Exceptionally sunny weather

Hey! I hope you are having a good day because my last two days went well. I think that I am getting used to new environment and things get better every day. My room became cosy, school started to be interesting, we met few people and mainly – the weather was amazing!

Second day at school

After complaining about everything, I just got up on Tuesday, I made some healthy fruity breakfast and I was curious about our second day at school. Actually, I was little bit annoyed because we were supposed to spend 6 hours in a row at the university. I don’t know why I was so angry about it because I already experienced having a class four hours in a row in France. They had a special system of intensive classes and if you chose the intensive you had to go to the classes from Monday till Friday from 8 am to 12. It was not so bad as it could sound because teachers would make breaks after every hour. It was the same here. We started with Econometrics class at 11 am and we had this class for two hours with one break. In the beginning, I was happy to have this class because I already have two Econometrics in Prague and I naively thought that I would know everything. I was mistaken. The teacher was talking about something that we exceptionally did not go through in Prague and in addition, he was speaking quite fast that it was difficult to recognize important and less important parts. This class was not given to only students from our track. Therefore, there were many students and it was difficult for me to pay attention the whole time. So I realized that I would have to study a lot even for Econometrics.

The second class was only for our track – Real Estate Valuation. So far, it is the most interesting class for me. The teacher is awesome! I liked his English, he spoke continuously in ordered manner and he let us time to think about the problem. This class was supposed to last 4 hours. It was quite okay because we had few breaks, we were working on exercises at class and the teacher let us go home earlier. I was interested in that class a lot. It looked finally as something really practical and we found out that during the class, we will be working on some real cases. It was nice to hear that this area is expanding and people experienced in this field will be needed. It made me think that I did a good choice about my programme!

We went directly from school to our place to have something to eat because we were planning to have some drinks later. We even posted this idea into our group Prins Hendrikkade. In the beginning, we were there with few people we already met but later new people were coming! It was really nice to meet a new Polish couple who just arrived to Amsterdam few days ago. They were both friendly and we were speaking a lot about differences in languages, Amsterdam, coffee shops and our accommodation. While I was complaining about our dirty room, they told me that if it rains, the water gets into their room because there is a hole! It is crazy.

Regarding our room, some people told us to contact our RA team. RA team are three people who are in charge of taking care about us and they even live in these building as we do. I was surprised that they cared about our opinion and after sending them some pictures they promised us to send painters to fix our room and they even promised buying a new hood to the kitchen for us! I did not expect it. It is great! I already like my room more than the one in France because it became really cosy with a new carpet, a hanger and a new boy. Although, the walls are full of dirt. It is always good to have the walls painted anyway.

Even though I did not expect it, the party went crazy. In the beginning, we were just sitting outside drinking some beers and wine and talking. We knew we needed to disappear or hide into the common room before 10 pm but we did not manage to do it. That´s why someone from RA team told us to go somewhere else at 10 pm. We did not want to spend more money so we just went to the river because the air was warm. Then, I just remember talking about everything with Ibi for a long time. I think that I did not mention last time that we are met two German guys at the party from our track. They were one of the first ones we met and it was funny because their second question after asking about the name was: “What are you going to study? ”. When I answered that I will do Real Estate Finance track, they started to do high five. Later on, I realized that our track is not so big and that´s why they were delighted to meet someone from their programme. Their names are Ibi and Jonathan. I think that we already got along with them. They are serious about their studies and at the same time they of course love drinks, parties and socializing.

At the river, we were talking a lot and I enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I split all my drink on me. I was surprised that it was dry quite fast. Some people came home around 3 am and we went to the nearest bar. We got tired so I thought that it was time to go home. Nevertheless, we continued to another place to have something to eat. We had the worst kebab. The guy who was working there was not interested in costumers at all. When we came, he was already annoyed he had to make something for us. They did not forget to mention that he did not have exactly what we wanted and it was also expensive. It is a shame that I don’t remember the name of the bar.

We were biking home and then someone got the amazing idea of going to Jeremy's room. Jeremy is our Czech friend and he is going to stay here for half of the year. Instead of staying there, he just took one bottle of Fernet and we went to our place. In the beginning, I was not so happy about it. We opened the bottle and it was empty in few minutes. I guess that we went to sleep around 6 am and when I woke up with my alarm at 11 am, I was hangover of course. For sure, we should not have drunk the last bottle! I just saw cups on the ground and empty bottles. I wanted to sleep more so bad but I could not. I realized that I agreed on having an interview in the restaurant at 12 – Los Pilones.

Los Pilones

I was so happy working in the Mexican restaurant Las Adelitas in Prague. I felt sad I had to leave and yesterday when my friend posted something nice about our restaurant because she was leaving, I felt touched. I am still sad about it that I had to leave the place I loved. When I came here, I was sure that I could find something similar. I wished I found something like that! That´s why I already send an email asking about the job my first day here. On couchsurfing, they also have possibility to ask questions in certain cities. I chose Amsterdam and I asked about any Mexican restaurant where international people are working. One guy from Mexico wrote me a nice message and he advised me to check Los Pilones. I just knew that they have three restaurants in Amsterdam and that was all.

After few days, I realized that working while studying would be really hard. I already saw the classes and the people and the requirements and it does not look easy at all. Actually, I think I will have to study a lot. That´s why I decided not to look for a job and I just wanted to be focused on studying. I felt relieved and I did not think about it. Two days ago, they answered from the restaurant and they invited me for an interview. It was funny. I did not even hesitate and I just decided to go and see. It could be a great opportunity and I did not want to miss it.

