Happy Sinterklaas

Today was Sinterklaas day, which doesn't mean much when you are older in Holland unless you have kids. But this is the day when children leave their shoes out and receive presents and candy. Usually you either celebrate Sinterklaas day with gifts or Christmas. All the shops were closed down this evening for the holiday, even though they have been staying up until 9 because of the holiday season. Having the shops open is a pretty big deal in Hilversum because most people aren't able to go shopping or go out because everything closes down by 6pm. Last night I took the opportunity to walk through the streets and window shop after work.

Tonight I met my friend John after work and we walked through the richer part of Hilversum where there are nice homes and into the town center. We enjoyed some coffee and apple strudel for our sinterklaas day. Sinterklaas and black piet even popped into the bar.

Work has been going really great. I work with four other people. There were a total of six of us but Jamie just returned to Minnesota yesterday morning. I am busy every day working on various projects for companies all over the world—an interiors shop in Southern Spain, architecture firm based in the Middle East, a website for a famous Dutch author, brochures for an art exhibit in Amsterdam—the list goes on. We work from 9.30am to 6pm and the weather here is usually overcast and rainy all day. At least we are inside I suppose.

Monday night all of us from work went out to a Thai restaurant for Jamie's last night in town. It was a good time and sad saying goodbye. Below is all of us in the office saying goodbye to Jamie.

Rens, Jamie, Me, Tarek, Paul


Rens, Jamie, Me, Azza, Paul