Well, this went just about how I imagined it to go.

So, keeping up with typical Sara-fashion, I once again failed to keep my blog regularly updated. On one hand, I'm sort of disappointed in myself--I have actually traveled to quite a few places (some more towns in the Netherlands, Germany, PARIS!!) since my last update. But on the other hand, the wonderful world of Facebook exists, so I know the few readers I have aren't missing out too much on what's been going on.


From now on, I should really just keep this blog to jot down quick stories, funny happenings, etc., instead of trying to timeline everything. Sound good? Okay. Go.


In case you don't follow me on Twitter, you may have missed that I will be a Dutch celebrity this week. My fellow au pair friend, Tiff, arranged quite a big au pair picnic in Amsterdam this past Saturday that Laura, Annemarie, Nerike, and I attended. So many turned up! But it was hard to mingle and meet in such a big group, especially when people are already familiar with others from their agency, town, etc, so we used the time to catch up with one another and casually chat with a few new friends. One of the au pairs who attended told her host dad about the event, and he relayed the message to a reporter/intern he knew looking for a story, so she and a photographer came along to check out the group. The photographer and our group chatted a bit while he took pictures of the group, but after a bit, he asked if he could take my photo separately so that I could be interviewed for the piece. Quite exciting :) I must admit that I had few glasses of wine (it was cold AND a picnic), so who knows how my interview portion will come out! I'll share if I can get a link online, so keep an eye out!

In old news, Daniel came to visit for two amazing weeks. It was great having a piece of home with me again, though I admit it did stir up some homesickness for my friends and family back home. Anyway, during his time here, we made a short road-trip to Duesseldorf, Germany with Laura. It was here that we found a safe haven from the terrible Dutch food that I have come to hate. We not only stuffed ourselves silly with fried pork, potatoes, and sauerkraut, we also finished it off with delicious Alt beer and fresh, sweet waffles. I swear the waffle lady knew my soul; I originally asked for some kind of cream-filled waffle, but with the language barrier, she had difficulty understanding what I wanted. So, politely she suggested I try a waffle with dessert cream and strawberry jam. Yes, of course! How could I have missed this divine treat?! One bite, and I was convinced that we shared some kind of special connection. Needless to say, she won me over immediately, and if I ever make it back to that little town, I will make it a point to show her my appreciation with another helping (or ten) of those delicious waffles. 


Daniel and I decided to hop the bus to Paris for three days and four nights. I don't want to attempt to describe everything we did or saw. I don't even think I can describe how much I really enjoyed the trip, except to say that it made me wake up and realize that I am, indeed, in Europe. I have created such a routine here in Holland that I often forget that I am living in another country (one I have been craving to venture in since I was young), far away from "home." But the little trips I take to other cities wake me from my au pair coma. The view from Sacre Coeur actually brought tears to my eyes; I am once again seeing and experiencing people, places, food, and culture that I have never before. I forgot how much I missed that, as it has been since my days exploring the US and New Zealand by car that I've had that feeling. Now my days consist of figuring out how I can continue these things on the limited budget I have. I will do it, even if I have to eat peanut butter and bread wherever I go. If anything, it'll keep the pounds coming off. ;)


That should do for now. Did you know the Netherlands has had consistent sunshine for almost the past week and a half? I know--I'm amazed myself. The rain is returning in a few days...so now I must go and enjoy these rays of light while I can!


Take care until next time, my friends. <3