Okay, first I am going to force myself to recount some positive aspects of the past few days despite how challenging it may be to do that right now.
- I got here successfully and had a quite pleasant stay with my first hosts.
- I didn’t forget anything crucial at home.
- I got an international SIM card and got it to work with my janky method of carrier unlocking my iPhone 4.
- Connected with a very nice American master’s student who helped me figure out Delft a bit.
- After an initial failed attempt, I was able to withdraw some spending Euros from an ATM or geldautomaat, if you will, and buy groceries.
Misadventures / things I would do differently if I were to do this again:
Take time off in the beginning to get situated
Out of the main logistics I was trying to set up in the first few days: getting a local phone number, opening a bank account, finding a room in an apartment to rent for the rest of my stay, buying a bicycle, I was only able to complete the first one. The others were literally impossible (there is much bureaucracy here required to open a bank account, and it is blocked to foreigners unless they meet certain conditions) or too time consuming to accomplish in the mornings before my Boston-based colleagues start their work day. It sounds ridiculous now that I list it out to expect to complete those things in three half-days.
Don’t try to rent a room or apartment in the middle of the month
Again, obvious. I know better than to try to search for housing that would start on the 23rd of the month, but that’s essentially what I set myself up to have to do. I built my travel schedule around my commitments in the US and also the requirement that one can only stay in the Netherlands (and the encompassing Schengen Area) for a maximum of 90 days on holiday. And I thought it would be impossible to arrange a Craigslist-style room rental for three months without being there in person to sign things and transfer money, which I haven’t disproven yet, but I really should have lined my trip up on the calendar months.
Stay somewhere where I know somebody / don’t try to be a nomad
I’ve been staying for three nights with a young Italian couple whom I found through Airbnb, and I leave tomorrow. I still have to wear my headlamp when I go downstairs for a midnight snack because I don’t know the apartment well enough to navigate by feel long enough to find a light switch in the dark. I didn’t ever get comfortable enough to take photographs of them unexpectedly, so I have no photographs of them. I was just starting to bond with them to the point where I didn’t feel like a burden or a hotel guest, and I started to figure out their rhythms and how to make them smile and laugh. Their English is conversational but not fluent, so there was a bit of a language barrier, which was a factor in bridging the gap.
I didn’t expect it at all, but I got a bit sad to talk with them about the logistics of moving out. I don’t think they felt the same really, but for me when they’re the people I know best here, it is hard to say goodbye even after knowing them for three days.
I am going to have to do that at least three more times on this trip – if I’m lucky. It’s not my style. Tomorrow I’m going to a new Airbnb situation in The Hague.
So I haven’t really been able to see or enjoy much yet since I’ve been consumed with logistics. Here are a handful of photos though to illustrate some of the things I’ve seen and done, however mundane.
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- I saw fireworks out the airplane window right before we pulled out of Boston. To Em, this is a sign that some big decision is going right.
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- My coworkers gave me this swanky folding silverware, and I took it (and used it) on the plane. The nice thing about this set is that I can remove the knife in order to bring the other pieces onboard. I think they selected it for the higher quality / fashion value though.
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- This alley cat near the apartment in Delft reminded me a bit of Kepler
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- I brought these compact earbud headphones / microphone since I didn’t have room for my larger headset. When I video chatted with Em, she told me she couldn’t hear me unless I held the microphone right next to my mouth. So this was my zip-tie approach to being able to keep the microphone by my mouth while keeping both hands free. It’s important for work!
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- Nice wood bike. Seems not very practical, but it’s interesting.
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- A handy way to carry a cup by bike
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- I’m still not sure where the cars park. This was an amazing first sight to see of Delft. It’s not even the big bike parking lot which I found later (I’ll photograph that soon).
Hang in there brother! Things will no doubt become easier as you adjust. May seem hard now, but you will look back with fond memories once it is all over. Keep that in mind :)
Thanks, Mr. Smooth. I’m still a bit consumed with keeping stuff on track, but things are already starting to come together. I will tell you all about the Dutch karaoke scene upon my return.
Hi Mike! I’ve just read your last two blog posts- you are a great writer! So honest and open and clear, it’s easy to feel like we’re sharing your experience :)
I think it is true that the discomfort you’re feeling has to do with growing and learning, two of the best things in life!! You will undoubtedly learn so much about yourself over the next few months, and accomplish a life dream along the way! I also agree that the more one travels, the more one wants to know about the world- it is huge and diverse and amazing, and there is so much to see and experience- I’m really happy for you that you have taken on this mission. I’m sure you are feeling a little lost and lonely, but that will pass as you acclimate and become more comfortable, and your natural curiosity gets a chance to flourish. We all miss you here, but 3 months is not that long so enjoy it and do it all!! I’ll keep Em and Kepler company often, as I’m sure others will as well, and when you return you get to teach us all you’ve learned! (And I will continue to keep up with Em&M and your current events). Until next time, stay awesome! <3
PS. I jammed out to your b'day party mix tape ("playlist") this morning, and it was just right. Sending good vibes :)
I <3 you, Burlap! And I think you are spot on in your much-needed perspective.
Yeah, this is my way of trying to share the experience with you guys.
Also, I greatly appreciate how you put "playlist" in quotes.
MikeEng! You are doing it! Beuracracy is part of the experience I reckon. All that matters is that you have money (check) and your medicines. The rest can be done with hand gestures and general pantomime. Have you eaten anything goo yet?
Good points, TheJeanne. Yeah, I have used some general pantomime in my last place!
Oh, and I haven’t really eaten anything different from what I generally cook for myself yet, but soon. Please send The Thunder my regards.
Hi Mike – Glad you made it OK! You’ll be up and running in no time – sounds like it’s going to be quite an adventure! Just remember, like the song says, don’t stop believing :)
Thanks, Adam! Yeah, I have actually been thinking a lot about the “You Can Call me Al” line about the stranger in a strange land who doesn’t speak the language and holds no currency, but some Journey is indeed needed.
No adventure would be complete without a rocky start — hang in there, Mike! You’ll get the this stuff squared away before you know it :) Soon everything will be second nature. Looking forward to reading about your first bike excursion. Take care!!
Thanks, Gromano (I love that your username is Gromano). Knowing that you guys have my back is keeping me going! And I also cannot wait for my first bike excursion here.
Mike, sounds like you will be our resident expert on international travel by the time you return. You are so brave to take this solo journey! Reading your post, I never would have thought of all of those details – these are the kind of boring, tedious rituals we humans need to do and they shall pass. Hang in there and keep checking them off your list. You will practically be a native before you know it. Love the bike rack photo – AMAZING. I wish South Attleboro station looked like that. :) I’m going to help Em with some painting this weekend. We decided to wait until next weekend for the jacuzzi installation. ;)
Oh, and if you get into any hot water, feel free to use my name – Alyssa *Holland* Short – I have clout there, I’m sure. Hardy-har.
Big hugs!
Alyssa
Thanks, Alyssa!
And thanks for helping out with the painting! It will be such a gift to come back to a house that our friends helped set up (not that I’m thinking of coming home already…)
And dang, that is a good point that somehow I never even thought of. I should be dropping your name everywhere!