Holidays in Holland

Never in all my life has time passed so quickly. I swear I went to sleep on Halloween and woke up just in time for Christmas! Absurd I tell you, absurd!! Of course the swiftly passing time is a not so much an indication of Groningen itself, but more so of my own happiness and livelihood here. It is true; I am quite pleased with my busy little existence here and often think how wonderful it is to be a part of such a suitable location. Charlie doesn’t care much for the winter rains, but to be honest, even that doesn’t bother me so much. It just makes me crave a cup of herbal tea and a very large down blanket!! Both of which I own and make use of daily. 

Groningen is a special place for sure. Now that the air is cold and brittle and the holidays are here, the streets are lit up in the evenings and the marketplace smells constantly of Glogg (recipe here). Also, as so often happens this time of year, people are merry. I find Dutchies to be quite merry in general, but it seems more so lately. It flows out of the stores and through classrooms and offices at school and makes me remember that yes, people are generally good and the world is generally beautiful. I’m such a sap this time of year, I know. I even find myself baking cookies just so the house smells nice. When the weather is bad Charlie and I hole up for hours of homework so we can rush outside when even a sliver of hope for sunshine presents itself. Yes yes, this is the stuff of a full life!

Thanksgiving was celebrated at my house this year in style. Seventeen of my colleagues (including myself) packed ourselves into my tiny studio apartment on the 27^th of November to eat, drink, enjoy each others company, and par-take in a tradition they knew nothing about haha. The festivities went well, and thanks to boyfriend I had set-up AND cleanup help, for which he was  compensated in leftovers…and kisses. Thank you so very much Gerben for all your help and patience while I was putting this all together!!! 

Also a big thanks to everyone who joined me on such a special occasion! It was a Thanksgiving for the books and I had a wonderful time! (Sorry the photos are so dark, the lighting in my apartment isn't ideal for picture taking! :( 

The week after Thanksgiving, I joined Holland in celebrating its own holiday tradition called Sinterklaas on the 5^th of December. It was my classmate’s turn to host (I was pooped!), and she surly did it in style!! She put together an extensive selection of meats and veggies to be roasted on the gourmet (This cool looking grill thingy, which I had never used before.) and we all had a ball roasting, eating, teasing, talking, remeniscing, and just being together. After we were all so full we could hardly walk, Miri rolled us into the living room to play a Secret Santa game in which I won a hand-held luggage scale!! So. Cool. Thanks Miri for having us all over for such a great time!!

Soon after the festivities, I was able to borrow a fake miniature Christmas tree from my landlady. I was skeptical at first about having a plastic tree, but I must say I find it completely adorable.

 I decorated it with a few scoured ornaments and I like to turn off all the other lights in my apartment in the evening to eat my dinner by the lit tree. Silly, I know but I can’t help it! As you all know, I am a Christmas nut, and that seems to be consistent no matter which country I am in. Thank you Gram for the wonderful presents which are under the tree!! You're the best! Also you should all be receiving your Christmas cards in the mail soon, so keep an eye out!

Let’s see, what else….Oh!! Miri and I went ice-skating together, which was a real blast, and last week I had my first ever squash lesson. Of course I shockingly sub-par but I must admit as far as racket sports are concerned, squash is the shit. Super fun. If you’ve never played, find a partner, do it, like today. Seriously.

Also on the good news front; it turns out the Dutch will no longer have to deport me! Yahoo!! My residence papers FINALLY came through a few weeks ago (only about 3 months late…). I have also been able to take a few fun little day trips around the country recently. I went to Amsterdam for a day and also to Gerben’s brothers house in Delfzil where he lives with his girlfriend. We played a board game, which I totally won (thanks to frequent boyfriend cheating) and just relaxed with them for the evening. It was quite nice. Thanks Nienke for all the great Indian recipes!!

Well, I think that’s all for now, but stay tuned for my next holiday adventure!! I’ll give you a hint: I’m leaving Holland for a bit! HAHA!! And don’t forget New Years Resolutions are just around the corner. YES!!! Also, for all of you out there wondering how Mr. Charlie Pants is doing, he is in excellent form as usual….clearly... ....he is well loved....I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas and New Years this year, and please remember I am sending you all lots of love from Groningen!! xoxo