Observations: Snow is sneaky and tricky... it wants you to fall and when you do, the illusion it has created that its soft and white and fluffy is shattered by its compacted, icy reality!!!
Mistakes: falling off my bike in the snow ... straight onto my butt! (didn't see that one coming did ya?!) not catching the bus in the monring (but it wasn't snowing then!!), not reading the weather forecast which said "snow falls on Thursday" until I got home... after falling :(
Mini victories: not breaking anything (me, the bike or the laptop in my backpack!!), not too many people seeing, not swearing too much, getting back on the 'horse' and making it home in one piece ... eventually!
Dutch I've learned: lot's apparently! had our final test for Dutch class tonight, an aural. actually went really well. I paired up with another girl from australia and we just tried to fit as many funny words and lame jokes in dutch as we could into our 10 minute dialoge. success! we zijn uitstekend!
Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Days 138 to 140 - Aachen (that's a town, not a sneezing noise)
This weekend (friday avo to saturday avo) we hit the road and bussed over the border the German town of Aachen. Although small, its ridiculously popular with students - pretty much every exchanger goes there at some point (some more times than necessary - you know who you are!). Its popular because its cheap to get ther (11 euro return bus trip), its cheap to eat and drink there (including 4 euro cocktails in one infamous precinct) and its doable in a day without having to book accommodation.
Liking to do things properly though, our gang booked a hostel to stay the night. Arriving in the afternoon, the first thing we saw was a crazy man, fully dressed in a suit and leather shoes, jump into a fountain! (remember the temperature is below freezing!!!) He literally flopped down back first into the water, and when he got up steam was coming off him!!! We were dumfounded and disturbed that he probably caught hypothermia afterwards!!!
After recovering from the shock of it, we visited the stunning Aachener Dom, the Cathedral which dominates the centre of town and was built in something like 805 AD, making it one of the oldest churches in Germany. It houses treasures from the early medieval period and the mosaic ceiling is a work of art which we spent time admiring with our mouths open and head tilted back. The tiny, brightly coloured and gold mosaics were positioned in so many imaginative patterns, a different one for each arch or panel. The leadlight was also amazing, whole walls of windows, almost from floor to ceiling in vibrant purples, aquas, reds and greens which seemed to depict people and tell a story. Even in muted light of a snowy day they were beautiful.
Luckily, we hadn't eaten too much because the main joy for us was sampling the local christmas cuisine. I returned at least a dress size larger, I'm sure, but I harbour no regret; I knew what I was getting myself into. The menu at these places reads like Christmas lunch or dinner – on offer every day and night for about a month before the big day. We tucked into bratwurst (at more than a foot long, they hang invitingly over the sides of their crusty baguette beds), a warming pork stew with (not that) hot sauce and onions and chunky white backfisch (literally ‘fried fish’) with a potato fritter (with a side of apple sauce). We were eyeing off the waffles/crepes/olliebollen (like donuts but with no hole and more circular)/steamed puddings etc for dessert but there was no room! Instead, our tummies were filled with mulled wine and eggnog, warming in more ways than one! Hence a mug in hand is the only thing that keeps the hordes going as they stand outside, in snow and below freezing temperatures, trying to remain cheerful although they can’t feel their toes. We bought our beverages from a stand with little boot-shaped mugs which made great souvenirs. We did however buy some of Aachen’s very own Printen biscuit - a chewy, glazed type of gingerbread with all the spicy, fruity flavours of the season, for later.
Liking to do things properly though, our gang booked a hostel to stay the night. Arriving in the afternoon, the first thing we saw was a crazy man, fully dressed in a suit and leather shoes, jump into a fountain! (remember the temperature is below freezing!!!) He literally flopped down back first into the water, and when he got up steam was coming off him!!! We were dumfounded and disturbed that he probably caught hypothermia afterwards!!!
if you squint you can see the guy laying down in the fountain
After recovering from the shock of it, we visited the stunning Aachener Dom, the Cathedral which dominates the centre of town and was built in something like 805 AD, making it one of the oldest churches in Germany. It houses treasures from the early medieval period and the mosaic ceiling is a work of art which we spent time admiring with our mouths open and head tilted back. The tiny, brightly coloured and gold mosaics were positioned in so many imaginative patterns, a different one for each arch or panel. The leadlight was also amazing, whole walls of windows, almost from floor to ceiling in vibrant purples, aquas, reds and greens which seemed to depict people and tell a story. Even in muted light of a snowy day they were beautiful.
