'First' Online Blog

This does not appear like my very first online blog since I can still clearly remember my weekly updates when I was abroad for a year. I had my own website (I still do actually, even though the last post has almost been a year already > marliegoesglobal.waarbenjij.nu) You can also use the English version: www.whereareyou.now I would suggest this to everyone whom would like to update their friends/family as they are abroad. It is the best way to keep in touch.

I love keeping online blogs, I never run out of material to share. I enjoy a very busy life and I would not change it for anything. Of course we often complain how we never have enough free time but there is simply so much to do whilst living in the Netherlands that you could never be bored.

The main difference between being back in the Netherlands and living abroad is that it basically means: “back to business!” Quite literally as my bosses already knew were to find me from the 1^st week I was back in Holland. Which is a good thing as I desperately needed to start saving again after such an amazing year of travelling, sightseeing, (some) studying, partying and a lotttt of spending.

In the Netherlands they often work with what is called: ‘0-hour contract’. This means that they can contact you whenever there is work and you are also allowed to refuse in case you are busy. You basically don’t have obligations towards each other. This type of contract is most popular amongst students as we need a lot of flexibility. Since my boyfriend emigrated to the Netherlands we have been very busy with his emigration process and one of the most important things was getting a job. This is not easy to find if you do not speak Dutch, can you imagine how difficult it was for a Spaniard who neither spoke very good English. I noticed that employers seem more willing to help if you firstly approach them in Dutch. So in case you are foreign and you are looking for a par time job in Holland. Ask a Dutch person to help you, for example by translating your CV.

Since I still have a stack of homework waiting for me I will not write too much this first time, as I usually tend to do so…Basic updates of last week: Carnaval in the Netherlands. It is not my favorite party although it seems very Dutch. Dress up crazy, drink too much and go along in a huge row of people (polonaise) whilst listening to music that you simply cannot dance to = ‘lalalaaallaaaalalalaa’. I think I figured out how the Dutch hide their horrible dancing skills…I think it is commonly known that the Dutch are not familiar for ‘the rhythm they have in their bodies’ – I was born and raised here in Holland and I never (really NEVER) met a 100% Dutch guy who could really dance. Since they can’t, they prefer music that they cannot dance to, for example Hardcore or House/Electro – quite smart actually! I did not dress up this year because we had to work, this was even better because we had to work at the biggest Carnaval party (in Veghel, Brabant were Carnaval is a lot more alive than it is in the region of Arnhem/Nijmegen) and we saw the best costumes. It was also quiet interesting to see how the people looked at the beginning of the evening and how they left (of they could still walk, else they were carried) at the end of the evening, better said: in the morning. Great party!

Next time more, of you have any questions > please contact me!

Marlie