Twintig Ervaring Van Leven Buitenland: Deel Een

Twintig Ervaring Van Leven Buitenland: Deel Een

(20 Lessons From Life Abroad: Part 1)

A few nights ago, Andy and I were enjoying a lovely dinner of tasty farmers market items when it hit us, we’ve been here for 1 month! Gek! (translated: crazy)

While we are by no means locals, we learned several important lessons. If you’re inclined, continue reading to hear our Part 1 of our Top 20 Lessons (so far) From Living Abroad:

Nummer 1: local markets are worth it

It’s true, visiting the neighborhood markets are fun and have several perks: they can lead to some delicious dinners, Cooper is captivated by all the colors and smells, and there are great spots to pick up some sneak snacks (otherwise known as unnecessary snacks).

The downside? The markets are responsible for me trying gluten again and exploring the answer to this question: is it the gluten or how it gets processed in the US that makes me uncomfortable? Hence, the introduction of Mandi’s #glutentreatoftheday. As you might expect, this study was initiated when I walked into the local Co-Op and that fragrant Dutch Apple Pie (pictured below) had just come out of the oven. #sorrynotsorry #sold #grandmasguiltyforthislove

Nummer 2: Koffie

This lesson doesn’t need an explanation for any of you that know me, but let’s just say, while I do have a hankering for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, I am by no means deprived of coffee. I informed Andy that as long as I have enough coins in the diaper bag for a coffee once a day, then I’m happy. You know, because coins aren’t the same as spending real money:)  I’m not sure he was impressed with that statement, however, today he left with a pile of coins on the table. Maybe this isn’t something he learned as much as something he remembered: Happy Wife, Happy Life.

Nummer 3: The Cheese is Lekker, The Wine is Cheap, and The Beer is Nearby

So far, the important lessons all lead to caloric intake. Which I guess is fair, given we typically prefer to explore cities through our bellies. Hopefully, over the next few months, that’s not displayed in our selfies! But seriously…the cheese, it is SO good! We can’t stop.  At any given point we have about 5 different kinds in our fridge.

12 Euros. Yup, that’s the price of my current house wine. Did I mention that’s for 3 bottles and it’s not even Boons Farm?

As for the beer, and Andy’s belly, luckily, Cooper and I stumbled upon a quaint craft beer store in our neighborhood,  De Beirkoning.  I foresee lots of Andy’s daily coins being spent here. Although I must confess, #glutentreatoftheday has been several sips of these beers.

Nummer 4: Shopping Carts

Although it seems like a nice idea, we can’t survive on markets, cheese, wine, and beer. Enter Jumbo and Albert Hein, the two most common grocery stores in our neighborhood. To get the way of the land, we decided to do our first store run as a family. Thank god we did, because it’s nice to have someone to laugh about this lesson with.

Upon arrival at Jumbo, Andy went to grab us a shopping cart. A few seconds later he came back and informed me that he can’t get the cart. Confused, I asked, “What do you mean?” “I don’t know. Everyone is walking up and inserting something and then they get a cart, it looks like it should be coins, but it’s not. I don’t know what it is and I feel like an idiot standing there.” I walk over to the carts, intending to prove him wrong. Fail. I can’t get the cart out either. We decide to sit on the bench outside the store and observe, hoping we look casual doing so. After a few minutes we can’t figure it out, so Andy asks the next couple that comes out of Jumbo how to get a cart.

After laughing at us, the kind couple taught us lesson number 4: you either get a special key from the store or put money into the carts to get them unlocked. This lesson made shopping so much easier.

Nummer 5: Shopping

Along with the shopping cart challenge,  lesson number 5 also came from Jumbo. To the left, the shopping carts. To the right these:

Obviously, these are scanners to take through the store with you. However, not everyone uses them. So what’s the perk? After some additional observing, we learned the importance of the personal scanner: since everyone has to carry their groceries back by hand, or bike, they often have their own bags with them. If you opt for the scanner you can scan the items as you shop and pack your bags during your shop. When you’re done, you just turn in your scanner and pay. Briljant! This way, you’re organized and efficiently packed for your pedal home!

