The Adventures of Flat Julia: February 2012

I have to say, members of my family are very good at spoiling me with packages and letters. Who doesn't love St. Pattys Day socks and buttons, plus Highlights hidden picture searches from Aunt Lynn?! Or mallomars and fake eyelashes from Mom and Dad!? But I think today's takes the cake. I recieved a package from my Aunt Fran. I get packages from her in Binghamton as well, but she has really outdone herself this time! A fully loaded paper box, filled with homemade goodies: brownies, cookies, and, of course, her famous pickles (sorry Lizzy, you don't get any this time!). But then, she even topped herself, sending goldfish and granola bars, instant breakfasts, oatmeal and hot cocoa, candy and gum! I wanted to use my blog, not as a place to brag (although really, it's awesome), but as a place for a giant THANK YOU!!! So thank you Aunt Fran, for reminding me of all the goodness of home, and for keeping me well stocked!!

And even though I'm not bragging, here are some pictures to make you all jealous :P

my first vision upon opening the box

all of the goodies! thanks Aunt Fran!

Tot ziens,

Flat (not so flat after this package) Julia

When I first planned my day-trip to Amsterdam, I made a list of at least tien (ten) things I wanted to do while there. How many did I get done? Drie omdat een dag niet genog tijd is! (Three, because one day is not enough time). Upon first arriving in Amsterdam, I was simply confused at the enormity of everything. You leave the huge train station and step out to discover an enormous city! I do believe I've been spending too much time in Leiden...

Anyway, my first stop was Rembrandt's House. I cannot tell you the amount of people who, upon hearing that I would be studying in the Netherlands, told me I must must must! go to Rembrandt's house. It's a pretty large house for the Netherlands (medium sized by other standards, but eh) that still has its original siding. Of course, attached to that original siding is the new, modern half where you buy your tickets and they try to sell you postcards. But inside the original portion, you find dozens upon dozens of works owned by Rembrandt, created by Rembrandt, or created by his pupils. You can even see his original etching machine, and if you catch it at the right time, you see a demonstration. I tried not to take a thousand photos...but I did so anyway, so you can scroll through those later.

Next, I decided to go to the Van Gogh Museum, but of course I got distracted. When the Netherlands gets cold enough, the canals freeze over. Surprisingly (or maybe not and I'm just stupid), thanks to global warming, this is happening less and less. This freeze was the first in twelve years...and I was here to experience it. This means I, too, got on to the ice and walked as far as the canal went. It's a bit odd, but a lot of fun. Plus, you're surrounded by others walking, skating, playing hockey, sledding...even having a picnic!

Because of the time loss, I skipped the Van Gogh Museum and headed straight for the Heineken Brouwerij! Very gimmicky, but fun none the less. And free beer, so really, who can complain. They're actually very smart with it: they give you your two free beers and then release you straight into the gift shop, where anything and everything you could ever want, you can buy...but it'll say "Heineken."

Finally, we hit the Red Light District! Again, surprising, but its not that big. Maybe not quite as surprising, but hookers don't like when you take pictures of them. In getting the picture you see below, I was flipped off...but I still got the picture, so enjoy!