tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62510378465995082032024-03-20T12:04:52.759+01:00Adam in HollandAdam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-60311800649017434662011-04-04T11:29:00.006+02:002011-04-04T11:54:41.606+02:00Exam WeekI am writing just hours prior to my first exam. It is done much differently here. We will be taking the exam with many, many other students at a convention center here in Maastricht. It each exam is three hours. Today my exam is composed of several essay questions of which I get to choose several and answer them to the best of my knowledge. The concepts tested aren't very difficult but we are expected to cite recent journal articles as references to our answers of the essays. I don't expect to take the three hours but we will see. My exam thursday is the one I think will be the most difficult but we will see.<br /><br />After having worked hard the past few weeks I have decided to go out with Heleen and Werner (maybe Gijs too, I don't know) to Doornroosje to see one of my favorite DJ's named Steve Bug. It will be a nice release of stress after the exams.<br /><br />Next week I begin my dutch course. It is two days a week for 2 hours for 7 weeks. I hope to have a much better grasp of dutch when I am finished. I also start my next module of courses the following week (April 18th.) My new courses are Supply Chain Metrics (which only has a final paper, no exam :D) and Supply Chain Research Methods.<br /><br />Here are some tracks of Steve Bug for those who are interested in it. On this playlist the second song is my favorite.<br /><br /><object height="225" width="100%"><param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fusers%2F57995&"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="225" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fusers%2F57995&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed></object><span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/stevebug">Latest tracks by stevebug</a></span>Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-68360106560865823922011-03-31T15:20:00.003+02:002011-03-31T15:28:35.637+02:00ExamsIt's been more than a month since I last updated this so I apologize. I've been busy. I visited Brugge, Belgium several weeks ago. It is a beautiful medieval city with amazing canals, towers, and churches. I went with Lieselot's younger sister Heleen. We were only there for 2 days but we had a great time.<br /><br />Since then I have been winding down this study module with several presentations and papers. Next week I have two exams, one for Supply Chain Strategy and Supply Chain Operations. The following week I have off (it's scheduled for exam resits from the previous two modules.) I don't really have any plans other than to relax and spend time outside in the great weather (hopefully.)<br /><br />That's it for now, back to studying...Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-55509924088887327982011-02-25T17:30:00.003+01:002011-02-28T13:59:09.783+01:00Busy, busy, busyHello All!<br /><br />I was reminded to update my blog by my dad as it has been a while since I posted. I have been very busy with school. This last week was a bit of a break but the week before I spent more than 25 hours in the library writing papers, preparing case studies, and making presentations. I am doing a lot of reading as well. I typically spend 2 hours reading my books per night.<br /><br />Last weekend I went to nijmegen to see a change of pace and visit Lieselot's family. I didn't do much, I just relaxed and hung out. I stayed in Maastricht this weekend to work on projects and also socialize with my fellow Supply Chain students. <br /><br />I went to Lieselot's aunt's house which is in Sint Geertruid, only 20 minutes by bus from Maasticht. Lieselot's cousin Rosa was there with her spouse Jeroen and their baby Daphne. We had dinner (cheese fondue) and played several games and generally had a great time visiting. I stayed past the time of the last bus so I stayed the night and returned saturday morning. I finished the weekend off with a healthy dose of homework.<br /><br />Next weekend I will be back in Nijmegen for a birthday of a family friend then back to Maastricht sunday for Carnival (Mardi Gras to those who don't know.) I have all of next week off so it is a nice break at an opportune time.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now.Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-57307458837473453472011-02-10T15:07:00.005+01:002011-02-10T15:27:25.426+01:00CoursesHello all!<br /><br />I have now finishing my first week of classes. I am taking Supply Chain Organization and Supply Chain Strategy. Both courses are very interesting and will both challenge me. So far the material is not what I find challenging rather it's the style of teaching. Universiteit Maastricht is a problem based learning school where every single one of their programs (including bachelor programs) are based on students teaching students in "tutorial" groups. Tutorial groups are fairly small, about 10 to 14 students, as well as one tutor who is present to give expert opinion if necessary. Tutorial sessions are made up of one to two students giving a presentation on the day's topic. In essence, these students become the experts on their particular subject, reading extra journal articles and case studies beyond the required reading so they can illustrate the topic better to the rest of the students. It is a very unique way to learn and I am enjoying it.<br /><br />This past weekend we had a going away party for Lieselot with about 15 friends and family. It was a great time to see everyone and visit. Lieselot's Aunt Hennie who lives in Sint Geertruid near Maastricht has informed me she has some work around her house that she would like me to do giving me a nice excuse to get out of the city and into the countryside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jT-mvbYZxbA/TVP0d9gyDnI/AAAAAAAAAHc/4t932Roku2Q/s1600/sint%2Bgeertruid.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jT-mvbYZxbA/TVP0d9gyDnI/AAAAAAAAAHc/4t932Roku2Q/s320/sint%2Bgeertruid.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572065959552880242" /></a><br /><br />Gemma and I took Lieselot to the airport yesterday morning (wednesday.) I had gotten a buddy pass for her through a friend at Delta and Lies was lucky enough to get first class from Amsterdam to Detroit but didn't get first from Detroit to Washington. She has booked a hostel for a few nights until she can actually look at a couple apartments she has found online and decide which one she wants. She got an e-mail tuesday night informing her that they moved her internship start date back about a week so she has a little bit more breathing room to fiind an apartment as well as to do a little bit of sight seeing.