Third Weekend-
Saturday-
Today was a lovely day in The Hague. Sunny skies, mid 70’s, what more can you ask for. We went to shul and was nice to see more people there. There were at least 20 men, which to a small community is great. What is so nice about this shul is every shabbos after services, there is a small sit-down Kiddush. Usually there is just cake, coffee and tea, but gives you the opportunity to meet and interact with many members of the community. On this shabbos we met two elderly women and they were so happy to hear young people had moved in, even if for a temporary period.
After the Kiddush we went to the Rabbi’s house for lunch. The Rabbi and his wife were so nice and the food was wonderful. This particular day in the Netherlands was Veterans Day. As we were eating lunch we heard ramblings of planes and helicopters, the kids ran outside and were mesmerized to see military helicopters and planes in the air. There must have been an air show going on. We kept hearing noises so then we all went outside to watch. It was very neat, to see multiple planes flying in formation. The rabbi told us some lovely stories and as he is from Brooklyn and most everyone here speaks English he told them in English, which was great. We had a really lovely time which made for a great shabbos. As shabbos didn’t end until 11:30 pm, was a long afternoon of reading multiple books and taking a long nap. Scott left for shul at 10:00 and as we have become accustomed to didn’t get home until after midnight.
Sunday was a really great and busy day. We started off the day by going to the shul to help them prepare for a community wide bbq that was taking place. We helped to cut vegetables and fruit, all of which were of amazing quality and taste. Yes we sampled some. Then the bbq started. We met various other members of the community, many of which were Israelis. At the bbq you would have been confused where you were, as Hebrew and Dutch where being spoken side by side. Then out of the corner of my ear, I could swear I hear two guys who sounded like they were American. I turn to the younger one, as I said “Are you American?” He said yes been traveling across Europe for few months and decided to come to The Hague to sample some herring, which I hear you can’t miss and attend the music festival. He said he didn’t know a sole here and didn’t even know there were Jews in The Hague. He was walking down the street and randomly heard some kid call abba, he went over and asked if they were Jewish and long story short, the man he ran into was a fellow American from Chicago who lives here now, who was on his way with his kids to the bbq. He brought this guy with him to the bbq and that’s where we met. We told the guy we were from Teaneck and he said me to and then he asked where in Teaneck and we said Country Club, and he said me to. We literally met someone who is from our community at home. He was so nice, offered us to come to come to his parents house when we return. Shout out to Aaron Muller who confirms how small this Jewish world really is. We will see you again in Teaneck.
Then as today again was a beautiful day, we decided to go to the beach at Scheveningen. This is one of the hardest words to pronounce in Dutch. Scott spent all weekend practicing, but still doesn’t roll off our tongues. Interesting to note that during the war Germans, used to ask people to pronounce this word to see if they were Dutch or German. The beach was really nice. Packed with people and tons of activity going on. There is a boardwalk filled with shops, restaurants and arcades. There is bungee jumping, herring booths, activities for children and best of all Ben and Jerry’s, which is kosher. We walked the boardwalk, watched the bungee jumpers and just had a great afternoon. We took the tram there from our apartment which took maybe 15 minutes. It is so great how close we are. Then we came home had some mac and cheese and were tired after a long day.
We took pictures, but they are on Scott's phone, so have to wait until later to upload.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Another week in The Hague
Tues-
Today was a big day as Diego (Scott’s coworker’s husband) and I were on a mission to get sim cards for our cell phones, so we could finally feel connected. We went to T-Mobile to get a sim card for me to use with Scott’s old Blackberry. I put it in the phone, and then added minutes before I realized the phone did not accept the Sim card. Bummer. We figured it was locked and we would need a code to unlock. So I brought the phone home to Scott thinking he may have the code, but he didn’t. We went online and saw you could spend $20.00 to get a code. The T-Mobile store told me I could just get a new phone for 20 Euro, so figured this was my best bet. I am waiting for the new I-Phone to come out, so just need something in between. The I-phone will be great for me since will have Skype and a GPS. I know the phone came out on the 25th in NY. Any feedback from people who purchased?
