Ik spreek Nederlands "I speak Dutch"

The days are really starting to pick up speed, and I can't believe this week is basically over! For the entire week I have been learning dutch for 4 1/2 hours a day. When I return to my apartment I spend another couple of hours studying the text and translating a new one. Basically I eat, sleep, breath dutch at this moment. I am excited to say that I only have 2 more days until I take my final :) All in all, I have really enjoyed being able to learn a new language and be able to apply it in my every day life here.

This past weekend was pretty eventful. On Friday I visited the Naturalis museum that consisted of fossils, animals, and a huge earth. This museum had so much to offer and it was nice to have it only a bike ride away. Unfortunately my bike started making a terrible noise that made people turn their heads as I rode by. I had no idea what the problem was and decided to take it back in to the shop after only being the proud owner of it for two days. He informed me that I had been riding around with a flat tire. hahah woops! On Saturday I went to market once again. I decided to try a Dutch favorite, herring, which is raw fish. People here will tilt their head back and eat the fish in two bites.  I on the other hand wasn't as daring and took a small bite. (I love sushi so I thought I would have no problem). Good thing because I could barely swallow it. I learned herring wasn't a favorite for me.

I am looking forward to spending the weekend on Texel Island. Texel is the largest Dutch island with both the North Sea and the Wadden Sea surrounding it. We are planning to go on a shrimp boat and go to the Maritime and Beachcombers Museum. I am excited about another opportunity to explore and spend a weekend experiencing new things :)