About 90% of Dutch People Speak English

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS-

Hello! We'll, I survived my first European travel experience outside of the UK! In a nut shell I would say that Amsterdam is a very bizarre yet exciting city. The city of "freedom" what some people call it. 

Anyway, the journey began at about 4:45 in the morning when my alarm went off so I would have enough time to shower and get ready to meet everyone at the bus station at 6:05 a.m. We took a bus, tube, and a train to get to the LCY (London City Airport) it took us about an hour and a half to get there. Hopefully, in the future I will be be able to always fly out of Heathrow, it's only 7 miles away from where I live. 

We got on the plane outside, that was the first time I have ever done that, but apparently it's really common here. After we landed we took a train to Amsterdam Central. As I write this I make it sound like the process of getting there was relatively easy and for the most part it was, but keep in mind that there were many times we had to look at our map, read signs, thankfully in both Dutch and English, as well as ask the information desk to get from A to B. We even got on a train that was going the opposite way that we wanted to go, but a man overheard us talking and told us that we were on the wrong train, just in time for us to get off before the doors closed. 

Finding our hostel wasn't as hard as I though it was going to be. It didn't take long for someone to approach us to see if we needed help as we were all huddled in a circle looking at a map with our travel backpacks on. I was quickly reminded that we were in Amsterdam as we approached our hostel and noticed a women in the window sitting on a stool almost naked! (Pretty much, we were neighbors with a hooker, it was funny). For only paying 12 Euro a night each, our hostel was pretty decent. Except getting to our room you had to climb down these incredibly narrow and spiral stairs. It was a bit of a challenge, to say the least.   

After we got all settled in, we decided to explore the city. I think we made about 4 or 5 circles and got lost a couple times, but hey that's expected right? That night we went to the Red Light District. It was 7 of us girls and 1 guy. So, how can I describe the Red Light District? Well, I guess for lack of a better word I'll go with bizarre. You walk down several narrow streets all illuminated with red light, of course. You see women of all ages, races, and sizes dressed in a bra and panties, dancing to music, while smoking a cigarette. It's awkward walking past each door, but even more when you see a guy walking out of the door, and as he does the woman instantly opens the curtains and is ready for her next client. That's what they call them, "clients" because it's a professional business in Amsterdam. That's their career according to one of the hotel managers. And usually their only job. Alright, and that concludes prostitution in Amsterdam 101. The picture above shows our hostel. On the left you can see a red light with curtains closed. 

You experience many "Deja Vu" moments in Amsterdam because every time you walk across the street and look both to the left and the right you see canals. It was constant, there were tons, it's no wonder why we got lost all the time in the beginning.  

There were also an incredible amount of bikes. They literally had a 3 level bike ramp packed full of bikes. It seemed as almost like you needed a permit to ride one just to keep up with the bike traffic. Everyone on a bike was on a mission to get to their destination as fast as possible. And if you got in their way they would ring their bell which was so funny because it sounded like a bell a child would have on his or her bike, basically not threatening at all. It was more of a chime, what they really needed was a blow horn.  Below is a picture of the 3 level bike ramp! 

We went to the Van Gogh museum which was really interesting. I couldn't believe I saw the original painting of Starry Starry Night. I learned that Van Gogh never had any professional training when he started painting. And that because of his bipolar disease he cut off his left ear lobe and was a manic depressive which eventually made him commit suicide. 

On Saturday morning I went to the Anne Frank House. It was breathtaking and surreal. I couldn't believe I got to see with my very own eye's the book shelf that kept them all hidden for those years. Along with that, to stand in Anne's room, to look at the wall where her father had kept a record of how much the children grew. And to see the original diary gave me goosebumps (picture below). That experience is definitely something that I will never forget. 

Overall, Amsterdam was great! But I must say that I was homesick for London and being comfortable with all the public transportation systems. This weekend I'll be in Scotland. We will be visiting the lowlands of Edinburgh to the highlands, as well as Loch Ness... the legendary home to the monster "Nessie." Until next time. Cheers!

