Justin and I went to Den Hague first to meet a friend for dinner where we first discovered the square. Justin went back for a class trip and took the photos.
Coat of Arms.
Fountain under the coat of arms.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Den Hague
Den Hague (The Hague) is a short train ride outside of Amsterdam and the seat of government for the Netherlands. There is a old city square near the Mauritishuis (Royal picture gallery open to the public) where the senate meets and there are rather nice old buildings.
Justin and I went to Den Hague first to meet a friend for dinner where we first discovered the square. Justin went back for a class trip and took the photos.
Entrance to the square.
Coat of Arms.
Fountain under the coat of arms.
Justin and I went to Den Hague first to meet a friend for dinner where we first discovered the square. Justin went back for a class trip and took the photos.
Coat of Arms.
Fountain under the coat of arms.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Alkmaar Cheese Market
Today I (Justin was in class so couldn't come) went to the Alkmaar cheese market with some people from my program. At the market, cheese is brought out to be tested for moisture and flavor, then carried by men in traditional dress on sleighs.
Unfortunately I never got a photo of them running with the cheese, but how they do it is there is one man in the front and the other in the back with straps on their shoulders holding the sleigh up.
After being tested, the cheese is ran by sleigh over to carts which are then brought to trucks where all the cheese is packed.
There are much smaller wheels of cheese sold off to the side in the market. Some of it is herbed, and some with cumin, garlic, and even walnuts. All of it is quite good and reasonably priced.
There is a cheese museum (which I did not visit) in a lovely old building with nice clock chimes and (supposedly) figurines that come out of the hour.
We also had Dutch Appletaart and a coffee (much stronger here than in the States) on a balcony overlooking a canal for 3 euros. Very good and very cheap. I recommend checking out Department store cafes in Europe if you're looking for good food for very reasonable prices.
Unfortunately I never got a photo of them running with the cheese, but how they do it is there is one man in the front and the other in the back with straps on their shoulders holding the sleigh up.
After being tested, the cheese is ran by sleigh over to carts which are then brought to trucks where all the cheese is packed.
There are much smaller wheels of cheese sold off to the side in the market. Some of it is herbed, and some with cumin, garlic, and even walnuts. All of it is quite good and reasonably priced.
There is a cheese museum (which I did not visit) in a lovely old building with nice clock chimes and (supposedly) figurines that come out of the hour.
We also had Dutch Appletaart and a coffee (much stronger here than in the States) on a balcony overlooking a canal for 3 euros. Very good and very cheap. I recommend checking out Department store cafes in Europe if you're looking for good food for very reasonable prices.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
European Living
Welcome to my new, nice, but very small studio. I have two big windows that open, however, and I can look out over my neighborhood.
Europeans call restrooms 'water closets' and I think I know why. My bathroom is literally closet-sized (around the corner in the above photo).
All in all, though, the place is very nice and cozy with a few personal touches here and there. Being so close to the train station and in walking distance from grocery stores, I'll be living very efficiently this semester and get plenty of exercise and fresh air.
Some of my favorite Dutch grocery selections thus far include ready-made and packaged toast (which tastes pretty good with some jam) and paprika flavored everything, including chips.
They're actually pretty good. In fact, most of the food I've had thus far here has been pretty tasty, including the shrimp and roast beef salad.
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