R'Dam - Week 1+

Home Cold Home - don't let it fool you, the tile is icey, and many spots are sticky...it's a crap shoot of what to touch and what not to touch :)

It has officially been over a week since I moved (well there was that one week that I was here for like 4 days, but I'm not counting that).  I currently have a temporary residence permit emblazoned in my passport (taking up a precious page...mental note - order more), I am on the way to getting a bankcard (and thus will stop mooching off of coworkers for lunch), I have full heat and power in my apartment (there was a moment when I thought I would have neither), and a European phone and phone number.

All-in-all, one could say I'm fairly settled (except for internet at home, and the lack of a comfy bed - yes, I get to sleep on either side of this "double" bed).  I know how to get home (and not just by looking for the big "COMPUTERLAND" sign on the corner), I've successfully ridden the metro and train - though success is a loose term for the train...if we call it "getting home", then yes, I have made it to my destination and back, but not without hiccups (apparently, one must wait at a certain part of the platform, as one cannot walk the length of it when a smaller train arrives...).  I know bartenders at 2 separate bars, both of whom wave as I pass, I've experienced a music festival (and met some lovely girls), and had 2 dates (no love connections, but nice to have dinner and drinks with another person - and I have a few lessons to learn as the European men waste no time in expressing or pursuing).

I had a great first weekend, I happened to find a folk band I like was playing in Rotterdam at a music festival, so I bought a ticket - it was a great event - saw a few shows, a 1-woman performance, and met a couple nice Dutch girls.  Plus, even though it was cold - it didn't rain :).

Bands (clockwise from left): Jacco Gardner, The Mister and Mississippi, Broken Brass Ensemble,
Teen, Retro Stefson, Wild Belle, Mr and MS again, The Milk Carton Kids (who I went to see).

I also saw Marble Sounds, and the performance was 7 Day Drunk, where the live performance was a re-cap of the project she did to see if she was more creative being drunk... so the experiment was to keep her drunk for 7 days...7 vodka shots in the morning?!? Yuck - the result was yes, she was more creative.

I've planned to stay in Holland all month, just to feel more settled, and not so worn out from travel, but I can definitely feel my feet wanting to take me more places.  Realizing weekends go quickly, and that I need to plan ahead for the cheapest plane tickets.  Lots to do and see, and yet wanting to feel just like I live here and am not gone every second will be my biggest challenge.  Been keeping busy enough to not feel homesick, and I love my friends who are night owls and are awake while I'm at work.  Nice to be able to chat, as I'll be offline more likely than not by the time they are to work.  All in all, I can say I'm really enjoying it to date!  Looking forward for me adventures and meeting more new people!!  Vaarwel!

European Style

Thoughts on life in Europe thus far (I figure I'm the most fresh to notice them having only been here a short time, and I'm still on high alert for differences).

The pizza and wine :) 

I apparently have taken to drinking white wine, attempting to eat Continental style (even with pizza), and have realized I am not sure it's a compliment when someone thinks I'm from the UK (but to give him a break, he's Spanish, English accents probably aren't his forte) - but most continental Europeans consider the British to be really loud (says the pot calling the kettle black - the Dutch inside and outside voices are the same).

Dutch-style sandwich - see the fried kroket?
You smash it and slather with mustard:)

I love the cultural blend I have found in my office so far (note the Spanish guy), and appreciate that everyone is willing to speak English (but often stay in Dutch, translating if they feel important).

I believe I am starting to mix up when to use my verbs and nouns, and adding in unneeded words prepositions... can I get for you another glass of wine (opposed to can I get you), I could get or would do, I have had...sorry, my American-English will probably go downhill.

View from my office

Best quiche!

And being that I really speak no other language, but only know how to say a few words in some, I get confused when saying thank you - I know I'm not supposed to say it in English, so sometimes it comes out German, sometimes French, every once in a while Russian, but still not very comfortably in Dutch.

I've also lost any gay-dar I may have possessed in the states... not to mention my ability to distinguish ages...

The Dutch are reserved, but not unfriendly, they admit they are cheap and that they walk fast.  They are competitive and direct.  They can be a bit racist, and have less PC terms than we do (well them and most of Europe, is what I'm learning...), and mostly they really are not religious-at all (some churches have apparently been turned into restaurants or bars).

