Day 108 of 364 - Sun 11/20: Trip #7 -- Paris

Word of the day:   Tuin    (Garden)

Leaving Paris :( but before doing so we headed to Versailles. Again, another gorgeous, above average temps for this time of year day!!! (We have been soooo lucky with our travel weather since getting here in August)


Versailles is a suburb of Paris, some 20 kilometres southwest of the French capital. The court of Versailles was the centre of political power in France from 1682, when Louis XIV moved from Paris, until the royal family was forced to return to the capital in October 1789 after the beginning of the French Revolution. Versailles is therefore famous not only as a building, but as a symbol of the system of absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime.


We went to the Chateau de Versailles and just walked the grounds soaking up the sun and taking in the scenery and people watched! We even saw a family of 5 running with their small kids... I am talking they must have been between the ages of 5-10 at most, and they were running! ... Farther than I usually care to run. I couldn't believe it.

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 107 of 364 - Sat 11/19: Trip #7 -- Paris

Word of the day:   Vogelperspectief    (Birds eye view)

It's gonna be another crisp, yet sunny Fall day here in Paris!! Today started out with one of Steve's and my favorite activities when touring cities.... riding the hop on/off bus! It is such an easy way to see everything and really get a feel for the layout of the city. We chose to sit up top, so of course when driving without a roof it can be a bit chilly, but we were prepared! (Steve later put on a hat)

Steve told me I looked like a movie star... I think more Polish Pollak! 

Steve later put on a hat

After our morning round on the bus, it was off to the Eiffle Tower for lunch and some up close views! Lunch was delicious at Le Jules Verne, and offered some wonderful bird's eye views of the city!
(Note: we did not make it all the way to the top, but hope to do so when we return with some of our visiting guests.)

Then it was back to the bus to let our multi-course meal settle! Followed by some more hopping on and off, and then a lot more walking later that evening. Paris is such a great place to just walk and take in the scenes! Another trip I think we walked well over 5 miles on!

It was another late night dinner- more French Onion soup!!! bruschetta, glass of champagne and a bottle of wine. I think both Steve and I agreed that tonight's soup at Carmine's was our preferred between last night and tonight, but don't get me wrong both were delicious!

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 106 of 364 - Fri 11/18: Trip #7 -- Paris

Word of the day:   Toren    (Tower)

In the car on our way to Paris! It is about a 4hr drive, so we left around 10am. Once there we checked into our hotel, which was about 4 blocks from the Eiffel Tower, so of course that was our first stop once we ventured out. As mentioned in yesterday's entry the weather this weekend was going to be nice... today- sun and in the mid-50s...perfect for walking around! Well, we didn't actually go to or in the Eiffel Tower bc we have plans for that tomorrow, but we did manage to take a picture as we walked by it.

We continued our walk around the city, over the Seine River and into the Louvre part of town. We stopped for a drink and some appetizers, and then headed to the Louvre for their evening hours. Yes, I saw the Mona Lisa, and I can't believe how many panes of glass are in front of it! Most people when they see it are surprised at how small it is, but I thought it was about right, maybe just a tad bit smaller than expected??

After the Louvre we walked a bit more along the river and headed back toward the Eiffel Tower. It is definitely sooooo pretty at night! And there I went snapping away with my camera. Though I should note, it seems to be partially broke now and the flash isn't working on all settings at night.. urgh! Of all the places it would decide to break... urgh! (Hopefully I have been a good enough girl this year and Santa will bring me a new one :) )


After the tower we were a bit hungry and headed to a restaurant by our hotel for some French Onion soup... Yum!!!


Honestly, I couldn't get enough of the tower!!! And I can't wait to order another picture canvas, definitely will be getting one of the tower for my collection of travels canvases.

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 105 of 364 - Thur 11/17: Getting Ready

Word of the day:   Wasgoed    (Laundry)

Doing laundry and getting packed up for another weekend trip to.... PARIS! I can't wait, and we are expecting above average temps and sun for the weekend!

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 104 of 364 - Wed 11/16: Got Nothing

Word of the day:   Niets    (Nothing)

I've got nothing. Stayed home all day and didn't venture out anywhere.

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 103 of 364 - Tues 11/15: Only Tuesday?!?

