Working and learning Dutch

Well I have a job now. Its not an engineering job yet but I've made a start in the Netherlands. I am a bike mechanic in Bilthoven. It's a nice job and easy going. I mainly assemble new bikes out of their boxes and sometimes fix the odd problem of peoples bikes, like needing air in the tires or a seat that is loose. Apart from work I go to university where I attend a Dutch course, its in the morning at 9 so work gives me the time to leave for it. In the class I think I'm the only person who is learning there second language. Everyone else is learning there third or forth. The course is a good way to learn, having it 4 times a week for 2 hours each. This week I have to speak only Nederlands. So the week is pretty busy. I'm still having interviews for engineering companies and its still going slow.

This weekend we have been out to Utrecht for dinner with Pauliens year club which was nice to catch up with everyone. We have Emma a friend from NZ staying with us and today we are going to Pauliens work to have a tour of KPMG. So another big week coming up. Will have to work hard and talk more Dutch.

Tot Ziens

Still here doing my thing

Rotterdam

Hello everyone. Well there have been some pretty fun times here in the Netherlands. Ive been to Amsterdam a few times now and every time I go I see and do something new. There are so many bars and restaurants to choose from. Its very enjoyable to hang out and catch up with friends. Paulien and I were in Rotterdam just this weekend which was very nice, I even drove there and back. Anyway on this day the marathon was on so we got to see some of the worlds fastest marathon runners. there were not many dutch guys in the lead.

I've been looking for jobs still and have had a bit of luck as I have got my self a nice part time job fixing bicycles. The work is 13 Km away so I ride my bike. Its usually my mountain bike I ride but the owner of the store lent me a Nice light carbon fiber road bike so getting to and from work is quite fast. Not to mention it was fast anyway since the roads are all flat.

I have some opportunities coming up now. I am enrolled at the University of Utrecht for learning dutch. So will be talking more dutch. Its helpful at the bike shop since everyone is speaking dutch.

Pauliens birthday this Saturday so we are having a party. I have to make a cake and prepare some things but I can't say what. In fact I'm not really sure myself.