Cathedral overlooking the markets
But the real drawcard of Aachen was the Christmas Markets. The tradition dates back to the seventies when it was called the Printen Market and was much smaller. These days its exactly what you'd expect from a Christmas Market ... jingles playing, little log-cabin-like stalls selling decorations, sweets, food and drinks, knitted clothes, liquers etc And they were actually capped with real snow as it was still snowing. The Christmas mood was fostered by a sweet organ grinder man playing festive songs and all the fairy lights and lit-up shop windows showcasing wrapped treats. And the best bit, the whole rabbit warren of log-cabin stalls is watched over by a giant inflatable gingerbread man who reminded me of Mongo from the Shrek movie and whom I’m sure features in every visitor’s photo reel.
Looks just like in Shrek!!
Luckily, we hadn't eaten too much because the main joy for us was sampling the local christmas cuisine. I returned at least a dress size larger, I'm sure, but I harbour no regret; I knew what I was getting myself into. The menu at these places reads like Christmas lunch or dinner – on offer every day and night for about a month before the big day. We tucked into bratwurst (at more than a foot long, they hang invitingly over the sides of their crusty baguette beds), a warming pork stew with (not that) hot sauce and onions and chunky white backfisch (literally ‘fried fish’) with a potato fritter (with a side of apple sauce). We were eyeing off the waffles/crepes/olliebollen (like donuts but with no hole and more circular)/steamed puddings etc for dessert but there was no room! Instead, our tummies were filled with mulled wine and eggnog, warming in more ways than one! Hence a mug in hand is the only thing that keeps the hordes going as they stand outside, in snow and below freezing temperatures, trying to remain cheerful although they can’t feel their toes. We bought our beverages from a stand with little boot-shaped mugs which made great souvenirs. We did however buy some of Aachen’s very own Printen biscuit - a chewy, glazed type of gingerbread with all the spicy, fruity flavours of the season, for later.
mmmm toasty beverages
shop window piled high with Printen and other tasty presents
As for the stalls, I won’t lie, they’re a bit repetitive. But the Christmas decorations were more hand-made than factory-line and the knitted hats and gloveswould have come in handy if we weren't dressed for the truly frosty winter air.
As we spent the night we were able to continue our culinary tour of Aachen in the morning with an all-you-can-eat German buffet breakfast at a cafe which was recommended on a few travel websites. It did not disappoint. The joint was filled with Germans so we knew it must have been good. On offer were sausages, bacon, meatballs, eggs, all types of bread rolls, cheeses, fresh fruit, breakfast meats like ham and shaved turkey, croissants, yoghurt, juice.... even chocolates! Such choice is a luxury for us students who usually make porridge or try to cook toast on the stove top in Maastricht!
All that was enough to fuel us as we did another quick trip round the markets and the shopping strip of Aachen before hopping on a bus home. Arriving home we set about preparing our Guesthouse Christmas Dinner extravaganza. Two Scots, two Aussies and a Canadian (and a partridge in a pear tree), we ended up with a mixed main meal and desserts compiled of foods we love to eat at home for Christmas (or in the case of the Brussel sprouts - foods the Dutch love to eat at Christmas!) We even decorated the appartment and wore stupid christmas hats!
