.... of the Netherlands, beer and 8 other things
So somewhere in the distant past, I did a '10 things' post because I hadn't updated in so damn long and I'd definitely neglected the journal and it was time to UPDATE. That was an unneccessarily long sentence, but you get the point. Anyway, to cut this rambling short, here's another one.
001. Holland
Well, as y'all may or may not know, I'm currently studying in the Netherlands, so obviously this has a lot of influence on my day to day life. I see this sight on more or less a daily basis; I still find it incredible, every single day. I'm definitely going to miss it when I'm back in Scotland! Hills are all very well, but I'm liking the lack of them, and the wider range of colours in the fields here.
002. Boyfriend
And a special person I met here is my lovely boyfriend Hugo. This photo was taken when we went on holiday to the west of Germany a few weeks ago (it had just stopped raining, hence why we look a bit drenched).
003. Summer jobs
Currently on the prowl for decent summer jobs... The picture seems to have no relevance but in fact it's relevant to last year's, when I was a tour guide. I'd have done that again this year except for my daft university not finishing till a month later than Edinburgh. Anyway, I've had one successful interview, hoping that the follow up one goes as well. Otherwise it's back to square 1.
004. Sunshine
The weather here has been A-MAZING lately. Like 25 degrees every day. As a fair-skinned (part-time redhead) Scottish girl, that is MORE than hot enough for me. I've been spending almost every day at the beach, as is illustrated in this picture. This is Schevenigen, where I've seen so many lovely sunsets and spent many a happy day. And eaten masses of pancakes. Anyway, the sun's lasted for more than 3 weeks already and is supposed to last into next week as well. LOVING it.
005. Reading
Despite only having two classes I need credit for this semester, I seem to have a LOT of reading. A Shakespeare play, plus background reading, plus two journal articles on morphology and critical reviews per week, as well as learning Dutch... Phew. But I've been doing it on the beach, so it's not so bad. Except for, y'know, I'm That Person reading Shakespeare on the beach.
006. Travelling
This academic year I've done more travelling than ever in my whole life. I've been to the Netherlands obviously, to London for 5 days, Salamanca in Spain for 5 days, Cologne in Germany for a weekend, Brussels for a weekend, Trier in Germany for a week as well as lots of journeys around the Netherlands themselves. It's excellent. This particular picture is from Brussels, near where my friends and I were staying. SUCH a beautiful city and I love the Dutch/Flemish and French mixture, even if it was a total mindfuck. Definitely hope to go back to that wonderful place!
007. Beer
I hated beer when I moved to this country. Now I barely drink anything else. Though this particular beer (chosen by the gentleman to my left) was absolutely foul and led to a very crazy night out (it was something like 12% alcohol, urgh. I never learn- last time I had high-percentage beer I fell off a sofa. And a bar stool. Not in that order). But give me an Amstel or a Hoegaarden and I'm your girl.
008. Awkward hair colours
I can't find a picture that really does it justice. Despite its rather crampedness and windsweptness, this one is about the closest I can show you. I look like a redhead masquerading (badly) as a blonde, which is a fair observation since I was practically ginger before. It's uneven and I can't decide whether I like it or not... At any rate, once I get back to the realms of cheaper hair dyes (hello UK!) I'm doing something about it.
009. Biking
It's the Netherlands. I bike everywhere. Lately I've been doing CRAZY long journeys too, just because I can. And because the weather's good. And with no hills, it's not too strenuous, it's just nice. My bike is called Sebastian and he's a pure legend <3. He's also my third since arriving here in SEPTEMBER. I've not had luck with the delightful Leiden bike thieves.
010. Pavements
It's come to my attention lately that I take a LOT of photos of pavements. Like, a ridiculous number. Really ridiculous. So.... I made this. Yeahhh. Of all the weird hobbies, I know, I know...
And there you go. So what's up in all your lives en ce moment?
Amour! ♥