Has very good pancakes for breakfast, and then went grocery shopping at Albert Heijn. I saw the "potato parts" which are very popular, which you eat with mayonnaise and curry sauce (I also bought some of that to take home with me to the US).
I went to the harbor to see all of the old ships and boats. It was very beautiful--I really do love the ocean, and have probably taken it so granted all my life. I wrote some more postcards. Had dinner of steak with sugar snap peas. Dessert was this yummy and super thick yogurt called "kwark"--I really enjoyed it a lot.
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Monday, October 27, 2003
Amsterdam 2003: Day 5
Today is my birthday! Woke up too early--about 6am, took a shower, and have been lying in bed for three hours now. The plan is to go to Chinatown for some food and then I will have my afternoon birthday bubblebath. Also wrote some postcards this morning.
Holly and I went to lunch at Hong Kong Corner, which is right next to the hotel--had a little dim sum and fried rice, quite yummy. Then, she left to go to the airport. Lars had his job interview and stopped by a tiny bit before, which was right in Dam Square at Fortis Bank. I took a bubblebath while he was at his interview, and then we went to Hoorn by train. We went to dinner at this "Tex Mex" restaurant, which twas the best meal I had there, probably--had red snapper (but never cooked so nicely) with rice in a tomato based sauce. For dessert, I had some profiteroles filled with ice cream and a chocolate sauce--was so nice, perfect birthday dinner!
Holly and I went to lunch at Hong Kong Corner, which is right next to the hotel--had a little dim sum and fried rice, quite yummy. Then, she left to go to the airport. Lars had his job interview and stopped by a tiny bit before, which was right in Dam Square at Fortis Bank. I took a bubblebath while he was at his interview, and then we went to Hoorn by train. We went to dinner at this "Tex Mex" restaurant, which twas the best meal I had there, probably--had red snapper (but never cooked so nicely) with rice in a tomato based sauce. For dessert, I had some profiteroles filled with ice cream and a chocolate sauce--was so nice, perfect birthday dinner!
Sunday, October 26, 2003
Amsterdam 2003: Day 4
Woke up too early again (at 11am).
Went down to the Winter Garden for Sunday brunch -- expensive, 33 euro. It was really worth it, though... champagne breakfast with lots of amazing food in a really posh and fabulous winter garden (part of the hotel). Then we went shopping in a large department store -- really overwhelming, all those people and everything, but some really cute stuff. Also went to the Magna Center, more shopping. It was just a lot of people and not much to buy.
Checked out the red light district, where they have girls in windows. Reminds me of the places where you can get food from behind little glass windows... just put in a coin, and open the small door, and take the food. Well, the red light district reminds me of that. It isn't offensive at all, you get used to it after a few minutes, really. It's like a Macy's window--bit of live art. Sometimes bored art. This one prostitute had a little dog in the window to keep her company )well, at least I hope that was the reason the dog was there). This one bouncer shouted at Holly and I to see a show, he was even going to give us a discount, but, we passed. I think it would be rather boring.
Went back to the hotel to do a world of leisurely Chanel beauty stuff, mud mask, exfoliating, cleansing, radiance lotion, lotion, and eye lotion. It was fun... skin is off, just a relaxing beauty night for us.
Took a canal boat tour at night, which was just great and relaxing, but might have to go duringthe day in order to take more and better pictures. Took a little pass through the red light district at night, and was kind of the same as the day, but more guys gawking. It was pretty interesting to look at the guys gawking, look at what they are looking at, and I obviously don't see what they see. I just see a bored scantily clad woman sitting there.
Then, went looking for something to eat, but honestly, was still too full from brunch. So, we went back to the hotel and just relaxed. That brunch wasn't so expensive after all if that's all we had to eat all day!
Went down to the Winter Garden for Sunday brunch -- expensive, 33 euro. It was really worth it, though... champagne breakfast with lots of amazing food in a really posh and fabulous winter garden (part of the hotel). Then we went shopping in a large department store -- really overwhelming, all those people and everything, but some really cute stuff. Also went to the Magna Center, more shopping. It was just a lot of people and not much to buy.
