I apologize for the lack of posting, since my return from Amsterdam I have been extremely busy working two jobs and taking a class at UMASS. Expect an update when I get the chance to take a breather.
In the mean time I would like to plug Lee's sister Laurel's new blog. She makes me feel bad for not being more fashionable. She just started her own fashion blog, check it out http://modaalalaurel.blogspot.com
-Liz
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy Fourth of July!!!
Happy Fourth everyone!
I am spending yet another Independence Day away from the US. Here in Amsterdam you would never know a holiday of such magnitude was happening anywhere, but Laurel, Miranda, Lee and I are celebrating our own way.
Thanfully we have beautiful weather today. Miranda wants to make Mojitos and sit outside. Laurel wants chicken and dumplings. Lee wants cake.
The day started with an epic walking adventure to Dam square for Miranda and I. We were on a pilgrimage to the largest Albert Heijn in the Netherlands, which was a pretty good size on par with an American grocery store. A smaller one of course. Think old IGA size. We had some troubling acquiring confectioner's sugar and mojito supplies, but we managed to scrounge up everything we needed to make this fourth fabulous. We also got to see Darth Vader on the Dam...always a sight to see.
Miranda make homemade tomato soup for lunch and Laurel and I decorated a flag cake seen above. More updated as we continue celebrating..
Hope everyone is having a fun time at home!!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Radiohead and Storms
Currently there is a huge thunderstorm here in Amsterdam, it is pouring rain and thunder and lightning. Very spooky.
Yesterday was the big radiohead concert here in Amsterdam. Unfortunately, Laurel was feeling sick so Lee and I headed to the Westergasfabriek Cultuurpark early and got a spot in line. Fans here in Europe don't line up as early as in America, so Lee and I managed to get a great spot right in front of the stage, about 5 people back. Pretty nice. Of course the venue has been taken over by Live Nation...like everywhere else on the planet. I cannot escape Live Nation. But unlike in America, you have to trade in money for tokens to pay for drinks and food. Which was lame, and tedious. Hopefully, they dont adopt that at the Comcast Center...
The opening band Bats for Lashes was terrible. It was a Bjork knockoff but with people playing four or five instruments per song. Which is way too many, and you never even heard the clarinet or saw...yes saw..being played at any given time. It was painful to wait through, but Lee and I managed to survive. The whole crowd wasnt really feeling it, so there was a huge sigh of relief when they left the stage.
Radiohead was amazing. They had an interesting lighting design that consisted of light tubes all over the stage, which flashed in many colors during the performance. They played all the songs I wanted to hear and there was a great vibe. Thom Yorke was much more happy go lucky than I anticipated, telling jokes and dancing around. it was a great time. They played two encores and even played a new song. Unfortunately, I didnt bring my camera in, so I have no good pictures. But I am sure a quick google search will get me some later :)
-Liz
Yesterday was the big radiohead concert here in Amsterdam. Unfortunately, Laurel was feeling sick so Lee and I headed to the Westergasfabriek Cultuurpark early and got a spot in line. Fans here in Europe don't line up as early as in America, so Lee and I managed to get a great spot right in front of the stage, about 5 people back. Pretty nice. Of course the venue has been taken over by Live Nation...like everywhere else on the planet. I cannot escape Live Nation. But unlike in America, you have to trade in money for tokens to pay for drinks and food. Which was lame, and tedious. Hopefully, they dont adopt that at the Comcast Center...
The opening band Bats for Lashes was terrible. It was a Bjork knockoff but with people playing four or five instruments per song. Which is way too many, and you never even heard the clarinet or saw...yes saw..being played at any given time. It was painful to wait through, but Lee and I managed to survive. The whole crowd wasnt really feeling it, so there was a huge sigh of relief when they left the stage.
Radiohead was amazing. They had an interesting lighting design that consisted of light tubes all over the stage, which flashed in many colors during the performance. They played all the songs I wanted to hear and there was a great vibe. Thom Yorke was much more happy go lucky than I anticipated, telling jokes and dancing around. it was a great time. They played two encores and even played a new song. Unfortunately, I didnt bring my camera in, so I have no good pictures. But I am sure a quick google search will get me some later :)
-Liz
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Risk it
This weekend has been pretty chill here at Ankerplaats. For the most part, Lee Laurel and I have just been lounging around and playing Risk. That's right, Risk. I had never played Risk before, an d it strikes me as a bit Dungeons and Dragons like, but whatever we had a good time.
