End of my 2nd Week

Bonjour,
I am currently at a cafe near my apartment. It is not a coffee shop as I said to my landlord. She quickly corrected me to call it a cafe. Otherwise, people would think I am frequenting the marijuana "coffee shop." Of course, there is one of those around the corner, as well.

With my handy Dutch dictionary, I was able to figure out what was in the quiche. However, it just arrived and I didn't see anything about mushrooms on the board. Guess I'll have to pick those out. It has a nice salad with it. And, I'm drinking Coca-Cola Light from a bottle.

More bike stories: When my officemate came in on Monday, she took one look at me and asked "Did you ride your bike today?" Well, the telltale signs are that my hair looks like it has been through a tornado. There is really no point in brushing my hair before I leave for work. I purchased an extra brush yesterday so that I can deal with that. Can't going around looking like a homeless person. The good news, though, is that I've made it to and from work without getting lost. I was even able to find my way a lecture on Wednesday. It was quite an interesting lecture - I'll try to remember to post my notes that I took for our office when I get back to work on Monday. And, yesterday, I had my handlebars raised so I'm not having to slump over my bike anymore (my arms were getting sore).

I've been very busy at work and have gotten to know a number of interns. We've had lunch together several times this week. And, the weather has been so nice, we even ate outside at a park yesterday. Of course, we didn't want to go back to work after. The nice weather certainly makes for a nicer bike ride. Today, I had lunch with some of the people in my division. After lunch, we sat outside to enjoy the weather. It is supposed to last through the weekend. YEAH!! I think I am going to go to the beach on Sunday. The social group at the ICC (mostly for interns and visiting professionals) is having a picnic/BBQ at the beach on Sunday.

Having laundry done here is quite expensive - 8.50 Euros for one load to be washed and dried. So, I am hand-washing as much as possible. At least I found a place that is open at 8, so I can take my clothes before work. And, it is open until 7, so I can get my clothes back the same day. Lord knows how much dry cleaning is going to cost. Fortunately, I only have a few things that require it.

On a random note (I always come up with them), being quiet at the library is apparently not universal. I was at the library at work today doing some research and the other people there were talking in their normal, if not loud, voice. I have to say it is very distracting. I didn't shush them, but I may have to next time :-)

My internet connection at home isn't the best. To make a very long story short, the person in my building has decided not to have internet and we are waiting for someone else to get it connected. So, I am connecting to some random network that doesn't have the best signal. Certainly better than nothing, but still. The one at this cafe I am at is really good. I may have to start coming here more.

To all - feel free to ask questions as a comment.

Until late,
Michelle