Funniest story since we have been here-Today I was watching CNN international. The broadcaster was broadcasting from a bar in NYC celebrating the World Cup. You could see people cheering for Mexico and then I saw one guy cheering like crazy for USA. I take a closer look and it is one of my old coworkers from Zeta Interactive. How crazy. So emailed my old boss and was like I think I just saw Rod. She asked him and he was there. He thought it was hysterical that I saw him all the way across the globe.
Wed-
First thing in the morning I went to the T-mobile store to buy a new phone. Very cute phone you can buy for just $20 Euro. But along with the phone you get a second Sim card. Problem is this card is a different telephone. I don’t want to confuse people with a second number, so now I have a 5 Euro sim card, up for grabs. Anyone interested?
Today also did more food exploration. I decided to go into a health store and lo and behold but what do I see rice pasta and not just any rice pasta, but the kosher brand we used to buy in the States. Wohoo, now Scott is all hooked up.
Thurs-
Day started off great as the housekeepers came to clean our place. So nice to have someone clean for you. Going to savor this for a while. At night we had a BBQ at one of Scott’s coworkers home. They live right outside of town in a great house and have the cutest 11 month old. Shout out to Lucas. They were so nice and accommodated our kosher needs and we ate really well. It was nice hanging out with such great people and I know we are going to have such nice friends in The Hague.
Fri-
Yay did meat shopping today. I went to the kosher store and bought lots of beef and chicken. We have realized we really were not eating enough meat and that was a shock to our system, so now we are all good to go. Just hoping the beef has no MSG as MSG and Scott don’t get along. Then met a new friend from the Jewish community for a drink. She gave me the lowdown on the local Jewish community and gave me great advice on traveling, keeping kosher, and medical care. It is so nice to know there are great people here we can be friends with and as she is a native New Yorker, she understands my quick NY speak.
And tonight for dinner we had our first real good shabbos meal, chicken and beef and potatoes with onions and asparagus with garlic. Yum, yum. Of course my oven is so small, that I had to cook everything separate, but that is ok. At least we are eating better now.
Looking forward to a great Shabbos. Going to the Rabbi for lunch and then attending a community BBQ on Sunday. Details to follow.
Today was a big day as Diego (Scott’s coworker’s husband) and I were on a mission to get sim cards for our cell phones, so we could finally feel connected. We went to T-Mobile to get a sim card for me to use with Scott’s old Blackberry. I put it in the phone, and then added minutes before I realized the phone did not accept the Sim card. Bummer. We figured it was locked and we would need a code to unlock. So I brought the phone home to Scott thinking he may have the code, but he didn’t. We went online and saw you could spend $20.00 to get a code. The T-Mobile store told me I could just get a new phone for 20 Euro, so figured this was my best bet. I am waiting for the new I-Phone to come out, so just need something in between. The I-phone will be great for me since will have Skype and a GPS. I know the phone came out on the 25th in NY. Any feedback from people who purchased?
Funniest story since we have been here-Today I was watching CNN international. The broadcaster was broadcasting from a bar in NYC celebrating the World Cup. You could see people cheering for Mexico and then I saw one guy cheering like crazy for USA. I take a closer look and it is one of my old coworkers from Zeta Interactive. How crazy. So emailed my old boss and was like I think I just saw Rod. She asked him and he was there. He thought it was hysterical that I saw him all the way across the globe.
Wed-
First thing in the morning I went to the T-mobile store to buy a new phone. Very cute phone you can buy for just $20 Euro. But along with the phone you get a second Sim card. Problem is this card is a different telephone. I don’t want to confuse people with a second number, so now I have a 5 Euro sim card, up for grabs. Anyone interested?
Today also did more food exploration. I decided to go into a health store and lo and behold but what do I see rice pasta and not just any rice pasta, but the kosher brand we used to buy in the States. Wohoo, now Scott is all hooked up.
Thurs-
Day started off great as the housekeepers came to clean our place. So nice to have someone clean for you. Going to savor this for a while. At night we had a BBQ at one of Scott’s coworkers home. They live right outside of town in a great house and have the cutest 11 month old. Shout out to Lucas. They were so nice and accommodated our kosher needs and we ate really well. It was nice hanging out with such great people and I know we are going to have such nice friends in The Hague.
