Let's Go to Malta

Before I studied abroad, I mentally made a list of all the countries I wanted to visit - Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, England, Ireland, and Spain. Since I have been here, my list has moved along in a different direction. I have seen a lot of cool places already, but when it was only a few days before Easter, my friend Heidi and I knew we wanted to go somewhere different.

Many different places crossed our minds, but when it came down to it, we wanted to go somewhere warm. Living in the Netherlands, it always seems to be cold and dreary! It's a funny thing because even on the warmest days, everyone is still wearing a jacket and scarf...but at the time we wanted to go somewhere, it was cold, windy, and raining.

After debating on Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic and so on, we decided on Malta.

Aerial view of Malta 

Malta? What is that? Where is that? Yeah trust me I was asking myself the same questions. It was the most random trip in the history of random trips, believe me. So, how did this all come about? Well we were constantly checking Ryan Air for cheap flights out of Eindhoven, NL to go anywhere! That's when Heidi said, "Malta is only 150!" Malta was the cheapest flight we came across. Shortly after, we looked for cheap hotels in Malta.

To say the least, $200 later our trip was booked. Neither of us knew what we were in for! All we knew was that we were going to leave in two days for Malta. What's in Malta? We didn't know. So, we thought that since the tickets were booked, we should probably figure out what the country is like. Turns out from the pictures we saw on the internet, it looked so pretty.

Just a few days after we booked this trip, we were on our way. Sunglasses, check. Maxi skirt, check. Sandals, check. We were ready to roll.

It was my first time flying with Ryan Air, and oh man do I hope it is my last. Flying this airline was the worst. There were too many people on one small plane. Bottom line, there is a reason why the flights are so cheap! You get what you pay for.

Apartment view - Sliema, Malta

Anyways, after we were on the plane, all settled snug on the plane, we got to Malta two hours later. It was beautiful from above, and when we got to ground level, we didn't really know what to expect. First of all, we noticed real quick that the cars are different - the steering wheel is on the other side, and everyone drives on the other side of the road. It was a bit odd, but we got used to it.

Not only were the cars and the roads different, but the buildings were different. We stayed at the Bayview Hotel. Actually, we stayed in the apartments which were right down the street from the hotel. It was a bit weird at first, but the room was really nice. We got a studio apartment with a kitchen and a big bathroom, When we finally got to our room, we looked out our window, and it made me wonder if we were really in Malta. The view isn't what either of us thought it would be like. I felt like we were in the middle east or something, just from the vibe that we were getting.

After the both of us were a little sketched out on the situation, we figured that we should go do something. We were staying there for 4 days, so we thought we would just take it easy, relax, sightsee, and enjoy our mini-vacation.

View from rooftop at the hotel

On the first full day being there, we literally did nothing. We got coffee and hung out, went up to the roof and tanned, and just enjoyed the sun! It kind of sucked because it wasn't so hot like we wanted it to be like, but the weather was so much better than the Netherlands, so there wasn't much complaining.

One thing that we realized not long after being there, was that everything was cheap! You would think that since it is a small island, that things would be a bit more expensive, but that was not the case.

When Heidi and I went to this cafe in the hotel, their prices were so low! For a cappuccino, it was only €1, and if you wanted to get something to eat, you could get any pasta with a free glass of wine! Now usually a free glass of wine means that it's going to be really gross, but this wine was pretty good, and the pasta was only €5! Now these prices were not just at the hotel, it was everywhere on the island that we went.

Comino Island, Malta

After we were bummin it at the hotel and on the rooftop, we figured we should do some touristy stuff so we can really see the country, and hopefully enjoy it a bit more. We set up two excursions, one for a boat ride to Comino island, and another for a hop-on hop-off bus tour around the southern part of Malta.

For our first excursion, we decided on doing the boat trip since it was supposed to be a nicer day. Honestly, I don't think any day would have been better. It was by far, the worst boat ride I have ever been on. The water was so rough, everyone on the boat was sick, it was such a disaster. But once we finally hit land, we were all happy to be off of that boat! And of course, once we were off the boat, the wind was whipping around like crazy, there was nothing fun about any of it.