Word of the day:   Typisch    (Typical)

Another typical week day... working out, grocery shopping, few hours of work, making dinner and watching some tv before bed.

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 102 of 364 - Mon 11/14: Ikea Again

Word of the day:   Overwinteren    (Hibernate)

Now that the weather is starting to get cooler there will be less exploration on my part, and more hibernation!
So weekday blogs may become a bit more boring than they already are... sorry! 

Went back to Ikea and purchased a new area rug for our living room, bc the other one was so old and matted looking that I couldn't take it any longer! My new find was pretty cheap, and I am much happier now!

Today is also my sister Amy's Bday! Happy Bday!! Sorry we couldn't be there to celebrate with you.<3ya xoxo

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 101 of 364 - Sun 11/13: DIY projects continue

Word of the day:   Schilderij    (Painting)

Today was another overall lazy Sunday following another of our date nights. We had gone to dinner at Barsserie Appart, which was delicious, and followed it up with a stop in a local bar for a couple more drinks.

Per this past week's entries I continued with my DIY projects around the place and painted the back of this plain, boring, light colored wood. Just enough to give a little color to the oh so stark white of this place.

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 100 of 364 - Sat 11/12: Guest writer: Steve & his take...

Word of the day:   Schoorsteenveger    (Chimney Sweep)

Today marks another day for Dutch celebration! It is a slightly different take on kicking off the holiday season than in the US (i.e. Macy's parade) Here they have a guy called Sinterklaas that comes by boat "from Spain" and seems to do a quick sweep (appearance) of the town to check-in with the kids and give them one last reminder to be good. Though this same man is allowed to kick, use branches to lash children, AND if they were really bad he can put them into his sack and take them back to Spain with him. Hmmm, right?!?!

Well now let's have Steve share his thoughts, or rather of others...

“It is not racist!”

That’s what my co-workers told me when I showed them one of my videos of Sinterklaas (aka St. Nicholas) parading through the streets of Maastricht.  Usually I tell people that the cultural differences between the Netherlands and the United States are quite small.  However, Sinterklass happens to be one of the larger ones.  Simply watch this video:

 Yes,  that is a bunch of grown men and children dressed up in blackface.  They are playing the part of Zwarte Piet (which translates to “Black Peter”) who according to Wikipedia:

“is a servant of Sinterklaas, usually an adolescent in blackface with black curly hair, dressed up like a 17th century page in a colourful dress, often with a lace collar, and donning a feathered cap.  Sinterklaas and his Black Pete usually carry a bag which contains candy for nice children and a roe, a chimney sweep's broom made of willow branches, used to spank naughty children. Some of the older Sinterklaas songs make mention of naughty children being put in the bag and being taken back to Spain.”

My co-workers defend the blackface by saying “its  because they climb down sooty chimneys”.  I reply with: “oh yeah?  Why are his clothes so clean?!?!?"  No response.

Here is a humorous take by the comedian David Sedaris that a friend passed along:
YOU MUST WATCH THIS (IF YOU WANT A LAUGH!!!) sorry there are 3 links to the video-- in total it will take you 15mins to watch, but pretty funny!

Part 1:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbJpRLhaSqs
Part 2:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU1D1HKTDCY
Part 3:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g17Pl7MFMco

Till next time...
Sarah & Steve

Day 99 of 364 - Fri 11/11: Carnival Season?

Word of the day:   Seks op Brand    (Sex on Fire)

Here in the Netherlands the Dutch like to get an early, early start on the "Carnival Season". (I have always thought of Carnival to be closer to Easter, Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday and the NCAA basketball tournament!) Their Carnival season begins each year on November 11 at 11:11am, and this year was even more special since it started precisely on 11/11/11 at 11:11am!! We were told by a few different people that this was an event not to miss! People dress up, drink, and...    I guess the celebration varies by each town, but many also pick a "king" or "prince" to represent the town. I am unsure of what this person then does, and if this position is solely based on popularity or what, if they have duties for the day, week or year??? No one was able to confirm further when inquired upon.

So Kim, Jacob and I headed for the Vrijthof square to get in on the action! (Steve was still in-flight back from the U.S.)

To give you a sense of really what this was like, I would compare this to such events in the US as the lighting of the xmas tree in a city, celebrating St. Patrick's day, and Halloween. It is just a "reason" to celebrate and get drunk. I am glad we walked over to check it out, and maybe I would have been a bit more into it had I gone with the mindset of getting drunk??

