It's been awhile, oh dear blog and faithful readers. I guess that is what happens when you return to the working life. Oh how I forgot thee?!
The lack of stories for 7 months is coincidently the amount of time I have been employed in Holland. Oh where to begin... why not with what consumes 80% of my day, WORK! I was anxious to begin working in a new country and experiencing the new working culture. I love the competitiveness of the American worklife, however not feeling the pressure of working 60+ hours per week didn't sound half bad.
For the first time in my working life (11 yrs), I received a contract upon my employment. There was a 1 month probationary period, but once that was complete, I had the job (or at least the salary) for 1 year! At first, I felt weight lift from my shoulders and empowered. Then after the "honeymoon phase", I focused on the END date of my contract. I truly believe that the unknown is the most difficult state to live in; however, I do not deal well with END dates either (unless self-provoked). This doesn't mean that they will not renew my contract and as so, company policy states new employees must begin with temporary contracts (1-2 yrs).
Dutch work life is very different from my old ways. Lets chat about transportation for starters. Rather than fighting traffic in the city for a 4hr roundtrip commute, Now I only worry whether the rain will flatten my hair. That is because I ride my bike to work (10 min commute time).
I will admit that for the first 2 weeks, I was more stressed over the ride to and from work than performing at my job. Oh its been awhile and well, never, for riding a bike to work with a pencil skirt on and abiding by Dutch bike protocols. There were many failed attempts crossing the street. What I mean by that, is from the time the bike light turned green, I was unable to get enough momentum or proper start to cycle to the other side. I have never felt more eyes on me in all my life! I attempted to make it look like my failure to cross the street was due by a rude interruption from my cell phone... which was in my purse placed in the bike bag behind me. This required me to get off my bike (hence never leave point A) and speak to the ghost caller. Yah, at the time, that is what got me through my dramatic experience. We all cope in different ways.
I was now contributing to the Dutch economy as a new member of the workforce, but more tragically, I was a threat to the community (on a bike).
6 months later, bringing us to the present day, I am confident with my new indefinite work contract and more importantly, I am confident on the road. I am passing people and running red lights; all in one try!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
An Amsterdamian New Year's Eve
Going back into time is not so easy. Regretfully, it has been over 2 months since my last blog. However, I do not want to leave out important and memorable events in January and February. So let's start with January 1....
I was happy when Wietse told me that our New Year's Eve plans would take place in Amsterdam. His friends were hosting a party located near the Nieuwmarkt (location of the grandest firework display in Amsterdam).
Finding the right outfit was challenging without girlfriends and not knowing the Dutch NYE dress code. After much research (shopping in different stores and asking around), I learned that NYE is more lowkey in Holland. Drink, party, have fun, but no big arrangements with banquet halls, no silly hats, no streamers, etc. This was fine with me (except I did miss the hats and tiara's). In my opinion NYE is overpriced and overplayed. However, ringing in the New year in my New country was something not to dismiss.
I was glad I brought backup shoes (3 pairs) after walking in stiletto heels on the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam. Switched to flats. Upon arrival of the leaning historic home sitting on the canal bank (now transformed into a frat house); I arranged shoe change #3- Black leather flat boots. It was much cleaner than the fraternity houses I knew, but still a fraternity house. As well, i was the only girl for the first 3 hours.
As mentioned before, fraternities are different in Europe. I dont know how to explain it without giving an example. The fraternity boys (Wietse's friends) served homemade sushi. Um yah, delicious, but not something to expect a bunch of frat guys eating while sitting around and drinking.
The beer kegs were flowing and I was trying to keep pace with a bunch of college boys. Fatal. The conversations became easier as the drinks were flowing. By the end of the night I was fluent in the "party" Dutch language.