Comino Island, Malta

Enough complaining because the view was amazing! Comino island had the bluest waters I have ever seen. The cliffs mixed with the water was outstanding! Luckily it was a little warm outside, so tanning was an option. After spending a few hours on the island, it was time to face the dreaded boat ride once more. Man I tell you, nobody wanted to get back on that boat because we were all afraid that it would be like the ride to the island. Luckily, it wasn't. I am not saying it was a smooth ride, but it was manageable.

If you decide to go to Malta in April, know this now. The weather is not as warm as you want it to be! You might be thinking the same as Heidi and I, thinking that the weather will be wonderful, and you can tan and chill on the sandy beaches, but that's not the case. There are not any sandy beaches to hang out at, and the weather is not as nice as you want it to be. So, if you think that a boat ride is a good idea, think again because it might be like what I experienced.

After the boat ride from hell was all over, we decided to take it easy for a little bit. We pretty much spent all day out at sea and on the island, so we were going to rest up for our bus tour the next day. We were quite excited for it too! I know it sounds ridiculous and like a super-tourist thing to do, but I think that if it is going to be your only time in a country, do as many things as possible to have a good time! I think that the bus tour was a great idea.

Marsaxlokk Fishing Village, Malta

We stopped at so many different places, and it was so interesting to see all the different landmarks and all the different parts of the country. Turns out, I underestimated the country. We got on the bus and started our day trip around the south. We stopped at a few different places, but one in particular that I recommend getting off at is Marsaxlokk fishing village. When you look it up on google, I guarantee that all the pictures that come up probably look similar to this picture I took.

It is strange how we can think how cool and beautiful the place looks when the only thing that makes it different is the small, colorful boats scattered in the harbor. There was a street filled with different fun little souvenirs that you can look at, and there were boats that people were working on, and many different cafes to choose from. Heidi and I actually ate lunch here at some cafe with really good prices.

Blue Grotto, Malta

Now, the waitress with the beard was a bit strange, but the food was really good! For fresh fish, it was so cheap, and drinks were really cheap as well. So, if you do go on a tour like we did, getting lunch with this view isn't too bad.

After the fishing village, we stopped at the Blue Grotto. I was so excited to stop here because I was expecting some amazing, blue grotto! Turns out it wasn't as great as I thought it was going to be. There were plenty of little shops and such, and the view was great, but there wasn't much to see. The water was not as blue as it was at Comino, but that was okay because the view was beautiful.

After the Blue Grotto, the weather turned bad and it was cold, windy, and raining. Being stuck on the rooftop of this tour bus was not fun! So, we headed back to the hotel to get warm and ready for dinner.

The food! It seems to be something I have not mentioned yet! Okay so the food was really good. Malta has a lot of Italian influences, and the food shows it. Every time you would blink, you would see either a pizzeria or just an Italian restaurant.

Everything by the way was in English in this country. Now, it isn't their main language, but everything was in English so everyone can understand what is going on. The Italian food was great. The pasta couldn't be beat, and the pizza was just as tasty. The portions are big and the prices are low. Kind of surprising again because you would think that everything is more expensive on this small island.

Other than the good food, the trip was great. It was nice to go back to the Netherlands, I will say that. It's always nice to take a break from everyday life and have a little vacation! So, next trip? Well the day after I returned to the Netherlands, I left for Copenhagen.

Un Voyage à Paris

Buildings in Paris

The world is a beautiful thing. There are so many places to go, things to see, things to do, and people to meet. But if you were to make a list of all the places you wanted to travel to, it would seem almost impossible. Factor in the flights, hotel, food, and all the other expenses, it doesn't seem logical to travel everywhere you want.

If you are a college student that wants to travel, but doesn't think they can, you are wrong. I was living on a budget back in Flagstaff, and I still do live on a budget not having a job here in the Netherlands. Despite that, I have been able to travel to some pretty cool places. One place that I can say I am honored to have gone to, is Paris, France.

First off, Paris is only about 3 hours by train. Second, be prepared to have a full wallet, because the city is expensive. But when you think about it, this could be your only time you will visit a place like Paris! I think that being here in Europe anyways makes it easy to travel. I mean, can you imagine paying for a flight from LA to Paris? Yeah you would have to save up a lot.