Checked out the red light district, where they have girls in windows. Reminds me of the places where you can get food from behind little glass windows... just put in a coin, and open the small door, and take the food. Well, the red light district reminds me of that. It isn't offensive at all, you get used to it after a few minutes, really. It's like a Macy's window--bit of live art. Sometimes bored art. This one prostitute had a little dog in the window to keep her company )well, at least I hope that was the reason the dog was there). This one bouncer shouted at Holly and I to see a show, he was even going to give us a discount, but, we passed. I think it would be rather boring.
Went back to the hotel to do a world of leisurely Chanel beauty stuff, mud mask, exfoliating, cleansing, radiance lotion, lotion, and eye lotion. It was fun... skin is off, just a relaxing beauty night for us.
Took a canal boat tour at night, which was just great and relaxing, but might have to go duringthe day in order to take more and better pictures. Took a little pass through the red light district at night, and was kind of the same as the day, but more guys gawking. It was pretty interesting to look at the guys gawking, look at what they are looking at, and I obviously don't see what they see. I just see a bored scantily clad woman sitting there.
Then, went looking for something to eat, but honestly, was still too full from brunch. So, we went back to the hotel and just relaxed. That brunch wasn't so expensive after all if that's all we had to eat all day!
Saturday, October 25, 2003
Amsterdam 2003: Day 3
Woke up around 11am.
Walked to the Rijksmuseum, at at a pub, which was quite wonderful--called Marybelle. Had spicy meatballs and a "healthy" sandwich with cheese, ham, tomato, cucumber, pickels, toasted pinenuts--very excellent.
Walked to Vondelpark... visited the Rijksmuseum.
Ate dinner at Wagamama, a "Japanese" noodle soup place - quite good and rather cheap... Duck gyoza and spicy beef ramen, which was moreso one huge steak in the bowl. It was good but not as good as Vietnamese noodle soup, but I loved it because it was a NON-SMOKING restaurant!
Came back to the hotel and watched tv. Procrastinated about not getting dressed to go clubbing...
It was raining like mad and we took a cab from the hotel to Leidspeplein, where the Milkeweg was -- nice club (old warehouse -- Paradiso was an old church). Raincoat worked fabulously, stayed dry and warm, but too bad my friends didn't. :( Took a taxi back to the hotel around 3:30am (time change! really, 2:30am) and just talked until 5 am about stuffff.
Walked to the Rijksmuseum, at at a pub, which was quite wonderful--called Marybelle. Had spicy meatballs and a "healthy" sandwich with cheese, ham, tomato, cucumber, pickels, toasted pinenuts--very excellent.
Walked to Vondelpark... visited the Rijksmuseum.
Ate dinner at Wagamama, a "Japanese" noodle soup place - quite good and rather cheap... Duck gyoza and spicy beef ramen, which was moreso one huge steak in the bowl. It was good but not as good as Vietnamese noodle soup, but I loved it because it was a NON-SMOKING restaurant!
Came back to the hotel and watched tv. Procrastinated about not getting dressed to go clubbing...
It was raining like mad and we took a cab from the hotel to Leidspeplein, where the Milkeweg was -- nice club (old warehouse -- Paradiso was an old church). Raincoat worked fabulously, stayed dry and warm, but too bad my friends didn't. :( Took a taxi back to the hotel around 3:30am (time change! really, 2:30am) and just talked until 5 am about stuffff.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Amsterdam 2003: Day 2
Went around the town. Ate at a cafe with glass windows (had a tosti -- cheese and tomato toasted sandwich). Holly arrived around 1pm, and I tried to sleep (unsuccessfully).
Went to dinner at Luden (shrimp croquette appetizer, duck with lentils and sage sauce, apples with orange sauce, tarragon, and pink peppercorns -- kind of weird).
Went to pubs... probably shouldn't have gone clubbing, but I did at Club Paradiso, and left after Beyonce's Crazy in Love -- I love that song!
Went to dinner at Luden (shrimp croquette appetizer, duck with lentils and sage sauce, apples with orange sauce, tarragon, and pink peppercorns -- kind of weird).
Went to pubs... probably shouldn't have gone clubbing, but I did at Club Paradiso, and left after Beyonce's Crazy in Love -- I love that song!
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Amsterdam 2003: Day 1, Traveling
On the plane for quite a while now. Boarded arounf 6pm, but didn't get off the ground until 7:15om. Isn't that just like an airline? Got notified by the pretty voice over the intercom that we would be getting a hot meal and then a breakfast snack. Hehe, that's the most I've gotten on a plane in a long time. Takes some international flying, eh? Pilot was saying something on the intercom, but I couldn't hear or understand him.