Fri-
Yay did meat shopping today. I went to the kosher store and bought lots of beef and chicken. We have realized we really were not eating enough meat and that was a shock to our system, so now we are all good to go. Just hoping the beef has no MSG as MSG and Scott don’t get along. Then met a new friend from the Jewish community for a drink. She gave me the lowdown on the local Jewish community and gave me great advice on traveling, keeping kosher, and medical care. It is so nice to know there are great people here we can be friends with and as she is a native New Yorker, she understands my quick NY speak.
And tonight for dinner we had our first real good shabbos meal, chicken and beef and potatoes with onions and asparagus with garlic. Yum, yum. Of course my oven is so small, that I had to cook everything separate, but that is ok. At least we are eating better now.
Looking forward to a great Shabbos. Going to the Rabbi for lunch and then attending a community BBQ on Sunday. Details to follow.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Shabbos Two
Side street we explored in Amsterdam
Scott outside Amsterdam History Museum
Outside the train station. You may ask why are you so bundled up, it is June. Was freezing on Saturday and Sunday in the Netherlands.Friday-
Today was exciting because we went to the immigration office and begin the steps to become official residents of the Netherlands. This is important because I can’t legally work until we are declared legal residents by the immigration officials. Then started to prepare for shabbos, but considering Shabbos starts at 10:00 pm, no rush on Fridays getting ready for Shabbos.
Before Shabbos we went to say hello to Scott’s coworker who had just arrived from Argentina. She will be working with the HR team at Scott’s company. She is here with her husband and it is so nice because now we have friends who are going thru the exact same stuff as us. It is also good because now I have a friend to hang out with during the day as we both wait for work.
Shabbos-
Was another great Shabbos in The Hague. We had the privilege to meet a rabbi who grew up in The Hague and after the war was the youngest rabbi in the Netherlands. Did some research and found he is the current Chief Rabbi of Savyon in Israel. One of our new friends invited us for Shabbos lunch and he lives in a development that was originally built just for Jews in the late 1800’s. Sad to know that many of the people who lived here were killed during the Holocaust. Now a few Jews still live there. Was a great meal and Scott discovered the local kosher peanut butter, which is the real good stuff. Did some reading in the afternoon, and then Scott went off to the Synagogue at 10:00 pm for the evening services and returned after midnight. Crazy!!!
Sunday-
Today we went exploring Amsterdam. Took the train there and entire trip took less than 1 hour. Our plan was to visit the Amsterdam Historical Museum. Figured that would be a good place to start our exploration of Amsterdam. Was very interesting and showed the history of the city, though I thought they did a terrible job of describing the years surrounding WWII and the affect on the Jews. The city streets were filled and it is only June, so can’t imagine what it gets like in the heart of the summer with many more tourists around. Then after the museum we walked around the city and then took a tram to meet a friend of a friend who is born and bred in Amsterdam for dinner. She took us to the kosher restaurant and who do we see when we walk in but the rabbi from Savyon having dinner. Small world, but I guess not in a city with only 4 kosher places. We got to sample some of the local delicasies, one being raw salami and anyone who knows me knows I love bologna, so this was very exciting. We ate well and our new friend gave us some insight into being Jewish in the Netherlands. We had a great meal and then got a tour of Jewish Amsterdam and then took the train home. Was a great day exploring and we will go back soon as there is so much to see in the City.
Today was exciting because we went to the immigration office and begin the steps to become official residents of the Netherlands. This is important because I can’t legally work until we are declared legal residents by the immigration officials. Then started to prepare for shabbos, but considering Shabbos starts at 10:00 pm, no rush on Fridays getting ready for Shabbos.
Before Shabbos we went to say hello to Scott’s coworker who had just arrived from Argentina. She will be working with the HR team at Scott’s company. She is here with her husband and it is so nice because now we have friends who are going thru the exact same stuff as us. It is also good because now I have a friend to hang out with during the day as we both wait for work.
Shabbos-
Was another great Shabbos in The Hague. We had the privilege to meet a rabbi who grew up in The Hague and after the war was the youngest rabbi in the Netherlands. Did some research and found he is the current Chief Rabbi of Savyon in Israel. One of our new friends invited us for Shabbos lunch and he lives in a development that was originally built just for Jews in the late 1800’s. Sad to know that many of the people who lived here were killed during the Holocaust. Now a few Jews still live there. Was a great meal and Scott discovered the local kosher peanut butter, which is the real good stuff. Did some reading in the afternoon, and then Scott went off to the Synagogue at 10:00 pm for the evening services and returned after midnight. Crazy!!!