-Britt

SHOUT OUT: Hi Heather and Jamie! Sis, I miss you so much and hope everything is going well. Mom told me you got a camera for your computer! Let's skype soon, I want to hear what you guys have been up to! Love you. <3

Lunch in London & Shopping at Harrods: Just Another Monday Afternoon

LONDON-

I must say that I love not having class on Monday’s. I mean who wouldn’t. This past Monday I thought it would be fun to go to London to visit a friend who is also studying abroad there!

It was my first time traveling by myself to the city but it was so easy! I really like living in the more residential area but being so close to the city is very convenient. It’s a 30 minute bus ride which goes by super fast when doing the fallowing- (listening to my ipod, looking at the cute shops on all the streets, and people watching). I took the bus to Hammersmith station, and then got on the Piccadilly Line going west bound for a totally of 3 stops to Gloucester road which is the closest stop to where my friend Megan lives. 

It was so nice to see a familiar face, and surreal at the same time. I mean I’m still getting use to this whole I live in London thing. Haha, I love it! She showed me her apartment, which was really cute and then walked around Hype park.

After that we walked to Harrods. It was amazing. I honestly couldn’t believe how big it was. It feels like you are in a mini shopping mall but it is all just one store. They had everything, tourist stuff, “designer” shoes, handbags, perfume, (yes I stopped and got a sample, of course!) jewelry, clothes…etc and food/ desserts that would make your mouth water. Apparently, it has over one million square feet of selling space in over 330 departments making it one of the largest department stores in the world. I "googled" it!  However, it is really expensive because it's all mostly designer stuff.  They even have a dress code to even walk into the store. It was fun to visit though. I want to go back again soon. 

After that we had lunch at this pub a few blocks away. I had salmon, mashed potatoes, and a salad for only 7 pounds! It was delicious and cheap! I will be definitely going back there. We did a little shopping on Hyde Street, I think that is what is was called, but I didn’t get anything, maybe next time. 

Side Note: The Pizza Hut in London is like a sit down restaurant, and it’s super nice inside. They even serve alcohol like wine and beer. We went there and got dessert. It was so good,  and had I not seen the sign that said “Pizza Hut” I would have never believed that we were there.

Overall, going to London was a great way to spend the afternoon! I will be taking full advantage of not having class on Monday to spend the day in the city.

Anyway, I will be in Amsterdam this weekend! My flight leaves in 6 hours... I should probably get some sleep. I’ll update sometime next week!

-Britt

SHOUT OUT: To the lovely ladies of 331- Em, Lo, and Ash, the best roomies anyone could ask for! Miss you and love you girls. <3

It does make a nice backdrop

CANTERBURRY/ KENT/ GLASTONBURRY/ STONEHENGE/ BATH

This weekend was very eventful. I enjoyed both trips to Canterbury, and Kent, England on Saturday. And going to Stonehenge and Bath on Sunday. Canterbury Cathedral was beautiful. Hopefully, you were able to look at some of the pictures I posted of it on facebook. 

After Canterbury, we drove about an hour to Kent, England and toured through Leed’s Castle. What better way to spend Valentines Day then touring a romantic castle, right? My favorite part was going through the maze, which was in the courtyard. It was huge, and made up of forest green bushes, neatly squared off and were a little over six feet tall.  I was in a group of four but we decided to split up to make it a competition to see who could get through the maze first. We didn’t end up winning even with my height advantage and competitive edge! I kept trying to get to the opposite side thinking that’s where the exit must be, but really you wanted to get to the center of the maze because that would lead you up stairs to look at the maze from above. Anyway, it was fun!

I also loved seeing how the castle was decorated so nicely for Valentines Day. There were two rooms that had probably about 25 tables each. They all had pink and red roses in the center. How amazing would it be to have diner there! Especially, on Valentines Day!

