Hey everyone! This is my first post to the COB website and it is now over halfway through my study abroad experience. The Hague has been AMAZING. The places that I’ve been while in Europe are only outdone by the people that I have met. Though I do miss some things about home (Chick-fil-A, Jimmy Johns, Highland Morning), I’m not quite sure what it will be like leaving in 6 weeks.
Being immersed in a truly international environment is indescribable. I’ve learned so much about myself over these past few months and have been exposed to tons of different people who have many things to offer. Within the past week, my Korean friend helped us prepare rice the proper way, my French friends taught me basic phrases for my trip to Paris, and my Canadian friend exposed me to Aero bars. The Americans came together to expose our international friends to Yum-Yum sauce.

On a different note, here are some quotes from the UofL students’ first few months in Holland:

“It’s like the same as home… but different.”

“Things are so Dutch here.”

“It’s so weird. We can’t understand them, but they call all understand us.”

“I don’t want the Italian people to watch me cook pasta.”

“They said it was like America, but in Europe.” “Last time I checked all of the signs in America aren’t in Dutch.”

“Are there vampires here, guys? I just want to know.”

Here’s to 85 cent Albert Heijn chocolate crossiants, learning a little bit of every language, and nearly injuring myself trying to pop a wheelie on my bike this month. The Hague is awesome and I’m not sure that I’m ready to leave.

But on the same hand, I’m also excited to be home. I’m just going to not think about it.

Vaarwel!

Ashton

(Also please ignore that the majority of this post was about food. I’m really hungry right now because the grocery store closes at 8pm and I forgot to go today)