making mulled wine
The next day, Sunday December 5, is Sinter Klaas day in the Netherlands. It's the birthday of Sinter Klaas, who is different from Santa Claus (this guy comes from Spain apparently and has little dark-skinned spanish helpers, except the whole thing is very un-PC bc people dress up as the helpers - called zwarte piet, or black pete - are white but put on black make-up. and now that the Dutch are realising this might not be the impression to make - suggesting they're sinter klaas' slaves - they say instead that maybe black pete is just black from the soot in the chimneys when delivering presents...?) Anyway, the whole thing's a bit weird but highly entertaining as people all dressed up wander around town. And the kids still love it so that has to count for something... In the centre of Maastricht they'd set up a Christmas market with a fake ice skating rink and a ferris wheel. The five of us girls hopped aboard the giant wheel and (squeeling all the way) got our first aerial glimpse of 'our' town (it still looked pretty flat! but the snow-capped house rooves were cute). Before the night ended, we made a quick trip to Kerst aan de Maas (Christmas on the river Maas) where we ducked into a temporary 'hot choclate' tent and indulged in beverages with whipped cream on top... mmmmmm
the very un-PC Zwarte Piet!
Maastricht's Christmas Market in town and the church in the background
view of Maastricht from atop the ferris wheel
observations: woollen socks (at least 2 or 3 pairs) are necessary to ward off the chance of losing a toe. snow eventually turns to ice and ice is not my friend. however, i seem to have more luck with it than the many aussie students I've heard about who fall flat on their ass
mini victories: i'm YET to fall but not counting chickens...
mistakes: not buying wollen socks before the first snow fall... was seriously worried about by left big toe for a bit there! ("I can't feel my toes... I don't have any toes!!!" has never rung truer!)
Dutch I've learned: "Fietsen in de sneeuw is heel moijelijk!" = "cycling in the snow is really hard!"
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Day 136 - apparently there's a downside to snow...
So after all my gushing a few days ago, it has come to my attention that there is in fact a downside to snow! I know, it looks so innocent right... all pure as the driven you-know-what... its got quite the reputation in movies etc, bringing happens and beauty to all. Until it gets a but mushy... or dirty... or hard and icy... then we're in trouble.
I always knew it was going to be a bit more difficult getting around on two wheels once the white stuff fell, but I severly underestimated the trickiness. Its even difficult getting around on two feet!
This stuff is crunchy and slippery and has a mind of its own! One minute you're rolling along at a steady pace with your eyes on the road ahead - the next minute the wheel hits a clump of snow/ice and your wheel shoots off in a different direction altogether. No warning, no way to control it, just hold on!
I have already learned that the No. 1 rule is Don't Panic. Other tips include:
No. 2: Two hands kiddies - always two hands on the handle bars.
No. 3: Hit the lights - just like cars in gloomy weather, its smart to put the bike lights on.
No.4: Know when to admit defeat (there's always the bus)
But this brings me to another observation - is there some shame in taking the bus? In Australia, most people drive, so taking the bus is the moral high ground. Here, everyone is expected to cycle, so the bus isn't exactly better for the environment than peddle power. And if you can ride, why pay for a ride right? So I feel as though taking the bus is copping out... But, thankfully, I was assured by one of my Dutch friends this evening that, no, it is ok to take the bus and, yes, people here do do that when the weather is out to get them. Even so, its not cheap here, and I've been warned it can take longer because vehicle traffic increases during the snow and traffic jams abound in a city filled with roundabouts and bike lanes.
Still, there are definitely those determined souls who remain out and about on their treddlies, all rugged up, you can barely see their face as they brace against the arctic chill. Honestly, it is beyond cold here now (If you won't take my word for it, believe the forecast of -11C one day this week!!!) Normal layering ain't cutting it anymore so I look like the Michelin Man every time I step out the door now. I don't understand how there's women out there who still manage to look fashionable in this weather!! (Although a Canadian friend consoled me with the epiphany that all the fashionable women are just cold! Beauty is pain, right?!). As for me, I got busted by a friend in the most hilarious ensemble the other day, featuring black gloves, red scarfe, beige jacket, grey trackies tucked into blue-grey boots and white/pink pom-pom beanie! Nothing matched, and NOTHING was fashionable. Regardless, I looked her (dressed in cute boots, skirt, jacket and tweed hat) dead in the eye and professed "what?! I don't care as long as I'm warm and dry!"