Things (note NOT people related) I miss the most from home/ wish I'd brought:
1) All bathroom taps only have cold water - and it gets icey rather quick - I really miss warm water!
2) My slippers! Who knew my apartment floors would be so cold!

They love kipsate! (Chicken with peanut sauce)

3) My teddy bear... :)
4) My little slim, black travel purse - I thought, oh I'm bringing enough, I don't need that... I so could have thrown it in!
5) I wish I'd bought an iPad...taking my computer home every night or away for weekends will not be happening...and since I've discovered Cougartown in bed at night, I may have to convince a friend to visit with said iPad
6) Full use of my iPhone - the Blackberry dies before day end due to whatsapp and viber, it has a horrible map/navigation system, it freezes constantly, and the web browser is so slow to load anything!
7) Pedestrians always having the right of way!

Restauranting - Birmingham, AL

My trip to Birmingham was in 2007 when I was with Deloitte (yes, that same trip when I met Patrick Dempsey...mmmmm - and yes I realize I've used this picture before - but it doesn't get old).

I was to be there for 2 weeks (and later 3 more), and couldn't go home on the weekend. I'd listened to Greg on 94/7 (patience, there IS a point to this) every morning since they became "94/7 alternative Portland" (after that huge issue when the knrk dj's played and made fun of the guy being beheaded in 2004 - they canned the station and restarted with a much better version, that is unless you loved Linkin Park. Ironically enough, the same radio call numbers were for a 40s/50s oldies station my parents used to listen to - and won a cruise from. I think they cried when it shut down. Either way, the station has been in my life for awhile...but I've digressed).

Anyway, Greg had played a large part of my wake-up routine, with his indie alt music, minimal news, and soothing voice. I knew random things about him, like his cat's names and where he grew up! So I took a chance and sent him an email requesting suggestions. He came back with an awesome list, which I promptly wrote down (this was well before smart phones were "the thing", and when Rachael Ray's $40 a day was the best way to find out about restaurants in other cities - Birmingham wasn't on her show) and carried with me to B-Ham.

As you can see, if was well used. This was my first experience traveling alone, (my coworker was set to get there the 2nd week) and I had never eaten at restaurants by myself either! I learned quickly that sitting at bars makes you feel less awkward, and is the best way to get to know people. And (as you can see), I met a few people and had many places to go added while I was out and about.

Where I went: (and forgive me, going all Instagram on my food wasn't the thing back then - so no food pics - and I may not remember what I had! The only one that has closed on the list is the Grey House Grille)

Garage Cafe - great bar in a hidden part of town, lots of unique sculptures and statues all over (something Alia would love). Definitely the place to grab a beer! (or to meet, and have a stranger take you to the airport to pick up a coworker...haha)

Garage Cafe - entrance

Billy's

Milo's - their version of a Bob's/ In'n'Out Burger. Must get sweet tea - also my first experience with this!
Billy's - though I went on the 2nd trip - was a cool English pub!
Highlands Bar and Grill - this was one of the places I got more suggestions from and met a great couple Mandy and Mitch. We hung out for the evening, and took me to another bar. I also got a note for Greg with the menu - but never was able to meet up with him! Still have it to this day - is that creepy? I had the warm peach crostata and a peach drink. Very good!

Blue Monkey

Bottega - both the cafe for lunch and the restaurant for dinner. As Greg told me - it's the place to see old money and see people trying to get money. Great Italian food - well worth it! Of course, I went with money, and didn't have to pay for anything - go me;-), and it was the first time I've liked scallops.
Dreamland - Alabama BBQ! Complete with wonder bread on the table. Definitely a do:-) 'bama is a pork place.
Blue Monkey - really cool underground style bar with more of a hipster feel.

Fried Cookie Dough

Jackson's Bar and Bistro - in Homewood, AMAZING Cookie-Dough Egg Rolls! Nothing better than fried cookie dough!!

(not mentioned - Surin West for Thai, and La Paz for Mexican. I'm sure they were fine, but don't remember them well enough)

I know I had more, but those were the highlights. It was an unexpected treasure-trove of food, and I would say definitely go if you get the chance! (also, go to the Barber motor sports track - grand am style - no nascar-circles here! and they have a huge car museum)

Restaurant Blog - Intro

I've found through my travels, I've both given and received many restaurant suggestions. Now don't get me wrong, I love Yelp (or if you're in Winnipeg - the outdated UrbanSpoon), and have used it to find places I really like, but there's something nice when the suggestion comes from a person you know and trust (especially when it's a foodie boss!).

