Strike

Today was a long day at Uni. After all, the public transport started striking at 8.30, so I had to get to Uni before that. I managed. Followed some classes, read some papers, et cetera. Unfortunately, my last class finished at 18.00, which was also the time the trams started striking again (they stopped striking between 15 and 18), so I had to stay at Uni for another while. Oh well, shit happens.
Now I will go to bed quite early, because I have to get up early tomorrow, in order to do some shopping etc before Matt (and boyfriend) arrive at about 11.
Also, tomorrow night Fedor arrives!!!! Woohooo!!!!
Ciao,
OJ

Forza Barca!

Yesterday was the Day of the Presentation for one of my courses. Normally, I am not really bothered with these kind of things, but the paper I was presenting this time was so bloody complicated that I actually thought it would be a bit of a problem. But it went quite ok. And the teacher apparently realised how hard the paper really was, because he didnt give me a hard time at all! So, in order to celebrate this, we went out to watch the match yesterday (not Ajax-Groningen, of course, even though that may actually have been more interesting! Instead, we watched Barcelona-Milan). So we had a good night when AC Milan had their asses kicked (Milan=Berlusconi, so the club doesnt have a lot of support among my leftist friends).
Today, I was supposed to work on a report. But I was unable to motivate myself strongly... Instead, I played around all day, did a little bit of work and applied for an internship in Manilla, the Phillipines. Now, the chances of actually GETTING the internship are about 1 in 1000, so dont get all excited. But it would be kinda awesome, wouldnt it? To go to Manilla for 2 months this Summer, in order to do some research...
Tomorrow, I will have to get up early, because the public transport starts striking at 8.30, so I have to be at Uni before that time (they do strike quite often, but at least they try to be a little bit considerate. The strike only starts at 8.30 and they will not strike between 15 and 18 o'clock either. Unfortunately I will have class until 18.00, so I will not be able to take the tram home....)
Ciao,
OJ

Liberation Day

This Liberation Day, it rained... Well, drizzled. But after the last days, it was quite a shock. Hopefully, it will get better!
I spent my day at Uni, working on my (important) presentation for tomorrow. It is not gonna be fun, because it's a really, really fcked up paper that I will present. But we will see how its gonna go....
Ciao,
OJ

Bye Bastiaan...

Thursday Morning, I went to class all morning and enjoyed some lunch and sun afterwards. In the afternoon, I went to pick up Bastiaan at Central Station. Of course, it was great to see him again and we spent the rest of the afternoon sitting on my terrace chatting and drinking wine. After another stroll through town, we had dinner and drank some more.
The weekend weather was as good as the forecasts promised, with 27-28 degrees on Saturday and Sunday. Of course this was worth a celebration and we therefore planned our first terrace party of the year on Saturday. For that, we did a lot of shopping, and after lunch we visited the Cimitero Monumentale. The rest of the day was spent on preparations for the party (and lying in the Sun). About 20-25 people showed up for our BBQ party (including the whole range of completely strangers we always expect) and had some nice foods (my BBQ squid was rather successful). Of ourse, both Bastiaan and I were quite drunk in the end and ended up going to bed before the party was over.
On Sunday, trying to forget the hangover, we got to a very slow start. Visited Hightech, Duomo and the rest of town. And, of course, went for Sushi Aperitivo at Bento Bar! Because I simply love that place!!!
This morning, I brought Bastiaan back to Central Station, where he would catch his bus again. On my return from the Station, I heard the repeated call of my bed and slept for another while. This is ok, because I have yet another little holiday (Monday and Tuesday), to celebrate the liberation at the end of the Second World War..... I am not kidding, this is what Italians celebrate: the fact that they were LIBERATED (obviously, I always point out that they didnt get liberated: they just lost, but this point of view does not attract a lot of support among Italians).
Ciao,
OJ

Sunnnnnn

I think I have done so little recently, that I have become completely unable to do anything. It is either that, or I have to design a presentation of a paper that I just REALLY REALLY do not understand... That would be an interesting new experience... But whichever of these may be true, I did not do much today. Not enough, anyway. I did, however, have a lovely lunch in the Sun today and worked on my tan. These are important things too, right? Unfortunately for Bastiaan, who will be arriving tomorrow, the weather seems to worsen a bit for the weekend (they are still forecasting 27 degrees for Sunday, but the multi-day forecasts totally suck.
Below are two pictures. One to show that babies simply make great accessories and one of my daily lunch place (a picture of a few weeks ago with friends)
Ciao,
OJ

And I am back...