When I woke up with hangover I was not happy at all. It took me a lot of time to find my bike and the location was quite far from our place. Nevertheless, it was exceptionally sunny weather! It was hot. Maybe it was the hottest weather I have experienced in Amsterdam so far. It was almost 30 degrees. I was in a better mood after biking in such a nice weather and it took me around 15 minutes to get there. Firstly, I entered the bar called Los Pilones but they told me to go to the second one that was just few metres further. When I entered the place, I saw a really friendly girl called Gwen. It was more bistro or restaurant than a bar. We immediately had an interview and it was fine. They told me that I need to have an appointment in City Hall first before I could start working. She also told me that there were two Czech girls working there.

What the hell is wrong with Czech people? I don’t know why but they obviously love Amsterdam. In our building, we are almost ten Czech people. When we were at the party, there were two Germans, two Polish people, one from Costa Rica and then bunch of Czech people! And it is not a coincidence! When I walk in the city centre, I can often hear Czech and even in the restaurant there were two girls working there. I went abroad to practise English and I speak less English than when I was in Prague. Grr. (Don´t like it at all).

Anyways, we were talking about shifts, availability, my working experience and studies. I liked that they can send you to different locations so you don’t have to work only in one restaurant. The minimum is working twice per week. On the one side, it seems to me that I could handle it. If I have three days school and then I go twice working during the evening I still have some time to hang out (or study). On the other side, it scares me a little bit because I already saw that studies won't be easy. I hope that I can do it. Maybe, I will have to give up going to the gym or going to every party but it is not full time job. Although it was just interview and they always want you to try working in the restaurant first before they hire you. Therefore, we agreed that I will be working tomorrow from 5 pm and we will see. I will think about everything later in case they offer me working there.

Backpack

Now I have a funny story with a backpack. Once, we were just shopping in the shop mainly for the food – Albert. It was always crowded and it is also quite expensive. When we were almost in the waiting line, I noticed a nice pink flower backpack – in discounted shelf. When I saw it, I immediately liked it because I already have at least two things (t-shirt, box) with this motive and it looks amazing. Although I did not want to buy it right away because I already spent a lot of money for another stuff. When I was at home thinking, I realized that I should have bought it! Biking can be sometimes difficult with a hand bag and the backpack is convenient for these occasions. Moreover, it was discounted from 30 euros to 22.

I went there the day after, but they did not have it. I was so disappointed! When I checked the other backpacks, they were all the way more expensive. Why did not I buy it for the first time? I tried to contact client service of Albert. I even tried shopping online through their website but the backpack was unorderable. After two days, they sent me email that they were sorry I could not order the backpack online and they said there were still backpacks in three stores in Amsterdam. They also advised me to call there before I decide to go there. After my interview, I tried to contact one store but they told me nothing. I was almost reconciled with the fact that it was too late. I just had last chance to check those three stores. When I went there, I did not see it. Therefore, I asked one woman working there. Firstly, she sent me to another woman and after few calls she sent me to another man. The man used a device to track the product and he told me they were supposed to have five these pink backpacks. The problem was that he did not know where! I was waiting there for 15 minutes and I already wanted to go home. Then suddenly man appeared with five different backpacks! I saw the one I wanted – pink with flowers. I was so grateful for it! There was written it cost 30 euros but I did not care that it was more than I thought. In the end, the woman did some discount and I paid only 15 euros! It was so cheap! I mean, not cheap but cheaper than normally in Amsterdam. I was so happy and I already had it on me while riding my bike home.

This whole task made me tired and I was looking forward to going home. Actually, I wanted to go sleep. Although when I saw that amazing weather I knew I did not want to miss it in my bed. That´s why we met with Romca in the city centre after her appointment in the bank. We were looking for the shop called Dirk van den Broek. Polish people told us that it is the cheapest shop in Amsterdam. We wanted to try it because we already thought that Albert was not cheap at all. When we entered the place, we already saw the difference. In Albert, there is almost nothing for less than 1 euro. Here, they had a lot of stuff! We bought a mango smoothie for 85 cents and we agreed that next time we will just take our bikes and we will do shopping here.

Swimming

We were almost on our way to the park to study but Jonathan suggested to go swimming. It was not hard to convince us and we decided to join. He was talking about some place called Java Island. We got there on our bikes and there were many people. The place looked so nice! The sun was still shining so we decided to go to the water. It is not so clean but people don´t mind. Jonathan was fast and he just jumped into. We took the stairs (together with some children) and we also went inside the water. I was surprised that it was not cold as I expected. If I compare it to swimming in Lago de Garda in Italy in the beginning of July, it was better! The weather was hot and it was refreshing to be in the water.

We were playing cards on the blanket and we were talking about the party. We also took some wine that we did not finish last night. I always like being with same people the day after the party because you can recall everything together. It was relaxing! We already planned another party for Friday. We will organize a barbecue! I am craving for it because it is the best thing you can do in summer! Unfortunately, I did not do it much because I was whole summer in Prague and mum's boyfriend threw the old grill into the garbage and the new one is useless. We have a possibility to borrow the grill just for a 20 euros deposit. Hopefully a lot of people are coming! I can't wait!

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