Today after our adventures to the Flower Market and whatnot, I went out and did a little souvenir shopping. It was a beautiful day and there were alot of people cruising on their boats through the canals and enjoying the nice weather. This evening Lee and I have been catching up on laundry, while Laurel is out with Aleks. We took a short break to the Thai Company Restaurant for dinner, and to Albert Heijn where I scored the last bunch of bananas. The Albert Heijn tends to get very picked over on the weekends, and it was destiny that the one item I was seeking only had one left.
Right now Spain leads in the Euro Cup with 1 goal. Miranda and Caren return tomorrow from their adventures in Africa, can't wait to hear all about it.
-Liz
Today after our adventures to the Flower Market and whatnot, I went out and did a little souvenir shopping. It was a beautiful day and there were alot of people cruising on their boats through the canals and enjoying the nice weather. This evening Lee and I have been catching up on laundry, while Laurel is out with Aleks. We took a short break to the Thai Company Restaurant for dinner, and to Albert Heijn where I scored the last bunch of bananas. The Albert Heijn tends to get very picked over on the weekends, and it was destiny that the one item I was seeking only had one left.
Right now Spain leads in the Euro Cup with 1 goal. Miranda and Caren return tomorrow from their adventures in Africa, can't wait to hear all about it.
-Liz
While you were sleeping...
Lee, Laurel and I went to the flower market and to get pancakes! This morning we got up early to get flowers for the house, and enjoy a nice breakfast out. Here are some photos for now, expect a more thorough update later today:
I eagerly anticipate what was advertised as the "Best Pancakes in Amsterdam"...
Laurel and Lee enjoying some pancakes. Lee with apple, and Laurel with bacon.
Our haul from the flower market. Dahlias, Bright Eyes, and Lavender. All for only 18 euro! Amazing.
-Liz
I eagerly anticipate what was advertised as the "Best Pancakes in Amsterdam"...
Laurel and Lee enjoying some pancakes. Lee with apple, and Laurel with bacon.
Our haul from the flower market. Dahlias, Bright Eyes, and Lavender. All for only 18 euro! Amazing.
-Liz
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Amsterdam continued
Wednesday: I got my long deserved lazy day here in Amsterdam. I was able to sleep in, something I havent really done in months, and just relax. After making the Harple family some mac and cheese, Lee and I went to meet my brother to see the latest Indiana Jones movie. I must say it was not quite what I expected, but I was glad I finally got to see it. It was sort of Indiana Jones meets X-Files more than anything. I just hope that they dont go on to make more sequels with the son of Indiana Jones, that would get kind of sad.
Thursday: Lee and I spent the morning researching cheap Indonesian restaurants, and we met my brother for lunch in the Dam square. The place we picked was not the one with a "grubby oriental decor" but it was alright for 8 euros a person. Typical tourist area fare. Lee and I took the long way walking home and came back to watch Spain v. Russia. Of course, Spain won, totally dominated the Russian advances. Looking forward to the Euro Cup final on Sunday which will be Germany v. Spain. That should be an interesting game. Personally, I am rooting for Spain, Ramos and Torres are just too fun of names to not yell out excitedly during a soccer game.
Friday: We started the day lazily, and then Laurel encouraged Lee and I to go out shopping with her. Lee got to get some Kantjils, the local Indonesian to go spot, where they essentially microwave the food in a box and give it to you. I personally prefer the asian to go places of the wok variety, but Lee prefers Kantjil's peanut sauce. After shopping, Lee, Laurel, Laurel's friend Jess, and I returned to Ankerplaats where we spent the evening.
-Liz
Thursday: Lee and I spent the morning researching cheap Indonesian restaurants, and we met my brother for lunch in the Dam square. The place we picked was not the one with a "grubby oriental decor" but it was alright for 8 euros a person. Typical tourist area fare. Lee and I took the long way walking home and came back to watch Spain v. Russia. Of course, Spain won, totally dominated the Russian advances. Looking forward to the Euro Cup final on Sunday which will be Germany v. Spain. That should be an interesting game. Personally, I am rooting for Spain, Ramos and Torres are just too fun of names to not yell out excitedly during a soccer game.
Friday: We started the day lazily, and then Laurel encouraged Lee and I to go out shopping with her. Lee got to get some Kantjils, the local Indonesian to go spot, where they essentially microwave the food in a box and give it to you. I personally prefer the asian to go places of the wok variety, but Lee prefers Kantjil's peanut sauce. After shopping, Lee, Laurel, Laurel's friend Jess, and I returned to Ankerplaats where we spent the evening.
I am finishing up this post with some photos of the Harple house here, particularly the views out of Katrina's bedroom where Lee and I are staying:
-Liz
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