Dag 57: What to do with the Pompoen?

Monday, October 17, 2011: Maastricht, Netherlands

Today was a normal day - overslept (intentionally), read in the library, soup in the Mensa, Work Psychology lecture, cycled home. Once home, I discussed dinner plans with the roommates. Sophie had soccer. Fiep had a headache. I had Indian food in the fridge. Jeanette was uncertain about dinner plans.

So around 6pm, we walked over to the Albert Heijn (AH - pronounced, ah ha in Dutch) to buy what we needed for dinner. Fiep and I would eat my Indian leftovers from last night, while Jeanette and Fifi (her boyfriend, who's name is actually Phillip...Fifi is a term of endearment from all of us) would make something simple. After getting separated in the store, I walked home before the others and began cooking the rice and reheating the leftovers. Fiep and I enjoyed our dinner while watching Jeanette and Fifi cook. After they were done cooking, they joined us at the table.

Fiep and I were through with our food and began probing the pumpkin I had brought from Tilburg that has adorned the center of our kitchen table for the last week. Noticing it had a soft spot, I said that we should carve it soon, as this was part of our original plan. So, what better time than now?

Fiep and I armed ourselves with newspaper, a carving knife and spoons to scoop out the pumpkin intestines and got to work. First, we cut a hole around the stem to get to the inside. Success! Then we scooped out the seeds and sliminess into a bowl. We drew a crooked jack-o-lantern smile on the outside of the pumpkin and I began to carve. Fiep helped me pop out the peices of eye, nose and mouth. Veolia! We had a jack-o-lantern!

Jeanette provided us a tea light and we lit up our new friend. We placed him in our front window - which happens to be in our roommate Sophie's room. She was not home at the time, but we thought she would like the surprise when she arrived home later!

Dag 55: "AA" Trip

Saturday, October 15, 2011: Vaals, Netherlands and Aachen Germany

What do Vaals, Netherlands and Aachen, Germany have in common?

Besides the "AA" thing, these are two cities within an hour bus ride of Maastricht that I visited this weekend. After shamelessly sleeping in, I had a healthy, Dutch breakfast of hagelslag and koffie met kaneel before boarding bus lijn 50 naar Aachen. Please excuse the Dutch - I'm practicing!

The bus took me through the countryside of Zuid Limburg (that is South Limburg, the province in which Maastricht lies). What a lovely region! I admired the Dutch cows (some even had white patches...or are they black patches?) and read a bit of my novel during the journey. After 45-minutes on the bus, I disembarked in Vaals, Netherlands. The bus pulled away from the stop, and I found myself facing the VVV (that is, the Dutch tourist information center...they have them in all cities in the Netherlands). I promptly crossed the roundabout and entered the VVV. I bought my usual postcard and asked the kind Dutch women at the counter if she could point me in the direction of the Drielandenpunt.

Okay, enough with the Dutch. I will explain (in English, okay mostly English!) the Drielandenpunt. Although there is some discrepancy to the exact count, there are 157 "tripoints" internationally. What is a tripoint? A geographical area where the borders of three countries meet (and I cite Wikipedia....). So, due to my proximity to this semi-rare phenomenon, I decided  to visit!

Also known as the Vaalserberg in Dutch (due to its location in Vaals, Netherlands), the Drielandenpunt marks the point where Germany, Belgium and Netherlands converge. Interestingly, the route leading to the Drielandenpunt is called Viergrenzenweg (four borders road) in Dutch. Wait, what is country number four? Huh? Formerly, the Drielandenpunt was a quadripoint! The former neutral territory, Moresnet, also included this point from the period 1830-1919. What a cool history...I want one too!

So back to my trip, yes. I took a leisurely stroll from  the VVV through the main street of Vaals (stopping in Action and HEMA for my Dutch shopping fix) to the hill leading to the Drielandenpunt. Along the way, I passed some lovely sites. Dutch countryside, homes and churches filled this lovely 20-minute walk to the top of the hill. Although I was not quite dressed for the miniature hike I took, I was sure to appreciate the nature that surrounded me on my ascent.

Reaching the top, I  purchased a coin that allowed me to climb some ten flights of stairs to the top of the Wilhemina Tower to view the gorgeous, panoramic view of the three countries at once. Well worth the climb!

After descending the tower, I walked to the actual Drielandenpunt, which sadly was "under construction". Bummer. I really wanted to "stand in three countries at once". Next time! But - I got to stand at the highest point in the Netherlands - 322.7 meters. Cool.

With my "coolness factor" satisfied, I descended the hill and headed back into town. Shortly thereafter, I boarded the bus, again direction Aachen. Fifteen minutes later, I was in another country!

