Back to the U of K

See the clock tower is pretty in Bradford

Some of my last days being European were spent being "non-European" in the UK.  It's amazing what a big difference a little channel can make in defining a people.  The British are uniquely their own, and there are so many similarities between them and us, that I realize this really was where our foundation came from.  Of course, we've become a lot more politically correct/sensitive, generally our worldviews and style of business is more the same (especially compared to other countries in Europe).  And they are also the reason we're using a non-metric system :-).

My company's office is up north in West Yorkshire county, in a lovely town called Bradford.  Now Bradford is a unique and sad place.  It used to be a prosperous, textile city.  It has some really nice old buildings, and if the industry hadn't fallen drastically, perhaps people wouldn't be so down on it.  It's the best place to find Indian food, and is extremely multi-cultural.  That said, there are a lot of boarded up old pubs and shops, and in their place are "to let", pawn shops, or "Asian" fabric stores (I say that because that's what the British call people from India, yes I know, it's technically true - it just always throws me off a bit).  If you ever find yourself up north (about 3 hours by train north of London), try Leeds or York (which I've heard is really nice).  You won't feel so sad with the depressed run-down feel of Bradford.


Since I was going to be in the town for 2 weeks (yay?), on the weekend, I got to meet up with my bestie in Manchester.  A great young, hip town.  We happened to be there the weekend Manchester United was playing, but her risking her boyfriend over us going wasn't worth it (he's a Liverpool fan).  We did venture out that way to buy scarves for friends at least.

It was a fun weekend away.  On Friday night I had a date (remember me meeting people in Ostrava?) Yup, we made plans to go for dinner.  He took me to a really cool old bank converted to a restaurant, called Jamie's Italian - yes, more chainy than I normally like, but the atmosphere made up for it.  The next day, Hillary and I watched some football, went to Old Trafford stadium, and had a fantastic tapas dinner, at a place called La Vina.  That night, we had tickets to go to a reading, "There Has Possibly Been an Incident" - performed by 3 people at The Royal Exchange Theatre.  It was a really enjoyable, thought-provoking show.  Later we found some great local bars the Long Bar and the Oast House.

The next day, we had a lazy breakfast and walked around in a few shops before we parted ways - her south and me north.

It was a fun 2 weeks, and even better to get some bestie time in there, but it also meant my time in Europe was fast coming to an end.

A couple other places I ate which are worth mentioning:
The 3 Acres (near Huddersfield) - a great classic, upscale pub
The Alchemist (which has 2 locations in Manchester and 1 in Leeds) - a bar that has more flair than a typical speakeasy, but more inventive drinks than a normal bar.  Food was pretty good as well.
Red's True BBQ (in Leeds) - probably as close to American style BBQ that I've had in Europe, if you're jonesin' for America, it's worth a stop.  Service was ridiculously slow though - and the UK is typically better than the rest of the continent.

 

Princes among the Froggies

An Italian, a Frenchman, and a Dutch dude walked into the bar...Other than the question of "how is it different than home?", the most common question I get is "Meet any guys?".  Yes of course, but any that you want to know about?

I started off in Holland all open and willing to meet anyone. I had 6 months, and if I was going to meet the man of my dreams, I had better get on it.  I jumped in with both feet, and went to an expat event in Rotterdam a whole 2 days after I arrived, didn't want to waste any time, so I thought it would be a good idea. Plus, a real cutie from Germany rsvp'd (but never showed :( ).

I showed up...a lot early but quickly was in a group chatting away, no princes, but it was early.  I spotted a decently attractive guy and his friend early on, but since I was in the group, couldn't exactly make a break for it, so I just eyed him from across the room.  When I escaped for another glass of wine, I casually walked towards the table said guy was at...and started up a conversation with his friend.  Both true "froggies" (i.e., Frenchmen).  The one I thought was cute... had janky teeth (and by that some were missing).  But I had a nice conversation with the other Frog man.  And by the end of night, we'd exchanged business cards.  Sure, why not, right?