How am I feeling now? Less scared, more excited. I had a lot of trepidtation wtih traveling internationally by myself, but it has passed now that I am on the plane. And guess what, everyone? I am a light packer! You should see how much other people bring as carry-ons and how they squish it in to overhead compartments. All I had was a small messenger bag and a little purse. I wonder what the hot meal is. I hope I don't throw up. I didn't throw up yesterday, so that's a good sign. I try not to cough to much, coughing + Asian = people think you have SARS. Honestly, I don't want to scare anyone, and I don't want to be quarantined. :)
Hmm, I looked up, and I think the lady next to me was reading what I was writing. Good thing it is dark and my handwriting isn't all that neat or big. Good thing I got antibacterial handwipes. I disinfected my hands, and just in case, I disinfected the tray table in front of me. Waiting for dinner, and then, I go to sleep. Goodnight.
How am I feeling now? Less scared, more excited. I had a lot of trepidtation wtih traveling internationally by myself, but it has passed now that I am on the plane. And guess what, everyone? I am a light packer! You should see how much other people bring as carry-ons and how they squish it in to overhead compartments. All I had was a small messenger bag and a little purse. I wonder what the hot meal is. I hope I don't throw up. I didn't throw up yesterday, so that's a good sign. I try not to cough to much, coughing + Asian = people think you have SARS. Honestly, I don't want to scare anyone, and I don't want to be quarantined. :)
Hmm, I looked up, and I think the lady next to me was reading what I was writing. Good thing it is dark and my handwriting isn't all that neat or big. Good thing I got antibacterial handwipes. I disinfected my hands, and just in case, I disinfected the tray table in front of me. Waiting for dinner, and then, I go to sleep. Goodnight.
I LEAVE FOR AMSTERDAM TODAY!!!!
Thu Oct 23 10:48:18 EDT 2003
I LEAVE FOR AMSTERDAM TODAY!!!! Thank you to all the people who have been supportive and encouraging about my trip. Feel free to send me a text message, either online or via email (617<mynumber>@mobile.att.net) if you know my mobile number, if not, just email me!
I LEAVE FOR AMSTERDAM TODAY!!!! Thank you to all the people who have been supportive and encouraging about my trip. Feel free to send me a text message, either online or via email (617<mynumber>@mobile.att.net) if you know my mobile number, if not, just email me!
So excited... all packed, very ready, but also nervous about traveling alone. But, everything is all set with hotel and airline... once I get to the hotel and check in, I think I will be much better.
Yay! Birthday on Monday!!! :)
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
I leave TOMORROW for Amsterdam
Wed Oct 22 13:33:11 EDT 2003
So, haven't heard from me lately? I had a big sushi buffet dinner on Sunday--so full that I couldn't talk. Then Monday and Tuesday I stayed home from work because I was sick. I leave TOMORROW for Amsterdam, which is a little scary, since I haven't packed yet (because I have been sick)! Hehe, so I have to do all my packing tonight, but logistically, everything else is taken care of. I just need to get myself to the airport three hours early, and everything will be fine. Passport all set, lists for what to pack, all set. Contact info, is all set. Everything seems to be good, I just hope hope hope I am not too sick on the flight there or anything, and that I can get some sleep on the plane. :)
So, haven't heard from me lately? I had a big sushi buffet dinner on Sunday--so full that I couldn't talk. Then Monday and Tuesday I stayed home from work because I was sick. I leave TOMORROW for Amsterdam, which is a little scary, since I haven't packed yet (because I have been sick)! Hehe, so I have to do all my packing tonight, but logistically, everything else is taken care of. I just need to get myself to the airport three hours early, and everything will be fine. Passport all set, lists for what to pack, all set. Contact info, is all set. Everything seems to be good, I just hope hope hope I am not too sick on the flight there or anything, and that I can get some sleep on the plane. :)
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Ghost Recon
Tue Oct 14 14:45:34 EDT 2003
Played some Ghost Recon today. It was fun! Rob beat me 5 to 4, which was really good on my part! Well, ok, Rob let me shoot him once, so it was really 5 to 3. :p
Played some Ghost Recon today. It was fun! Rob beat me 5 to 4, which was really good on my part! Well, ok, Rob let me shoot him once, so it was really 5 to 3. :p
Monday, October 13, 2003
comfy bed
Mon Oct 13 14:48:11 EDT 2003
I don't think there are enough pictures on my blog... so, here is a picture of my comfy bed, where I want to be right now!