Since Berlin is the only German city I have taken any time to see in my European adventures, I thought Aachen would make a nice day trip. A mere 18 miles down the road, Aachen lies just over the Dutch- German border. Seriously, people in Vaals do their shopping there, because shampoo, beer, etc. is so much cheaper in Germany!


I got off the bus and meandered my way into the city center. A little research before my trip guided my visit to Aachen. First, websites and blogs had recommended the Aachener Printen - a kind of gingerbread cookie - to try while in Aachen. I quickly found one of many bakeries selling this renown goody and picked up a small bag (zakje!) of my own. Yum!

Next, I came to the main square in the city where the Elisenbrunnen, the current tourist information center and architectural masterpiece. I admired the scene - all kinds of people sitting out across the lawn, admiring the splendor of the city, licking ice cream cones, and conversing with one another in a plethora of languages. Cool indeed.

I made my way around the square and ran into, you guessed it, the Aachen Chocolate Company! As part of my ChocoCo pilgrimage, I had to take a peak inside! I planned on getting a Hotchocospoon, but the crowd inside and out, plus lack of available seating deterred my interest. Instead, I entered the store next door which appeard to be selling some kind of paper things. Wait, it was more than just paper - it was a real, honest-to-god scrapbooking store! No way....yes way!
I walked through the store, somehow managing not to buy anything (primarily due to the fact that everything cost about 4 x's more than in the states - conversion rate not factored in!). It was nice to see all of the stickers, the paper, the embellishments...made me miss all of my scrapbooking goodies I have left behind at home.

Leaving the store, I walked across the street to what appeared to be a mall. Entering, I realized it was a massive bookstore. I mean bigger than Books-A-Million massive. This store had five floors of books, books and more books! I walked around for a bit until my eyes hurt from looking at so many shiny new book covers. I decided to nestle myself in one of the small niches the store had for browsers to read. I then quietly read an article for one of my classes. Satisfied with myself, I left the bookstore and headed back outside to explore a bit more of Aachen.

I made my way around the shops, cafes, Dom (Cathedral) and much much more. I almost fell over when I came across a Starbucks...something I had not seen in over two months! I had no idea Aachen has one! I considered standing in line to get one of their fall coffee specials, but changed my mind when I saw the huge line breaching the doorway. I decided to save my five euros and go the the small German supermarket a few stores down and buy a snack.

While munching on my light afternoon snack, I continued my self-guided tour through the city, observing more architecture, tourists and crazy drivers. Exhausted from all of the walking (and the ballerina flats I had decided to wear), I began to look for the bus stop I had gotten off at a few hours before. After an hour of wandering, I managed too find my way back, just in time to wait 15 minutes for the next bus.

When I finally boarded the bus, I had a bit of a hassle with the bus driver who told me that I had already used both rides on my ticket (apparently, it does not allow you the flexibility to get off along the way and re-board...you are supposed to go one way there and one way back...oops!). I pulled the 'dumb American' card and he let me on the bus without too much trouble.

An hour later, I was back in Maastricht, warm and cozy in our humble abode on Onder de Kerk. Aachen was such a beautiful city, and well worth the visit. I will be sure to go back in December for the famous Christmasmarkt. And to see the city in the snow!

Dag 53: Reflections

Thursday, October 13, 2011: Maastricht Netherlands

Here I sit in my room, cozy and warm, enjoying the cool breeze coming into the room from my window and sipping a glass of wine. Its been a busy week. Lot's of school preparations. Lot's of skyping. Lot's of things accomplished. Now I am ready to kick up my feet and enjoy the coming weekend, which promises three whole days of sunshine and pleasant weather.

But first, a look back. Tonight has been an evening of reflection, and I thought I would share some of my thoughts here. After an afternoon spent in tutorial for my Human Resources course, I headed into the city for Thursday night dinner at Tafelstraat 13, the University Chaplaincy. I have enjoyed these gatherings the past two months, as there is always tasty food and good company.

Tonight was no different. A tasty dinner of vegetarian lasagna, a nice salad, garlic bread and vla met kruidnoten (that is Dutch pudding and yummy Sinterklaas cookies) for dessert. Dinner is always accompanied by diverse company at Tafelstraat. Tonight I learned about Hungarian and Dutch Sinterklaas traditions and the troubles plaguing the Belgian government. There is always something interesting to learn from those sitting around you at the table!

But tonight after the dinner, we did something different. Instead of departing after having coffee and cleaning the kitchen, we walked outside in the cool autumn evening and traversed the winding, historic streets of Maastricht until we reached one of my favorite spots in the city - the park near the river Maas. Today, the chaplaincy had laid out a labyrinth made of small pebbles. The labyrinth is an ancient symbol in the Christian and Jewish tradition. Composed of seven (the perfect number) rings, the labyrinth offers those who enter its sphere an opportunity to reflect on whatever is on one's heart. A chance to commune and be with God. A chance to take a look at yourself and your relationship with the Higher Being.