On Thursday, I started my Holland trip in the morning by flying to Holland. The most important observation was that it was cold... But of course, seeing Fedor compensated any cold I might have felt. After hanging out at home, we spent the evening playing games with Fedors friends.
Friday afternoon, we started our little trip around the country. First stop: The Hague, where we visited friends who moved to a lovely apartment. After a gorgeous meal, the next stop was Rotterdam, in order to visit the beautiful new house of another set of friends. After spending the night at their place, Fedor and I could hitch a ride to my parents place, which was obviously very convenient.
Next stops consisted of my brother and family, my friend Seda and my other brother and family... Of course, this being easter time, I was completely ODing on chocolate eggs already, but it was great to see everyone! At night, we went to the pub where a bunch of people came to see us! Jochen en Jorryts decoration of the pub may have shocked a few people though... (my picture, announcing OJ, Queen of Milano, one-night-appearance in Groningen on his Holland Tour: Lets just not mention that again...).
The next morning I felt surprisingly fresh and after some Easter breakfast, Fedor and I drove back to my parents place for a lovely lunch. At the end of the afternoon, we jumped on the train again in order to reach Nijmegen in time to have dinner with Fedors Mother etc. Another night of fun was the result (and a late night, as always). Monday was a relatively quiet day, with only 2 major visits planned. The first visit consisted of Brunch at Fedors father's house. Absolutely lovely, as well. And after a little walk in the area, we continued to our next agenda point of Monday: Yet another new house! This time with friends from Highschool, whom I do not see very often (at all). Another evening of a lot of laughs was the result.
THANK GOD we could sleep very, very, very late on Tuesday, because Fedor and I were both completely exhausted! Apart from a little shopping (books etc), we only had one other, final, thing to do: Have dinner with 2 other friends. We did, enjoyed the hospitality of De Spil (Seriously, if you are in Nijmegen: go and eat there: its lovely), but didnt stay out until extremely late.
After all, this morning, we had to get up early again. Fedor had to go to work and I had to go to Eindhoven, in order to fly back to Milano. And so I did.
Coming back was really quite nice, especially because the weather is amazing and I got some more hours of Sun on the Terrace: I am so easy to please...
Now, I am exhausted from this week of holiday and I will go to bed very early.
Ciao,
OJ

Olanda: Domani

The party yesterday was quite a lot of fun, but I left early, because I was very tired. So I was home before midnight. Today, I spent some time at Uni, but didnt do too much... And in the afternoon, I went to Chinatown (near my house) to buy my first set of suitcases!!! I bought a trolley and a realy (smallish) suitcase for the combined price of only 29 euros: I love Chinatown!
Finally, I spent some time sitting in the Sun, because I would like to be a bit sunburnt when I am going to Holland. I think my mission has not reallly succeeded, but it was worth a try! Tonight, I packed my suitcases to be properly prepared for my early flight tomorrow! Olanda: HERE I COME!
Ciao,
OJ

Bye Lotte (and Berlusconi)

Well, after Lotte finally arrived Saturday Night, we came home for lots of Fake Margheritas and Mexican food. Meghan did her best! We also went out, and I once more concluded that Loolapaloosa really kinda sux.
On Sunday, we had to take it slowly, due to a rather large alcohol take-up... And besides, Lotte wasnt very lucky with the weather: it was cold and it drizzled. But of course, this didnt stop us from going to Hightech. And the Cimitero Monumentale (which is really not even that bad in the rain: it suits the atmosphere). At night, Sushi Aperitivo and relaxing, because we were still exhausted from the party the night before. On Monday, the weather wasnt much better and we did a quick tour of the main tourist things (Duomo, Castello). The rest of the day was spent on Shopping. Lotte spent a small fortune on buying A LOT OF clothes, so that was really quite fun. At night, we were exhausted from the day's shopping and just did nothing again. This morning, I brought her to the station and went to Uni. I didnt have too much to do, so I could go home at 16.00 again. Resting for a while, cutting my own hair and preparing to go to a Big Birthday Party (of 5 people) tonight: Looking forward to it!!!
The good news about today: I FINALLY managed to get my "Health Card", aka Medical Insurance!!! It is settled! I am insured!!! And I have a doctor!
And of course, the other good news of today: Berlusconi is OUT. Good riddance, I hope we can now get rid of all the bloody election talk... Probably not, because they like a good election here and the next (mayoral) elections are in 6 weeks. In fact, this will be my first Italian election where I can participate. As I now have my Carta d'Identita, I also applied for a Electoral Card, which I should get in time to be able to vote for the new mayor of Milano!!! How cool is that?
Ciao,
OJ

Lotte???

Yesterday, I realised what a silly week I was having, so I decided not even to Uni. Instead I stayed at home, and finished reading my book. In the afternoon, I met up with Idil, to go to the ASL (insurance people). Of course, the office closed 2 minutes before we arrived (I knew they didnt open until 13.30, but I didnt realise they would close again at 15.00... How silly of me). Instead, we walked to and through Brera, where the Milano Furniture Week is happening. Honestly, there wasnt that much happening, but at least now we can say we have been there. At night, I relaxed and chatted with Meghan until late.
This morning, however, I did have to get up reasonably early again, because I wanted to go to the market etc, before going to Malpensa to pick up my friend Lotte, who was arriving from Copenhagen. But after doing all my stuff, and when I was just on my way to the station, she called: the flight had been overbooked and she was bumped. Of course, this means a hefty financial compensation (hundreds of euros) and she could take the next flight. Which arrives tonight at 19.00, instead of the morning at 10.30. So this was absolutely no problem. I, however, didnt really have anything useful to do though. But this afternoon, the temperature rose once more, so I spent the afternoon studying in the Sun on my terrace. Lovely...
Now I will go to Malpensa Airport to pick her up, and then we will enjoy Meghans Mexican dinner she has been preparing all day!
Ciao,
OJ