It was interesting to see the different costumes people wore, people having such pride in their community and the local acts that entertained! ... even heard Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon in Dutch.

If you can make more sense of what this event actually is, be my guest and let me and let all the dutch people know! Bc honestly I think they too would be interested in the answer :)
http://www.de11devande11de.nl/home

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 98 of 364 - Thur 11/10: Who needs a maid?!?

Phrase of the day:   Van boven naar beneden    (Top to Bottom)

Who needs a maid when you have me?!?! Today I spent majority of my day cleaning this place top to bottom. I even did the windows inside and out! Man were they DIRTY! Yuck!! Then it was time to relax.. tomorrow Steve comes home... I can't wait!!

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 97 of 364 - Wed 11/9: White Walls

Word of the day:   Wit Murren    (White Walls)

Continuing on my decorating kick while Steve is gone! It definitely keeps me busy and is something I enjoy, just wish I had that endless supply of money to go along with it. When I first got here I told myself that I wasn't going to decorate and spend a ton of money on things to do so, but when you sit somewhere most of your days one can go a little psychotic starring at white walls all day!  And you saw the wierd duck picture I shared with you a few days back, so now imagine the rest!!!

So off to Ikea I went! And I must say the place is now looking much more home-y, comfortable and inviting!

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 96 of 364 - Tues 11/8: MNF

Phrase of the day:   Laat avond of vroege ochtend     (Late night or Early morning) 

It was a super EARLY start to the day... The Bears were on Monday Night Football back in the states so that meant a 2:30am Tuesday start time for me. I made it the entire game, and then hit the hay at 6:30am. Good thing I didn't have to be anywhere the next day!

Till next time...
Sarah 

Day 95 of 364 - Mon 11/7: The Holidays are Upon Us

Word of the day:   Decoraties    (Decorations)

Today I decided to be one of those crazy people who starts decorating for the Christmas season before Thanksgiving is even here. I have never done this before, and wouldn't if in the states, but you also have to remember they don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Europe so there are no decorations for it. So all that is really available at all stores is xmas decor. 

I thought coming here I was not going to decorate this place, but it is really starting to get to me. All the white walls, lack of decor and now all the gray days that I see thru the windows. So I have decided that I need to spice up the place a bit! I am planning a few projects for the week that will be good throughout the year, and a few others just for the holiday/Winter season.

I mean, I did just recently share the picture of the ducks!! So I will leave the rest to your imagination :)

Till next time...

Sarah

Day 94 of 364 - Sun 11/6: Home Alone

Word of the day:   Alleen   (Alone)

:(   Steve left for Minnesota today, and will be gone till Friday, so not sure what I am going to do with myself all week?? :(  ... Ahhh who am I kidding? Of course I am going to miss him TONS, but I do enjoy the time I get to myself as well. So this week will probably involve me shopping, crafting, watching chick flicks, catching up on my chick tv shows, cleaning and work. Before I know it Friday will be here and Steve will be back :)

So yes, today was filled with me pretty much sitting/laying on my couch with the tv on ALL day long. (The DVR is now almost empty) I then ended my day with a MUCH needed phone call to Miss Jill Daly! So nice catching up.

Till next time...

Sarah

Day 93 of 364 - Sat 11/5: Futbol

Word of the day:   Futbol/ Voetbal   (Soccer)

Tonight Steve and I went with one of his co-workers, and his friend who happens to be a U.S. exchange student studying here in Maastricht, to a professional soccer game in Rotterdam. Steve had been to a European game while he studied/worked in Ireland during his MBA, but this was my first game. 

It was definitely a little different than I was expecting, and by that I mean it wasn't "beefed-up" like professional sports in the U.S. Now I don't know how much these players make, but we are definitely paying our professionals' salaries (of course we know this already.) But I will say it seemed kind of lackluster for being a professional game without beer and food being served in mass quantities, and without large screens to watch replays on. It was a good time, though the Rotterdam team who we were supposed to be cheering for lost 1-0.

                 

 

Till next time...

Sarah

Day 92 of 364 - Fri 11/4: TGIF

Word of the day:   Lang    (Long)

This week has been quite and long week and I am exhausted and ready for the weekend! I think Steve is too!

