Settling In

Some things are easy and others are hard, some things are different and other things are the same.  Transportation overall is easy (once you've mastered the 'check-in/check-out' requirement!), the language is easy (lots of English), but instructions and directions, not so easy.  Bicycling on a bike that feels so far from the ground is not easy either!  That will take some getting used to.

The beer is abundant and the food is pretty good.  I'll have to watch my intake of delicious breads, butter and cheeses or I won't be recognizable when I come back in a year. Museums are wonderful - the van Gogh was crowded but worth the trip, and the Rembrandt house was very interesting, even though they devoted a lot of exhibition space to Hansen, the "tragic" elephant.  (look it up - there's not enough room to explain Hansen here...)

It was very hard to say good-bye to my sister - my friend and travel companion for my first week here.  She did "drop me off at school" as promised and I dropped her off at the airport today.    She kept me going, calmed me down and always made me laugh.  I miss her terribly already.

And who knew that "Tymon" could be a first name?  Well, it is here.  We found an artist named Tymon de Laat who is a 'visual artist and muralist' here in Rotterdam.  I am looking forward to seeing his murals around town.

On to the next adventure.  There is an "Alternative Opera" festival happening this week in Rotterdam and I am going to an event tonight and to more events tomorrow.  Tot ziens - until next time!