Berlusconi continued

Haha, Berlusconi now wants independent observers because he doesnt trust the elections he is organising (his own elections, yes). Especially because all the media is poised against him. Which is odd, because he owns all the media!!! Funny... But seriously, I will be very happy once these bloody elections will be over! No more bullshit about it!
Furthermore, I worked on my Political Economics today. This is an extremely quiet week, because I only had one class (on Monday), so I am taking it all very slowly. In addition, we are having discussions about the schedule of our field exams (we get to decide our own dates, but have to do so in a unanimous fashion: I now know why the EU doesnt work.... Breek me de bek niet open, zullen we maar zeggen)
Ciao,
OJ

And rainy days...

So finally Meteo.it was able to forecast the weather appropriately... It was indeed shit, and I did do a little bit of work (not as much as I had wanted to do, but I am just not busy enough to feel any real pressure...)
For the rest, I spent the day discussing the ins and outs of Berlusconi's newest craze... After calling the Dutch people Nazis and saying that Chinese people boil babies to use them as fertiliser, he now decided to take on the Italian electorate: Anyone who doesnt vote for him is a coglione, apparently: freely translatable as, a fucking retard!!!
Wow, considering that he has already mentioned before that he sees himself as Napoleon and Jesus, nothing should be surprising, right?
Ciao,
OJ

Sunny days...

Today was yet another lovely day and I must say that I am happy I am not too busy with studying this quarter. Because the start of the good weather seriously damages my incentives to study hard... I spent some time at Uni this morning, but lunch turned into a 1 1/2 hour ordeal. And afterwards, I spent another hour lying in the park... In the end, I actually didnt do very much at all!
So in that respect, it is a good thing that tomorrow the weather will be shitty (only 16-18 degrees....): I will be able to do some studying!
Ciao,
OJ

Bye Bard en Suuz...

Well, the Party, which took place at a Raggae club around the corner was Interesting, to say the least. Many people were there, so we had a lot of fun. But I surely realise that Raggae clubs are not quite my thing. But we got drunk and made our own fun instead!
On Saturday, this did sort of ruin our chances of seeing much of Milano. But as the good weather took a day off anyway, we were quite satisfied with just visiting the market, a shop, and of course the Cimitero Monumentale! I must say that the Cimitero isnt quite as pretty when it is rainy, instead of sunny. At night, we went for Sushi Aperitivo at Bento Bar: I am loving it!!! Sushi Aperitivo kicks ass!!! But we (Suuz) was rather hung-over, so we went home earlier and played another card game. On Sunday, we had planned to go to Genova, but while going to bed the night before, we concluded that the cheap Genova train would be leaving too early for us! So instead, we decided to go to Lago Maggiore.


And that, I must say, was a great decission! We started at Lavero, where we walked around and took the lift up the mountain. The lift turned out to consist of tiny little 1 or 2 person carriers, steeply climbing a mountain: I was terrified!!!!


At the end of the lift, we were able to walk another while, in order to reach the top of the mountain. Well, it was quite a climb, but absolutely worth it. Stunning views, lovely heat and lots of parasailers etc flying around us. It was really quite amazing, I must say...


After coming down, we crossed the lake to Verbania. Some more food, some more drinks, some more tanning and it was time to make our way back to Milano. All in all, a very good day!!!
(please note that I am ignoring the horrible struggle to come down the mountain top. Een ezel stoot zich in t algemeen geen tweemaal aan dezelfde steen, as we say in Dutch, but I always do this to myself. I enjoy climbing up a mountain and then realise I have to come down again. With sore knees and a sore toe... Not a good idea!)
This morning, I brought BarD and Suuz to the train station, because they were leaving again... We definitely did have fun!
Afterwards, I actually went to the Municipality with Idil, to find out what happened to my Identity Card. Info desk 1 sent us to number 2. Info desk 2 sent us to a different one. He then sent us to another one (4), from where we went to number 5. Number 5 sent us back to 3, who sent us back to 2, from where we could go to the appropriate one! And all in all, it only took an hour and 15 minutes (which is only about 10 minutes per desk)! And, amazingly so, I ended up finally receiving my CARTA D'IDENTITA. With this, I will be able to get health insurance. Which I need to get a doctor. Which I need to get a Declaration of Health, which I need to be allowed to go to the gym. I am nearly there!!!!
In the afternoon I went to class, enjoyed the lovely weather (21-24 degrees) and relaxed... Life is good!!!
Ciao,
OJ