I've been asked multiple times about Seattle/ Portland suggestions, and while I love thinking through all the places I like/go, a few always inevitably slip through the cracks. So I've decided I should start documenting the suggestions I've received/ restaurants I like in blog form!

And the place where the suggestions first started for me - Birmingham, AL! Enjoy!  And I've finally added to this with Milan, Italy.

Club Awesome!

Wow, I've made it to 30. I can't believe I'm in my 4th decade. I've always preferred my odd-numbered birthdays (my surprise 25th thrown by Hillary, Vegas for my 27th, and a low key hike and dinner on my 29th), but as Cheri so aptly pointed out, at least there's an odd number at the beginning of this one!

And boy, was that the key;-), that and having the bestest friends ever come share it with me.

Before turning 30, I made 2 significant and permanent life changes. I bought a condo and got a tattoo;-). It was all ready be shown off in time for my friends' visit. Some flew straight from vacation, others piled up in cars and drove the Slog, and still others carved out time from their Seattle lives. I'd booked a party bus, and despite a minor "I never got confirmation, and can't get ahold of the company" freak-out, and a last minute change of venues. Sitting in traffic to head to Woodinville sounded no bueno, so on Friday I found FANTASTIC places to go to in Fremont/ Queen Anne.

A few sweet, knowing cards and gifts, a couple champagne toasts, checking in at "the drunken clam" (giggity, giggity), and we were ready to go. Seattle complied and provided blue skies and hot (88) weather.

Our first stop was Fremont Brewing, where they have an open garage style tasting room, with tables and space for kids and puppies. (gotta love Seattle's dog culture!). Had a summer ale and their wheat beer, plus lots of fun conversations, and mingling of old and new friends.

With our stomachs perfectly primed, we headed to our first "adult" stop - Fremont Mischief. Where this adoraballs little distillery was empty (getting ready for a 40th), so we had the cute staff, Jason, all to ourselves, as we tried a 2yr old whiskey, a 8yr old whiskey, an extremely flavorful, aphrodisiac-induced gin, and some smooth vodka. Yum! So much to look at, must return!

Back to the bus for some more champagne and snacks (sorry for throwing blueberries!;-) ). We were headed to another local distillery - Sound Spirits for tastes of vodkas, gins, and aquavits, and herbal liquors. They were empty when we got there. No worries about lines or waiting here. Plus, they had 2 adorable greyhounds just waiting to be petted. And I obliged. Their tour is $1, and should definitely be taken advantage of. They were such great hosts to an unexpected group of 12 people!

Plus, they told us just down the street was another distillery - so we marched down the street to Batch 206. It was our lucky day - and we had no lines again! I guess everyone was at Seafair or stuck in traffic:-). Alright, now that we had our fair share of drinks (4hrs later), we headed back to my place and chilled for a few minutes before walking to the Rabbit Hole in Belltown.

Again, couldn't have asked for better hosts! Thanks Jessica! And those applesauce shots were delicious! We had burgers, tacos, beers, jalapeño poppers, and some "Skew Ball". I was also joined by a few more lovely Seattle friends! Some hours later, I thought it would be worth it to give my favorite bar a try - and to my joy and delight- the downstairs library at Bathtub Gin & Co - was open! Marcus was a sweetie and made us shots and drunks (that was a typo, but I thought it was fitting).

And a Natalie Belltown night wouldn't be complete without a call to my favorite restaurant - Spur. I love Alexandra and Dillon, they even brought me an ice cream dessert and my friend's sang happy birthday.

Cher and Hill went to bed - and to make sure we could all have a place to sleep - thanks ladies! While others of us went to the late night Lucky Diner for some food! If you're there, get the Chocolate Stout Milkshake! It was amazing! (way better than the braised greens ;-))

The 10 that were staying with me walked home - and I learned that my 438 sq ft place will indeed sleep 10 people, if not comfortably, at least sufficiently. (and with the a/c unit on the fritz, it thankfully only got to 75 overnight)

As far as I know, there was no lunch losing, and no alcohol poisoning (though I gave my own self a run for the money). It was the best birthday celebration I've had to date.

I'm so excited to "learn from the lessons of my 20s", experience new places and things, and continue on this life journey down into the next 30-years!