As I was heading towards the metro, I ran into an Italian who was leaving as well, we chatted a bit, but that was it.  Off I went to home, happy I made the effort.  Italy emailed me a day or so later, and asked me to dinner.  What could I lose, right?  I agreed, and we met up.  He was older than I remember... a LOT older.  Hmmm...and he had no plan on where to go for dinner, so we walked along the river... to a very touristy buffet Chinese restaurant.  Dinner was palletable, and Italy thought it was fate that we met...Italy also had a 9-yr old and wasn't that interesting.  On the walk back, it was chilly, I had my hands in my pockets, and Italy decided to put his hand in my arm nook... I felt like I was walking with a dad, and hoped that's what people thought.  He then sent me a YouTube song that he said reminded him of me...alright, wasn't sure if he meant I had a good heart or one that was solid and impenetrable.  Sorry, I wished I written the name down, because apparently the YouTube video no longer works.  Humm a song about a hard hearted woman, and I'm sure that's me!

Date 2...was with the friend of the Frenchman.  It went pretty well, we met up after his squash workout (should that have been a sign?), had some wine and a charcuterie plate, then had a beer at the local Irish bar (I've come to realize, the Irish may have not been all imperialistic, but they were more successful in making their mark all over the world...).  The date ended well, and we agreed to meet again.  This is where it all went south...of France.  He offered to show me around Den Haag.  He planned...for us to meet at 1, go to the beach, have a drink, have lunch, get a drink in Den Haag, his friend was to make dinner, and then we could go out... ummm yeah, that's a LOT much.  The night before, he checked to see what I was up to, I said I was having dinner, and he said he was going to head to Rotterdam to go out, me and my friend should join.  I asked, what friend?  He said the one I was at dinner with... umm I'm not with anyone.  He then said he would come join me.... um nope! I'm going to see you for almost the full day tomorrow, and pretty sure I'm good on my own (he later told me, he understands I am a loner... there's a first for everything).

A little wary, but excited to see something new, I went with an open mind.  Oh, did  I mention he is single with 2 kids, both by the ex that he lives with - the kids came between breakups... ok, sometimes ya do things for convenience...??????  He was a gentleman, and we had a good time.  He rode back on the train with me and made sure I got home ok, so that was good.  Then it came to pass that the next train didn't run for an hour, so I acquiesced that he could use the guest room - wouldn't I be a jerk otherwise?? At 10 the next morning, froggie finally got up, he was going to get some food, did I want anything? I said no, he pressed "don't you eat in the morning" - all I could think was, LEAVE PLEASE.  He said he would be right back...

I'm, sorry, come again? He said yeah, he was going to get... a croissant, and come back, relax, have a shower... ok?  He was starting to leave, and I was still quite stunned... who DOES that? Talk about imposing.  I was like, no, not ok.  He was like, really? I said I'm just not comfortable with having people shower in my place (not to mention, I wanted to relax and enjoy my day!).  He look at me like I'd said I wanted to bathe in shit, and was like, well, can I do my hair (really?) - so he put water on his hair and (finally) left.  On Tuesday, he wanted to get together again, but when I begged out sick, he offered to bring me soup.  No, that's ok.  I've been in Holland... a whole 10 days, we've had 2 dates... pretty sure that's crossing a boundary.  After 2 DTR emails, I thought this shit is too serious for 2 dates, and didn't respond...damn French, you pushy!

Dutchy was probably the best, but there was definitely no romantic interest.  Again with the kids, which was the ice breaker to the conversation, but at the offer to be shown around Rotterdam, I took him up on it.  He was a nice guy, took me to the lake, to a carnival (and even paid for me to shoot the archery and a gun... all I could think was, I could totally be like Katniss...), then to see where the 1st Americans set sail on the Mayflower.  It was an easy night, no pressure - maybe he had the idea he wanted more, but in the end, I just got to learn a little more about Rotterdam and see a few sights.  No harm, no foul.

Have I had any dates since, you ask? Eh, not really.  Maybe I took my shot and it didn't work out, or maybe I just am tired of trying to figure out all the different idiosyncrasies of each country (the French are pushy, the Italians and Spanish are passionate - and emotional, the Dutch are standoffish).  Sheesh, I just miss my good, old fashioned, American boys! Ok.. that is until I went to Iceland...

The Nordics - part två (or Snus-aluffagus)

If you remember, I was last tootling around in Skagen and Gothenburg (in the Nordics - part ett).  And if you guessed that I would have my toes nibbled by little fish - you would be right!

