In Maastricht

The ride to the Guest House was not very eventful.  Our bus driver had a little difficulty navigating through the airport parking lots.  The highways are a lot like ours, and they actually have a lot of the same cars.  But they also have a lot of different cars which are smaller (what I expected).  It was very noticeable when we went from Belgium to The Netherlands.  I can't really explain why, but if you come to visit me, I am sure you will see.

When we got here, we had to sign a contract, and then it was off to find our room.  I arrived before Nick (my roommate).  So I arranged the room the way I wanted it.  I unpacked everything before he arrived.  Then Stew, Patrick, and I went to try and find some food.  We hadn't eaten anything but plane food in over 24 hours.  We ended up eating at some little shop in a nearby mall.  I couldn't even tell you what I got, but it was really good.  It was a sandwich with some type of meat and slaw.  The lady spoke english to Stew and Pat, but for some reason she thought I was dutch and didn't speak english to me the entire time...kind of odd.  When we finished with that we went back to meet the ESN (Erasmus Student Network) kids, who were going to show us where to shop.

I can't really explain why, but if you come to visit me, I am sure you will see.

They took us back to the mall where we bought pillows, comforter's, sheets, and towels.  We all had a little trouble finding out what the dutch name was for sheets or comforter, but we either guessed or asked somebody there.  Thats the other thing- I can't believe how many people speak English!  I think all us americans here feel a little inadequate when they have to speak English to us in their own country.  But in the end we got what we needed.

After we all got back from this, we headed out to see what the pubs were like.  We found a place called the Highlander, and the bartender was very excited to see the "new group of american students" back in his bar.  He told us he would have the super bowl on for us and stay open late (around 4 am I think) and also show some of the NCAA games.  In the end, I was just happy to get back home and sleep.