<br /><br />I have also joined a study association called 3MA. It helps students integrate into the labor market a bit more smoothly as well as many other things. You can check out the website <a href="http://www.3ma.nl/">here</a>.<br /><br /><br />No big plans this weekend really. Just relaxing in Maastricht and doing a bit of homework...<br /><br />Tot straks!Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-53766543615944521202011-01-28T15:22:00.002+01:002011-01-28T15:36:02.055+01:001.5 weeks in (or so)Well, this week has been very relaxing for me. It took me a bit longer this time to completely get over my jet lag (about 4 days total.) I thought I was in the clear friday night after returning to Nijmegen from Maastricht. However, after a very good meal cooked by Gemma (Lieselot's Mom) I dozed off in the middle of a discussion much to everyone's amusement! <br /><br />The weekend was very relaxing. We spent time walking through Nijmegen doing some shopping. Lieselot went to Breda early in the day for a brunch with her rugby team before their game (which they won.) She then returned to Maastricht that evening as she had class early monday morning. I stayed in Nijmegen during all this. On monday morning I woke up early and took the train to Schiphol (Amsterdam's airport) where I met Rebecca Baken, a fellow student from Rocky who is doing a study abroad at Radboud Universiteit in Nijmegen. We then returned to Nijmegen where she met someone from the school at the train station. She really appreciated me meeting her as she's never left the States before so I figured I could lend a helping hand.<br /><br />I then stayed in Nijmegen until wednesday afternoon when I took the train back down to Maastricht. I took care of the rest of the paperwork I needed for school thursday clearing the way for me to begin my study.<br /><br />Today (friday) Lies and I are returning to Nijmegen for a full weekend. Tomorrow Rebecca is coming to the house to have dinner to meet Lies' family. Then later tomorrow night we will be going to El, a friend of the family's, birthday. Then sunday we are going Meerlo to celebrate Lieselot's grandpa's 95th birthday. <br /><br />Well, that's it. I need to finish packing for the weekend and then head out for the train.Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-61268519766263101472011-01-17T19:31:00.002+01:002011-01-17T19:47:02.898+01:00Grad SchoolAlright, so those who haven't heard I am returning to the Netherlands for grad school. This time around I am going to try and post more frequently.<br /><br />I have been accepted to Maastricht University in Maastricht, the Netherlands. Maastricht sits in the very southern part of the Netherlands right on the Belgian border. At Maastricht University I will be getting a Masters degree in International Business. The International Business program also offers 12 "tracks" and my track will be Supply Chain Management. This is a 1 year program.<br /><br />I am writing this blog from the Seatac airport waiting for my flight to Amsterdam. Once I arrive in the Netherlands I will have about 2 weeks to get the rest of my affairs in order regarding registering for school, arranging paying for tuition, and officially applying for my residence permit. This whole process has been a bit of a whirlwind but I have been able to keep my head above the water. <br /><br />That's it for now. I plan on updating this once per week so hassle me if I begin to slack... ;)<br /><br />http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/<br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MaastrichtAdam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-81983948320787242322010-03-11T06:17:00.002+01:002010-03-11T06:20:11.398+01:00Maybe Going Back!?!?!So I have begun the application process for Universiteit Maastricht. I would like to get a masters there starting this fall. I am applying to get a Msc in International Business specializing in Supply Chain Management. I'm thinking that I would like to go to work for some type of company involved in manufacturing aviation related products be it aircraft themselves or somewhere up the supply chain from there. We'll see how it goes.Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-35524935648559263952009-10-27T17:50:00.002+01:002009-10-27T17:52:12.377+01:00UpdateSo, you all probably know I am now back in the US after what I think was my most educational and fun semester of my college career. Amsterdam and Holland in general was a blast. I enjoyed it so much that I am now working on trying to get back there when I graduate. I will post more updates here when significant steps have been taken.Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-52774753260379906942009-06-11T23:20:00.003+02:002009-06-12T00:04:58.228+02:00Emporium FestivalSo two weekends ago I went to Emporium Festival. I went with Lieselot and a group of friends that included Sara, Iris, Ton, Anneke, Janine. We all had a great time. The weather was fantastic and quite warm. The Festival had 5 or 6 stages all playing various styles of electronic music. It was great! The festival started at noon and lasted until midnight. We wandered between a couple of the stages that featured many of the DJ's we like to listen too. The event was sold out due to the amazing weather so there were around 10,000 people or so attending. Lieselot and I even met up with Inger who was an exchange student at Sandpoint High School the same time Lieselot was in Coeur d'Alene. It was great to see her! Below are a few of the pictures.<br /><br /><br />The Group - Iris, Sara, Lies. Anneke, and two random people who walked through our previous picture<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SjF790i3kDI/AAAAAAAAAGg/wbq7o7B1mF8/s1600-h/IMG_5234.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SjF790i3kDI/AAAAAAAAAGg/wbq7o7B1mF8/s320/IMG_5234.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346190534672617522" /></a><br /><br /><br />Lies and Gijs at the Lake Titicaca Stage<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SjF79j9uYOI/AAAAAAAAAGY/UYA4ba5Ij6I/s1600-h/IMG_5265.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SjF79j9uYOI/AAAAAAAAAGY/UYA4ba5Ij6I/s320/IMG_5265.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346190530221859042" /></a><br /><br /><br />The Main Stage (Called the Mask Stage) from across the lake<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SjF79ZZOpwI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/RB1efJ1zEwY/s1600-h/IMG_5268.