For my weekend in Copenhagen, I was actually going to be spending it with my friend Carol!  I got there the night before she did - and happened to have booked a really delightful hotel - though I have to admit I was slightly worried because before I saw the actual building I saw this sign on the corner.  I found some great places near the hotel, and had dinner and a cocktail at Kalaset.  I walked around the block after, but decided to call it an early night back at the hotel (but not after trying the "world's best gin and tonic" - well it was the largest at least...

The next morning I found another eccentric restaurant for brunch - Bankeråt Café.  And walked around looking at the sidewalk sale while I waited with baited breath for Carol's arrival.  The day turned out to be fairly lovely, and Carol took me on a walking tour all over the city (including Christiania, which does not allow pictures).

And that night, we found ourselves headed to the festival in Malmö - which was just across the sound.  We never did meet up with her friends, but we had a great time listening to music, trying snus (which was pretty hilarious and messy), and having a few beers before heading back to Denmark (much cooler going between Denmark and Sweden than crossing the border between the US and Canada).  Sunday morning, we took it easy and checked out the spa before parting ways - her back to Aarhus and me to Malmö for work the next week!

The Snusperience

Work was work, but the team was fun and we had some street food during the music festival.  I also had planned out which bands to see after work - and drug my German colleague along for most of them :).  The Avett Brothers put on another fantastic outdoor concert, I also got to see a couple Swedish bands - The Royal Concept and the Shout Out Louds, and a Welsh band, The Joy Formidable.  We also caught a bit of Flogging Molly!

My third and final Nordic country on this little excursion was Iceland (with a week of work in Paris in between - nothing super exciting happened other than getting a bit of food poisoning from the tap water...).  I met up with my friend Rick in Iceland over Labor Day weekend (he popped over from Boston, me from Paris - so worldly we are).  I pulled it together enough when we landed (as I'd gotten the tap-bug the night before...) and we went to a local pub for a beer and boy did I wish I felt better that evening (if ya catch my drift, *wink* *wink*).

pic courtesy of dishyblokes.tumblr

On Saturday, we mercifully had a lazy morning and slept in for forever.  Once we ventured out, we realized it would be more economical (and convenient) to rent a car.  So yeah, the girl without a legal driver's license drove in another country since her passenger couldn't drive a stick...not that he didn't try - sorry to that rental company!  I also learned that Blackberry maps do not recognize any roads in Iceland, so it was useless for directions (you know, cuz there are no roads in Iceland...but we did make it to the Blue Lagoon).  And we both got the upgraded packages - so you know, we could get the robes and extra face masks...We watched (and judged) lots of people, put crap all over our faces, made a new friend, and learned that Of Monsters and Men were playing that evening!  After a couple hours in the lagoon, we popped out to head to the show with our new friend in tow.  It was a BIT of a cold evening in the rain to watch a show, but it was a cool experience nevertheless.

L-Whale, C-Strawberry mousse, R-Atlantic Bass

On Sunday, we were lazy again and stuck around town - going to a local pool and The Icelandic Phallological Museum.  Which I'm not sure was worth the 1200 króna...but oh well. We met up with our new friend again for dinner that night, and Rick got his puffin (and whale, and horse - yup, we went fully Icelandic with our meal). Dinner was pretty great, and we split at that point - Rick went home and I hung out with the new friend for a couple drinks. 

I can't say that we never broke any washing machines, or yelled out car windows that we liked some guy's jumper. Nor did we see a Grindr meet up at the local pool, or put our shorts on inside out...it was such a well behaved man-hunt we were on :). I guess that's where I should continue my search for a husband (that is if I don't get enough bearded-hipsters Seattle).

The Nordics - part ett (1)

My time in Europe is fast coming to a close.  And sadly, my time in Holland has been less in the last 2 months - as my work travel was all shoved together at one time (thank you travel bans).  For the month of August, most of my time was spent in some Scandinavian country or another (with the exception of my week in France).

Following my return back from the states (it was a short 4 day trip book-ended by St. Emilion and Pride Festival in Amsterdam), I left in short order to head to Denmark.  After much debating, and some consultation with a friend who has advice for just about everything, I followed said advice and booked a night train to Skagen - he'd said the beach was the best.  I'll admit, if the weather had been sunny (as I would EXPECT in AUGUST!), I'm sure it would have been.  But with my luck, weather in Europe has been only so-so while I've been living here (and it stands to reason that the NW has had one of the best summers ever...).  And I found myself stuck in yet ANOTHER torrential downpour, this time including hail (remember Cannes and my flip flops floating away...?).