On Sunday, we went to Stonehenge. I was really looking forward to seeing it because one, I love history, and two… I love tourist attractions! And well Stonehenge is definitely one of them. After taking more pictures of rocks than I ever have in my life we got back on the bus… excuse me “coach” that’s what they call it here and continued on to Glastonbury. Glastonbury Abbey is the first Christian Church that was built in England. On they way there our tour guide impressed me with all the knowledge she knew about England and its history. I mean sure, she is a tour guide that’s expected but even as we passed a hill she said if you look to your left that hill was… etc. She knew everything. And also talked about British slang that you might enjoy. Here are a few!

British slang: It’s going all pear shaped.

Translation: Things aren’t going as well as we planed.

British slang: Is she up the duff?

Translation: Is she pregnant?

(Last one) British slang: Going around the houses.

Translation: Taking a detour. 

Glastonbury Abbey was also very interesting. Apparently, it is said to believe that The Holy Grail is buried at Glastonbury but no body knows where.

For lunch two of my friends and I asked a local where we should go eat. She recommended a place called Rainbow Café and said it was just down the street and to the right. Thinking we would find it very easily since those were basic directions we ended up going up and down the street a few times until we finally found it after passing it twice. (It was a small sign). Anyway, after we got inside 30 seconds later the cook from the back casually yelled out “Fire! Everybody out!” They way he said it made it seem as significant as yelling “orders up!” Like he didn’t sound concerned at all. In fact as soon as we got out my friend asked a few locals if that’s ever happened before but they said that was the first time.

Anyway, we were going to wait to see if they would let us back in but it was a good thing we didn’t because five minutes later 2 fire trucks appeared, along with an ambulance. Everyone was okay though.

We ended up going the bakery across the street. They had delicious food. So far I have no complaints about British food. I suppose normally I just eat at my school’s cafeteria but there hasn’t been anything that I thought didn’t taste very good. They don’t have ice though. It’s weird drinking pop with no ice. 

Our last stop was Bath. People would come from all over the world to drink or bath in the Roman Baths. The water was said to be magical and healing. The Romans drank about 6 glasses a day. I got to try some and it was warm, tasted rusty, and smelled like eggs, but I tried it! I couldn’t imagine how they stomached 6 glasses. But overall Bath was BEAUTIFUL!

This weekend a group of us will be traveling to Amsterdam. I’m excited for my first trip outside the UK! It should be interesting to say the least! Don’t worry I have the saying “Spreek je Engels?” memorized… Do you speak English? In Dutch. Until next time! Cheers!

-Britt

PS I’m starting something new, two things actually. First, I am going to write more often so I won’t have such LOOONNNGGGG entries like the last two I had. And I’m adding a shout out section to acknowledge all my loyal readers out there and to say HI!

SHOUT OUT: Naturally, I’ll dedicate my first “shout out” to my Mom and Dad! I want to thank you both again for giving me this wonderful opportunity to explore the world. Even from just being here for only two weeks I am already having the time of my life. <3

Prince William lives there? How do I get in?

LONDON/ TWICKENHAM-

Sorry for the delay! Last week at this time I was getting ready to leave, even though I have only been here for about a week I feel like it has been several months. I can’t believe how fast I feel I have adapted to the culture and the cities transportation systems. Not that I had a choice, I can’t tell you the amount of time I have spent looking at bus maps and train maps to make sure I am going to the right place. At first let me just say it was extremely intimidating getting on a bus/subway/train in a completely different country and not knowing exactly where you’re going, but it’s part of the experience. Right? I have only gotten lost twice, so not bad. However, one thing I learned the hard way is that you need to wave the bus down if you want them to stop. Kind of like getting a taxi in New York, you need to be aggressive! Of course, whistling isn’t necessary. Otherwise they will drive right on by even if you are waiting at the bus stop. Normally that wouldn’t be a big deal because they come about every 10 to 15 minutes but when it’s raining and cold outside 10 minutes can seem like an eternity. 

