2.5 Months Deep

It is time for another glorious update. I have been keeping notes to be sure I can properly entertain you with my blogging. I mean really, I am doing this for you…that’s right…I am bringing you “Europe through beer goggles”.

I’ll start with some of my contact details. If you want to get hold of me, shoot me a line and I will send you all my info..I don't want to put my work number and work cell here but you can call me on skype at 540-551-5069 and text me at 267-390-4781. I have to be on wi fi for both but it is cheap. My personal cell is frozen and inactive.

Now on to some of the interesting things. Since my last blog I saw Maastricht which is cool but not much more than another town which I am learning is true about most towns here. Valkenburg was the same but smaller and older. I took a work trip to the UK which was a super success because I didn’t get run over by a car. Seriously, why doesn’t someone figure out which is the “best” side of the road to drive on and just make everyone do it. Effing brits are crazy drivers and they drive on the left..even the round a bouts are reversed..it is maddening. I really thought our taxi was one of those drivers ed cars when we got in. I will say that the girls in the UK win the slut award so far. Seriously, I don’t know how the girls kept their ass in some of those short skirts…its was like a miracle fabric or something we don’t have in Holland for sure. Girls here are much more conservative in my little town. Don't get me wrong..I love UK girls but they are easy to rib.

I tried to celebrate the 4th of July. I went on a mission looking for an American beer and a hamburger on a Monday night. After my 5th bar and as many Corona’s I gave up and settled for a shitty “fried” burger with fries and Mayo. Corona’s are very common….I have yet to find a single “light” beer…and not even close to a natural light. In fact, here is another disturbing factoid. You can’t find Solo cups ANYWHERE! I tried to teach some locals how to play flip cup and like 3 different people told me…we don’t drink out of plastic. I was dumb founded. How do their students get through college without leveraging the multiple levels of utility offered by solo cups? They play beer pong and keep “glasses” of the beer lined up beside the table. I did manage to find the only bar in Holland which has a relationship with the world series of beer pong and will be sending their champion team to Las Vegas in January to compete for the world title. I spent all last Saturday cleaning up the locals.

The women's world cup was happening in Germany. I saw the thriller against Brazil on TV and checked the schedule to see that the semi-final vs France was basically in my backyard…20 kilometers from my town. I bought two tix for 200 Euroes and took a friend from work. It was rainy but a good time. Lots of Americans were there but no really good stories here..just another game and a disappointing final. Good job Japan..you deserved it.

Some other interesting factoids:
People don’t “Volunteer” here..their taxes support the poor
Many public restrooms charge to use the facilities
People are not bashful…cleaning staff will clean the bathroom while you are shaking it off
My new Asics cost me $170
They always serve beer in its branded glass….only its brand.
Everyone smokes and I swear it is an if you can’t beat em, join em culture.
I went shopping for some new clothes. I wanted some Dutch, german or even Italian clothes. Nearly everything had writing and logos, all of which were in English.
Wine is many times cheaper than beer
Holland is famous for Heineken but none here drinks the stuff
The girls are young and I can still make it happen!

Norway is next up. I will be visiting some extended family and sight seeing this Thursday to Sunday and then a work trip Monday to Thursday. Thats it for now. I owe you some more pictures and will work on that next.