I always knew it was going to be a bit more difficult getting around on two wheels once the white stuff fell, but I severly underestimated the trickiness. Its even difficult getting around on two feet!
This stuff is crunchy and slippery and has a mind of its own! One minute you're rolling along at a steady pace with your eyes on the road ahead - the next minute the wheel hits a clump of snow/ice and your wheel shoots off in a different direction altogether. No warning, no way to control it, just hold on!
I have already learned that the No. 1 rule is Don't Panic. Other tips include:
No. 2: Two hands kiddies - always two hands on the handle bars.
No. 3: Hit the lights - just like cars in gloomy weather, its smart to put the bike lights on.
No.4: Know when to admit defeat (there's always the bus)
But this brings me to another observation - is there some shame in taking the bus? In Australia, most people drive, so taking the bus is the moral high ground. Here, everyone is expected to cycle, so the bus isn't exactly better for the environment than peddle power. And if you can ride, why pay for a ride right? So I feel as though taking the bus is copping out... But, thankfully, I was assured by one of my Dutch friends this evening that, no, it is ok to take the bus and, yes, people here do do that when the weather is out to get them. Even so, its not cheap here, and I've been warned it can take longer because vehicle traffic increases during the snow and traffic jams abound in a city filled with roundabouts and bike lanes.
Still, there are definitely those determined souls who remain out and about on their treddlies, all rugged up, you can barely see their face as they brace against the arctic chill. Honestly, it is beyond cold here now (If you won't take my word for it, believe the forecast of -11C one day this week!!!) Normal layering ain't cutting it anymore so I look like the Michelin Man every time I step out the door now. I don't understand how there's women out there who still manage to look fashionable in this weather!! (Although a Canadian friend consoled me with the epiphany that all the fashionable women are just cold! Beauty is pain, right?!). As for me, I got busted by a friend in the most hilarious ensemble the other day, featuring black gloves, red scarfe, beige jacket, grey trackies tucked into blue-grey boots and white/pink pom-pom beanie! Nothing matched, and NOTHING was fashionable. Regardless, I looked her (dressed in cute boots, skirt, jacket and tweed hat) dead in the eye and professed "what?! I don't care as long as I'm warm and dry!"
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
and some pictures of SNOW!!!
trying to ride a bike in the snow
bike seat covered in white, powdery snow
infamous statues near the uni, given a new look with a dusting of icing sugar :P
the bike park at uni
bike tracks don't make quite as much impact as car tyres in the snow - this is the exit to our uni bike park
undisturbed, fallen snow - reminds me of an iced gingerbread house!
... and one of the aforementioned snow angels
Monday, November 29, 2010
Day 134 - SNOW!!!
OK, so again, this is a bit out of time sequence (only by about 4 weeks!) but I just HAD to write about this now.... today was my first day of REAL snowfall. And it was magical... truly.
When I was six and we lived in Canada for a bit I remember snow on the ground but I don't really have memories of it falling (I'm sure I was in it at some point but there's no clear memories) but today... today will stick in my mind forever!
I was sitting in class, having come in from a light icing-sugar dusting of what I was told was snow but really wasn't satisfying enough... looking out the window at the leaf-less trees and then, more suddenly than I'd expected it started snowing HARD! Bigger flakes were falling, like there was a wind pushing them to the ground, and then they started swirling in all directions and I was mesmerised. I paid very little attention to the class for about 10 minutes and instead just stared out the window with a big stupid grin on my face! Eventually, some classmates noticed and started laughing at me, telling me "its only snow" or "you'll get sick of it soon enough" ... and they're probably right, it will be hell to cycle in, its freezing cold and it will turn from this glorious white powder to black sludge before I know it... but for now, all I want to do is marvel.