All 30 or more of us walked to the Nieuwmarkt square at 11:30 ready to bring in the New Year with thousands of others in the chinese neighborhood. The background was absolutley gorgeous with a little castle and mote. The fireworks were out of control and lasted for hours. People were out of control; climbing street signs, lighting smoke bombs, jumping on cars, peeing in the canal, bubbly champagne everywhere, singing, chanting....the works. At this point, I was satisfied. Then i learned, that the party Just started... Why didnt anyone warn me to pace myself?!?! Many girls and others were recruited to the party. I was still hanging with the boys. For some reason I felt the need to not only do shots with the boyz, but then to instigate them and have drinking contests. As loyal as I was to the boyz, I had more American pride than I can ever remember. Dont know where, But i happened to find an American flag, which became a new piece of my outfit (a cape). No One was allowed to touch it, as I was the Only American in the room and damn proud of it! According to Wietse, my confidence level was at an all time high once that flag was on my back. I had no shame in quoting "The Hangover" quotes to cops, going beyond the Do not Enter zone of the house (I had my own personal bathroom), and being the life of the Party. Whether it was the American flag that gave me my Super Confidence or just a matter of time for the shots and beer to catch up, it doesnt matter, because I DID hav the time of my life. Ready or not, 2010 Here i Come!
The afternoon of January 1, not so much.
I was happy when Wietse told me that our New Year's Eve plans would take place in Amsterdam. His friends were hosting a party located near the Nieuwmarkt (location of the grandest firework display in Amsterdam).
Finding the right outfit was challenging without girlfriends and not knowing the Dutch NYE dress code. After much research (shopping in different stores and asking around), I learned that NYE is more lowkey in Holland. Drink, party, have fun, but no big arrangements with banquet halls, no silly hats, no streamers, etc. This was fine with me (except I did miss the hats and tiara's). In my opinion NYE is overpriced and overplayed. However, ringing in the New year in my New country was something not to dismiss.
I was glad I brought backup shoes (3 pairs) after walking in stiletto heels on the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam. Switched to flats. Upon arrival of the leaning historic home sitting on the canal bank (now transformed into a frat house); I arranged shoe change #3- Black leather flat boots. It was much cleaner than the fraternity houses I knew, but still a fraternity house. As well, i was the only girl for the first 3 hours.
As mentioned before, fraternities are different in Europe. I dont know how to explain it without giving an example. The fraternity boys (Wietse's friends) served homemade sushi. Um yah, delicious, but not something to expect a bunch of frat guys eating while sitting around and drinking.
The beer kegs were flowing and I was trying to keep pace with a bunch of college boys. Fatal. The conversations became easier as the drinks were flowing. By the end of the night I was fluent in the "party" Dutch language.
All 30 or more of us walked to the Nieuwmarkt square at 11:30 ready to bring in the New Year with thousands of others in the chinese neighborhood. The background was absolutley gorgeous with a little castle and mote. The fireworks were out of control and lasted for hours. People were out of control; climbing street signs, lighting smoke bombs, jumping on cars, peeing in the canal, bubbly champagne everywhere, singing, chanting....the works. At this point, I was satisfied. Then i learned, that the party Just started... Why didnt anyone warn me to pace myself?!?! Many girls and others were recruited to the party. I was still hanging with the boys. For some reason I felt the need to not only do shots with the boyz, but then to instigate them and have drinking contests. As loyal as I was to the boyz, I had more American pride than I can ever remember. Dont know where, But i happened to find an American flag, which became a new piece of my outfit (a cape). No One was allowed to touch it, as I was the Only American in the room and damn proud of it! According to Wietse, my confidence level was at an all time high once that flag was on my back. I had no shame in quoting "The Hangover" quotes to cops, going beyond the Do not Enter zone of the house (I had my own personal bathroom), and being the life of the Party. Whether it was the American flag that gave me my Super Confidence or just a matter of time for the shots and beer to catch up, it doesnt matter, because I DID hav the time of my life. Ready or not, 2010 Here i Come!
The afternoon of January 1, not so much.
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