Sunday-
Today we went exploring Amsterdam. Took the train there and entire trip took less than 1 hour. Our plan was to visit the Amsterdam Historical Museum. Figured that would be a good place to start our exploration of Amsterdam. Was very interesting and showed the history of the city, though I thought they did a terrible job of describing the years surrounding WWII and the affect on the Jews. The city streets were filled and it is only June, so can’t imagine what it gets like in the heart of the summer with many more tourists around. Then after the museum we walked around the city and then took a tram to meet a friend of a friend who is born and bred in Amsterdam for dinner. She took us to the kosher restaurant and who do we see when we walk in but the rabbi from Savyon having dinner. Small world, but I guess not in a city with only 4 kosher places. We got to sample some of the local delicasies, one being raw salami and anyone who knows me knows I love bologna, so this was very exciting. We ate well and our new friend gave us some insight into being Jewish in the Netherlands. We had a great meal and then got a tour of Jewish Amsterdam and then took the train home. Was a great day exploring and we will go back soon as there is so much to see in the City.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Pictures
Missing my Noah . ..
A promotion for the stores being open until midnight. Got enough bags!!!The week continues. . .
Wed- Quiet day reading all of the materials I got from the Expat office.
Thursday- Today was a very important day as we went to the bank to get a bank account set up. Woohoo now can get credit cards and start using a debit card. I have noticed that most places do not take American credit cards, which makes things a bit complicated. We were told that they are big on debit and not really credit, so you always have to make sure to carry around Euros. Very different from the US where people rarely carry cash and use credit for everything. We also set up all our insurances, so we are good to go, double wohooo!!!!
Then we were in the area of the store which sells the Mac and Cheese, so went back and bought some more and found some rice and other things which were on the kosher approved list. Yay, strawberry ices . . .. It is very hard to use the list as it is mostly in Dutch, with few English words, so now my job is to go and translate the book, so next time I can go to the store, I will be more prepared.
Then at night after Scott came home we went back to the town center as we needed passport pictures for our meeting tomorrow to get tax IDs. Then we walked around town and found out about cable packages. Yay they have DVR here and can get packages with many channels some of which are from the States, such as E! and History Channel. It was a special night on the town as all stores were staying open late until midnight. The streets were packed and lots of activity going on. As we explored we came upon an Asian supermarket and decided for some reason to go in. To our surprise they had many American products. We got Duncan Hines, microwave popcorn, chocolate syrup. This was so exciting. Maybe we won’t go hungry. Sure we won’t be eating healthy, but we won’t be starving.
Thursday- Today was a very important day as we went to the bank to get a bank account set up. Woohoo now can get credit cards and start using a debit card. I have noticed that most places do not take American credit cards, which makes things a bit complicated. We were told that they are big on debit and not really credit, so you always have to make sure to carry around Euros. Very different from the US where people rarely carry cash and use credit for everything. We also set up all our insurances, so we are good to go, double wohooo!!!!
Then we were in the area of the store which sells the Mac and Cheese, so went back and bought some more and found some rice and other things which were on the kosher approved list. Yay, strawberry ices . . .. It is very hard to use the list as it is mostly in Dutch, with few English words, so now my job is to go and translate the book, so next time I can go to the store, I will be more prepared.
Then at night after Scott came home we went back to the town center as we needed passport pictures for our meeting tomorrow to get tax IDs. Then we walked around town and found out about cable packages. Yay they have DVR here and can get packages with many channels some of which are from the States, such as E! and History Channel. It was a special night on the town as all stores were staying open late until midnight. The streets were packed and lots of activity going on. As we explored we came upon an Asian supermarket and decided for some reason to go in. To our surprise they had many American products. We got Duncan Hines, microwave popcorn, chocolate syrup. This was so exciting. Maybe we won’t go hungry. Sure we won’t be eating healthy, but we won’t be starving.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Some pictures
Picture of me outside hotel at the beach-Self portrait. I think I did a good job.
hotel at the beach
Outside House of ParliamentYay kosher Mac & Cheese
Tuesday-
Today’s adventure was about exploring parts of the city and trying to get some information from the Visitor and Expat Centers. I started the day at The Hague American Women’s Club, which is a club which holds events for American women. I had a tour of the club and learned about the different events they hold throughout the year. It is very quiet in the summer as many people are away, so I am thinking to hold off joining until the Fall, but I can still attend some events without being a member. This club was near the beach, so I walked to the beach and got to see the boardwalk and the surrounding area. It seems like it is so nice when the weather gets warmer. There was an arcade and mini golf and bowling. Can’t wait to go when it is not freezing like it was today.
