Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Yesterday I did more exploring in my new neighborhood (official move-in day is tomorrow).  On a Monday morning, it was quiet, with one exception that I did document!

There are shops that I knew about, due to all the time I spent back home exploring the area with Google Street View, and more shops that I discovered just by walking around.  The entire area reminds me of my childhood neighborhood in Providence of the 1950s and '60s - meat store, hardware store, fruit and vegetable store.  This neighborhood is little more upscale, with very high-end single family homes. but still lots of working class people from many backgrounds.  So, here's what I found:

The hardware store - my very own Amesbury Industrial Supply!

The Pharmacy....

Even a 'Guiseppe's' - takeout Italian food!

The butcher, the baker and the flower shop (no candlestick makers!)

One of the nicer amenities of the area is the Kralingse Bos - The Kralingen Woods.  It is a public park, with a lake, that was originally approved before the war, with construction completed in 1953.  Part of the area was filled with the rubble from the WWII bombings, and paved over with walking paths or landscaped.  There are a few restaurants, complete with windmills, a sailing school and a beach.  I am looking forward to exploring the 'Bos' on foot, by bike and perhaps with a swim!

Because Erasmus University is so close by (about a 20 minutes walk or a 5 minute tram ride), there are many students living in this area.  I came across this group, partying outside their apartment, on the sidewalk, with a few cases of Heineken.  I don't think the neighbors were happy (I'll hold my parties indoors!)

More exploring to do today.  Thanks for reading!  Tot ziens.