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SjF79ZZOpwI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/RB1efJ1zEwY/s320/IMG_5268.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346190527384430338" /></a><br /><br />Iris and Lies<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SjF79HecW7I/AAAAAAAAAGI/Jp8MweJHV3g/s1600-h/IMG_5224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SjF79HecW7I/AAAAAAAAAGI/Jp8MweJHV3g/s320/IMG_5224.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346190522574461874" /></a><br /><br /><br />Lies and I (notice the sunburned faces)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SjF78-1tDhI/AAAAAAAAAGA/QEBvqHSGgOI/s1600-h/IMG_5222.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SjF78-1tDhI/AAAAAAAAAGA/QEBvqHSGgOI/s320/IMG_5222.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346190520256106002" /></a>Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-56759623494679937052009-05-18T21:26:00.001+02:002009-05-18T21:27:39.560+02:00My new suits!I almost forgot to post the pictures of my new suits that I took to Geneva. I love them!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/ShG2mSv0ivI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Pvobi3ymcNE/s1600-h/IMG_5051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/ShG2mSv0ivI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Pvobi3ymcNE/s320/IMG_5051.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337247802394446578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/ShG2mJvRmtI/AAAAAAAAAFw/6zGce-dQ9lc/s1600-h/IMG_5049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/ShG2mJvRmtI/AAAAAAAAAFw/6zGce-dQ9lc/s320/IMG_5049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337247799976237778" /></a>Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-1422674785107848482009-05-18T20:49:00.003+02:002009-05-18T20:59:05.732+02:00Ebace - Geneva, SwitzerlandThis past week I attended EBACE (European Business Aviation Convention and Expo) in Geneva, Switzerland. I had a great time. I learned a lot at the seminars and made many valuable contacts with potential employers. The convention featured about 65 static displayed aircraft, 400+ business booths, and 11,000 attendees. It was busy and exciting.<br /><br />I did also manage to get out and explore a bit of Geneva too. I visited the botanical gardens and strolled through the downtown area. It was an enjoyable week for sure.<br /><br /><br />The Dassault Booth<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFswNFlTPWC9EnHwS2fYhTlyJFjx6uK7v3a9YKFniz0TK8J6gXlnF10Znwh3dCatIb-7NBpbIfic_nXTACmUzHa1U7mQ50BK3KUJbk3QxRrhNnNqEEMy49z5mLfusROrEsUkBy0yYD7k/s1600-h/IMG_5110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFswNFlTPWC9EnHwS2fYhTlyJFjx6uK7v3a9YKFniz0TK8J6gXlnF10Znwh3dCatIb-7NBpbIfic_nXTACmUzHa1U7mQ50BK3KUJbk3QxRrhNnNqEEMy49z5mLfusROrEsUkBy0yYD7k/s320/IMG_5110.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337239638319626178" /></a><br /><br /><br />The Static Display Ramp #1<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7n8kgXKxj_HnTbTE05AcQGcsErgfEm83Q75_6mzS5zzB8Il34hhEnxZfQ-iPP3uVXIdCyc4TDJYcPdv0VxgHYaOL-1B8_urJkbPsUNJ-gqy7OLHvGwOqzLjqB9zhTvYP7RB6aPAdYnI/s1600-h/IMG_5075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7n8kgXKxj_HnTbTE05AcQGcsErgfEm83Q75_6mzS5zzB8Il34hhEnxZfQ-iPP3uVXIdCyc4TDJYcPdv0VxgHYaOL-1B8_urJkbPsUNJ-gqy7OLHvGwOqzLjqB9zhTvYP7RB6aPAdYnI/s320/IMG_5075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337239621784167858" /></a><br /><br />The Static Display Ramp #2<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2uDKtxzR1Juw-fIx3FMUthPAIRI8EUuRo9xDt4QqkcNejT4B-z3bZvRgQFYwnKqg6VOFfnthnUcidKFSLMnQUR57BR5o-UJzNFReA-Jf9cQWoKhMex3HIlJqCDC2s9SejqOb0GB41MY/s1600-h/IMG_5077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2uDKtxzR1Juw-fIx3FMUthPAIRI8EUuRo9xDt4QqkcNejT4B-z3bZvRgQFYwnKqg6VOFfnthnUcidKFSLMnQUR57BR5o-UJzNFReA-Jf9cQWoKhMex3HIlJqCDC2s9SejqOb0GB41MY/s320/IMG_5077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337239625515549554" /></a><br /><br />The Static Display Ramp #3<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YiGtmr0FZRZwjc9deJbyMwJZhwF4sWVI5ScfG1kG8BWaeN_JSZ47YaYxdKG0IjMNw7tuYTFlzy7JwqEQasQgMe56qlBDN-UT_fQ1zhIzYddgxkmgBHC0xNSkFtji588S49zix9w0T-A/s1600-h/IMG_5078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YiGtmr0FZRZwjc9deJbyMwJZhwF4sWVI5ScfG1kG8BWaeN_JSZ47YaYxdKG0IjMNw7tuYTFlzy7JwqEQasQgMe56qlBDN-UT_fQ1zhIzYddgxkmgBHC0xNSkFtji588S49zix9w0T-A/s320/IMG_5078.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337239632362814546" /></a><br /><br />The Static Display Ramp #4<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7cpTHhwE-7vSvzC1l-g0kU6Cd-m9LXn3P0JmAfu7QM3EyYUvaEax0DUfHOpb224ei_Ng74LPfMzyS6NxqdvMSq8xgag7tfnsXBXiPQ45aYTsA4JV9I_j2UBxwHoHzgjBMKfvfCwVZhU/s1600-h/IMG_5079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7cpTHhwE-7vSvzC1l-g0kU6Cd-m9LXn3P0JmAfu7QM3EyYUvaEax0DUfHOpb224ei_Ng74LPfMzyS6NxqdvMSq8xgag7tfnsXBXiPQ45aYTsA4JV9I_j2UBxwHoHzgjBMKfvfCwVZhU/s320/IMG_5079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337239635415140066" /></a>Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-28983799567517755792009-05-18T19:02:00.003+02:002009-05-18T20:49:20.292+02:00Dag van het LevensliedAlright I finally got a cord to upload pictures so I will begin with the evening before I went to Geneva which was May 10th.<br /><br />May 10th is also Mothers day in Holland (moeders dag.) In Nijmegen they have a festival called Dag van het Levenslied. This a song festival for a certain type of Dutch song that usually features mothers. It is a bit of a tongue in cheek kind of festival as the songs are a bit ridiculous and the people who sing them also.<br /><br />Here are some pictures.<br /><br />Gijs and Gemma all dressed up!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/ShGtUEMPyYI/AAAAAAAAAFA/yiXFQEornxg/s1600-h/IMG_5057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/ShGtUEMPyYI/AAAAAAAAAFA/yiXFQEornxg/s320/IMG_5057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337237593644845442" /></a><br /><br /><br />Some of the performers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/ShGtT_bDQZI/AAAAAAAAAE4/HhRGnn1bFLE/s1600-h/IMG_5062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/ShGtT_bDQZI/AAAAAAAAAE4/HhRGnn1bFLE/s320/IMG_5062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337237592364761490" /></a><br /><br /><br />More performers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/ShGtT8cDmrI/AAAAAAAAAEw/h8CFAxaA8l0/s1600-h/IMG_5052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/ShGtT8cDmrI/AAAAAAAAAEw/h8CFAxaA8l0/s320/IMG_5052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337237591563672242" /></a>Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-77919877600422325352009-04-27T21:57:00.004+02:002009-04-27T23:00:18.961+02:00WowSo it took me way too long to post on here again... so sorry everyone, but I am back.