Tonight, I entered the labyrinth along with several others from the Tafelstraat dinner. Each of us took our own time to make the journey through the labyrinth and to pray and reflect on the thoughts in our hearts and minds. I first followed the tradition relayed to us by the chaplain - walk around the outside of the labyrinth 3 times before entering. First, reflect on God as the Father. Next, God as the Son, and finally, God as the Holy Spirit. I took my time to contemplate where I stand with God in my relationship with Him in these three dimensions at this moment in my life. Next, I entered the labyrinth, stopping periodically along my journey to the center to contemplate the thoughts pervading my mind and give them to God. I thanked God for the beauties of life, blessings He has bestowed, and opportunities He has given me. I reached the center, and knelt in prayer before God. I asked Him for peace, for closure, and for a heart yearning for Him and His will.

I made my way back out of the labyrinth and stood in communion with the others in the group. There was a new feeling among the small group of us. I could tell that this had been a truly awesome experience for everyone in the group.

I gathered my things and began biking back to my humble abode across the river. A quiet, spirit of contemplation hovered over me as a rode - a sense of peace. I took the long route home, cycling slowly to enjoy the beauty of the city at night and to notice new things. What an amazing place I am in. And have I been thankful for it  - no. Have I taken the proper time to thank God for this amazing opportunity - no. Have I been fully engaged in my time here - no.

These are the things I have been pondering tonight. These are the things I want to continue to reflect on during my time here. These are the things I want to strive for - gratitude, living in the moment, living a life that reflects the beauty and love of Christ.

I am thankful for this experience, for this opportunity to reflect, for this moment, for today, and for tomorrow.

Dag 43: Agnes in Maastricht!

Monday, October 3, 2011: Maastricht, Netherlands

I woke up this morning in my bed in Onder de Kerk in Maastricht, Netherlands. An ordinary Monday morning, so it seemed. Yet today was something different, something special. Today I would have a visitor from America. Someone from Agnes Scott!

Okay, so this visitor was not just here to see me, but it just so happened that the Dean of Admission from ASC was traveling through Maastricht and invited me to join her at her college fair to be an additional representative of the College!

As usual, I  could not say no to any favor ASC Admissions asked of me. After working there for four years while attending ASC and for a few months after I graduated, this office is very near and dear to me.  Although the office has undergone some recent staff changes and restructuring of job duties and geographical territories, it is still the same great office of women working to recruit new Scotties. Of course, I was anxious to help in any way I could!

So, I woke up early and headed to the Uni to study for a bit in the morning. I studied in the library for a couple of hours before heading just down the street to the United World College in Maastricht.  Before attending the college fair, I knew nothing of this school or its purpose. However,  after meeting Dean Laura Martin and speaking with her at the fair, I soon learned that this international organization serves an empowering mission in line with the goals of Agnes Scott. The mission of the UWC is: [To] provide high quality education focusing on the specific needs of internationally mobile students within a multicultural setting. After hearing this, I said, "These students would fit perfectly at Agnes Scott!"

While we did not have very many visitors at the college fair, it was nice to have a chance to talk with Dean Martin and also meet the school's guidance counselor. It was a good experience to learn about this place, and nice to talk in person with someone familiar with ASC!

Sometimes home does not feel so far away after all...

Dag 41: Off to Belgium!

Saturday, October 1, 2011: Liege Belgium

 A month into life in Maastricht, I am starting to get a little antsy in the city and I finally decided to take my first day excursion. After examining my choices, I decided to go to Liege for the day.

Okay, so it sounds more grandiose than it is. Liege is only 30 minutes by train from Maastricht. So I was really just hopping over the Belgian border for the day.

I slept in for a bit longer than intended (it is Saturday after all!) and got up and ready for my trip.  Apple, check! Lunch, check! French phrase book, check! After gathering all my things, brushing my teeth, and eating a quick breakfast, I hopped on my bike and cycled to the Central station. From Maastricht Central, I boarded the Belgian sneltrein (slow train) which would stop in Vise, Bressoux, and finally, Liege! A short tour through the French side of Belgium :)

The train ride was quick, but long enough for me to read a few pages of my book, Eat, Pray, Love. Around noon, I got off the train at Liege-Guillemans, a massive, gorgeous international train station. I am fairly familiar with this station, as I have passed through it several times in previous travels. But this time was different - I was actually exiting the station!

My first adventure for the day was to find the Primark in Liege. Although there are buses that run from the station to the store, I decided to walk the 1.4 kilometers there myself. The only catch was finding my way! I got off to a good start, following the first few steps of my directions with ease. However, I was about 500 meters away from my destination and I got lost! And I spent about an hour trying to get back on track. Along the way, I stopped at the Quick (fast-food burger restaurant) to use the bathroom. I got to use the toilet for free (major accomplishment!) and was back on my way to navigate the route to Primark.

