1st day in Netherlands

Sunday, May 28, 2006

I’m eating my first decent meal, paella and spare ribs, courtesy of microwavable instant food from a convenience store. I bought this after a long walk to the railway central station to buy Euro money. It was a good walk without the cost of riding a bus but I did take the bus after returning to the Hotel with plastics of food. This time, I went to the central market to buy a power adaptor. I almost got lost strolling along the streets of brand name stores. Gee, everything was expensive. The adaptor cost me 5.45 euro already (P340). Like what we say, we Filipinos don’t enjoy shopping in an expensive country because all the time we carry a mental calculator up our heads. The streets were crowded with Europeans speaking languages alien to me. I think I only saw two Asians, myself on the mirror and a Chinese girl. Like the orange among the apples, I tried to act normal taking some shots here and there. It’s bad I can’t be within the pictures. Tomorrow afternoon, I will be meeting some of the participants. I heard they come from other countries and many from Africa. I think I’m alone from the Philippines since I didn’t have anyone with me arriving as the 1^st delegate yesterday. I was anxious and at the same time frightened of what is to come.

I have a good room with a good and very fast internet connection (got 660kb/sec when I downloaded a big file). At least, this compensates for the lonesome mood. I hope everybody else is online. Nah, people are busy. Just going to make the most of my time here. I wonder what’s happening with PBB or Zanjoe Marudo now? hehe… Weather is cool, going at 14degrees Celsius with some rainshowers. I am thankful that ma’am Nita gave me a jacket as a gift. It kept me warm walking the streets and of course, Adobe, for the umbrella that kept me from getting wet. I am amazed how things come as if they were planned. I got lost earlier during my stroll looking for the electronic shop or the bus stops, but with a murmur of a prayer.. there it was. Hmm.., what more can I ask for but be grateful? 

*Wishful thinking daw*, it would have been better enjoying the view with a loved one at your side. Enjoy some of the pictures that I took!!!