<br /><br />I have spent the last few weeks just enjoying myself, going to class, and relaxing in the beautiful weather.<br /><br />I have spent a lot of time in Nijmegen with Lieselot's family as I only have 2 classes a week. I often am in Nijmegen for a day before Lies arrives and a day after she goes back to Maastricht. I've particularly enjoyed hanging out with Gijs and Heleen when Lies has been gone. <br /><br />Unfortunately I was not able to get into a dutch class. I am, however, stepping up my study and am understanding more and more every day. Now it's just a matter of speaking it. <br /><br />This week is Koninginnedag which is Queensday, a big celebration in all of Holland. Lieselot, Heleen, and Gijs are all coming to Amsterdam to celebrate. <br /><br />This past weekend I bought 2 suits for my trip to Geneva. I am very excited to pick them up friday after they are done being altered. Check back at the end of the week to see pictures of them.<br /><br />Again, sorry for the long wait for a new post.<br /><br />The Universiteit Bibliotheek (UB for short this is the Library)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxvNQyeMdnmlgrjhf0CCZKQea3jv9IPQV1b5mc9HjCjvqPHWGiIPbfDdVpylMiCxi9C5k68-G6YSZ_DMRHPmdxMzBGLxfI4y8OlEY4ROCHcG095iKJ2kbwGUnVDjysoGDSsVBrZ04F-Y/s1600-h/IMG_5040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxvNQyeMdnmlgrjhf0CCZKQea3jv9IPQV1b5mc9HjCjvqPHWGiIPbfDdVpylMiCxi9C5k68-G6YSZ_DMRHPmdxMzBGLxfI4y8OlEY4ROCHcG095iKJ2kbwGUnVDjysoGDSsVBrZ04F-Y/s320/IMG_5040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329476398767426738" /></a><br /><br />This canal boat with bikers is how DHL delivers packages in a large part or Amsterdam.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dxXtpNEWHB_VIkdAl45OvqkC3ByR3sBDlhPyZsLBc8tLHevXYyQAtHBjl6zjiBmpySY87eVnvNT0iN1JU5ya_BPIYwdMY-DXGjjVeol_uRHi2CADQUaVZhiBKinHusbuN64YjTtgZKE/s1600-h/IMG_5039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dxXtpNEWHB_VIkdAl45OvqkC3ByR3sBDlhPyZsLBc8tLHevXYyQAtHBjl6zjiBmpySY87eVnvNT0iN1JU5ya_BPIYwdMY-DXGjjVeol_uRHi2CADQUaVZhiBKinHusbuN64YjTtgZKE/s320/IMG_5039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329476396548736818" /></a><br /><br />This is a tram coming up Leidsestraat, a busy shopping.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-1A28OHhHDltGXTaXSmB78t7jUwkee_lR5OsMVX4BX26gIiHKFTES00g9s1ZITG30-5tXkGu9Xk_63ONIiOlecKCv8YVY6vGIxYKo36U22D_ifpu5_C7XT3lZINMOfTWft80NlFwQjQ/s1600-h/IMG_5038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-1A28OHhHDltGXTaXSmB78t7jUwkee_lR5OsMVX4BX26gIiHKFTES00g9s1ZITG30-5tXkGu9Xk_63ONIiOlecKCv8YVY6vGIxYKo36U22D_ifpu5_C7XT3lZINMOfTWft80NlFwQjQ/s320/IMG_5038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329476392962420194" /></a><br /><br />The first brick building (straight in front of the Mini Cooper) is Paradiso, one of the most popular clubs in Amsterdam. Very touristy, not my favorite.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXeqI1JDW64siVD-EBQSozER_tk6ggQJGzb77gqswuV4oRGZ1Lr2FQcbDmnr0MIxNdqp5CQRV-B_UGxKnuor4l0YLPNyK3qDCttSpF07WBn98UcgaF_x9voE0tpuW5L_xcIw87zGKEBA/s1600-h/IMG_5037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXeqI1JDW64siVD-EBQSozER_tk6ggQJGzb77gqswuV4oRGZ1Lr2FQcbDmnr0MIxNdqp5CQRV-B_UGxKnuor4l0YLPNyK3qDCttSpF07WBn98UcgaF_x9voE0tpuW5L_xcIw87zGKEBA/s320/IMG_5037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329476385516822690" /></a><br /><br />This is the bike garage where I park my bike.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVe6HL5RWl4QQbtAwHSAfuUKTZrQO86mWVqeSuejScsVGc33rgQ1QihnXbJvNOaecav9_JK_oqL6NNJcZuIx9qZLwHVrJ30as1P3QfXyKFULh-pCkvCwiSYY0MPZehaJpAVWqND0tuh8/s1600-h/IMG_5036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVe6HL5RWl4QQbtAwHSAfuUKTZrQO86mWVqeSuejScsVGc33rgQ1QihnXbJvNOaecav9_JK_oqL6NNJcZuIx9qZLwHVrJ30as1P3QfXyKFULh-pCkvCwiSYY0MPZehaJpAVWqND0tuh8/s320/IMG_5036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329476381619644978" /></a>Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-78439941875071175892009-03-11T18:26:00.004+01:002009-03-13T02:29:29.521+01:00The Last 2 WeeksSo I have slipped into a routine here in Amsterdam. Going to school, writing papers and hanging out. I try not to get too stressed out since school here in Holland is a bit harder than at Rocky.<br /><br />This past weekend I traveled to Nijmegen. It was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. We celebrated Ferry's birthday on Saturday evening (Ferry is a friend of Lieselot's parents as well as a former babysitter.) It was an enjoyable evening for sure.<br /><br />This afternoon I took my camera with me when I walked to the store and took some pictures of my neighborhood since I haven't done that yet.<br /><br /><br />A few of the apartment buildings on my way to the store.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta0f4Ixws1fsZIDX01ynN_oIaiDYCuWutOtmGnnnyEDJqoSce7uWILMmiDzkLVeJlTJoe2RK0bzDu3zdYSK1cKSd0s_ZWfPVdj2L8CDszZv9C9T0yjRT61zw0l6Oj34EIWCsjWSFVs0I/s1600-h/IMG_5027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta0f4Ixws1fsZIDX01ynN_oIaiDYCuWutOtmGnnnyEDJqoSce7uWILMmiDzkLVeJlTJoe2RK0bzDu3zdYSK1cKSd0s_ZWfPVdj2L8CDszZv9C9T0yjRT61zw0l6Oj34EIWCsjWSFVs0I/s320/IMG_5027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311985407838562434" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is a theater.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25JURlxl5Ugd920Cg_2xRahbaiZqL4wH3U-98KQMd2J-6xeYa8Q2kA6VeuUDTkVv5NJ3_PjBrPriKmTSXbJICq0q9gYT3XhWHezJm9_5PG6OJj3zagsjNzaez7wL6OLSt0dtSTHbQOos/s1600-h/IMG_5028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25JURlxl5Ugd920Cg_2xRahbaiZqL4wH3U-98KQMd2J-6xeYa8Q2kA6VeuUDTkVv5NJ3_PjBrPriKmTSXbJICq0q9gYT3XhWHezJm9_5PG6OJj3zagsjNzaez7wL6OLSt0dtSTHbQOos/s320/IMG_5028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311985411999606322" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Osdorp Plein - A shopping center.