I don't think there are enough pictures on my blog... so, here is a picture of my comfy bed, where I want to be right now!
I have actually rearranged my room a lot, so expect pictures to come out for that soon.
Big news about the Amsterdam trip??? I finally got a raincoat. :)
Hmm... I think Candy got me sick! *CRY* And, Eric left to go back to California today! But, I finished a bunch of work I had for this week this morning, so that makes me happy.
Thursday, October 9, 2003
soymilk
Thu Oct 9 11:22:56 EDT 2003
Hmm... what's going on today? Candy is sick--get better, Candy! She is at home resting, while I'm at work. Work work work... Almost lunch time. What should I have for lunch? I had cream of wheat this morning for breakfast. But, I forgot to bring some soymilk to the office. :( Oh, well. I will drink some soymilk when I get home. I should really think about making my own soymilk.
Hmm... what's going on today? Candy is sick--get better, Candy! She is at home resting, while I'm at work. Work work work... Almost lunch time. What should I have for lunch? I had cream of wheat this morning for breakfast. But, I forgot to bring some soymilk to the office. :( Oh, well. I will drink some soymilk when I get home. I should really think about making my own soymilk.
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
"I'll read your blog, if you'll read mine"
Wed Oct 8 13:50:27 EDT 2003
Been helping Schlumpfie set up his website (router, blog tool, etc.), and I think he wants some advertisement, so you can hit his page, but after his domain name registration goes through, here. He seems to think that his website is more exciting than cream of wheat, but may I reiterate again that it only takes three tablespoons of cream of wheat to make a whole cup? Do people not understand the significance? :) Anyways, we made this pact of "I'll read your blog, if you'll read mine," which is pretty cool... since his blogs are usually shorter--and not everyday, so, looks like I got the better deal. :)
Been helping Schlumpfie set up his website (router, blog tool, etc.), and I think he wants some advertisement, so you can hit his page, but after his domain name registration goes through, here. He seems to think that his website is more exciting than cream of wheat, but may I reiterate again that it only takes three tablespoons of cream of wheat to make a whole cup? Do people not understand the significance? :) Anyways, we made this pact of "I'll read your blog, if you'll read mine," which is pretty cool... since his blogs are usually shorter--and not everyday, so, looks like I got the better deal. :)
Hmm, trip to Amsterdam. I'm waiting for the value of the US dollar to go up before ordering any currency. Besides that, I am looking for the perfect raincoat--something with a hood, that looks nice so it can be dressy or casual, lined so it is warm, and at least falls to the knee for me. DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD THAT IS TO FIND? :p I think I have a backup one at Gap, if I can't find anything else. There is a cute down one at Eddie Bauer, but that can't be dressy, hmm? And, it might be too warm for late October in Amsterdam. And of course, clothes! That is going to be the hardest part... my trip is eight days, which is a pretty long time. Are eight bottoms and eight tops going to be enough? too much? And then, what about accessories? One purse? two? I'm already going to have three pairs of shoes. Maybe I should take a practice run at packing, to see what amounts to a half of a suitcase. Yes! that sounds like a plan.
Tuesday, October 7, 2003
cream of wheat
Tue Oct 7 09:25:28 EDT 2003
Started eating cream of wheat for breakfast... I like the peach flavor the best, but I got a box of regular, since I had a coupon for it. Did you know that only 3 Tbsp. of cream of wheat makes a whole cup? That's rather impressive, don't you think?
Started eating cream of wheat for breakfast... I like the peach flavor the best, but I got a box of regular, since I had a coupon for it. Did you know that only 3 Tbsp. of cream of wheat makes a whole cup? That's rather impressive, don't you think?
