up on the status. The woman said it was still processing, but that she didn’t think it would be a problem since her husband was Read more…
Just to give you a typical example: I called up the local school a few weeks ago to see what it would cost to take Dutch lessons. Immediately the receptionist said: “Do you have an inbeurgeringskontract?” To which I replied: “God bless you.” Apparently, if you have this unpronounceable piece Read more…
Dinner tonight: rice cakes, smoked gouda cheese, a Coke. Just so no one got the impression that the Netherlands has changed me.
For those of you who don’t know, Blanca is one of the founding members of Smelly Pig, the world-famous two guitar, four singer, one plastic tambourine band whose appeareances at the Bucks County Coffee House are legendary. Blanca is originally from San Esteban de Gormaz, a small village in Soria, Read more…
So let me tell you about bicycles. The bicycle is the main mode of transportation in the Netherlands. Bikes are so prevalent that most city streets have separate lanes just for bikes (adding to the confusion from the already numerous painted lines on the road). The Dutch bike in all Read more…
I can’t believe I forgot to put a post up about the beautiful baby girl that our friends Mark and Katrin brought into the world. full name: Kira Alexis LorencDOB: Sept. 29, 2004; 11:53pmweight: 8 lbs. 1 oz.length: 21 inchespictures: http://www.undertone.org/gallery/kirabirth Katrin told us some horror story about a three Read more…
We have found a place to live. After four weeks of looking, and two previous unsuccessful attempts, Brian and Ann have now signed the papers and put down the deposit to rent an apartment in Dordrecht. After having done this once already, only to have the rental company call up Read more…