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBgyBZeQ_g7S5CX5oBAoaCt5Wgt2mxfIA4m34ZB97aADu_Y3QQ6gkLQ1CqLMRJ93T2naGSNT6e3dy3UYc7FU-oYsnbOC9c3jYQTBk-trNAp_7q7ISLwrNniDiykNOphq1eA4-onOLuMw/s1600-h/IMG_5029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBgyBZeQ_g7S5CX5oBAoaCt5Wgt2mxfIA4m34ZB97aADu_Y3QQ6gkLQ1CqLMRJ93T2naGSNT6e3dy3UYc7FU-oYsnbOC9c3jYQTBk-trNAp_7q7ISLwrNniDiykNOphq1eA4-onOLuMw/s320/IMG_5029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311985412736143666" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This is a bike path looking towards the center of Amsterdam (north)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCXoSMKCrZnZRhOsyCaun_Nt52EWVpdgggUo4xJoz5LO8yzEVGTU_4bC3nFuzFGwOS009vgmRhxPcwbFmCrjcHg9I6LQuFey4jdgh-4J50huDGNhJdwpv-cZNcX2qILd7ZOK28dtD4KQ/s1600-h/IMG_5030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCXoSMKCrZnZRhOsyCaun_Nt52EWVpdgggUo4xJoz5LO8yzEVGTU_4bC3nFuzFGwOS009vgmRhxPcwbFmCrjcHg9I6LQuFey4jdgh-4J50huDGNhJdwpv-cZNcX2qILd7ZOK28dtD4KQ/s320/IMG_5030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311985414960249234" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is the area in front of my building. My building is on the left. Straight ahead is the tram stop called Louis Davidstraat.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3TU7Wb5-6Mn9DWYDlT7e-naU8tdoh5zx6Gdzm9-SJMEx40d7HXdyHSpqH3rJMZk1_q6R95pPjXLIQHNimHM3c-TdLDQb1Uc2sAuJDEHgkpgZaJ8aH_VICjSpEU7oQY3AekRmsKJ32jQ/s1600-h/IMG_5032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3TU7Wb5-6Mn9DWYDlT7e-naU8tdoh5zx6Gdzm9-SJMEx40d7HXdyHSpqH3rJMZk1_q6R95pPjXLIQHNimHM3c-TdLDQb1Uc2sAuJDEHgkpgZaJ8aH_VICjSpEU7oQY3AekRmsKJ32jQ/s320/IMG_5032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311985424592796722" /></a>Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-90193844229915625422009-02-21T16:07:00.004+01:002009-02-21T16:25:43.001+01:00Busy BusyThis past week or so has been crazy busy. I came down with a cold in the middle of last week. I still traveled to Maastricht to see Lieselot's new apartment. It is very nice but not for taller people as it is only 183cm tall. I have to be careful not to stand up too quickly or else I will hit my head.<br /><br />I spent most of this week just relaxing getting over my cold. It seems that all of Holland is sick. Lies came down with the same cold a few days after I did and many of my friends here in Amsterdam have also been sick.<br /><br />I have been riding my bike into town when I have class or when I go out. It's about a 4 mile trip one way. There have been several days when I have biked into town twice for a grand total of 16 miles!<br /><br />I went out on thursday evening with Colleen a girl who lives just down the hall from me. She goes to school at MSU in Bozeman and grew up in Spokane. What a small world! We went to a club on Rembrandt Plein called Studio 80. It was a lot of fun. Great music and a great atmosphere.<br /><br />Lieselot came up to Amsterdam yesterday evening and we went out to an improv comedy show at Boom Chicago with a group of about 10 of my friends from my introduction weekend. It was quite funny and we plan on returning sometime later on.<br /><br />Today we are going to Nijmegen to celebrate Gijs' birthday. It should be a good time.<br /><br />Anyways, I am going to try and take more photos this week and put the up on the internet for everyone.<br /><br />http://www.studio-80.nl/<br />http://www.boomchicago.nl/en/<br /><br /><br />This is a picture of a canal (gracht) that I ride along on my way to school.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0Lb3pIgTz1iB_-CUIot533qNwADNo105OxCICBqwyw5qAbVOwzA2VWknxdKflUftZOzbBfSD9BkzUDMfVL18lA1noGxXCLtzhzia_MqzIAu2YfPCrXaU79wb_ej16Mynwte8cJ_n-c4/s1600-h/IMG_5024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0Lb3pIgTz1iB_-CUIot533qNwADNo105OxCICBqwyw5qAbVOwzA2VWknxdKflUftZOzbBfSD9BkzUDMfVL18lA1noGxXCLtzhzia_MqzIAu2YfPCrXaU79wb_ej16Mynwte8cJ_n-c4/s320/IMG_5024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305271736476360786" /></a><br /><br />These are fliers from the party I went to at Studio 80<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWDYU4KNmv_efA2xhg_nBTW12_qdftJj2K8ALcHSjAYRE3Hf5gyDcE0qPSwoFGgKL2we2IBRrHjhNuMeFZUsoprSGIyaA93Qou-y6nTejy8ycAkm3zdtpDuO0hNYv7LSDHJKC7NT_DLI/s1600-h/Wknd+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWDYU4KNmv_efA2xhg_nBTW12_qdftJj2K8ALcHSjAYRE3Hf5gyDcE0qPSwoFGgKL2we2IBRrHjhNuMeFZUsoprSGIyaA93Qou-y6nTejy8ycAkm3zdtpDuO0hNYv7LSDHJKC7NT_DLI/s320/Wknd+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305271734516451842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZCy0f9epHf535lWmqCWfvT9cvJq5Iea7gFguAXee1uBr5aZfyWyQkrMBFfmGqSVn5XfwLdj-8F2I6Mp6Abbu0aAuKPerOR5C2h5RAvFhogL7ekp6J30tccPD7r0w3-vb2InsddKqZKo/s1600-h/Wknd+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZCy0f9epHf535lWmqCWfvT9cvJq5Iea7gFguAXee1uBr5aZfyWyQkrMBFfmGqSVn5XfwLdj-8F2I6Mp6Abbu0aAuKPerOR5C2h5RAvFhogL7ekp6J30tccPD7r0w3-vb2InsddKqZKo/s320/Wknd+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305271734129782258" /></a>Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-22715943604734821272009-02-09T22:24:00.003+01:002009-02-09T22:49:53.357+01:00School Has Started!Hello again!<br /><br />Sorry it has been a while since I last blogged. A lot has happened in the last week or so.<br /><br />I started classes at UvA on February 2 so I am now into my second week. My first course is called From Film-Directors to Film-Authors. We are studying and discussing what defines a film author and how a film director can become a film author. It is a very interesting class but it is also very difficult. It is 4 hours long on Monday afternoons. Each week we have to write a paper either on the history and theory of a that weeks time period or on a film director/author of the time period. It only lasts until March 16 so I won't get too burned out.<br /><br />My other class that I have now is called Narratives in Literature and Film. It is kind of a cross between a film class and an literature class as the name says. We will read 3 books/short stories. One by Hemingway, one by Henry James, and the last is the graphic novel Watchmen (the movie is coming out soon.) This class lasts the entire semester.<br /><br />I have one more class but it doesn't start until March.<br /><br />I came down with a cold last Friday and despite this I traveled to Maastricht to visit Lieselot and to see her new apartment in the city. Her room is very nice and is in a relatively quiet part of town. <br /><br />Anyways, this week I will take my camera through Amsterdam and take some pictures to show you the town I'm living in. (I had forgotten my camera in Nijmegen last week after Lieselot's Grandfathers birthday party.)<br /><br />Here are a few pictures that I took before the birthday party.<br /><br />The Bar Cat at a cafe down the street from where I have classes. He's there to keep the rodent population down.