I couldn't wait to get outside after class and I reckon it took me about 45 minutes to get home (not the usual 15) as I stopped every few seconds to take picture after picture of the same white landscape. I was also cycling at about 2m an hour because I didn't want to slip (there isn't a lot of grip left on the old girl's tyres :s). Although, for the uninitiated, I learned some valuable lessons today ... 1) cycling around with your mouth gaping open while its snowing will get you a gob full of condensation and 2) snow actually hurts when it gets in your eye! like rain, but more solid... so I'll be wearing sunnies or a cap or something from now on.
But this afternoon, nothing could dampen my spirits... not the uphill ride home, not the loss of feeling from cold in my fingers and toes, not the realisation that if the snow is starting this early its going to be a looooong winter. Today was just for enjoying.
So as soon as I got home I ran down the hall to find som friends and we ventured out for a walk. Stop: picture. Stop: snowball fight. Stop: pick snow up and throw in the air like a 5 year old! I was honeslty like a kid in a candy store... a frozen marshmallow candy store! And to top it off, before we came back inside we dare to drop on our backsides in the frozen ice and make snow angels :) like something out of a movie I tell ya! And in fact, that's what its felt like ... unreal, like I've just stepped inside the ice arena at home for a bit, or I'm on some reality TV show and there's a giant snow machine behind our guesthouse... but, if thats the case, I'm happy to play my part for now :)
Dutch I've learned: "Het is sneeuwing" = "It's snowing"
"Het sneeuwd" = "It snowed"
"Ik hou van sneeuw" = "I love snow!"
... you get the point!
When I was six and we lived in Canada for a bit I remember snow on the ground but I don't really have memories of it falling (I'm sure I was in it at some point but there's no clear memories) but today... today will stick in my mind forever!
I was sitting in class, having come in from a light icing-sugar dusting of what I was told was snow but really wasn't satisfying enough... looking out the window at the leaf-less trees and then, more suddenly than I'd expected it started snowing HARD! Bigger flakes were falling, like there was a wind pushing them to the ground, and then they started swirling in all directions and I was mesmerised. I paid very little attention to the class for about 10 minutes and instead just stared out the window with a big stupid grin on my face! Eventually, some classmates noticed and started laughing at me, telling me "its only snow" or "you'll get sick of it soon enough" ... and they're probably right, it will be hell to cycle in, its freezing cold and it will turn from this glorious white powder to black sludge before I know it... but for now, all I want to do is marvel.
I couldn't wait to get outside after class and I reckon it took me about 45 minutes to get home (not the usual 15) as I stopped every few seconds to take picture after picture of the same white landscape. I was also cycling at about 2m an hour because I didn't want to slip (there isn't a lot of grip left on the old girl's tyres :s). Although, for the uninitiated, I learned some valuable lessons today ... 1) cycling around with your mouth gaping open while its snowing will get you a gob full of condensation and 2) snow actually hurts when it gets in your eye! like rain, but more solid... so I'll be wearing sunnies or a cap or something from now on.
But this afternoon, nothing could dampen my spirits... not the uphill ride home, not the loss of feeling from cold in my fingers and toes, not the realisation that if the snow is starting this early its going to be a looooong winter. Today was just for enjoying.
So as soon as I got home I ran down the hall to find som friends and we ventured out for a walk. Stop: picture. Stop: snowball fight. Stop: pick snow up and throw in the air like a 5 year old! I was honeslty like a kid in a candy store... a frozen marshmallow candy store! And to top it off, before we came back inside we dare to drop on our backsides in the frozen ice and make snow angels :) like something out of a movie I tell ya! And in fact, that's what its felt like ... unreal, like I've just stepped inside the ice arena at home for a bit, or I'm on some reality TV show and there's a giant snow machine behind our guesthouse... but, if thats the case, I'm happy to play my part for now :)
Dutch I've learned: "Het is sneeuwing" = "It's snowing"
"Het sneeuwd" = "It snowed"
"Ik hou van sneeuw" = "I love snow!"
... you get the point!
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