World Cup 2010 - Hup Holland Hup

When we first moved to Amsterdam, I kept thinking about how lucky we are to be living in Europe during the 2010 World Cup.  Europeans, particularly Dutch, have an certain intensity that pounds thru their veins while watching futbol.  The city was constant madness, citizens leaving their jobs early, if they actually went in, and pubs, restaurants, clubs, homes, anything with a television, were flocked with fans, beer and a lot of orange.

Our first game, US vs England, was seen in Paris.  We found a simple pub, ate some nachos, fries and drank large beers and watched the US tie England.  Yes, I screamed out loud after our goal and scared an old french woman, but I was happy, and I didn't care about showing it!  

For the second game, my friend Denessa and I hung out over at the Leidseplein. 

 Not so many US fans out and about, but you certainly could pick them out during goals and when the clock ran out.

Our third US game, we were invited to a bbq down the street with other US citizens.  It was intense, sad, and emotional, but I loved every second of it and am super proud of our team.  Obviously I would have loved to seen them go further, but it just wasn't our year.

My first, second, third, and fourth Holland games, I went to small pubs with friends, from Hansel and Gretel, to Tabac, but mainly Cocos in the Remberandtplein.  The closer we got to the finals, the more orange and crowds came out.  We actually got to a bar 4 hours before the game to get great seats right in front of the tv!!!  The sacrifices you have to make!!!

Museumplein, a large public park and area that has the Rjiks and Van Gogh museums, was seen all of the world news mainly because of large crowds.  So many folks, 40,000 they estimated, filled the park.  It actually was a bit overwhelming, Kirk and I stuck around for about an hour on the outskirts.  I was definitely intimated on going any further into the crowd, considering security and police appeared to be on their smoke breaks and doing absolutely nothing.  Rumor has it the police handed out joints to the large crowd to get folks to calm down.  Need I say more.

Kirk and I assisted oue new friend/photographer, Monte.  We approached noticeable fans and took their pictures, trying to capture the essence of Holland History in futbol.  Afterwards we headed out to the Spui to meet up with friends Chad, Erin, Courtney, Michael, Johanna and Scott.  

What I enjoyed about World Cup the most was celebrating with our new friends, the constant high and buzz in the air, parties and more parties.  The city was joyous and exciting, and I am so happy we were here for every minute of it!  It's hard to describe and I know it's only a game, but it's World Cup, the World is involved, the country is behind a team, and I am just happy I had two of them to support!

Our walk home from after the final game can sum it up, seeing all the fans cheering, the massive amounts of orange, the love in the air....oh what a feeling!

Days later the city had a welcome home parade for the Team.  It started off in the Dam Square and made its way thru the canals and ended at the Museumplein.  I joined a couple friends on the canal to watch the boys go by, scream out our thanks and congrats, took some pics and headed home.  Finally, it's over, my life can get back to normal!

Antwerp and Rotterdam (the Tour and 4th)

On Saturday, June 26th, we took a quick day trip to Antwerp, Belgium.  Antwerp is about a 2.5 hour train ride from Amsterdam.  It was a very hot day indeed, but perfect sunny weather to walk around the city, eat Belgium waffles and explore the colorful and lively Saturday markets and shops.

Most residents of Amsterdam make their way to Antwerp strictly for the shopping.  Antwerp's shops seem to have more variety and better prices.

My first belgium waffle was crispy, but soft, buttery and sweet, I had it plain, and it was perfect!

We happened to be in Antwerp before the Gay Pride Parade, so the city was busy setting up stages, stands, and beer gardens.  We sat down for a nice large belgium beer and enjoyed people watching - one of my favorite things to do!

The Saturday market was HUGE!!!  Olives, almonds, cheeses, meats, produce and hand-made objects, were many of the spectacular goods being sold.  Don't get me wrong, Amsterdam has a few really nice markets - Albert Cuyp (Mon-Sat) offer similar goods that were seen in Antwerp.  The Bloemenmarkt includes bulbs, seeds, and rare flowers (Mon-Sat).  Noordermarkt, also known as Farmer's Market sell biological goods only on Saturday. 


And the last that I frequent, Westerstraat Markt, where you first grab a coffee and slice of apple pie then walk up and down the rows of candles, oils, clothes and small objects (Monday's only).

We walked around thru many plazas with beautiful fountains and statues.  The central station actually is the prettiest I have seen.

Before heading back home, we were informed of Las Manas, an amazing Spanish restaurant, that even the Spanish claim to have authentic Paella.  We ate oysters, octopus and nice serving of Paella.  Of course we ordered a large pitcher of sangria to wash it down!

The next day, Kirk and I headed to the park for a nice picnic.  We took a nap outside with Indy, ate some sandwiches and pasta and listened to music coming from arena.  Random sighting - a kid taking his horse out for a stroll, literally, it had a leash, I thought that was pretty odd.

                                     

The following weekend, July 3rd, we headed off to Rotterdam with our new friends Erin and Chad, to see Lance Armstrong in his final Le Tour de France!

 

The train ride to Rotterdam is a little over an hour and the weather was sunny, with showers here and there.  We have been having some really hot weather, so it was nice to feel the temperature cool down a bit.  We met up with some other expats, who guided us thru the Tour - when Lance starts his time trial, the route, where to be and when.

The 4 of us decided to walk around the race, about 10k.  This was a nice way to see the city, walk the bridges and start our own little pub crawl. We found a side street that set up a stage and showcased a Dutch rap group - Dikke Vandalen.  Couldn't understand a word they were saying, until they started singing about the Back Street Boys - yes, the BSB's.