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsYdKB0GsonUbXIhSMrDMpB1BhEPoBMb-m9BqIq1QBWLSOR4bXkh9Uy1YvfPb-Fy-rBphV7F1BHY1xcrBmFIVusoVcK3iy3zkBvxW8FDK2efvtHCv5jlqWIH_xmW_pfBlrDaPyhY1ZlM/s1600-h/IMG_5019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsYdKB0GsonUbXIhSMrDMpB1BhEPoBMb-m9BqIq1QBWLSOR4bXkh9Uy1YvfPb-Fy-rBphV7F1BHY1xcrBmFIVusoVcK3iy3zkBvxW8FDK2efvtHCv5jlqWIH_xmW_pfBlrDaPyhY1ZlM/s320/IMG_5019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300917140943373922" /></a><br /><br />Just another Amsterdam Canal<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrNJQxqC63VumX0YFnZx7uMU6ILfzQ9c3YP7wJQXLhGLuLcjS_Rc45f4eBdKXnS-Wrjex_dTwr5Gi_6yEPURaNZEnukPVMqdBcVuVzYNuBWH3C3kOJYd6UUeC_MdOIJV5WN4IsqQWoT0/s1600-h/IMG_5017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrNJQxqC63VumX0YFnZx7uMU6ILfzQ9c3YP7wJQXLhGLuLcjS_Rc45f4eBdKXnS-Wrjex_dTwr5Gi_6yEPURaNZEnukPVMqdBcVuVzYNuBWH3C3kOJYd6UUeC_MdOIJV5WN4IsqQWoT0/s320/IMG_5017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300917131207039938" /></a><br /><br />The Begijnhof - A place for retired spiritual people to live. It is a beautiful and very quiet place in the heart of Amsterdam.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifqThSdJqtoY6Wby8sVfmFwxnPfhOaNDauC09Nh3fDoI-UCe0EoivXnxN2U_bHYWTqc-Zoikq4b964j1Miyofo9J_GFKXMCxL4N9c-zvfsUX5mTX29-5UqjzBIlhHWMy6hLfCEW-AYuA/s1600-h/IMG_5016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifqThSdJqtoY6Wby8sVfmFwxnPfhOaNDauC09Nh3fDoI-UCe0EoivXnxN2U_bHYWTqc-Zoikq4b964j1Miyofo9J_GFKXMCxL4N9c-zvfsUX5mTX29-5UqjzBIlhHWMy6hLfCEW-AYuA/s320/IMG_5016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300917127589298482" /></a><br /><br />The Queen's Palace (She doesn't actually live there) on Dam Square.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y9XdRkMHlIj0BzX1HKpYNIfNSyIJHMuRRSiVdpJRt5NmYuOBympP9rBcPbE-Kwc2icddZ3oR0Rmctrq8uFSIAT5dTDHmmP1OKxYAYrObK_kJAm03M6k2xDEBne1Fkg3AKQz-8DruKHk/s1600-h/IMG_5012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y9XdRkMHlIj0BzX1HKpYNIfNSyIJHMuRRSiVdpJRt5NmYuOBympP9rBcPbE-Kwc2icddZ3oR0Rmctrq8uFSIAT5dTDHmmP1OKxYAYrObK_kJAm03M6k2xDEBne1Fkg3AKQz-8DruKHk/s320/IMG_5012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300917122228058322" /></a>Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-87400103191596690022009-01-31T01:59:00.000+01:002009-01-31T02:38:04.167+01:00Intro with ISNSo I should really be going to bed right now because I am exhausted from walking around the last several days but I thought I'd throw up a blog since it may be a few days before I am able to do so again.<br /><br />Tomorrow is the last day of my introduction here in Amsterdam. It has been a whirlwind experience but a great one at that. My intro group consists of 14 other people and myself. I will name them and their countries so I can talk about them in the future without needing further explanation. There are two girls from Belgium (the Flemish speaking areas) named Nathalie and Marilyn. A french guy named Richard, a Brazilian girl named Juliana, a German girl named Eva, a British girl named Abbie, a spanish guy (Speaks Catalan) named Pol, a Turkish girl named Ceren, a girl from Singapore named Bevelin, two Canadian girls named Jen and Cathy, our two Dutch "coaches" Jasmijn and Marte who come from Gouda (yes, where the cheese is from), one other American named Lix and myself.<br /><br />We all get along very well and we have been having a great time together. It is very interesting how we all interact together being from so many different cultures and countries. We all have great fun together. I suspect we will continue to meet up occasionally during the semester to go clubbing or just sit at a nice bar (Amsterdam has so many) and just enjoy a nice cold beer.<br /><br />So far we have done some typical get to know you activities that we do in the US but we also have participated in some typical Dutch "get to know you activities." Last night we attended two borrels which are informal drinks at a bar. One was put on by the housing corporation De Key that provides most of us exchange students with a room. I was held at the club Odeon and there was an open bar that was taken full advantage of. The second one we went to immediately after the first was at the Heffer which is where the International Student Network - Amsterdam (ISN) typically has their weekly borrels. It was crowded at first but eventually became more comfortable. The borrels are held every Tuesday so I am sure you will hear more about them in the future. Several of us went to another bar for an hour or so before deciding to hit the hay. I caught the night bus (for the first time) from centraal station to my apartment without any problems.<br /><br />This morning we went on a walking tour through the city. This was awesome. I suggest anyone traveling to Amsterdam (A'dam) to take one of these free walking tours that start at the famous Dam Square.<br /><br />Next we had some dutch pannenkoeken (pancakes) with bacon in them. After this we went on a tour of the Amsterdam Historisch Museum. This is a great museum housed in a former orphanage that was in operation from the 1500's until 1975. I greatly enjoyed this museum and I plan on returning when I have more time to spend wandering and learning.<br /><br />Tomorrow we are playing sports and in the evening will be the final party at Odeon.<br />Sunday I will be traveling back to Nijmegen relatively early in the morning and then hitching a ride with Gemma to the birthday celebration of Lieselot's grandfather in Venray.<br /><br />Last but not least some pictures.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SYOqZj9QU7I/AAAAAAAAACQ/h_i0U8J-TjA/s1600-h/IMG_5009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SYOqZj9QU7I/AAAAAAAAACQ/h_i0U8J-TjA/s320/IMG_5009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297264942843450290" /></a><br />Marte (Dutch), Me, Jen (Canadian), Cathy (Canadian), and Liz (American)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SYOqZSLx9gI/AAAAAAAAACI/T7jWXTzMUCc/s1600-h/IMG_5005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SYOqZSLx9gI/AAAAAAAAACI/T7jWXTzMUCc/s320/IMG_5005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297264938072536578" /></a><br />The Dutch "coaches" dancing on the bar at De Heffer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkC0HobrHG2ywTzKf8j96FG-IG_Su8yHkcrpNAHCxBDeLv9zvY8VktmTKwrNYlWIJF0y2M7kr55PCAyU8kzrEriGZ0pW3AirBwMFDEK426JLX9bRhrs9DsNwKVmRJmU8cZw45SuIahzE/s1600-h/IMG_5000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkC0HobrHG2ywTzKf8j96FG-IG_Su8yHkcrpNAHCxBDeLv9zvY8VktmTKwrNYlWIJF0y2M7kr55PCAyU8kzrEriGZ0pW3AirBwMFDEK426JLX9bRhrs9DsNwKVmRJmU8cZw45SuIahzE/s320/IMG_5000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297264935752971842" /></a><br />Walking at night along a canal on our way to a borrel. I know it's blurry but I like the "mood" of the picture.Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-38895133258197481372009-01-28T23:52:00.000+01:002009-01-29T00:00:21.563+01:00Amsterdam!The day is finally here. I traveled to Amsterdam last night and stayed at Iris' house so I could get up early to be at an appointment this morning (Iris is a friend of Lieselot's.) At 10 I went to the international student coordinator's office to fill out paperwork for my Residence Permit as well as to set up an appointment and get the necessary introduction letter from the school to a bank so I could open a student bank account. After that meeting I walked to the bank and promptly opened an account. I then went and spent an hour filling out more paperwork to get the keys to my apartment but also to register with the city government and get a SOFI number (their version of a SS Number.) I then returned to Iris' place to retrieve my luggage then I made my way to my new apartment in the burrow of Slotervaart. The room is larger than I expected which is nice and also has internet and cable TV provided. <br /><br />My introduction put on by the International Student Network - Amsterdam begins tomorrow and continues through Saturday night. I will post pictures soon. <br /><br />I am now off to bed. I am tired and I need to get up early.Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-45718426897852830722009-01-18T16:03:00.000+01:002009-01-18T23:58:30.773+01:00My day with Gijs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kuHSpzM3nm51MzdkZ11K_CsVDCf5g2CsCZZL56muF6GQ-yj8-YncrwETN2Pys66g24gQvxxnBQ02NWDiIcgSV39x0aliJ3M1sEAQj7Ux0fa93U9jgwMf6Mrh8Be3HvYmUcuecQ6GSZU/s1600-h/IMG_4987.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kuHSpzM3nm51MzdkZ11K_CsVDCf5g2CsCZZL56muF6GQ-yj8-YncrwETN2Pys66g24gQvxxnBQ02NWDiIcgSV39x0aliJ3M1sEAQj7Ux0fa93U9jgwMf6Mrh8Be3HvYmUcuecQ6GSZU/s320/IMG_4987.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292650619202645410" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SXNFsLVXgfI/AAAAAAAAABw/t9c_T3WO0Rs/s1600-h/IMG_4998.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SXNFsLVXgfI/AAAAAAAAABw/t9c_T3WO0Rs/s320/IMG_4998.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292650612349436402" border="0"></a><br />So yesterday Lieselot had to work from 2:45 in the afternoon until about 3 in the morning. I didn't really have anything planned for the day. So Gijs invited me to go to a bar with his soccer team. What started as a trip to the bar turned into a 14.5 hour adventure that ended at a club in Nijmegen called Doornroosje. The music and atmosphere was amazing. Here are pictures and videos.<br /><br /><object width="320" height="240" ><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/503695743671" /><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/503695743671" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="240"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="320" height="240" ><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/503695758641" /><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/503695758641" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="240"></embed></object>Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-83135745207241109262009-01-15T21:51:00.000+01:002009-01-16T10:46:53.790+01:00Skating/Chilling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kroegpagina.nl/indeblauwehand/index.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.kroegpagina.nl/indeblauwehand/index.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Blaauwe Hand - Up the stairs to the right is the church called Sint Stevenskerk.<br /><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVsdRUW4lw7qJVZBjg_8GtxVM1KVH6H5BegNn5YHjSdgLDSDQdhIh7Vs0D1T8tLeWqXZRoIplVQg01rDKFgnmeBcWkx8whnrOEyuMPOR0rIcj7S4Lszcj_88iSzaQVKobZhvTkHRrjsg/s1600-h/IMG_4983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVsdRUW4lw7qJVZBjg_8GtxVM1KVH6H5BegNn5YHjSdgLDSDQdhIh7Vs0D1T8tLeWqXZRoIplVQg01rDKFgnmeBcWkx8whnrOEyuMPOR0rIcj7S4Lszcj_88iSzaQVKobZhvTkHRrjsg/s320/IMG_4983.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291638525526649058" /></a><br />Biking Back From Ice Skating Thursday<br /><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7WvRW0N6aJcLzocez0w92cqSCkwItmSu6nARI99ELduduqEBoTd0mDSC9TIJXX5IFZOBZYqUSjNay69vy2fFf8tAkSuJ8uqFT12L4BHaQoMk0oPWsH7I3DlLXFMRNU8uGHDMu8yOr7s/s1600-h/IMG_4978.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7WvRW0N6aJcLzocez0w92cqSCkwItmSu6nARI99ELduduqEBoTd0mDSC9TIJXX5IFZOBZYqUSjNay69vy2fFf8tAkSuJ8uqFT12L4BHaQoMk0oPWsH7I3DlLXFMRNU8uGHDMu8yOr7s/s320/IMG_4978.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291638518548083090" /></a><br />De Ooij<br /><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6dTSm8PhgQ-AsjwOdekBSR5gsB6GnoYtI222G3jKR9bchMkpeeKe4-lkr1bXtmQC4WFOONVk4xC8ca3FMzvVLmM-4ZZNAfeeorKSPBHFUYb8sw71wleNbWxWpOJ1xt9kSbf0I4RwtIg/s1600-h/IMG_4972.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6dTSm8PhgQ-AsjwOdekBSR5gsB6GnoYtI222G3jKR9bchMkpeeKe4-lkr1bXtmQC4WFOONVk4xC8ca3FMzvVLmM-4ZZNAfeeorKSPBHFUYb8sw71wleNbWxWpOJ1xt9kSbf0I4RwtIg/s320/IMG_4972.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291638516190881090" /></a><br />Jules and I<br /><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SW-tMPocsbI/AAAAAAAAABQ/3ZupQsxAp9o/s1600-h/IMG_4970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SW-tMPocsbI/AAAAAAAAABQ/3ZupQsxAp9o/s320/IMG_4970.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291638513049842098" /></a><br />Hannah, Jules, and Leentje<br /><br><br /><br><br />It took me a little longer to get this posted than I wanted but here it is anyways.<br /><br />Last week I stayed in Nijmegen instead of traveling down to Maastricht with Lieselot. It's the end of her semester so she is busy with projects and lots of homework. During the week I just relaxed and hung out with Heleen (aka Leen, Leentje), Gemma, and Gijs (Lieselot's sister, mom, and brother, repectively.)<br /><br />Ferry, a longtime friend and former babysitter of Lieselot and her siblings came over for dinner last monday.<br /><br />Tuesday Hannah (a family friend from near Maastricht who lives with Gemma and goes to Radboud University in Nijmegen), a friend of Hannah's named Jules, Leentje and I rode our bikes to a small lake called the Ooij which had frozen over in the cold weather to go ice skating. It was very fun. The first time I have skated on natural ice.