News in Groningen

Surprise! I had a dutch baby! Just kidding Mom. His name is Ruben and he's the son of my friend Eline. He's the new man in my life.


Eline and Ruben - could those two get any cuter?


Last week I had the opportunity to visit a Dutch high school for a day. It was quite the experience. Eline teaches English to three classes at the high school and decided to bring a 'real' American to her class. It was hilarious. I talked about my life in the U.S. and then they had to ask questions in English. Examples included, 'do you have a boyfriend, do you eat vegetables in the U.S., and do you have a car'. They were true high school students. When I left they were all yelling, " I want to go to America." One student even asked if he could come back with me. It was too sweet. The day went well and it really made me think more about teaching.



Teeny-boppers

a little update...

Just thought I would quick write a little update. Life in Groningen is still going well. I'm learning a lot, taking advantage of free dvds at the university library, biking, enjoying visitors, hanging out with new friends, playing sports, and enjoying live music.

Already I have had two visitors in Groningen. A few weeks ago an old friend who I have not seen for two years was passing through, good old Mike. We studied German together in Minneapolis. It was really cool to see him again and meet his girlfriend. The world is a crazy place. Last weekend, another friend of mine from Minneapolis, Herman, also came to Groningen. Herman is actually from Holland and his brother lives in Groningen. It was really cool to see both of them, especially all the way over here in Groningen.

Mike and I eating Oliebollen (translation - oil balls, which is exactly what they are)

I've also been taking advantage of the sports offered at the university. I'm now playing ultimate frisbee every Wednesday night. Last week was the first week and I am already looking forward to frisbee this week. It's a lot of running but I love it!

I've been enjoying the great biking opportunities here in Groningen. I think I mentioned once that Groningen was named best city for bikes; the name really holds true. Besides beautiful biking routes within the city, you can truly get lost in endless flat fields of cows and windmills just outside the city limits

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Windmill that Coraline and I stumbled upon on a biking trip last Sunday

Beyond the city limits

The music scene in Groningen has also been a nice surprise. Every night of the week there is at least some kind of live music in the city. I had the pleasure of seeing Adam Green last week and it was just what I needed. He is from New York and has such a crazy sense of humor. I was feeling a little homesick so it was nice to hear some hilarious American expressions.

Video I took at the concert

I've also been enjoying traditional pancakes! If any of you come to visit, I can guarantee we will be visiting the pannekoekschip (pancake ship). My roommates and I went the other day. My favorite, believe it or not, is banana with cheese. Yum!

Pannekoekschip

Back to school...

Finally, the reason I came to this city in the middle of nowhere began - school. After a 9 month break, it was of course an adjustment to go back, but after only one week I have learned so much. This year will definitely be a lot of work but I am ready for it.

The Rijksuniversiteit Groningen is the most welcoming university I have experienced yet. In total I had 5 welcoming receptions/orientations: the university's reception for international students, opening ceremony for all students, one reception for students in the faculty of arts, a week full of events for international students, and a welcoming reception for my individual program. Needless to say, the last two weeks have been pretty busy.

The reception for my program took place last Friday. To start, my professors introduced the program, and then two students who are currently finishing presented their MA thesis findings. We informally introduced ourselves and then biked to our professors' home (yes, two of them are married), had drinks, and enjoyed dinner together. It was such a great way to 'break the ice' and ease some nerves many of us had. My program consists of 26 students from all nationalities, languages, personalities, and ages. Some of the students are of course Dutch - others from Vietnam, Columbia, China, Brazil, U.S., Canada, Britain, Greece, and the Czech Republic. It is an extremely diverse and dynamic group.

The ESN introduction lasted nearly a week and was full of many fun activities for the international students. Some activities included city tours, pub crawls, dinners, a salsa workshop, film workshop, history lessons, sports, museum visits, a comedy act, karaoke (believe it or not I went on stage!), and many parties.

Only after living here a short time, it is impossible to go grocery shopping or ride through the city without seeing a familiar face. Note to self: don't make enemies here.


Opening party of the university

Opening reception for international students located in the Martini Church. There are approximately 1,500 international students!

Amazing firework display at yet another festival. It was so beautiful and arranged with music. Now I don't feel so bad I missed the 4th of July this year.

Typical Groningen