Market Square in Maastricht

Tess and I went to Maastricht Market Square yesterday around 5pm. We went window shopping. There were many things to see. My feet were aching. We ended the stroll at a supermarket, bought food and went straight to the bus station. We waited long for the right bus to come until 10pm. Unforgettable was the experience of waiting under a cold weather and talking to a drunken man. I think Dutch people have policies that it’s necessary to be nice with drunken man to avoid any further conflicts. Tess did the same way. She entertained him, despite the chill of the weather. Of course, both of us were frightened until saved by the coming of the bus. We took the right bus though but it had a longer route compared to the bus we should have taken. Yet, it was better than be left there with the man.

Weather

Among the many things I learned, Dutch people love to talk about the weather. Weather in The Netherlands is unpredictable. In spite of the summer season, temperature can go below 16 degrees with rainshower in the middle of the day.

Since its summer, the day is longer with a sunrise at 5am and a sunset at 9pm. At this time of the day (7pm), the environment outside looks like 4pm in the Philippines.

Now in my 4th day, I still wake up in the middle of the night (1pm or 2pm Netherlands time) feeling its 6am. My body clock is still set in Philippine time. I am always left feeling sleepy and red eyed during class.

The Diploma Course

I met my classmates last Sunday when we strolled Maastricht City. I was intimidated at first but they turned out to be nice. It’s a great experience to learn different cultures and nationalities.

Yesterday, we had our formal introduction to the course. Did I tell you that there are two executive programs for the same 3 month schedule? Marketing of Services (MOS) and Managerial Control and Management Information Systems (MCMIS). I am taking the second. The titles may sound simple but the content as explained to us were superb. It’s exciting to be back in class again with all the quizzes, and grades. 

There are 33 of us in my class. People come from Armenia, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Palestine, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and me from the Philippines. 

I met a kababayan also. She is taking the MOS course. I’m glad that I have someone now to share pinoy moments with.

I wish more pinoys will try this opportunity especially from the private sectors. Their MBA program stands out together with highly respected institutions.

1st day in Netherlands

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!!!