After another half hour of wandering (now in the heat, as the day was warming up), I was about to give up and head in the direction of the city center - a place I could surely find. I began walking city-bound, when I saw a woman crossing the street opposite me with an H&M bag. With a renewed sense of hope, I walked the direction she was coming in hopes of the Primark. What do you know. Around the corner was the huge Mediacite shopping center which houses the Primark!

I stood in awe of the sign for a few moments before finding a nice place to sit in the shade for a few minutes and enjoy my pizza baguette, compliments of the Albert Hiejn bakkerij. I enjoyed a few moments of repreive while eating my lunch and then headed indoors to realize the quest of my miniature pilgrimage. Now I have been to a few Primarks before, but I was still astonished by this one. Even though its a huge clothing store, Primark is nothing but packed - with people and clothes! Articles of clothing were strewn everywhere. I barged my way through the people and clothing displays, picking up a few things to try on. After gathering an armful of clothing, I headed to the dressing rooms. The line was so long! Most of the time I would refuse to wait in such a line, but this was all part of my Primark hajj. I joined the Belgians and Dutch customers in the long line, set down my clothes, and took out my book. Yes, I read while I waited in line.

After trying the things on and choosing which I would purchase, I made my way to the cashiers, which thankfully were much speedier. I was soon walking out of Primark with a bag containing a new skirt, pajama shorts and accessories. Shopping success! I meandered through the rest of the Mediacite to find the exit, not stopping in other stores, since I was already exhausted from this shopping venture (and had spent more than my budget!).

Exiting the Mediacite, I crossed the river and walked into the city centre. I first passed through another smaller indoor shopping center. I saw several Dutch stores along the way - HEMA, Action, Blokker, Zeeman - what are they doing in the French part of Belgium? Oh well, I stopped in HEMA to have a look, and continued back into the city.

With no set agenda for the afternoon (besides wanting to read a couple of articles for class), I decided to have a "Belgian afternoon". My mission: everything Belgian - beer, fries and waffles (stop the 'fat' calls now...I was experiencing the culture!). First mission - beer, of course! With a plethora of cafes to choose from, how does one make an informed decision as to where to stop for a drink? A couple of tips - somewhere busy...booming business usually means good deals and quality. Also, location is important. Sometimes places off the beaten path are better than the tourist traps in the center of the centre.

With this in mind, I found a happening cafe in a small square on the edge of the city centre. Okay, the real reason I chose this cafe was the chairs - not gonna lie! I ordered a Duvel, one of my favorite Belgian beers, at Lange Vin cafe and enjoyed every sip of it while reading an article for my Work Psychology course on the outdoor terrace. This, I must say, is relaxation.

After finishing the article, and the beer, I paid for my drink and started back for the second round of my mission - a Belgian waffle! As I continued through the industrial streets of Liege, I began relying on my nose for help in completing my missions. Following the scent of sweet cinnamon deliciousness, I quickly came to a small French bakery. Although everything in the display case looked equally delicious, I stuck to my original intent and ordered a waffle. All I can say is God is good!

Munching on the yummy waffle, I decided that I had reached the periphery of the city, and began to head back the way I had come. I stopped to pick up a postcard (of course!) and used the bathroom again at the Quick in the city (this time it cost 30 euro cent, but okay, that's still good). I passed some more shops, tourist information points, and continued my search for the final round of my mission - fries! I was having difficulty locating a Fritere (the word for a fries shop), but shortly came across a small place advertising, "The best frites." I couldn't resist.

With my limited French, I ordered a petit frites (which is more than enough for one person - especially after a beer and a waffle!). Fries never come unaccompanied in Belgium. With a variety of choices of sauces before me, I chose curry ketchup to smother my Belgian frites. With a merci, I was on my way back to the train station. Not entirely sure of where I was at this point, I began walking in the direction I thought I needed to go. I stopped again in a park - the Palas Park - formerly belonging to the nearby palace, and read another article for class and ate my fries.

After resting a bit, I determined I could make the next train if I left immediately. Still uncertain as to where the train station was in relation to me, I checked the city map I found on the next street corner. I was closer than I thought! I used the map to get my bearings and headed to the station. A few minutes later, I was sitting on the train, sipping a Douwe Egberts iced coffee while I waited for the train to depart. I again opened my book and was shortly on my way back to Maastricht.

My trip to Liege was  fun and exciting (after all, I got new clothes at Primark!). The city is not my personal favorite, but I think that it made a nice day trip, considering my proximity. I don't think I will return while I am in Maastricht, but I am hoping to visit more of Belgium while here!