Walking along the Champs Elysees - Paris

When my cousin from Alaska was out, she wanted to go to Paris - her dream place. So after booking everything, we went. Since we were traveling from the Netherlands, we had to first get a train ticket from Breda to Rotterdam through NS International. Next, we got a ticket from Rotterdam to Paris Nord with Thallys. €180 later, we were on the road, and before we knew it, in Paris.

We had no idea where we were going either. We packed one backpack full of clothes, knew the name and area of our hotel, and went from there. We were pretty much like lost backpackers. We got off the train and headed to the metro. When we got off the metro at one stop, we were breathless.

We had no idea where we were going, all we knew is that we needed to find the Eiffel Tower, and walk towards that. Turns out, it was a pretty good idea. We walked about an hour and half and saw so much that we didn't even know! We walked past the Institut de France, Musee d'Orsay, Musee de l'armee, and then finally saw the Eiffel Tower.

It was kind of strange to think that we were actually in Paris. I know it sounds ridiculous, but when you think of a place you have always wanted to go, and then you see that you are right there in person, it gives you this surreal feeling.

After we finally found our hotel, we set the bags down, and quickly realized that hotel rooms in Paris are not big and grand like you might expect them to be. Nope. Pretty much if you are a heavier set person, I wish you the best of luck. To explain how small the room was, think of two twin beds next to each other, and a desk on one side. Now just add walls. It was tiny!

The Eiffel Tower - Paris

Despite the small size of the room, we got it for a good price in the perfect location. For only $113 a night we were staying right by the Eiffel Tower. Can't beat that! So, with that being said, if the size of the room isn't a big deal, I can recommend Hotel Derby Eiffel. It was clean, the staff was nice, and it was in a great spot.

Now, since my cousin and I were only in Paris for two nights, we were rushing with everything. Unfortunately we did not have any time to go to any museums, so it was just looking at the surroundings, and moving along. Luckily, we were able to see a lot when we first arrived to Paris, but on our first night, we took a night tour that we saw in a brochure in the hotel lobby.

The night tour was pretty cool, but a bit pricy for what we got; it was €62 for 2 hours driving around Paris, looking at all the sights, and listening to some French guy talk about the history of the city and what-not. It was cool don't get me wrong, but I wish we were able to get out and take pictures of all the different places. We had to sit in the car the whole time and just drive past all these historical landmarks. Would I recommend it? Probably not. If you can search around and find a tour that lets you get out and see all the buildings and take pictures, and is cheaper...do that.

Disneyland Paris Castle - Paris

Speaking of places to recommend, if you have been to Disneyland in California, I say you skip out on
Disneyland Paris. (As wonderful as it sounds, this Disneyland was NOT the happiest place on Earth).

My cousin and I were so excited for Disneyland Paris! To see all the rides, experience how different things were and everything. We got there when the park opened at 10, and by the time it was 2pm, we were disappointed. No Mickey pretzels, not a lot of rides, it wasn't that great. For one park ticket it cost €62, which is cheaper than going to Disneyland in California, but I guess you get what you pay for. It was a bummer actually, because I was so excited to see the castle (best part by the way), and I was so excited to get a Mickey pretzel and go on the rides! By the end of the day, I had wished I spent the money to be at the real Disneyland.

We were expecting so much while we were there, but Space Mountain was closed, the Haunted Mansion was closed, Indiana Jones was an outdoor roller coaster, Pirates of the Caribbean was out of order - it was not what we were used to.

And to finish my rant of how I didn't like the Disneyland, it was cold! Raining, windy and cold. Now, my rant is over.

Despite Disneyland being a bust, it was a fun day. We ended up going to Rainforest Cafe after and spending way too much on a decent meal, and then we made our way in the rain back to the city.

The next morning, my cousin and I woke up and realized that today was the day we were headed back to the Netherlands. I recommend to anyone who wants to go to Paris, stay for at least a week. There is so much to see and do while you are in the romantic city. There are plenty of museums to go around, and so much history with every step you take.

