It is my second week in Delft and I am finally starting to settle in. There are still quite a few loose ends to tie up with the school (i.e. getting registered and what not) as well as some issues with registering my immigration status here in Holland. I found out last Friday that for non-European Union students such as myself, a stay of longer than 3 months requires that I spend about 500 euro to purchase a short-stay visa. Seeing as my trip will last about 3 months and 15
days, it would be far cheaper to reschedule my flight for 15 days earlier then to buy this visa, which by all odds wouldn't even make it to me by the time I need to leave. I need go next week to the vreemdelingenpolitie (immigration police) in De Haag to determine how strictly they enforce this three month policy. The Netherlands, from what I've read, is the most densely populated country in Europe, so I guess it makes sense they would place obstacles such as this visa to deter immigration. However, I also believe they like to try to squeeze as much money out of foreigners as possible (especially Americans). Furthermore, I could possibly use the inefficiency of Dutch beaurocracy to my advantage. By attempting to procure a visa while simultaneously keeping myself thoroughly wrapped in red tape until it is time to leave I might be able to skirt this issue altogether. However, first I will go talk to the immigration police and see what they say.
Next order of business is to find a bike. The aerospace faculty is only a 5-10 minute bike ride from my apartment but not having a bike converts that 5-10 minute trip into a 25-30 minute trip so finding a bike is essential, especially for when the climate turns cold. The Dutch use bicycles and scooters to go just about everywhere. I'd say on average every Dutch owns AT LEAST two or three bikes which means there are at least as many bikes as people in Holland (probably more). Consequently, the overabundance of bikes means there are plenty of broken, abandoned bicycles and parts lying around free for anyone to take. This week I manage to find an old rusty Gazelle which, with exception for the two flat tires, is in pretty good condition. I bought two new innertubes for the tires and, after borrowing some tools, I am able to get the bike in ridable condition. The bike is old and the rust creates enough friction to make pedalling tough on the legs. Nevertheless, the bike works well enough to get me to school and thats all that really matters.
Friday night we throw a party on our floor which, beginning as an attempt to do a power hour, developed later into an all-out bash with about 50-60 people crammed into our kitchen area. Good times are had by all. Saturday is gorgeous so a few of us ride our bikes over to Den Haag (a neighboring city) and visit the beach on Schevinagen. The Atlantic is freezing (similar to Maine) so the most we can do is dip our feet in the water and watch people try to surf. We chill at the beach most of the day drinking beers by the ocean. Schevinagen is a tourist town and reminds me of the European version of Ocean City. At night we pedal the 20km back to Delft which almost destroys my legs since my bike is so hard to move. Some people have plans to go to Rotterdam tonight, we'll see if that will actually happen. Most people are worn out from partying too much, except the Spanish, but they didn't bike all day today. Tomorrow is my birthday so I will try to go see Amsterdam.
Next order of business is to find a bike. The aerospace faculty is only a 5-10 minute bike ride from my apartment but not having a bike converts that 5-10 minute trip into a 25-30 minute trip so finding a bike is essential, especially for when the climate turns cold. The Dutch use bicycles and scooters to go just about everywhere. I'd say on average every Dutch owns AT LEAST two or three bikes which means there are at least as many bikes as people in Holland (probably more). Consequently, the overabundance of bikes means there are plenty of broken, abandoned bicycles and parts lying around free for anyone to take. This week I manage to find an old rusty Gazelle which, with exception for the two flat tires, is in pretty good condition. I bought two new innertubes for the tires and, after borrowing some tools, I am able to get the bike in ridable condition. The bike is old and the rust creates enough friction to make pedalling tough on the legs. Nevertheless, the bike works well enough to get me to school and thats all that really matters.
Friday night we throw a party on our floor which, beginning as an attempt to do a power hour, developed later into an all-out bash with about 50-60 people crammed into our kitchen area. Good times are had by all. Saturday is gorgeous so a few of us ride our bikes over to Den Haag (a neighboring city) and visit the beach on Schevinagen. The Atlantic is freezing (similar to Maine) so the most we can do is dip our feet in the water and watch people try to surf. We chill at the beach most of the day drinking beers by the ocean. Schevinagen is a tourist town and reminds me of the European version of Ocean City. At night we pedal the 20km back to Delft which almost destroys my legs since my bike is so hard to move. Some people have plans to go to Rotterdam tonight, we'll see if that will actually happen. Most people are worn out from partying too much, except the Spanish, but they didn't bike all day today. Tomorrow is my birthday so I will try to go see Amsterdam.
The beach at Schevinagen (9/15/07)
1 comment:
Good stuff Dan,
Pity that nobody from the group came to recieve you as it is the custom!! Atleast for the metal guys!!
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