I will tell you though, don't take the night train unless you know you can check into your hotel early.  I arrived around 8:30... and they would only let me store my bag there.  I was kind of exhausted (left at 23:00, with 2 changes), but I had a lot of hours to kill.  I searched out breakfast - and then set off on the long walk to the tip of Denmark - where the Baltic Sea and the North Sea meet in a smashing sort of fashion.

I could see the thunderstorms approaching land behind me, and KNEW that the wind was blowing my direction (literally, not figuratively), and I prayed that God would hold up the rain until I reached the little restaurant.  And it did, but I decided to risk it and kept walking...guess what happened?  Yup, not 5 min after I passed by shelter the skies opened up and I was quickly drenched.  People started heading back, but I wasn't sure why - I mean, it wasn't going to let up in 5 min, and the shelter was not close...I decided to pull a Cheri, and enjoy singing in the rain ;) (ok I didn't literally, I just laughed like a maniac at the fact that I was caught in a storm with only a jean jacket as protection).

It stopped before I got to the tip (#twss), and as I wasn't looking for a man, it was nice to not care that I looked like a drowned rat :).  After my long, wet walk (#twss), I had a little brownie and Irish coffee...for lunch - I love being an adult!  I eventually got to check in, take a nap and a hot shower, and headed out for food and drinks at a local place.  They had live music, and it ended up being a fun night.  The next day, I walked around the town and fishing docks, couldn't bring myself to have any dried herring, but I did enjoy not being wet all day! (#twss, damn, I'm funny!)

 

Feels like I was able to shove a lot into that day and a half (hehehe, #twss again!) as the next day I was on a ferry across the sea to Gothenburg, Sweden.

I was there for work for the week, and I must say, the Swedes there were more attractive than the Swedes in Stockholm.  They had a music festival in the city, and we got the chance to see The Sounds...who performed horribly.  What can ya do?  Gothenburg looks like a really old industrial city. We stayed in a nice hotel, and work was reasonably enjoyable.  Best thing about all Nordic countries - is the music festivals - a free city festival, and everyone comes out for it.  A much better week experiencing Sweden than the 1st time...and I still had 1 more week to go!  On Friday we left Gothenburg, to head south.  Me to Copenhagen, and my coworker back home to Germany.  I won't try to fit this all in 1 post, you may be bored by now, but I just have a little more to go :)...will I stay dry? Will I meet any cute men? Will I get my feet eaten by fish?  Stay tuned to find out!

Some Rock and Roll cover band

The Sounds (WAY up in front)

A Ditgen Guide to Packing

Ever since I was little, I remember my dad being super efficient at packing a car trunk.  We drove a little Toyota Corolla when I was growing up, and because it was the most fuel efficient, it was often what we'd take for road trips and to see family for holidays.  And of course when we went to the families for holidays, that was a huge ordeal - lots of presents, a few days' clothes worth, food, and my dad's keyboard, stand, and speaker.  And no matter what, everything fit, and no bows were smushed (my mother is a wizz with bows btw).

When I moved to college, everything went in my parents mini van, and this trend continued on.  Btw if you want 2 expert movers, my parents make a rad pair.  My mom is efficient at cleaning and boxing up in an organized way, while my dad gets his cardio busing them and organizing them in whatever vehicle he gets to transport the goods.

Maybe it's just simply a space puzzle that is fun to figure out, or I inherited the skillz from my pops, but either way, I can pack like none other.  So without much more talking, here's what I keep in mind when I'm packing up my goods:

1. It's all about not rushing - do not do this last minute! You'll forget something, pack too many shirts and no underwear, or pack things that you never wear at home (if you don't wear it at home, you won't on vacation!!!!).
2. Always pack what you love to wear the most.  If you love it, you're more willing to wear it more than once and also know how it pairs with most of your clothes.  This is important especially if you're a moody dresser.
3. When you can't figure out what to bring - put aside what you MUST bring - count the underwear and socks and put them next to the bag.  Move to the toiletries if you are still stumped :).
4. Start with the bottom half.  I always decides what pants, shorts, or skirts to pack first.  This is the base, and you can more easily figure out the shoes and tops.  Pants don't get dirty - you can wear them more than once.
5. Of course go minimalist on shoes.  I know, curse me for that, but it's true.  They take up most of the space - even when you pack socks and underwear into them.  I prefer to puzzle them on the bottom of my bag and pack around them the extra socks, PJs, gym clothes (we'll talk about THIS one), or any other small thing that doesn't matter if it is near your shoes.  For a long weekend, a pair of heels, a good pair of walking shoes (no trainers), a pair of flats, and flip flops should suffice.  I would say the heels/walking shoes could be traded out for boots - but you'll be wearing these on the flight/ train ride.  Duh, wear the biggest shoes :)
6. Ok, the hard part is the tops.  I personally don't like to re-wear shirts, so I tend to pack something for every day.  ALWAYS roll your tops.  These little shirt sausages make good fillers for weird spaces. If it's too bulky when rolled, resort to folding as normal. 
7. Gym clothes - yes, we all think "yes, I will work out", but unless you do so every day at home or are sure you have a place to. Re-think it.  If I'm gone for more than 1 week, I'll pack them - and even then, I only take 1 pant, as many socks as will fit in the shoes, and 2 tops.  I was also blessed by a father who doesn't smell when he sweats, so yeah, I just let them air dry.  But who am I kidding, I'll only use them once anyway.... :)
8. If it's a work/personal trip, always start with what you need for work.  Pick outfits that you like and are happy to wear to dinner after work - not worrying about a second set of "play clothes" is key.  But if you must, pick "play clothes" that work for personal and with coworkers.  Yes, I will look hot in the hot pink and grey dress, but don't need to wear that around my boss.
9. Toiletries - I realize I use very few products, and I tend to just use what they have in hotel bathrooms for shampoo/conditioner.  I only pack deodorant, toothpaste/brush, face lotion and contact solution (and a mini sunscreen for THIS weekend!).  I sometimes combine makeup and jewelry into my 1qt bag, but only if I feel it's necessary.  I pick the makeup that has multiple color options and I had a lovely friend who gave me travel brushes.  I always have a spare mascara and foundation in my travel bag, I hate having to remember them last thing in the morning.  And if you don't put that toiletries bag in last and on top... I will hunt you down for making that security line take so long!!!
10. Hair - sometimes I only take a little brush, and I never travel with a hairdryer anymore.  Most everyone has one, and hotels always do.  Worst comes to worst, you throw it back anyway, right?

Below are pics and what I packed for a 9 day trip.  Luckily it's summer, so clothes are smaller, but I did have to pack for a weekend in wine country, 3 days of work, 2 days on the plane and a weekend in Amsterdam.  

Included are:
10 pairs underwear

2 pairs socks

1 pair converse (one of these pairs of shoes I'll be wearing on the plane)

1 pair orange flats

1 pair flip flops

1 pair heels

1 extra bra (I'll have the one I'm wearing)

1 bathing suit

1 pair pjs

1 work skirt (with the plan to wear twice)

1 play skirt (which is comfy and I'll happily wear on the plane - I've got a couple trans-atlantic flights, and my leggings have holes)

2 play dresses (can be worn in Bordeaux, a night with a friend in Seattle, and in Amsterdam)

2 sweaters (one or both are planned to stay in Seattle)

1 pair of jeans and 1 pair of shorts

6 tshirts/tanks/camis

1 gift shirt

And this is the bag - purchased to use for long weekends (4-5 days).

Layer the shoes and loose items on the bottom, fold and stack your pants/skirts/dresses on one side, and any rolled shirts on the other and around the loose spaces.  Some packing sites are all about the multi-fold bundle where everything is all folded around eachother - my clothes never seem to fit that.  It looks messy, but the underwears will get flattened by the jeans.

Once all the necessities are in, step back and add that last thing you may want (the cardi or an extra pair of pants).  If you know you'll shop at your destination, zip it and wiggle it to see what space is left.  If there is none, cut the extra thing.  It got in last anyway... :)

All my cords and electronics will be with my 1 personal item :).  And the bag pictured is allowed on even Ryan Air flights - though then my personal item would have to fit in this bag.  But I'll be on KLM, so 1 carryon + 1 personal item is a-ok ;)  There will be space for that last minute item, and my 3rd work outfit will be worn to work tomorrow.  I don't suppose anyone in Rotterdam will report to anyone in Seattle of my re-wearing.