Here are some things that I was able to do, and recommend you do for your quick (or longer stay) trip to Paris:

Me at the 2nd level of Eiffel Tower - Paris

• Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The view is breathtaking! If you have ever been to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle, WA, then you will be amazed at the view from atop the Eiffel Tower. For just €15,50 you get an elevator ride to the top and get to stop at the different levels. The line might be a bit long to get tickets, but the view is worth it. 

• Walk along the Champs Elysees. There are so many fancy shops that you probably didn't even know existed! Walking along the street you see everything from Tiffany & Co. (guys...hint hint) to a Mercedes dealership. After you have walked the long street filled with shops and beautiful buildings, you have reached your destination - the Arc de Triumph.

• See the Eiffel Tower at night. After a long day of walking around and doing all the necessary sight seeing, there is no better way to end your day than to see the Eiffel Tower lit up. Every hour for 15 minutes or so, the Eiffel Tower will "bubble" to represent champagne. It really is a sight to see, and if you are there with your significant other, I can guarantee that it will be a romantic evening. 

All the sweets!! - Paris

• You are in Paris, so you have to get a baguette and macaroons! The bread in Paris always seems to be better there than anywhere else. I think it's all in our heads because when it comes to bread, it all tastes similar. Whether you get the baguette from your local grocery store, or a Patisserie in Paris, it's bound to taste the same. But you are in Paris! You have to get a baguette! They are pretty cheap, so find a Patisserie somewhere and grab it to go. Now macaroons on the other hand can be found at a bakery - usually in the window somewhere grabbing your every bit of attention. Those damn things seem to stare at you in the window with their expensive prices and say "but, I am from Paris! €6 each isn't bad!" You can find them for cheaper than that in some places, but just give into those delicious little things because you never know, you may be in Paris only once!

Bottom line, going to Paris is not cheap. You need to save up a bit, and you need to bring your best walking shoes. Paris is the city of romance! Yeah every girl's dream is to be proposed right in front of the Eiffel Tower, but hey, just being there can be a tear jerker in itself. 

My advice for your trip to Paris, don't do everything last minute. My cousin's trip to visit me was very last minute, and we booked the hotel in Paris a week before she came out...even worse, we bought our train tickets the day before we left! If you are somewhere, like the Netherlands, I recommend you put a lot of thought into where your next destination will be, and make sure you buy tickets ahead of time. You don't want to be in a situation like me where your wallet is crying for help because you are the dummy that forgot to buy tickets beforehand. But if you can go, do it. Paris is waiting.

A Day in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, NL

Amsterdam. There are songs about it, plenty of pictures of it, but nothing really beats being there. The full experience of walking around and seeing all the bridges, the smell of weed, and the sight of prostitutes standing around in the Red Light District. Yep, nothing beats that.

Now, I think what I really enjoyed about the city was seeing all the buildings, all the boats, and walking around to see what there is. And what there was enough of, was tourists. I mean, I can't say that my cousin and I were not tourists, but there were so many of them!

I will say this, despite all the tourists, and the large amount of people walking around lost and confused, the city is beautiful. The buildings are like no other, and it's so crazy to think you are there sometimes! Of course, when me and my cousin went, it was cold, windy, and raining. Just our luck, right? But sometimes you forget the cold wind and the annoying rain, and can't help but enjoy the beauty of the city.

Lotta and I in front of the Sex Museum, Amsterdam

My cousin came out from Alaska to visit, and I wanted to make sure that she was able to see as much as possible as it was her first time in Europe. So, we went to Amsterdam. We first met up with my friend and roommate Lotta, who then was our tour guide of the city pretty much. We started out our Amsterdam journey at the Sex Museum. All I can say about that place is you have to have an open mind, and not be with your parents.

But besides seeing that, we walked around the city and went and saw the Red Light District. It is crazy to think that a place like that actually exists! Think of Las Vegas with all the strippers and such all around, but worse. There were ladies sitting in windows and there were signs for live shows. I really don't have any words to describe it! But it is interesting to see that a street like that is legal.