<br /><br />We also went skating thursday afternoon. Thursday evening Gemma, Leentje, Floortje (a friend of Leen's) and I went to the Blauwe Hand which is a very nice bar. I sampled several of the quality beers they had on tap including two local beers brewed in Nijmegen's brewery De Hemel(http://www.brouwerijdehemel.nl/ned/product.htm). I had a Tiep Top and Nieuw Ligt from De Hemel. I had 2 Chimay's and a Grand Prestige made by Hertog Jan (http://www.hertogjan.nl/bier_grandprestige.html). Translater http://translate.google.com/translate_t?sl=nl#<br /><br />Wednesday I had dinner with Guus (Lieselot's dad) and Leentje at Guus' place. It was very nice.<br /><br />Friday evening Lieselot returned to Nijmegen from Maastricht.<br /><br />We all just hung out over the weekend. Lies and I did some shopping. On sunday evening we headed down to Maastricht.<br /><br />Last night Lies and I went to dinner in town and Lies went and viewed an apartment the she was interested in (she was offered the apartment and accepted.) While she was doing that I hung out at the Shamrock. An Irish bar down the street from where Lieselot was. Nice atmosphere and good beer. http://www.cafeshamrock.nl/home.htm<br /><br />We are heading back to Nijmegen tomorrow and will be visiting Robb (our former exchange student) at his home in Tiel.Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-42789049917601036012009-01-02T16:44:00.001+01:002009-01-31T18:18:30.855+01:00Oude Nieuw (New Years)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SV49bmzl6cI/AAAAAAAAABI/gDE9oN4bblU/s1600-h/IMG_4963.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SV49bmzl6cI/AAAAAAAAABI/gDE9oN4bblU/s320/IMG_4963.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286730557062244802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SV49bCDrM2I/AAAAAAAAABA/g7q-1Oh-H8g/s1600-h/IMG_4948.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SV49bCDrM2I/AAAAAAAAABA/g7q-1Oh-H8g/s320/IMG_4948.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286730547197588322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SV49awLnebI/AAAAAAAAAA4/cVmyY0N3rVQ/s1600-h/IMG_4942.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SV49awLnebI/AAAAAAAAAA4/cVmyY0N3rVQ/s320/IMG_4942.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286730542399060402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SV49ak8iGoI/AAAAAAAAAAw/4q-SPky6csQ/s1600-h/IMG_4931.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fAIvtAEOzvo/SV49ak8iGoI/AAAAAAAAAAw/4q-SPky6csQ/s320/IMG_4931.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286730539383003778" /></a><br />Oude Nieuw was leuk!! (New Years was cool!!)<br /><br />We did some grocery shopping in the early afternoon for the evening. Lieselot and I went to her dad's place for about an hour before we rode our bikes to Marij's house (Marij is a friend of Gemma, Lieselot's Mom.) We went to Marij's last year for Oude Nieuw also. Marij's 3 sons, Joes, Niels, and Rens were there as well. We did gourmetten which is a tradition for their families. Everyone has a small pan and there are many different types of meats and vegetables to choose from and each person cooks what they want. It is very good.<br /><br />We finished eating around 9pm and Lieselot's friend Anneke and her boyfriend Ton arrived around 10. At about 11:30 Niels and Lieselot started to make Olliebollen which are tradtional New Years donuts that the dutch make. They have raisins in them and are sprinkled with powdered sugar.<br /><br />At midnight we toasted with champagne then everyone gave the tradition 3 cheek kisses to one another (men shake hands with each other) and then we all went outside to wish the neighbors Gelukkig Nieuw Jaar! (Happy New Year) and to shoot off fireworks.<br /><br />At 12:45 Lieselot, Anneke, Ton, and I went to Anneke's brother's girlfriends house which was just around the corner. We visited for about 45 minutes or so and then we went back to Marij's to get ready to go to Discotheek Inferno for their new years party.<br /><br />We got to Inferno at about 2am and we met a group of Lieselot's friends. We met Janine, Piet, Sara, Iris, and Gabi out front and went in. We had a great time. The music was good and it wasn't too crowded. We left the club at around 6:15 or 6:30am and rode our bikes back to Lieselot's house. We had a bite to eat before heading to bed.<br /><br />In all we had a great time.Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-15820392653057981002008-12-30T16:37:00.000+01:002008-12-30T17:00:29.959+01:00Arrival in HollandI arrived in Holland 3 days ago. All my flights were uneventful. There were a few minor delays but nothing to cause serious problems. All my bags made it on time and were actually among the first on the belt at Schiphol. A much better situation than last time when they lost my bags for 6 months.<br /><br />We are busy here getting ready for Oude Nieuw (New Year) celebration. We will be celebrating at Gemma's friend Marij's this year just like last year. Lieselot's friend Anneke and her boyfriend Ton will also join just this year and Heleen will be in Amsterdam with friends. Later, we will head down to Inferno, the same club we went to last year. The club opens at 1am for their Oude Nieuw party. Last year was very nice. It wasn't too crowded and the music was nice.<br /><br />I hope everyone has a Happy New Year.Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-83025357864788385642008-12-11T07:51:00.000+01:002008-12-11T08:07:00.776+01:00The End of Fall SemesterI am writing this while taking a break (procrastinating) from studying for my last final for fall semester 2008 at Rocky Mountain College. It's hard to believe that I will be in Holland in such a short time. Time has traveled quickly and Holland is staring me in the face with a bright orange t-shirt on and waving it's large, red, white, and blue flag. It's hard to ignore and I seem to be thinking about next semester a lot... hmmm..... imagine that. 54 days until Spring Semester starts at UvA.Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251037846599508203.post-46652841837299784702008-10-28T18:39:00.000+01:002008-10-28T18:46:19.545+01:00Starting Up & The CountdownToday I decided it would be a great idea to start a blog so I can document my adventures in Europe next semester. I received an e-mail last Thursday instructing me to turn my class registration into the Universiteit van Amsterdam's Faculty of Humanities and the International School for Humanities and Social Sciences by the 15th of November. I will be taking classes to fulfill my general education requirements at Rocky Mountain College.<br /><br />Spring semester at UvA... 97 days away!!Adam Hammondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779026154993356481noreply@blogger.com0