Much overdue update

I've been neglecting my posting obligations, but now that I'm in the apartment I should begin to make up for that. Yes, you heard correctly, I am now officially residing in my new apartment (as of Sunday). I have no furniture aside from a few bar stools and I'll be sleeping on the floor for a while. I've been making many, many trips to Ikea trying to piece together some basic essentials until my stuff arrives on the 20th (ugh). To give some idea of how much I've been splurging on temporary items to get me by, I shall read selected entries from my receipt: 2 pillows@65cents, 1 blanket@5euro, block of knives@2euro, 6 glasses@2.50euro, silverware for 4@2euro. This list really just keeps going. Sleeping on the floor is not the best, but a laundry duffel makes a pretty decent pillow. Today I learned that my alcohol and tobacco ration has essentially been doubled. At this price, you almost can't afford to not drink and smoke. But, I wonder if they are secretly trying to kill me off.

Random fact of the day: That tram line running through my apartment? It's the way the trams go back to their little tram-house...all at once, after midnight. But that's ok, they all leave again around 6am.

Pictures to come.

Weekend Update

This past weekend was my first real weekend here in the Netherlands. Saturday was spent walking in the rain getting a feel for neighborhoods and going shopping. Sunday I took a very leisurely drive up through Wassenaar, by Valkenburg, up along the country lanes to Katwijk. From there it was along the dunes to Noordwijk and further along to Zandvoort. I did drive by the track and it really looks nice, though I'm concerned about traffic for big races. Continued on along the coast all the way up to IJmuiden. All together it took about three hours to get there; yes, I took three hours to drive to IJmuiden, and it was fun. When I got to IJmuiden, I walked the dunes a bit and watch the land sailing thingys in the distance. I really need to try that! Sorry, no pictures, I didn't feel inspired enough.

Apartments

Well, I did it, I put an offer on a very nice apartment today. I should hear back in a day or two if they're willing to take my price. But, this means I could be moving out of the hotel at the end of next week. All very exciting.

One Week and Counting

It's been one week since the start of my little adventure. I'm settling into work and into the city. The apartment search is going as well as can be expected. I've seen enough places that I should be able to make a decision and all I have to do is pick what feels right. Next week is a three day week and the start of a five day weeekend. These people must really be into Easter. If I had a place to live, I could get an Easter tree and put it up. As it is, I'm not all that excited about having a holiday because I won't be able to plan for it in time.

So apparently I look anything but dutch...

At least that's the best explanation I have for why everyone automatically addresses me in english when they first see me.

Hunting apartments today, wish me luck.

And so the adventure begins...