Flower Market - Amsterdam

Other than the Red Light District, the city is gorgeous. We walked to this flower market and it was crazy how many flowers and flower seeds there were. I knew already that the Netherlands has a giant collection of tulips in the spring time, but seeing it first hand is amazing. The funny part, is that the flowers are so cheap! Usually you can go to Safeway or Albertsons and get a bouquet of flowers for like what, $20? Here, you can get a bigger and better bouquet of flowers for like €6! It is things like this that bring a smile to your face.

I Amsterdam letters - Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

But after the flower market, we walked around to find the Rijksmuseum. If there is one thing I can say about it, is that it was gorgeous. I didn't go inside because the line was probably close to 3 hours long just to buy your ticket, but I walked around it to see the I Amsterdam letters. If there weren't so many dang people walking around then I probably would have been able to get a better picture with the letters.

Now if there is anything I have mentioned multiple times in this post, it would be the tourists. Amsterdam is a huge destination for international travelers. Unfortunately, all these travelers seem to make the city seem not so wonderful. Living in Breda, there are never any tourists, so it is quiet, peaceful, and the city holds its true beauty and history. Walking around Amsterdam, there are so many groups of people with cameras and shopping bags filled with souvenirs, that it makes you feel like people don't actually live there. Well, they do.

After the Rijksmuseum, we walked to what is known as "the pipe". The pipe is where all of the locals live, and you know what, it feels a bit better over there too. Near the area, there was a giant farmers market on one of the streets. People were selling everything from fresh fish, to flowers, to clothes. It was cool to walk around because there were locals buying their groceries there, and of course, the cheese. There was cheese everywhere.

By the time we walked all around the city, we were hungry. Lotta was telling us about different places that she ate at while in Amsterdam, but we wanted to try something different. We had plenty of typical Dutch food, and raw haring wasn't sounding too yummy, so we found this small Italian Restaurant called Ciao Bella.

Walking inside, it was cute and cozy, but very small. We ordered our tea's and pastas, and when it came to the table, it seems like we devoured the plate before the waitress could set it down! For only €8 I got this tasty tortellini porcini with mushrooms. I definitely recommend this dish if you happen to stumble upon this small place on Prinsengracht.

You know, sometimes a good time can be ruined with bad weather and a large amount of tourists, but I think that if you really set out to find the areas where the locals are, then your time will be spent better off. Go off the beaten path. Try something new. And take a visit to Amsterdam if you are ever in the neighborhood, it really is a beautiful city.

If Euros Grew on Trees...

Right now I seem to start all of my sentences with "back in the states", and by the time I have to leave the Netherlands, I will be starting all my sentences with "back in Breda". The struggle is real. But what is even more real is the struggle for money around here!

Back in the states, I was an actual citizen who was able to get a job and work full time on top of being a student; thats when I was working for the news station. It was pretty darn nice to get that paycheck every other Friday. I saved up very penny I possibly could for this trip. And now that I am about 2 months in, I sometimes wish I had a job here! Saving money can be a bit rough sometimes. 

Before you go to study abroad, make sure that you have a new credit/debit card with you. And when I say new, I mean, one that actually works in Europe. That is one thing that I definitely didn't think about before I came overseas, and I regret my decision a bit. Everywhere in Europe takes cards with chips in them, so when you pay for something, you don't slide your card, you put it in the pin pad. I know it sounds confusing.

So, whatever bank you have, make sure you get a new one ahead a time. If not, then you will be in the situation I am in - paying extra for everything. If you don't have a credit/debit card that works, then you will be paying fee's for each ATM use to take out money. And since your card won't work here, you have to constantly take out money. It can be a real drag. Luckily for me, my dad is bringing my new card out in April when we meet up in Copenhagen.

I am the type of person who stresses all the time about money. I am constantly thinking "how will I ever pay off college", and "what happens when I run out of money here in Breda?" Better yet, I worry about the possibility of not getting a job when I graduate. When it all comes down to it, I keep telling myself not to stress. I am in this beautiful country, and may never come back! But if you are in a crunch and need to save a penny or two while abroad, here are some tips that can help you.