                                    

We made our way back to the hostel, StayOkay, took a little break from the tour and split some pitchers of beer with the rest of the group.  Lance was starting soon, so we headed back to a good spot on the bridge, ready to cheer him on.  It was quick, but fun to see him in action.  The crowd roared for Lance!!!

                                     
The city completely shut down for the tour, no cars, trams, or bikes (besides the participants in the race). Afterwards we joined the group again for a bite to eat, some world cup (at the time Spain vs Paraguay), and then headed back home.   A lovely city and a good way to remember it by.

                                                       

The next day was the 4th.  We joined our friends Courtney (from my sorority), Michael, Scott (UW alum), Johanna, Ali, Denessa, Steve and Matt for some picnicking at Vondelpark.  It wouldn't be the 4th with out American beer and football, some frisbee, bocce ball and chips and dip.  A beautiful day and way to celebrate our first 4th in Europe.  

The expat community here is truly small.  We have quickly come to realize everybody knows each other in unique ways - thru co-workers, the gym, American Women's Club, to UW alumni and poker games.  A small world making us feel more at home and comfortable!!!

New Spots to eat/drink
Tricolore for awesome Italian subs
Coffee Salon for amazing iced  latte's (something truly hard to find in this city)

New Beach - On Saturday, July 11th, we went on a long bike ride with Erin and Chad - Final destination, Blijberg, also known as Buddha's Beach.  A perfect place to dip into after biking for about an hour in the hot sun!  It was so wonderful to go swimming, since we are constantly teased by the canals (definitely can't swim in them unless you want Hep C).

Poetry in Paris

Our friends Jenny and Eric Cosper made a trip out to Paris for work,  so Kirk and I met up with them.  You definitely need to take your time in Paris, it beautiful, so much to see, eat and drink, but Kirk and I were only there for 36 hours, so we had to stick a strict plan of touring the staples.

We stayed at the New Hotel Roblin, located in the center of Paris, in Madeleine (Opera district).  We were right around the corner from the Madeleine metro stop, so getting around the city was a breeze.  A hot day and early morning we tried to find an iced coffee (something we have learned to be nearly impossible in Amsterdam and most of Europe).

First stop - Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris.  It is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Paris.  I really enjoyed the high arched ceilings, the stained glass, candles, quiet atmosphere and lengthy aisles.

After our walk-thru we met up with Jenny and Eric for drinks (sans Jenny since she announced she is pregnant with twins) and lunch before heading out for a long stroll and window shopping.

After a few hours of walking we finally made it to the Arc de Triomphe.  The Arc is a tribute to those who fought for France. On the inside of the arc you will see the many names of generals and wars fought.  Steps and more steps take you to the very top.  The view was spectacular, one of the best ways to truly see Paris.  From this view you see the city sectioned off into wedges like a pizza.

After hours and hours of walking/touring the city, we headed back to the hotel for a quick shower and nap before sitting down for a pub meal and watching our first US World Cup game against England. We ordered 'nachos', beers and fries.  It was a blast watching the game, a little disappointing that it ended in a draw, but we did come back so can't be mad at that.  It really is amazing watching World Cup in Europe and being surrounded by huge fans of the game.

Late and ready for dinner, Eric mentioned a restuarant near the Eiffel Tower (The Poet's Club) that had good reviews in his travel guide.  We arrived by taxi and discovered this place to be dark and possibly not open/out of business.  Eric peeked his head in and caught the attention of the owner.  He offered us a meal but asked if we wouldn't mind listening in on their poetry readings.  There was a small group, maybe 6-8 folks sitting around in this tiny candle-lit room, listening to the owner recite french poetry.

The owner is the son of a well known French poet of the 20th century, Jean-Pierre Rosnay.  He asked our group if we knew of any french poets, we could not provide him with a single one.  But that didn't matter, he wanted to share the experience with us.  The restaurant feels like a home, because it actually is!  Eric actually mistook their sons room as the bathroom - accidentally interrupting him in what appeared to be studying.  But once he heard the boy say bonjour, he knew he was in the wrong place.   Since Jean-Pierre's passing in December 2009, his son took over the Poet's Club, still honoring poets from France, and giving others opportunities to share their poetic talent.  We met a girl who currently lives in New York, but is now spending time in Paris, I am guessing trust-fund baby, and is "discovering" herself by reciting poetry in various avenues!

I ate the rawest peice of meat and Kirk, Jenny and Eric enjoyed quiche.  As we continued to listen to live poetry readings, we ate pistachio icecream and admired the fat house cat sleeping on our table. It did get a little weird when they threw some interpretative dancing, but I really could not complain. It wouldn't be Paris with out poetry, raw meat, and some unique display/act of art.

For the next day, we met up for a quick bite, quiches, juice, pastries, croussants, and coffee.  We said our goodbyes and headed straight for the Eiffel Tower.  The lines were massive, but it was important to me to climb up to at least the second level.  I also made sure to have a tasty chocolate crepe.....so amazing!!!

Last stop, The Louvre Museum, we had about 6 hours before we had to fly back to Amsterdam, so we immediately headed to see the classics, Mona Lisa, Aphrodite, and my absolute favorite The Winged Victory of Samothrace.  Most know that the Louvre is a lot to handle. You can't see everything especially in a 4 hours.  The Louvre is peaceful, but overwhelming,  massive, real and breathtaking.  I hope to go back some day.

Overall a wonderful and quick trip seeing good friends and exploring a very romantic and memorable city!

A few more notes:
The Dutch LOVE telling you their opinion about everything, at any time, whether you ask for it or not
Ice coffee equals HUGE cups of coffee and a few ice cubes, you take what you get!
Huge screens broadcasting World Cup 2010 have been strategically placed around most European cities, including Schiphol Airport - a nice way to wait for our bus ride home