Future resident of Groningen....but seriously.

I'm on the train from Groningen, where the girls go to college, to Amsterdam to fly out in the morning. Even though I haven't left Dutch soil, I miss it terribly already. I'm really looking forward to my next stop, Ireland, but the past week will be different from all the rest. It truly is the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

I just got in trouble for putting my feet on the seat cushion in front of me which they aren't supposed to be, so I guess I am the typical american on this train :) ohh well: New Years Resolution: stop caring so much what others think of me , is going well, but I still removed them once I knew better.

My ride: beach beauty
 the beach cruiser the girls built themselves

The past 2 days I have been staying with Sas, Ing and Julia in the most amazing city in northern Holland. Groningen is even better than our college town. All of the students dress impeccably, but in an effortless way. Instead of going out to dinner every night, it is typical for a group of friends to meet up, go to the grocery and then return to someone's home to make the meal together. I LOVE IT. The other part I love is how everyone rides a bicycle. If you aren't carrying your belongings or a small child on the little platform behind the seat, it is typical for a passenger to ride side-sattle on the back of your bike. I felt so dutch riding on the back of Sas's bike from the train station. Sorry Kate, but I didn't even fall :-)

The Universities are structured differently here, which I thought was pretty interesting. You pick a track in high school and then based on the level and the number based on your grades (1-10)  you are placed at a college with your studies in a lottery fashion. Then you must pass your tests for the class/level in order to continue each year, with retake options in the summer. So Ing is studying international relations and Sas and Julio are in Medical school. The faculties (departments/schools) are in different buildings around Groningen and they have their corresponding libraries that only students in their faculty are permitted in. These libraries are truly productive since there is no talking and purses/cell phones etc. must be placed in these lockers as you enter.  The other thing I found really interesting is housing in Groningen. The girls live in beautiful houses with 6-16 roommates. They have walkout rooftop patios and some have kitchens in their rooms. Their house-mates are male and female but they are more of ' acquaintances' than friends. The bathrooms and sometimes kitchens are shared, but usually there are 2 or more of everything in the house, not always in the same areas though (ie shower, toilet, or sink). I'm not sure if my personality would fit in, since I new everyone on my floor's name and bio by lunchtime my freshman year.

I had a blast getting to see what life is like for a college student here and it was so fun meeting their friends and boyfriends.  I have decided at some point I would like to spend several months living here. It's just a perfect fit. I hope I can follow in my cousins Steven and Deanna's shoes to raise a family abroad, it takes courage but it seems totalllllly worth it.

Before I came to Groningen, Sas, Ing and I enjoyed one last day with Kate in Bourtange. It's a beautiful old town about a half hour outside Stadskanaal. The town is in the shape of a star and surrounded by a moat. It has bridges, windmills, old fashioned candy shops, friendly shop keepers, and inviting little home. EuroTrip Bucket list #27 : Never deny an O-H-I-O opportunity was  a success thanks to the windmill.

I have arranged my travels in order to catch the 2:30 am kickoff for the Sugar Bowl today.
 GO BUCKS!
I hope you have fun at the game David, and we all hope your curse of bowl games doesn't continue, or mom's threat of never being allowed to attend another one may come true.

I am leaving for Ireland in the morning to stay with my friend Maureen (Mo) Brady. She and I met freshman year @ UD, and it's been history ever since. She has expanded my knowledge and appreciation for Wisconsin, where she is from, and the newest Brady Bunch (she has 5 siblings, it is probably what I love most about her family, just kidding). Mo is studying in Cork for the semester and is kind (or crazy) enough to let me visit her only 2 days after her arrival. Why not explore the city together, right? I am sure I will fall in love and want to live in yet another European city here, but I'm going to make the most and enjoy the next 5 days among some of the most beautiful landscapes and colorful personalities.

Pictures: The Netherlands and The Duchesses

Duey Dueyyyy, (In my head I am saying this just like the duchesses)
Christina

Thank you for the most amazing time - these friendships will last a lifetime. Until I see you next! xoxo