Speaking of weather, that’s one thing I’m having a hard time getting use to. BRRR it’s cold! Now a part of me feels a bit embarrassed to admit that because I am used to -30 to -40 degree temperatures, how could I be cold? But this is why, Minnesota is more of a dry cold you can feel it on your skin and it gives you that tingly feeling. But in England it’s more like a damp cold, so for some reason you feel it inside of you, in your bones. Now, on the plus side I was told that although the rain is normal it is going to get relatively warmer hopefully this week. I’m looking forward to it!

Anyway, enough about the weather! There is so much that I have been up to these past few days I can hardly believe it. I’ll give you a brief update.

On Saturday, I went to Notting Hill with two other girls. It was about a 30 minute bus ride and then two stops on the tube to get there, not bad at all.  We went shopping on Portobello Road. It was insane and I loved every minute of it, I’m definitely going back! There was so much stuff that when you approached the street and looked to either side you would see countless stands of clothes, scarves, hats, shoes, jewelry, tourist stands, antiques, food, etc. It went on for miles and miles, a little overwhelming. It felt like I was at the state fair but everyone was jammed packed together on a single narrow road.  What seemed odd to me though was that there were a few cars attempting to drive through the large crowd. I couldn’t imagine how long it took them to get to the other side.

After that, we went back on the tube into central London. I fell in love with city as soon as I walked up the stairs from the Underground Station and looked around for the first time in complete amazement. There were tons of people, lights, pubs, restaurants, Broadway signs, and big and small modern buildings, mixed in with historical ones. I felt like I was in New York with the exception of double decker buses. We walked around for almost an hour to find somewhere to get Fish n’ Chips for a decent price. Looking at the menus displayed outside of every restaurant we walked by was all pretty expensive but we were determined to find something reasonable. Finally, we saw a pub that was called “Prince of Wales” and decided to go there. My first night out I had Fish n’ Chips and it was pretty good and cheap! For dessert we went to this place called Covent Garden also in central London and got delicious crêpes. 

On Sunday, we went on a tour of Westminster, and saw Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and The London Eye. It was surreal to see it for the first time. I am excited to go to museums and learn more about Europe and its history, I find it so interesting. We also got to see Buckingham Palace, and The Clarence House. However, the royal families weren’t home and we were told that they actually are hardly ever home. I wanted to go inside the palace but it is only open for tourists when the queen is on holiday, which is August and September. Another thing I would love to see is Trooping The Colour. It’s a big parade to celebrate the Queen’s birthday. Even though her actual birthday is in April. They celebrate it in June because the weather is nicer. But that is when you would for sure get a glimpse of Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry.

On Monday, it was student night to get into this club in Richmond. So naturally all of us Americans wanted to go check it out. It was called Oceana and it was amazing! Before we could even get into the club they had five security guards to look through your coat pockets and check to see what was inside our purses, they even had medal detector. Anyway, this club I swear had at least four or five different levels with all different themes. My favorite was the ballroom that had a huge chandelier in the middle of the ceiling and then an extending loft where people could go and dance. It’s hard to explain, but I’ll take pictures next time, as I am sure we will be going again. I even liked it better than the one we went to in London called Oxygen, which pretty much was just two levels and a lot of techno music. The one we were at last night was so much bigger, but very easy to get lost in and the best part was that they played music we actually knew and liked. While at the club it was funny because as soon as these guys found out we were all American they kept chanting USA… USA! Whenever we walked by them haha.

On a side note let me add that for the most part British guys are very friendly and so polite. Every guy I have met always says, “Brittany, you’re from America…. Lovely to meet you!” The accent is adorable. However, we were warned from British girls that all the guys here are “rubbish.”

I had class this morning. It was my history class, or should I say module, called London as a Tourist Destination. It seems pretty interesting. I had to wait 15 minutes for the bus and then walk another 10 minutes to campus. I’ll have to plan better next time because I was late. However, it didn’t matter because all 20 of us were waiting there for over a half hour until we realized that the class was being taught upstairs. Tomorrow I have TV/Video Production and I’m really looking forward to it. I only have class on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays… which means I have four day weekends to travel!