Monday, October 6, 2003
inefficient UPS
Mon Oct 6 09:26:34 EDT 2003
So, let me just say how inefficient UPS was this morning. Candy and I went to send three boxes to our parents, and there was a new computer system in place. So, we had to enter in the label information, but there was an error in the zip-code lookup (some database error, it seemed)! And so, we waited, and finally went to some other computer that worked. Then, we stood in line behind this annoying guy (customer) and incompetent woman (UPS worker). They went back and forth of how she did something wrong, or how some calculation wasn't right, how he would be charged for shipping even thought it was a COD. All very annoying! And all waiting... waiting... waiting... And all this time, other people could have helped us, but for some reason, they didn't go to the register. Finally, the pickup/delivery guy opened up a register to help us--but he could have done that 10 minutes prior! So, we finally were done 40 minutes after we first entered the store. I wonder who wrote their software--it is crappy! GRRRRRRR... Monday morning, start of the week.... BIGGGGG GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
So, let me just say how inefficient UPS was this morning. Candy and I went to send three boxes to our parents, and there was a new computer system in place. So, we had to enter in the label information, but there was an error in the zip-code lookup (some database error, it seemed)! And so, we waited, and finally went to some other computer that worked. Then, we stood in line behind this annoying guy (customer) and incompetent woman (UPS worker). They went back and forth of how she did something wrong, or how some calculation wasn't right, how he would be charged for shipping even thought it was a COD. All very annoying! And all waiting... waiting... waiting... And all this time, other people could have helped us, but for some reason, they didn't go to the register. Finally, the pickup/delivery guy opened up a register to help us--but he could have done that 10 minutes prior! So, we finally were done 40 minutes after we first entered the store. I wonder who wrote their software--it is crappy! GRRRRRRR... Monday morning, start of the week.... BIGGGGG GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
Ok... time to think happy thoughts about my vacation. :)
Saturday, October 4, 2003
Some plans for the day
Sat Oct 4 08:49:08 EDT 2003
Some plans for the day--have to get dad's herbal medicine from a shop in Brighton, work at BR (only 4 hours, yay!), and then hanging out with Amanda.
Some plans for the day--have to get dad's herbal medicine from a shop in Brighton, work at BR (only 4 hours, yay!), and then hanging out with Amanda.
Started a story/log of my trip to Amsterdam.
Friday, October 3, 2003
Wardrobe Planning
Fri Oct 3 13:05:03 EDT 2003
Yay, it is finally Friday! Working sucks... I need to get cracking on this startup venture that I have with two of my coworkers, and really get it going. You can only be fully satisfied if you work for yourself.
Yay, it is finally Friday! Working sucks... I need to get cracking on this startup venture that I have with two of my coworkers, and really get it going. You can only be fully satisfied if you work for yourself.
More planning for my trip to Amsterdam--I have been thinking a lot about my wardrobe. My goal is to only fill a maximum of one-half of my suitcase with my stuff (the rest will be empty or gifts for my friends in Europe) so I have room to fit things on my return trip. I think I have solved my shoe dilemma--I _will_ have three pairs of shoes on my trip. Yes, I know I only need two, but I want three. :) Now, I am going through my clothing plan. I am thinking of six bottoms (including one all-purpose black dress) and seven to ten tops (need to layer!). It will be pretty hard to pick multi-functional pieces... I think I will make a project of it and make little stickers with pictures of all the pieces, and then be able to make little mix and match cards. :) Next: accessories!
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Hellooooo, all!
Wed Oct 1 09:52:40 EDT 2003
Hellooooo, all! Yay, my friend Holly, from England, has made her plans to come to Amsterdam, as well. It's going to be a really bitchin' time. :) She is coming the first weekend I will be there, and we just plan on having a lot of fun. I got my english/dutch dictionary, guidebook of Amsterdam, and a travel journal. I'm going to try to be very organized about my trip--but, I won't worry if I forget anything, I can just buy it in Amsterdam!
Hellooooo, all! Yay, my friend Holly, from England, has made her plans to come to Amsterdam, as well. It's going to be a really bitchin' time. :) She is coming the first weekend I will be there, and we just plan on having a lot of fun. I got my english/dutch dictionary, guidebook of Amsterdam, and a travel journal. I'm going to try to be very organized about my trip--but, I won't worry if I forget anything, I can just buy it in Amsterdam!
Work is going well today... no craziness (at least not for me). Hey, if you are reading this, and haven't signed my guestbook, you should do so. :p Hope you have a great day!
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