Originally uploaded by mariahamckenna
Peter is, as always, very busy with work and enjoying himself at 180. I have been busy, and have been learning a lot continuing with my editorial internship at Expatica.com and working as a nanny for two French children, Fleur (age 4) and Kasper (age 2 ½ ) a couple days a week. Finding work continues to be a challenge for me, but I continue to look and am exploring some opportunities – I will keep you all posted as to how things pan out…
Other than work we have been very busy with…well…life. So what have we been up to exactly in the months since I last wrote?
I celebrated my 34th birthday, which was lovely. We had a party with all of our fabulous Amsterdam friends. Peter made a bunch of delicious pizzas, and I made my fathers mushroom risotto. Much dining, drinking and silliness ensued. Good fun was had by all.
Originally uploaded by mariahamckenna
Our friend Mo came from London to surprise me on my birthday. Yeah!
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On our way out to for Queen’s Day
Originally uploaded by mariahamckenna
Peter and I also celebrated our first Queen’s Day. For those of you unfamiliar with Queen’s Day, it is a celebration of the queen’s birthday that takes place on May 30th of every year. There is more to it but all you really need to know is the whole city turns into one huge yard sale and people party like it is freakin’ Mardi Gras or something. Oh, and everyone wears orange (well, not everyone – like, not me for example – but most people do). And my very old and dear friend Tim was visiting from San Francisco. Wow – four days of shenanigans, tomfoolery and fun.
Lastly, Peter and I celebrated our four-year wedding anniversary, which was also very nice. I can’t believe we have been married four years already (and together for almost eight)!! My how time flies. And how very lucky we are to love each other more each day…
Other than that, not too much new and exciting to report. The sun finally came – and Amsterdam is so lively when it is warm – people outside at all the cafes, boats filling the canals, everything blooming. We have been lucky enough to have made some wonderful friends and the city is starting to make sense and feel like home (don’t freak out…) ☺
However, while it has started to feel like home here, I was recently pondering some funny things that might never make sense:
One must have an infinite amount of patience here. To do ANYTHING really just takes forever. But this might be a Europe thing, not just a Dutch thing. But when I am waiting in line, which happens a lot, I often giggle at how an average American (namely a Marin-ite) might go postal waiting to get something done. Hee, hee.
Also, I used my friend Monique’s swanky gym for a few weeks and I have to tell you; while on the treadmill you can see down to the gym BAR where people and drinking and SMOKING. Again, thinking of what those Marinites might say.
And while on subject of smoking I will tell you that for a nanny/mother/worker to smoke in the playgrounds or park is totally normal. Wow. Really? Yes.
Also, two things the Dutch do not seem to have the concept of: Personal space (step the !@#$% back please) and standing in line – you know, where you stand in line and get served in the order you arrived - waiting your turn. Can really drive one a bit mad!
The fact that dining here remains a bit of a challenge is sort of par for the course. Otherwise what would all us expats bitch about? ☺
Margot and Pierre on the Metro, Paris
Originally uploaded by mariahamckenna
We have been able to do a bit of traveling. We had a nice weekend in Paris with our friends Pierre and Margot, where we were lucky enough to be show around by locals, eat delicious food, drink lovely wines, and enjoy a couple gorgeous sunny spring days in Paris. Lovely.
Margot in Paris- adorable as always!
Originally uploaded by mariahamckenna
