Jetlagged

A fully furnished apartment really is the way to go for the expat. My landlord furnished everything from furniture to a toothbrush. They really intended for me to just walk in with my clothes and feel at home. I do. It's a very cute place. After looking for days for apartments last month this place was waiting for me.

I, of course, brought my own pots and pans and sheets in the wrong size but otherwise its all good. I'm forcing myself to stay awake by unpacking as much as I can today. I may not be able to remember where I put everything tomorrow. Luckily this place isn't very big. I've taken "before" shots of all of the rooms. As it is furnished, it is furnished in my landlord's taste. I'll have to take my time and make it my own.

I have to say one of the highlights of the journey from Chicago to Leiden via Dublin happened at passport control. I had just been on the 6 hr flight and was in good spirits despite the lack of sleep on the plane. Why didn't Aer Lingus dim the cabin lights? I was approaching passport control and the officer just had the warmest face so I couldn't resist saying a great big "good morning!" He replied with "Good morning, blossom" I'm guessing blossom is the Irish equivalent to the American Sweetie or Honey but it was so warm and genuine. Then he we exchanged a few words in Spanish. His Spanish with an Irish accent was so lovely. It felt like such a welcome on behalf of Europe. I have to plan a trip to Dublin. I was supposed to go in 2001 but I'm usually 10 years late. Dublin 2011!

I have to say that Aer Lingus had the most graphic safety video for being animated. All other airlines dance around the idea of anything going wrong. They really did preface everything with "this is standard safety procedure" when they would dim the lights or ask you to pull up or down the window shades. I just take issue with putting the seatbelt around your waist. As I understand it, seatbelts in cars or on planes should be on your thighs because your biggest bones can take the impact but if it's around your waist it can damage vital organs. Here is a link to the safety video I found on youtube. Do all safety vests/life jackets on planes have whistles & lights?

I wanted to start this blog as a way to keep my friends and family updated on how I'm adjusting. I've promised myself that I would post a pic or a written entry everyday. I'm sure there will be plenty of tears of laughter and homesickness but always full of optimism. I anticipate this space will be filled with little nuances of Dutch language and culture as well.

My mom gave me the pink key chain in the picture a few weeks ago. I'll think of her every time I look at my keys.