Language School in Amsterdam

After being silenced for 1 too many days in Holland, I decided that I needed to learn the language at a faster pace. I was on a mission to voice my opinion once again in my new homeland. How can one enjoy themselves without the ability to frequent bars discussing current events? Most people tend to revert back to their native language when discussing these controversial and intriguing topics. Until then, I will feel repressed.

If money were not an issue, I would be at an old convent for 2 weeks in Southern Holland. Its a place where people from all over Europe and the world go, to learn a language within a couple of weeks. It is legitimate and costs 3,000 Euros per week ($4500). The concept of the program is, once you step foot on the grounds, you say goodbye to your native language. If your mind has no choice but to learn something (to survive), then you will learn. Wietse and I chose the more civilized route and implemented 2 hours per day of Dutch speaking.

To nourish my ache for city life again and to localize onself, I signed up for a Dutch course in Amsterdam. At first, I hoped and expected to be placed into the second level with my "Rosetto stone experience". However, the test on the phone proved me wrong. In fact, hindsight proves this to be a favor. When the interviewer asked me in Dutch If I played tennis and was any good, My response was, "Ik ben vies." or I am bad at playing tennis or so I thought.... What it really means is, I am dirty - as dirty in a not so pleasant way; the Girls Gone Wild kind of way. The director of the school felt it was his duty to spare me future embarassment. Beginner 1 was my fate and saviour.

My new school consisted of 6 students cramped in a tiny ''apartment looking'' place in Amsterdam centrum. The first time I walked up the narrow and steep set of stairs with red lights glaring in my eyes, the thought crossed my mind that this wasnt a school after all. haha, the red lights were a joke. But dont worry Mom and Dad, ít was a language school and nothing else. One Brazillian, Mexican, Italian, Indonesian, Irishman, American, Dutch teacher and 8 classes later, we were Beginner 1 graduates.

I did feel I had the advantage. Why; you may ask? No, not because I am a Pica (well I am sure that plays in there somewhere). BUT instead, I had english as my mother language and 2, I had a private tutor that I saw weekly. This is the first time I have felt like the "priveleged student". And damn, it feels lekker (nice)! Speaking 2 hours of Dutch a day, classes in Amsterdam 2 times a week, Wednesday mornings with 1 on 1 tutoring, and 30 labeled sticky notes (placed on objects within the house) later, I am on my way to liberation! Beginner 2 course starts October 27th, Stay tuned.

Before then, my fellow international colleagues and I drank to our new home and language! My class composed of 4 girls; all with Dutch boyfriends and 2 men; seeking free-spirited women. We went to a bar within the neighborhood, which is also a couple steps away from the Ann Frank Huis. We all reminisced about class and shared our stories. It was interesting to hear the Brazilian and Mexican girl talk about how they think the Dutch people work too much. I invited them to America. It was amusing as the tables have turned in the relationship of Wietse and I. I am now the face of a foreigner. I dont know, I still think he plays the role better in his pink underwear. What do you think?!