Hopefully this was useful, if not, oh well, it was fun for me.

There is no Czech mix in Prague

If I left my heart in Lisbon, I left my liver in Prague.

I decided on going to Prague based on music (if you can't tell, I'm driven by 2 things when I travel - concerts and cocktails).  Damien Rice was FINALLY playing shows this summer, and I found a weekend that worked to go see him.  I was happier than a kid the night before Disneyland.  I left on a Thursday night (guess what, of course, my flight was delayed - but I did get to run into a good friend at the airport, that put a nice smile on my face - though he really should have just come with me to Prague in the first place).

I had a "Natalie schedule" for the weekend... I stayed in 4 hotels for 4 nights.  Yeah, not the best idea, but that's just the way it works sometimes.  After 1 night in Prague, I left the next morning for the Colours of Ostrava (yes, Colours is spelled that way, I'm not just trying to be annoying).  If you ever want to go to an outdoor music festival, I'd definitely recommend this one.  If I didn't want to see Prague so bad, I may have planned to stay.  But I was there for Damien alone, and booked a decent hotel close to the venue - but not close to the city centre (see there, I was trying to be annoying).  And the hotel ended up being a great choice to creepy stalk band members... no I did not camp out in front to wait for Damien to arrive/leave.

I got to the festival around 4, and I gotta say going to a music festival alone is a little weird.  I am that creepy person for sure.  But, really, if I didn't go, I would regret it.  I'd checked out a few bands I wanted to see while I waited.  There were some decent ones, and me being Natalie, of course, I'd met someone at the hotel who I'd planned to meet up with later (with the band called the Inspiral Carpets - don't let their lead picture fool you - they are old men now).  I saw 3-4 other bands, nothing super sensational, but it was a beautiful day and such a fun venue.  And of course, there was the 0.29 CZK beer...go ahead, look that up, I'll wait...I know, right?!  And imagine that my first beer I "wasted" a whole 0.89! Bah, all for a wheat.

2 pts for who can guess what song he's gonna sing...

After piddling around, chatting with my hotel friends, I headed over for prime real estate for Damien.  A few more friends were made (though I wished I hadn't, the one guy was all about singing loudly, off-key, and with the wrong lyrics...), they were still safe company to keep. The show was fantastic, I mean Damien could have played all night for all I cared.  Even though he did look a bit homeless...

Concert over, I ditched the loud singer and what proved to be a very handsy Aussie and re-found my hotel friends.  And then discovered the love of my life...Woodkid.  I still can't get over what an amazing, unreal experience that show was.  Didn't even matter that I didn't know a single song (what DID matter was that the band was residing at my hotel, and I saw them, knew they had to be a band, but not being familiar with them...I didn't get a chance to go completely nutso...poo on that).

Such a fun night, and now for the rest of the story...I had a train out of town at 6am or something to head BACK to Prague.  Guess I was in the wrong frame of mind, because I was not ready for a train beer at this hour, unlike the biker train companions...

I spent the next 2 days meandering around Prague, I gave myself the walking tour, went to the Kafka museum (WEIRD), found the Hemingway Bar (and didn't break a rule there!), wandered around the Wallenstein Palace, the Prague Castle complex, the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Jewish cemetery, and "illegally" took pictures in the Black Angel's speakeasy.

I really enjoyed this central European country/city.  It was everything I would have expected with it's Gothic architecture and industrial feel.  Some highlights of the weekend:

1. Chatting with a man on the plane, who drew me a map of the city and gave me a free train pass (and then turning him down when he offered me a ride...)
2. Of course - seeing Damien Rice play again, but finding a new favorite artist
3. Hanging out backstage with the roadies
4. The random parade of Corvettes in the midst of all the old architecture and tourists
5. Meeting an east coast Jew (who is a chef in Houston) in the Jewish Cemetery, then while looking for food, having him talk to a couple of random guys on the bench, only to get pointed towards a great, authentic Czech restaurant.
6. Being grateful my camera battery hung in there for most of the trip and taking too many pictures to reasonably fit on this blog :)