• Don't go out so much! I know it is tempting to go out with your friends and have a good time at the bars or whatever, but try not to go out so much. Restaurants can get a bit pricy. Try and limit yourself to going out once or twice a week.
• Split the tab. If you do go out, which is totally okay, then split the bill with your friends. I know that every time me and my girlfriends go out, we always split the tab and share meals. It makes things cheaper, but we still have a good time out. 
• Cook at home. Go to the grocery store at the beginning of the week, and get all the things you need. And make a list! I have a tendency to make a list, but get things that are not even on the list. So, make a list and stick to the list. Get things you only really need for that week. 
• Know where to get the cheap tickets. If you are like me, and here to travel, then you probably are traveling on a budget. Well, if you are studying abroad in Europe, go to ryanair.com. This website will save you so much money when traveling. You can find plane tickets for as low as €10! No joke. So plan your travels ahead of time, and get the right deal.
• Walk or ride a bike. Back at home I was so used to driving my car everywhere, so when I came here, walking or riding a bike was something I really didn't want to do. Taking a bus around here in Breda costs €3,50 one way, and €5,50 for a day pass. It can be pretty expensive when you think about it! Especially since it is even more expensive when converted to American dollars. Nothing here is actually "far". I walk 25 minutes each way to school. If you chose to get a bike, that works too! It saves you money, and lets you enjoy the beauty of the city you live in.
• Taking the train? Get an OV-Chip Card. You can actually use the chip-card for trains and busses around the Netherlands here, and they save you money as well. I know that because I am an exchange student and here for only 6 months, I can't get it free (usually the school will pay for it), but I can buy one for €7,50 and then add money on the card; but it still saves me money!

Living on a budget isn't easy, especially when you are in another country and want to do and see everything. Sometimes I forget that I have American dollars in my bank account. I start getting in this zone where I know everything as euros, even though I call them bucks. 

Oh, and one more thing that I didn't put on the list, but goes out to all the girls...stay away from Primark. It is the devil. It sucks you into it's doors and lures you in with all their low prices and amazing fashion pieces. Luckily there isn't one here in Breda (if there were then I would be broke by now), but there is one in Eindhoven which is just about a 30 minute train ride away. If you are trying to save your money, then ladies, I suggest you stay away from Pirmark. 

Food, Windmills, and Picturesque Sunsets

Oceanside, Volendam, NL

Oh the Netherlands. Sometimes this country never ceases to amaze me! Especially when it comes to certain things, like little Dutch Villages! So, how did this become today's wonderful topic? Well, one of my classmates, Mimi, told me about this "traditional Dutch village right outside of Amsterdam". The second I heard her say that, I said, "let's go!" And so we did.

Amy, Mimi and I took the train to Amsterdam, and when we finally got there, I was so amazed at
how cool it was! And we were just at the train station. After searching for the bus platform, we took the bus to Volendam. It was about a 30 minute bus ride, and after we go there, we walked to where everything was, which was by the ocean. It was gorgeous. The way the air felt, and the smell of fresh fish being sold by the pier, oh, and the smell of the waffles. I swear if I closed my eyes, it would seem like I was in Seattle again.

Kroket, zalmsalade & zalm met gebakken ei

The only downside to this little adventure, was that it was freezing cold. And when I say that, I mean it. It was so cold and so windy, all we did was complain. After picture time by the water and the complaining was over, we walked around. I feel like we did everything while we were there. We went and had our pictures taken in traditional Dutch costumes, bought a little wooden clog keychain as a souvenir, went to the cheese factory and ate as much free cheese as possible, got our hands on some delicious poffertjes, and sat down for a nice lunch.

We ate at Restaurant de Dijk and Amy and I immediately ordered Chocomel (Dutch hot chocolate). I was feeling in the Dutchy kind of mood, so I decided I was going to order a traditional Volendam lunch. This is something I actually would recommend to someone, but you have to like salmon! This dish consists of a kroket, salmon paste type stuff, with raw salmon and an egg, all served on your choice of white of wheat bread. I thought it was the perfect dish when sitting and looking out the window to see the ocean.

