A Walking Tour of R-Dam

This weekend, I had no plans.  On Saturday, I had a lazy morning, I attempted to go running (despite the sun in the sky, the weather was a brisk 46' and windy...), got a nice shower, did some laundry...and finished my book (LOVED The Rules of Civility, the author has such a knack for words).  I then ran a few errands, made dinner at home, went for some wine at a bar, and  got stuck talking to an annoying guy and his friend, so Saturday, I called it in early.

But Sunday, I woke up and after a lazy breakfast, I headed out to go to church (and purchased a pair of boots along the way - hey! the low boot is really in here - and I was so out with my high boots).  And church fail.  As it so happened, the service was cancelled...so instead I went and had a late lunch, and started my own walking tour of Rotterdam.  All in all, I walked over 5 miles.  Needless to say, after the run yesterday and the walking today, my thighs are a little sore, but none worse for the wear.

Enjoy the sunny shots of my new city (in walking order)!

Witte de Wittestraat - "White with the Street"

Bike Trees!

They love architecture

Put a bird on it!

The Euromast - the highest point in Holland.

De Maas

The Erasmusburg Bridge

Love, Holland.

At the harbor

Some houses that survived the war.

Big "D" is always watching...

Some new construction.

Crossing the bridge.

Having a glass of wine at the Hotel New York.

From here to Ellis Island...

Took a water taxi back across the river.

The Inntel Hotel

"Design is a tradition not a trend."

Random Dutch sculpture

Looking down Delftsevaart to the Grote de Sint-Laurenskerk.

And home again at last - the window above "KITA".

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.