Then after the beach I went to the Expat Center, which is set up for people like me just moving to the City. I received a whole bag of brochures, books and helpful information to get oriented. Now I have plenty of reading material to keep me busy. After this I went to purchase an annual pass which allows free access to many museums within the Netherlands. Figure this would be a good thing to have as we will want to visit all museums throughout the country. Then my last stop was the Visitors Center, but already got all I needed, so now all set.
Funny story- So decided to take a bus back to our housing as was carrying so many books. I entered the bus in the back and heard yelling coming from the bus driver. Of course was in Dutch, so had no idea what she was saying or even if she was talking to me. Then a lady came up to me and started also talking in Dutch, but again had no idea what she was saying. I said I only speak English. So she started talking to someone else who translated to me. Apparently you only enter the bus thru the front. I was confused because on the trams you can enter in any place. Learned something new today, so won’t look like an idiot next time get on the bus.
Excitement of the day- I found the kosher Mac and Cheese in the supermarket. It even has an OU. Yayyy. Now I know I can survive here.
Today’s adventure was about exploring parts of the city and trying to get some information from the Visitor and Expat Centers. I started the day at The Hague American Women’s Club, which is a club which holds events for American women. I had a tour of the club and learned about the different events they hold throughout the year. It is very quiet in the summer as many people are away, so I am thinking to hold off joining until the Fall, but I can still attend some events without being a member. This club was near the beach, so I walked to the beach and got to see the boardwalk and the surrounding area. It seems like it is so nice when the weather gets warmer. There was an arcade and mini golf and bowling. Can’t wait to go when it is not freezing like it was today.
Then after the beach I went to the Expat Center, which is set up for people like me just moving to the City. I received a whole bag of brochures, books and helpful information to get oriented. Now I have plenty of reading material to keep me busy. After this I went to purchase an annual pass which allows free access to many museums within the Netherlands. Figure this would be a good thing to have as we will want to visit all museums throughout the country. Then my last stop was the Visitors Center, but already got all I needed, so now all set.
Funny story- So decided to take a bus back to our housing as was carrying so many books. I entered the bus in the back and heard yelling coming from the bus driver. Of course was in Dutch, so had no idea what she was saying or even if she was talking to me. Then a lady came up to me and started also talking in Dutch, but again had no idea what she was saying. I said I only speak English. So she started talking to someone else who translated to me. Apparently you only enter the bus thru the front. I was confused because on the trams you can enter in any place. Learned something new today, so won’t look like an idiot next time get on the bus.
Excitement of the day- I found the kosher Mac and Cheese in the supermarket. It even has an OU. Yayyy. Now I know I can survive here.
Monday, June 14, 2010
First weekend in The Hague
First weekend in The Hague-
So we had a great first weekend in the Netherlands. First off it was great for Scott to get to relax and for us to have nothing to do, as the lead up towards our move was busy and always filled with things that had to get done. Here we could just relax and have no house projects to work on.
On Saturday we walked to the synagogue, which wasn’t far from our housing. Thankfully Scott was here because he was the tenth guy and made the minyan. (For the people who may not know, in Judaism, you usually need 10 men to start the prayer service) There are usually a few more men at services, but some were on vacation. There was probably about 20-25 people in total at services. Yes it is a small community, but the people we met were very nice and friendly. After services there was a small lunch, so it gave us the opportunity to sit down and meet the local community members. They offered to help us learn more about keeping kosher in the Netherlands and they told me there is a way to get kosher mac and cheese. Wohoooo. Saturday was spent relaxing and reading our tour books to figure out where we should visit. Then at 10:00 pm it was time for Scott to go back to the Synagogue. How crazy!!! Shabbos ended here at like 11:15 and this is still not the latest it ends. Gonna be long Saturdays here in The Hague.
