Paris, France ... The city of lights ... of new and old friends

Paris is a beautiful and amazing city! It's definitely on my list of favorite cities in the world! My buddy Dom and I found good deals on train tickets from Holland to Paris, so we decided to check out the "City of Lights."



While in Paris, we ventured to see the main tourist sites. We saw the Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, and the list continues. We definitely were not able to hit everything, and even my Parisian friends say that they haven't seen everything. So that means another trip to Paris is coming up in the future.





While in Paris, I was able to visit the Rotary Club of Paris. The Rotarians were very hospitable and I enjoyed my lunch at Le Pavilion Dauphine. I happened to sit next to a Rotarian who spent time in the States for his university, graduate school, and first working years. I was even able to practice some of my French as well.





My trip to Paris was also a highlight because I was able to meet up with old friends. Xavier and his wife, Magali, lived in Indianapolis from 2004-06, and Xavier was studying for his LL.M. while I was in my 2nd year of law school. We spent much time together in Indianapolis, and it was nice to see each other again to remember the old times.




Besides meeting up with old friends, Dom and I also met up with one of our friends from school in Holland. Madeleine also goes to university with us at Leiden, but is Parisian. We were able to meet up with her and her French friends where I further practiced my "broken" French. It's my goal to work on my French so that I am at least semi-fluent by the end of the year.



Paris ... definitely a city to visit ... and could definitely be a livable city.

New Years in Prague

After Christmas, my friends from the States, David and Andy, visited me in Holland. After a few days in Holland, we went to Prague for New Years. As true as everyone claims, it is the jewel of eastern Europe. Untouched by war or natural disaster, the city is lined beautifully with ancient architecture and cobblestone streets. Although still on the Czech Crown, it isn't as cheap as it used to be. A very touristy city, especially during New Years, many people are enjoying the views and sites that Prague has to offer.





The New Years celebration was something I have never seen before. The Czech government has not yet regulated the use of fireworks, so citizens were shooting off fireworks from the streets. These were the same fireworks that are shot off from high skyscrapers in other cities. Although dangerous, it was definitely a site to see.





After seeing the city, I went out to Terezin, the location of a Jewish Ghetto and detention camp during World War II. There just aren't any words to describe what I saw and what I was feeling. However, it's something that we all won't forget.

Christmas in Leiden

After Schiermonnikoog, I spent Christmas in Leiden with Matt, the other Rotary scholar, and other friends who stayed here for the holidays. We cooked Christmas dinner, and open New Zealander Christmas crackers. We even made our own paper snowflakes to remind us of a "white Christmas." Paul and I later that night went to Christmas Eve Mass.



On Christmas Day, I had Christmas lunch with Matt and his friend Ryan. Although it wasn't the same as being at home, it was good to spend it with friends.

Schiermonnikoog

It was in August when I arrived to Holland and met my new friends. It's amazing how fast time flies. We all agreed that the time was too short, but definitely glad that the semester and exams were over. To help relax after exams, some friends and I took a trip to one of the northern Dutch islands, Schiermonnikoog. It was truly beautiful, and probably one of the best trips I have taken. The group was truly international including myself from the US, Barbara from Slovenia, Emma from Holland, Paul from New Zealand, and Cem from Turkey.

No cars are allowed on the island so it was very nice and peaceful. We cooked good food, enjoyed good wine, relaxed, and enjoyed each others' company. It was a nice feeling to not have the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or even the fast pace schedule of sightseeing when traveling. This is a place that I will definitely return to in the future.

Sinterklaas

In the United States, Christmas is the day around the winter holiday that gifts are given. In many cultures in Europe, including Holland, St. Nicholas Day is more a time to give gifts than Christmas. St. Nicholas in Dutch is Sinterklaas.

In Holland, Sinterklaas comes in November. There's a long story about who he is, where he comes from, and who is helpers are. Each story is a little different from the other, but they all include Sinterklaas in a red suit with a white beard. He's slim, not fat. And he doesn't have elves, but zwarte piets.

I also had the chance to run into Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piets; however, I think I'm a little too old to believe that the one I met was the real one ... if there is a real one ...

Fundraiser for Filipino NGO & Rotary

In the United States, my interests and extra-curricular involvement included volunteering with non-profit organizations and organizing events. Naturally, I wanted to continue this type of involvement in Holland. Emma, my friend from Holland, and I organized a fundraiser to educate indigent Filipino children. Emma is directly involved with this non-governmental organization (NGO) and after she told me about her work, together we planned to help raise money for the children.



The event was a great success. Our friends and colleagues were very open and generous to the cause, and everyone enjoyed themselves.



Matt, another Rotary scholar, and I also took this oppotunity to introduce everyone to Rotary and their educational programs. It was a perfect occasion to talk about the humanitarian work that Rotary does, as well as how it supports young people through their educational scholarships.

Leiden Rotary Club

Matt, the other Rotary Scholar from St. Paul, and I visited and presented to the Leiden Rotary Club. The Club was very receptive to us and is willing to help us with anything that we may need during our stay in Holland. We will be returning to the club again in January to do another presentation and have lunch with the Rotarian in charge of exchange students. We look forward to more involvement with the club.