Windmill, Zaanse Schans, NL

Next on our to-do list was to head back to Amsterdam to catch a train to Zaanse Schans, which is just 15 minutes north of Amsterdam. Now, if you want to see some windmills and giant clogs, this is the place to be. It was beautiful! Now remember, it was also freezing cold, so on top of trying to forget about how cold we were and trying to ignore the smell of something from the nearby factories, we were here to enjoy the views.

After we crossed the bridge, there was this area that looked like its own town inside this town. There were small houses with really pretty yards, tiny little stores, and bridges crossing over the water at every turn you made. It was like a fairytale! We also saw the very first Albert Heijn grocery store there. Turns out it was a house, and it started back in the 1800s. So it's not that old, but it was old enough to grab my attention!

Sunset, Zaanse Schans, NL

Anyways, so we walked around and looked at all the cool shops that were closed and what-not, and then Mimi led us to this watchtower. Now, it just so happened to be that we got there right when the sun was setting, so the view was perfect. We looked out into the near distance to see the windmills, the orange sun with the colored sky, and...well look at the picture and see for yourself! It was such a peaceful view, and it makes you wish you could look out your window and see that everyday!

It was a sight to see that is for sure. So, if you are ever just cruising around the Netherlands and have time to spare while you are in Amsterdam, I suggest you take a trip to Volendam and Zaanse Schans. You will not be disappointed when you see the breathtaking view of the windmills, or feel the cool ocean breeze with a hint of fishy sweetness on the coast.

Cramming for Exams - Get Rid of Stress!

A lot of my friends here in Breda are getting ready for exams this block. Me on the other hand, has no exams at all. My biggest worries in life right now is if I will get a coffee in the morning, or if I have to spend a day watching Netflix. I guess you can say that I am lucky…but a part of me feels bad for my friends that are constantly stressing!

I have been in that situation, don’t get me wrong. Cramming for exams in one week while trying to balance your social life, it can be rough. But sometimes I feel for my friends who are trying to get all these assignments turned in last minute, while trying to prepare for their exams. I have been there for them, and have helped them along the way.

It is actually kind of funny because I am the only American here, and so all my friends in the building come to me to look over their english and make sure that their grammar is correct. I guess it was actually worth something to pay attention in English class all those years.

So as my friends are coming to me to look over their assignments, I understand the stress! I try doing things with them to try and relieve the stress. So, if you are in one of these situations, I have come up with a list of options that you can do to try and relieve some of that stress of preparing for exams.

Take a break. Sometimes you can be so caught up in trying to get things done, that you forget to give yourself a break! Some good ways of taking breaks can include:

Tulips in Breda, NL

• Go for a walk. It’s starting to turn into Spring, so get out and enjoy the glorious weather!

• Go to lunch with friends. I have a favorite place here in Breda, Bagels and Beans. I come here all the time that the baristas know me! But I like to take my friends here because they also enjoy it. Sipping a hot cappuccino with a pastry can make you feel just a bit better.

• Window shop. Now you don’t have to buy anything, but I know that taking my friends on a walk around the block and walking in a few stores can take your mind away from all that paperwork. 

• Take time to make dinner with your friends. I actually do this a lot with my friend Heidi. There will be times where she is so busy with work, and I will say, “hey lets make dinner”. After two hours of hanging out and laughing, she feels better about getting the work done!

• Don’t wait until last minute. Procrastination is everyone’s best friend around exam time, but it’s one thing you must avoid! There have been countless times I have waited until the last minute to finish an assignment or study for an exam. It sucks! So avoid procrastination by starting on things early.

Now I know some of these may be cliche for stress relievers, but I honestly think that dealing with stress while your abroad is different than when you are back at home. When you are abroad, your mind constantly wonders and you start feeling different emotions. For instance, when I first got here, I was so stressed because I wanted to leave. Now that the stress is gone and I have found how to keep myself busy and be happy, I no longer worry.

I know for my friend Lotta, she is always stressed about the fieldwork she has to do, and all the assignments that follow. The fact that she is in another country stresses her out as well. She doesn’t want to be here and isn’t enjoying her time because she is so stressed! If you are suffering from more than just stress from exams, try these tips.