Nummer 6: The Transportation of Groceries 

It’s taken us nearly 4 weeks to figure out our shopping schedule. What’s the big deal you ask? Well, let’s just say, you scream American when you leave the store looking like this:

I circled Cooper’s foot in the photo to showcase his help and prove that he’s actually in the stroller. Gone are the days of Costco runs and stockpiling groceries for over a week. After 1 trip like this, several awkward glances on the route home, and a conversation with a local, we adapted and started doing several shops a week. I may still be pretending that I am enjoying the experience, but at least we don’t stand out quite as much.

Nummer 7: Cooper’s Sleep Schedule

Casey, Margaret, Elise and Shannon, I know we all questioned once or twice how the #$%^ to get our little ones to take a good nap during the day. Well, we figured it out. Walk EVERYWHERE. Andy and I had several conversations during our first few weeks where we questioned what to do if Cooper continued to sleep every time he went in the stroller. Luckily, after a month, he learned how to stay awake going over the cobblestone!

Nummer 8: Lamberfeeties, Bikes, Ferries, Trains, Trams, Uber & Busses

Between the three of us, we have explored all of the major types of transportation available to us, without a car. There isn’t too much to report here, however a few quick lessons:

When waiting at the bus station, you actually have to wave it down in order for it to stop. We learned this the hard way.

When traveling by car, car seats are optional…

(I can’t even post the photo of this due to my guilt.)

I swear this will not become a habit! Let’s just say it was a late night and we needed to get home and the Uber driver was supposed to drive slowly.

And by train…

sometimes the lifts are gebroken, so you make do.

Nummer 9: Damesfiets and Heren Fiets

After several days of walking an average of 6 miles, it was time to purchase bikes. Andy was pretty sure he wanted a Vanmoof (aka The Moof), and I wasn’t sure what I wanted. A Vanmoof seemed very cool and hip, yet an Oma Fiets seemed appealing as well.

As soon as Andy made his purchase he was pumped and I was jealous. I mean wouldn’t you be:

Several more days of searching led me to what I believed was the perfect purchase:

There are so many reasons why I loved this bike. Yes, if you are carefully reading that was loved not love. I looked at this bike over the course of three days (editors note, for anyone who knows Ang or Mandi, for some reason it takes 3 days, all to the same store, just to make a purchase. #isavedsomuch #ilovekohls #Mangie – avd). Finally, I was ready to make my purchase. Cooper and I were back at the shop, Euros in hand. As I was about to pay, I asked the elderly gentleman to show me the serial number on the bike so that I could check to make sure it wasn’t a stolen bike. Let’s just say this didn’t go over very well and my morals kicked in. He got irritated and annoyed, which made me really believe it was stolen. So, once again, Cooper and I walked back to our flat for the millionth time in a week. Which brings us to lesson nummer 10.

Nummer 10: Some things are worth the wait

Some of you may recall that Andy is looking forward to purchasing a minivan when we get back to the states. Knowing this is his dream, I would never dream of taking it away. However, somehow, I have ended up with the minivan.

After making the moral decision not to purchase the likely stolen Cortina, I was devastated…and still walking…everywhere.

Two days later, Andy informed me that he lined up another test drive. Skeptical, Cooper and I went along for the drive. Details are unnecessary at this point, so let’s just say it was love at first sight. 100% worth the wait. Racks, big cushy seat, basket (Andy’s modifications for the umbrella stroller) and all ..a real mini van of a bike! We call her the Zelle and she makes me and Cooper very happy.

 

And with that, your drink is probably gone by now, or your baby asleep, so I am going to call that good! Look for Twintig Ervaring Van Leven Buitenland: Deel Twee coming soon, Lessons 11-20!