Sunday we just relaxed and then took a tour of the city center and checked out some of the local sites. Again was great to just relax.
Been great to be able to Skype with family so far. Friends, please set up Skype accounts so we can talk online. Won’t cost you a penny.
Monday-
Today we got to the see the place we hope to rent again to do one more walk thru. Looks good and we have our fingers crossed it works out and we can move in early July, once our container clears customs.
After the walk thru, Scott went to a local bar to watch the World Cup with his coworkers. His boss literally rented a whole bar to watch the game. This tells you how crazy people get into the sport here. Yay, Netherlands won their first game.
So we had a great first weekend in the Netherlands. First off it was great for Scott to get to relax and for us to have nothing to do, as the lead up towards our move was busy and always filled with things that had to get done. Here we could just relax and have no house projects to work on.
On Saturday we walked to the synagogue, which wasn’t far from our housing. Thankfully Scott was here because he was the tenth guy and made the minyan. (For the people who may not know, in Judaism, you usually need 10 men to start the prayer service) There are usually a few more men at services, but some were on vacation. There was probably about 20-25 people in total at services. Yes it is a small community, but the people we met were very nice and friendly. After services there was a small lunch, so it gave us the opportunity to sit down and meet the local community members. They offered to help us learn more about keeping kosher in the Netherlands and they told me there is a way to get kosher mac and cheese. Wohoooo. Saturday was spent relaxing and reading our tour books to figure out where we should visit. Then at 10:00 pm it was time for Scott to go back to the Synagogue. How crazy!!! Shabbos ended here at like 11:15 and this is still not the latest it ends. Gonna be long Saturdays here in The Hague.
Sunday we just relaxed and then took a tour of the city center and checked out some of the local sites. Again was great to just relax.
Been great to be able to Skype with family so far. Friends, please set up Skype accounts so we can talk online. Won’t cost you a penny.
Monday-
Today we got to the see the place we hope to rent again to do one more walk thru. Looks good and we have our fingers crossed it works out and we can move in early July, once our container clears customs.
After the walk thru, Scott went to a local bar to watch the World Cup with his coworkers. His boss literally rented a whole bar to watch the game. This tells you how crazy people get into the sport here. Yay, Netherlands won their first game.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Day 4
Day 4- Today’s job was more food shopping and trying to search out some English books, so could have something to do on Shabbos, considering Shabbos here ends at like 10 pm States time. First went to the supermarket and boy they do not sell things in quantity here. We were told the Dutch like to eat things fresh so buy fresh products daily and this is the reason for their small fridges. I will have to get away from the Costco mindset. I rarely liked salad dressing, but I imagine will miss here, as I think that may be a hard thing to find. After food shopping I decided to search out the American Book Center, which is a mecca for English books. I took the bus there, but then missed the stop because had my pass in my bag, which you need to swipe before you get off the bus. I couldn’t get out fast enough and then missed the stop I needed and then at the next stop the bus didn’t stop. Finally I saw you need to press a stop button to get the bus to stop, just like at home. At least I had a nice tour of another side of The Hague. And the best part of this side is I found the shopping. Yippee. Also found the American Book Center, which has sale books many under 3 Euros. Now I know where I will be spending lots of time. Now sitting here and waiting for Scott to come home, so can attempt to start on the food for shabbos.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Pictures of our housing
Living room/dining room
View from our apartment
One bedroom
master bedroom
kitchen
dining room
living room
View from our apartment
One bedroom
master bedroom
kitchen
dining room
living room
First two days . . .
We have arrived!!!
This begins my first entry of my Blog of our adventure to Europe.
Day 1-We had a great flight, but since our connection between Copenhagan and Amsterdam was so quick our luggage never made it on the flight. That was annoying as we didn't pack our carry on's thinking let's say we don't get our luggage until the next day. Thankfully Scott had his suit, but we had no soap, shampoo, conditioner or tolietries. We also had dinner at the local rabbi the first night and I had no skirt in my carry on. After we arrived at our apt, Scott went to work to get his computer and phone and I took a nap. Our temp place is amazing. Two bedrooms, 1 and a half bath in a brand new building. We think we may even be the first people in this place. And the best part is that we get some American TV. I already have seen Oprah, MTV and TLC programs. Then once Scott came home, we went shopping for supplies and a skirt for me. For the ladies (found a great one 8 euros-go me!!!) Then we got ready to have dinner at the rabbi and his wife's house. They were so nice and gave us the ins and outs of Netherlands Jewish living. They gave us the trusted book of all kosher products in the supermarket, which will be our bible and then we also got a tour of the local jewish market. We did our first supermarket shop and bought some snacks and fruit. If you know us, you know we can't live without our snacks and of course I bought some coke to drink. Another great staple of my diet.