My friends and I taking a road trip to Eindhoven, NL

• Take a trip. Sometimes when you leave your comfort zone and go explore somewhere new, you get so excited to go that it gives you that drive to finish your work, or get as much done as possible, and finish it later. They don’t have to be big, expensive trips either. A day trip to Amsterdam or Antwerpen can sometimes do the trick. 

• Go see a movie. Where I live, the theatre is right down the street, like a 15 minute walk. If you don’t want to be all cooped up in your room watching Netflix on your computer as your school work is viciously staring at you, grab a friend or two and see a movie! 

• Plan a night out. I know that the Dutch love to go out and party and have fun, so there are always busy bars and clubs in City Centre. Plan a night out with your girlfriends! Just going out for a drink or two, get all dressed up, and ready to have fun can make everyone happy!

  

  My first time on a bike here in the Netherlands

• Do something different. When I came to the Netherlands, I was pretty skeptical on some things that they did. It was different, and I didn’t like different. Now, when my friends are stressing out or having a bad day, I will say something like, “want to go try the food from the wall?” or “let’s go to that museum down the street”. Doing something different gives you that adrenaline rush that you need to get your mind off that dreaded schoolwork. 

• Sometimes it’s the little things that matter. Being the person in the middle of everyone else who is stressed from school, I try and cheer them up any way I can. And sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. My friends Heidi and Lotta are from Finland, so sometimes I go and talk with them, and then start speaking Finnish with them! They find it hilarious, and laughter is the best medicine. 

I don’t want to sound like some commercial, but if you or a friend is suffering from stress of school, being abroad, or both, help them! Ever since I came to the Netherlands, I have looked at life a completely different way. Instead of being grouchy and negative a majority of the time, I have been positive and cheerful, ready to make each day great. 

Say good-bye to stress, and say hello to happiness! 

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Spring!

Oh spring, my favorite season. Why? Well back in Flagstaff I loved seeing all the colors come back to life on the trees, and the flowers begin to bloom. I'm not in Flagstaff anymore. Being in Europe and experiencing spring is so fantastic! I got here at the end of January, so it was always cold, and it would snow, rain, hail, you name it! But now that it is March, it's warming up, and there isn't as much rain; which makes me happy!

There are a few things that make me so excited about spring:

• No more jackets!! Just being able to wear a pair of capris with some cute heels and a short sleeve shirt makes things all the better.
• The sun is out! The Netherlands is a beautiful country, but being able to see it with the sun shining is nice! You don't feel so depressed, and you get your vitamin D! 
• The idea of sitting outside at a cafe table sipping a delicious cappuccino with some Dutch snacks. Pure perfection.
• Tulips. There isn't much to say there! But the Netherlands apparently gets covered with them in the spring! So a trip somewhere to see the tulips and windmills will be happening very soon.

Enjoying a Rosebrier outside in Breda City Centre

Don't get me wrong, I love Flagstaff and I love the snow, but you can't go wrong with warm air and sunshine! There is just something about the sun being out and people walking around that makes me happy! I just love life when it's like this! Now I know it is only March, but the fact that it is warming up makes me happy.

Sunday's are usually lazy days for everyone here in Breda; but today has definitely been an exception! I woke up around 8am and looked out the window to see that there were no cars in the parking lot. Come 11am, the lot was filled! So it isn't just me that wants to get some sunshine.

And if you think that you can go to Grote Markt or somewhere in City Centre and grab a table no problem, you are wrong! Heidi and I walked around for a solid 25 minutes trying to find somewhere to sit when we found a small bench outside in the cafe area to sit. People are serious about being outside!

So if there is anything that I learned about the sun, it's that the dutch will sit out in the sun all day and not give up their seat at a cafe for anyone. I mean, you really can't blame them! The fact that there has been sunshine all day and no rain is like a miracle! Yeah it is a bit breezy, but it sure isn't scaring any of us away.

And if there is one thing that I learned about today, it would be that when the temperature is supposed to be 63°F and no clouds, you take full advantage of it. Start your day early! If you don't have any plans, make plans to go and enjoy the day!

Spring may be just getting started, but I can say all of us here in Breda are ready for it! Bring on the warm weather!!