Noises, Netherlands and Navigation

Well, yesterday marked two weeks for me here officially…it feels like a lot more time than that has passed though, probably because a lot has happened and there has been a lot of sensory intake going on. It is interesting because in some ways there is so much to take in – sights, tastes, sounds, smells, etc. that are really exciting and cool and yet it is hard to compute at times. For someone who likes to know what I am doing, it is a different world – though loud in many ways with things I am unfamiliar with, silent at the same time because of language barriers when I am out and no roommates when I am home.

These things are not bad but totally different and I am trying to feel my way through that. I want to take advantage of the gift of rest and silence because I tend to underrate them and avoid them so I think this is very purposeful in my life!

So to give you an idea of some of my on-goings as of late

• Got settled into my flat and really like it (pictures coming on FB whenever I get good internet access)
• Haven’t started school due to Swine flu precautions but will in two days.
• Am adjusting to the heat – I actually thought yesterday, “Hmmm, it feels cooler today!
• I have started playing piano again on a team and REALLY enjoy it – realized I miss playing music!
• Much to everyone’s surprise I am finding myself with a lot of possible opportunities to stay busy that I could commit to – teaching English, playing piano, helping with different groups.
• I have officially fallen to the vice of Settlers of Catan….not QUITE as viciously as peanut butter, ice cream or outdoor activities but I am wondering how I let myself miss out on this wonderful world….I am pretty sure I am hooked and am in for some good competition – or I maybe should say that THEY should watch out!
• Learning what it means to be quiet and enjoy time alone – I realized I don’t quite know what to do with myself when I have the time I have by myself.
• Have been discovering the city little bit by little bit – getting oriented a little through runs and riding around. Have a long way to go…
• Enjoying the gulf breeze and smell of fresh salt water!
• Trying to figure out how to work air-drying clothes…they just don’t come out the same as a dryer. Additionally, I dyed my first clothes another color yesterday! Apparently the water doesn’t get cold so washing a couple of things that were lighter with a black skirt that hadn’t been washed gave me baby blue shirts that had been white and gray capris that had been khaki….hmmm, going to have to work on that one!

Some goals of mine:

• Read more – have a list…
• Get back to doing art – I brought my charcoal pencils and the other day was at a teacher store and found acrylic paints and canvas!!!! :)
• Not get too busy

On a side note, it was suggested that I blog about food – things I have found and enjoy here so far…GREAT topic. I thought I would make a top 15 list for you…pictures coming

1. Dutch Peanut Butter – made in the Netherlands, this stuff is AMAZING!!! I got it as a house warming gift and saw it at the store for the first time today – my jaw dropped at the price…I will be rationing.
2. Halloumi cheese
3. Hummus
4. Mango-orange juice (mango mixed with personally fresh squeezed orange juice)
5. Peanut Butter
6. Eggplant (yes, I had not had it before – tried it on amazing homemade pizza)
7. Crackers, Swiss jam and New Zealand cheddar cheese
8. Middle East yogurt with granola and fruit
9. Peanut Butter
10. Banana chips from India (reminders of Honduras)
11. Lamb
12. All of the AMAZING fruit selections (it helps to be near tropical places)
13. Peanut Butter!
14. Dates
15. Did I mention peanut butter?!?!

Seeing as it is Ramadan, I expect that this will expand greatly afterwards when there will be more open eating and sharing of food. I will revamp the list later again…though I am sure it will still have peanut butter on it at least twice.