Day 2- We met with our broker to look out some rentals. We saw some great properties. One of them had these great high ceilings and crytsal chandeliers, felt like we were in a castle. Other one was across from the county jail-no thanks. Almost all had these windy staircases. Don't worry people, now I know how I will be excercising. We found one we like and fingers crossed it works out. Scott then headed to work and I relaxed. Hard life moving to Europe. Just kidding. Then we went out to the kosher store to stock up. We got the basics we need. Got the bologna covered, yay. Then went to the supermarket again to get real food. We got macaroni and tomato sauce. It is not my Wacky Mac, but will do for now. The guy who runs the kosher store said we can tell him what we want and he will bring from Amsterdam. Little does he know yet, he will be bringing mac and cheese many times if they have in the Amsterdam shops. For dinner we had chicken cutlets and French Fries. Was just like being in the US for dinner:-) To cook food we have a joint microwave/oven, but the place didn't leave directions how to use. We went online and found directions in Italian. Good thing Scott knows a bit of Spanish, because we were able to somewhat figure out how to use the appliance and cook our food. Then spent the night reading a book on my new Kindle, which is awesome. Thanks to the greatest friends who bought it for me.
Day 3- Scott is at work and I am blogging.
This begins my first entry of my Blog of our adventure to Europe.
Day 1-We had a great flight, but since our connection between Copenhagan and Amsterdam was so quick our luggage never made it on the flight. That was annoying as we didn't pack our carry on's thinking let's say we don't get our luggage until the next day. Thankfully Scott had his suit, but we had no soap, shampoo, conditioner or tolietries. We also had dinner at the local rabbi the first night and I had no skirt in my carry on. After we arrived at our apt, Scott went to work to get his computer and phone and I took a nap. Our temp place is amazing. Two bedrooms, 1 and a half bath in a brand new building. We think we may even be the first people in this place. And the best part is that we get some American TV. I already have seen Oprah, MTV and TLC programs. Then once Scott came home, we went shopping for supplies and a skirt for me. For the ladies (found a great one 8 euros-go me!!!) Then we got ready to have dinner at the rabbi and his wife's house. They were so nice and gave us the ins and outs of Netherlands Jewish living. They gave us the trusted book of all kosher products in the supermarket, which will be our bible and then we also got a tour of the local jewish market. We did our first supermarket shop and bought some snacks and fruit. If you know us, you know we can't live without our snacks and of course I bought some coke to drink. Another great staple of my diet.
Day 2- We met with our broker to look out some rentals. We saw some great properties. One of them had these great high ceilings and crytsal chandeliers, felt like we were in a castle. Other one was across from the county jail-no thanks. Almost all had these windy staircases. Don't worry people, now I know how I will be excercising. We found one we like and fingers crossed it works out. Scott then headed to work and I relaxed. Hard life moving to Europe. Just kidding. Then we went out to the kosher store to stock up. We got the basics we need. Got the bologna covered, yay. Then went to the supermarket again to get real food. We got macaroni and tomato sauce. It is not my Wacky Mac, but will do for now. The guy who runs the kosher store said we can tell him what we want and he will bring from Amsterdam. Little does he know yet, he will be bringing mac and cheese many times if they have in the Amsterdam shops. For dinner we had chicken cutlets and French Fries. Was just like being in the US for dinner:-) To cook food we have a joint microwave/oven, but the place didn't leave directions how to use. We went online and found directions in Italian. Good thing Scott knows a bit of Spanish, because we were able to somewhat figure out how to use the appliance and cook our food. Then spent the night reading a book on my new Kindle, which is awesome. Thanks to the greatest friends who bought it for me.
Day 3- Scott is at work and I am blogging.
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