So it is another night staying in and watching tv/movies! TGIF!!!

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 91 of 364 - Thurs 11/3: 3 months!!!

Word of the day:   Realiteit    (Reality)

I have made it 91 days.. Take that Kim Kardashian! You couldn't do that. Ha!!  

1. Can you believe it has been 3 months already? ... crazy!

2. Now I love listening to the news and radio shows in the US but this week is getting ridiculous! They are all spending waaayyyyy too much time on this Kardashian divorce thing, just as am I now... Ugh! I mean really, who thought it was going to last?!?

Just like Kate Gosselin, The Kardashians 15mins should now be up!! (and on the DL... I used to somewhat like them.... hmmm)

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 90 of 364 - Wed 11/2: It's getting Scary!

Word of the day:     Bomen      (Trees)

Kim and I walked around the city today and noticed they are trimming all the trees and is now scary looking!
I will be sure to stay home once it gets dark... Ha!!

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 89 of 364 - Tues 11/1: Other Expats

Word of the day:   Buiten    (Outside)

Today we met for drinks after work with the guys who used to live in our apartment last year. One of the guys also works at Steve's company and liked it here enough that he decided to stay for a couple more years. They had many helpful insights to living here, including other places to explore off the beaten path.

It was also nice enough out that we were even able to enjoy drinks outside along the sidewalk! How great is that?!?!... drinks outside in November?!?!? Of course jackets were necessary, but still comfortable :)

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 88 of 364 - Mon 10/31: Trick or Treat!

Word of the day:   Pompoen   (Pumpkin)

Well the Dutch do not celebrate Halloween, so no dressing up for us this year or handing out candy.   But I was hoping to keep a tradition that my mom started when we were young by making a lasagna for dinner, but I was unable to find ricotta cheese at the store today. Urgh! Though I am 100% sure I have seen it before, so maybe it is just this one store that doesn't carry it?? Guess it will have to wait til later in the week, and I will be making another trip to the grocery store ;)

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 87 of 364 - Sun 10/30: End of October Already?!?

Word of the day:   Boek     (Book)

We started the day with a quick but invigorating workout at the gym, dip in the pool and a relaxing soak in the hot tub. Then we relaxed and caught up with tv and a movie since there was no bears game this week.

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 86 of 364 - Sat 10/29: Trip #6 -- Brussels, Belgium

Word of the day:    Mosselen    (Mussels)

Today we drove about an hour from our place to Brussels where we planned to spend the afternoon and evening. We walked thru the town square, Grand Place, which was packed as was the entire city! Not sure if it is typically like this, but we were not expecting this at all.  Once out of the square we headed over to the popular statue Maneken Pis. (Today he was dressed up for the Paralympics.Though not sure why??)


Across from the statue was one of the many Belgium Chocolate shops, and this one so happened to be Godiva which had delicious looking chocolate covered strawberries in the window, so we HAD to stop in and have some! We also enjoyed a truffle filled with champagne. Soooooo GOOD!!!!   We then ducked into a tiny pub on the corner to get out of the crowds and enjoyed a few drinks.  And then onto dinner where Steve enjoyed a local favorite... Mussels.

        

                                             
                                                 


Till next time...
Sarah




 

Day 85 of 364 - Fri 10/28: Movie night at home

Word of the day:   Vrijdag    (Friday)

It's Friday!!!! Only a day trip planned for tomorrow so we are taking it easy tonight and just staying in with a movie. Otherwise we both wrapped up work for the week.

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 84 of 364 - Thurs 10/27: Hmmm???

Word of the day:    Vraag     (Question)

Hmmm.... what to do, what to do???

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 83 of 364 - Wed 10/26: Cheap Date Night

Word of the day:   Goedkoop    (Cheap)

No cooking tonight... I need a night off :) ha ha. so we headed over to a pizzeria a few blocks away for some pizza, pasta and a few glasses of wine. Cheers!


Till next time...
Sarah

Day 82 of 364 - Tues 10/25: Fu%$ing Ducks

Word of the day:  Eend   (Duck)

I have been meaning to tell you all about this for awhile but I keep forgetting.  Not sure what to say or think about the picture that hangs in our kitchen?... It was here when we got here, and not sure to who's liking it is? why someone would choose to hang this in a kitchen, or anywhere?