My weekends are about to become very busy and I am so excited for what’s ahead in these next two months. This weekend I am going with the school and other Americans to see Stonehenge, and Bath. Next weekend I am going with a few others to Amsterdam! The last weekend in February I’m going to Scotland. The first weekend in March I’m going to Paris. And then finally Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!  I’ll have plenty of exciting things to tell you about very soon. So, stay tuned! Cheers!

-Britt  

Leaving for London…. Weather Permitting.

MINNEAPOLIS/ CHICAGO/ HEATHROW AIRPORT-

Waking up on Monday morning the weather was partly cloudy and about 40 degrees, the nicest it has been in awhile. Because of this, I was convinced that my only worry was to make sure I arrived at the airport on time, had my passport, and my suitcases be less than 50 pounds.  Unfortunately, one of them was 10 pounds over so I had to pay an extra $45... awesome.

Anyway, while Minnesota weather conditions were decent, London's was not. To my surprise they were on national news for receiving the most snow in 20 years… a grand total of 11 inches. And of course, fate would have it that this would be the day I flew out. 

After flying into Chicago we found out that all British Airway flights had been canceled. But finding out that information out was no easy task. First, we had to get our luggage at baggage claim, go up three floors, cross a skyway, and then down a flight of stairs to get on a train that would take us to terminal five, the international terminal. The picture above you can see is me all my stuff… now I know why people say to pack light. So, after going all that way it turned out that no one was working the British Airway counter. And sure enough the departure monitor to London flights for 5:05 and 9:45 both said canceled in bolded letters.  

But despite the cancellation everything worked out just fine. Two of the girls I was flying with both go to school at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee. It worked out perfectly because after we landed in Chicago we just had to drive about an hour and a half to where the campus was.

The flight to London went well, I watched four movies but didn’t sleep much, even after taking a Tylenol PM. We landed in London at 6:40 a.m. this morning (12:40 your time). Heathrow was huge! It was much harder lugging my suitcases around but I seemed to manage. We had to wait about three hours for our cab from St. Mary’s to pick us up. By that time we were all exhausted.

Our cab driver was a funny old Irish man. As soon as he found out we were Americans he asked us how we liked our President. I was anticipating that question, but didn’t think it would be asked so soon. Ironically, as he asked us he began digging for a photo album. It turned out that he had a picture taken with him and President Obama’s Grandma the night before she died. Crazy!  He kept asking us questions but we were so tried it was hard to continue the conversation. My head kept bobbing, and as soon as I was falling asleep, I was startled by the loud noise his GPS made that kept saying “In 500 yards rear right!” And of course with a British accent. 

Ten minutes after we were dropped off at the University, my host Mom came and picked me up. She is very nice. She felt so bad that my flight was canceled because of the snow. Which by the way, there was hardly any snow, it was all melting and there was more grass showing than actual snow.

The house I am staying at with another American is adorable. Best way to describe it would be like a three level flat, and a gated fence that leads to the door. I have tons of closet space, a TV, wireless Internet, and free long distance… couldn’t be happier. The house is about a 30-minute walk to campus. She has two cats, one very large dog, and two sons that are in high school.  As I was getting settled in she offered me strawberry tea and a biscuit, delicious! After we got to talking and it turned out that she loves to run as much as I do, and has great paths that she takes every morning. Hopefully soon I’ll have the energy to join her for a light “seven” mile run haha. After that she drove me back to campus for another orientation. 

Everyone in the program seems to be really nice and so excited to travel around Europe! We are already planning a trip to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day! Later on some of us walked more into the city of Twickenham. It has a lot of cobblestone roads and cute stores… the town reminds me of Harry Potter. I walked into a cell phone store called Orange haha, I’m thinking about buying a phone. It’s only five pounds, and then I’ll get a pay as you go plan. We’ll see.

Anyway this entry is getting long, but I had lots to cover in just two days! A couple things I have learned about traveling thus far… be flexible and have a plan. Oh and be prepared for that plan to not go as planned. Miss you all!

 -Britt