What do you think???

Till next time...
Sarah

Day 81 of 364 - Mon 10/24: Trip #5 -- London

Word of the day:     Wacht   (Guard)

Last day in London and Wow! We really lucked out with weather this long wkend!! No wellies necessary, though it would have been fun wearing them :) All weekend it has been sunny and low 60s! Just Gorgeous!

In the morning we went to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. We didn't have the best seat, and was a little different than I thought. I wasn't expecting the amount of marching band music and procession that there was. But another thing to add to the list of things we have been able to do while living abroad.

Then we walked sound some more, watched a street performer in Trafalager Sq that Steve was chosen from audience to help. We thought the usual 30secs-minute of help, BUT no he was up there for at least 10mins! Check out the pics below! Ha Ha!!

Then onto lunch along some sangria at a tapas restaurant, La Tosca on St Martin's Place.

In total I think we walked a good 10+miles this weekend, so I think that should cover not going to the gym this week, right?!?!?

Till next time...
Sarah

    

     

Day 80 of 364 - Sun 10/23: Trip #5 -- London

     

Word of the day:     Reuzenrad     (Ferris Wheel)

       

Big day and the reason we headed to London... BEARS GAME tonight!!    But first up, a ride on the London Eye. Steve and I had been here last summer so we have already done a lot of the "touristy stuff"- the red hop on/off bus (which we both highly recommend, especially in London) and visited most of the main tourist attractions, but we had not done the view from atop the Eye. Honestly, it was so-so, probably not worth the money, but oh well another live and learn moment.

Following the eye we walked around... Along the river, pat Big Ben, past Buckingham Palace, through Hyde Park and on over to the west end to stop by a friends' place before heading to the game.  I should also mention we hit up Chipotle again for lunch right before seeing Lindsay, John and meeting baby Elena. (For those of you who don't know, Lindsay is my brother in-law Ryan's sister who lives in London.)

Then it was off to the Bears game at Wembley Stadium! ...so much fun experiencing a game there and especially seeing it was our team playing, and who won! The house was packed at over 76,000 fans. We are pretty sure we saw at least one jersey representing all the different NFL teams. Despite the Bears not being considered the home team, they definitely had a good number of fans!

Besides the actual game there was plenty of other entertaining moments- we saw a squirrel out on the field and everyone chanting at it. I thought the British fans had a name for it bc they kept saying, "square-el." Turns out that is just how they pronounce squirrel. ... Ha... Accents! Then in the 4th quarter we were entertained w/ a semi-streaker! It was pretty funny bc they let him run all over the field for a good few minutes before giving chase, he even gave a few of the players high-fives as he weaved thru them. Always a funny sight!  Btw... Anyone see us on tv?!?! We were in the 8th row behind the Buccaneers endzone, right along a goal post.

Man were we pooped after today... lots and lots of walking. we easily walked over 5 miles!

Till next time...
Sarah

       

Day 79 of 364 - Sat 10/22: Trip #5 -- London

Word of the day:     Stadium    (Stage)

11am and on the train to London!    Once we arrived and checked into our hotel we hit the streets. First up, looking for last minute tickets to a broadway show. Our top choices were Jersey Boys, Billy Elliot or Lion King. We were in luck... Jersey boys! 13th row, center!! The show was definitely entertaining and worth seeing if you have the chance and are looking to enjoy live theater.

Before the show we grabbed an early dinner at, yep you guessed it, Chipotle! This was definitely at the top of my to do list for the weekend since it has been almost 3 mons w/o any type of quick American food from a restaurant. And it was as good as I hoped it to be! Yum! Wish we had one in Maastricht.

Jjust one of the things I miss about the states... Good, quick food!

Till next time...

Sarah

Day 78 of 364 - Fri 10/21: Street Performers

Word of the day:     Muzikant     (Musician)

Today was such a sunny, prefect Autumn day so I headed across the bridge and into the city center. On my walk thru the city I saw a few different street performers. That is one thing I have noticed here, many of the performers seem to be actually using the time to practice-- hone their craft. And a lot of those performing are students!!   One group today was made up of 3 early 20s looking students playing classical music. I was even able to catch their performance of my favorite, Canon in D!

Till next time...
Sarah