King's Day is a tradition in the Netherlands to celebrate the King's birthday... this year it was on a Saturday so we didnt get the day off.. but it was super fun and I am so happy to have so many great friends that included me in their traditions. First off, I went to my neighbors house for a "bier ontbijt" or a beer breakfast... i thought this was crazy until i realized its the same as brunch (mimosas/bloody mary's) except its with beer :)

Then, I met my friends to go out in Haarlem and we walked all around the city where it was literally a giant party... there were DJ's and bands on EVERY corner... and a festival in the center. 

I even tried patat oorlog for the first time... French fries with peanut butter, mayo, and onions... No matter how it sounds it was amazing!! 

I had a blast and was proud to be decked out in orange :P

Moedersdag

This is the first Mothers Day in 25 years I have spent away from my mom. Even when it was finals time at UT Austin, my mom would drive 3 hours just to watch me study and join me for brunch. My mom gave up a lot to give me everything; shes always been there for me.  I was an only child, but i never felt lonely.  Even when I was living in my own apartment after graduation, anytime i called feeling lonely or bored she'd be there. My mom has been and always will be my best friend- playing boardgames with 2 people, going to the movies on weeknights, spontaneous house of pies nights, weekly homemade dinners... My mom is my fashion inspiration, the chef i aspire to be, my go-to expert for sports... yes, she knows about every sport and all the rules and all the coaches and all the players... she taught me how to make empanadas and while everyone loves MY empanadas, i hate them because they taste nothing like hers... And i only wish i could be as fashionable.

Not all fun and games though, we have had our rough moments- my mom worked two jobs when I was in high school so that I could have everything I needed and be prepared to go to college. She never gave up on anything and didnt let me give up either. We would both arrive from our night shifts and she would stay up with me while i studied for school the next day. She would send me care packages while i was at UT (and here in Netherlands) that gave me the strength to keep going.

I'm not very good at communicating my feelings sometimes, and am definitely more closed off than my mom and her sisters; but she has taught me to always be myself. She has taught me to believe in love while still being indepependent - to believe that anything is possible and then to support those dreams. When i was accepted at UT, she became the #1 Longhorn fan; when I got transferred to the Netherlands- she encouraged me to make the most of my opportunities... Of course i was worried and scared that she is all i have, and that i am her only daughter; but nothing shows me how deep her love goes that she would be willing to support my move here... and now she is the #1 Netherlands fan.

It has been hard being alone today- and i've been lucky to have some amazing friends that i went to brunch with.... but I'm lucky to have such an amazing mother- wherever we are in the world.

Den Haag

My mom was able to stay for an extra week... and we still wanted to keep exploring. She was able to watch me go around on my bike, and we also managed to find my new favorite restaurant "Popocatepetl" ... yes, the best Mexican restaurant in Haarlem. We had "Kaasfondue" aka Queso (it tasted like "old cheese fondue" and was served with tortillas... but we asked for nacho chips and devoured it like if it was kerbey queso... its funny how amazing things are when you miss the real thing)... And we also had margaritas (rimmed with sugar), and chicken fajitas... but dont know if you'd call it fajitas because in Haarlem it is really really healthy tasting grilled chicken and veggies. Anyhow, AMAZING. Ole!!

We also explored "Den Haag"... it is the political city of the Netherlands where the Queen (and maybe new king and queen) live and most of the ambassadors. They also had amazing shopping... and afterwards we went to see my friend Gladys perform. She is a belly dancer, and is incredible!! We had a lot of fun.

PartyTime- Holland Style

Finally, before Sally left, I was so happy to be able to take her our in Haarlem with some of my friends!! Now we can say we have partied together in every place we have ever lived! Richmond, 6th street, Northgate, Washington, Midtown-- AND overseas!!

I took her to my favorite place Stiels- which is such a cheesy dance bar- hence amazingly fun! Then we went to Van Beinum and ended up on the Botermarkt- called that because it used to be where people sold "boter"... now its a cute little area with some cute cafes and this very typical dutch bar.. but since Sally was there the guys got the bar to play "Cotton Eyed Joe" ... yeah yeah yeah... we were too embarrassed to actually teach them how to line dance...and funny enough the two guys that work in my lab came had this conversation today:

Guys: Laura, we have a huge favor to ask you
Me: (looks shocked) Sure, whats up?
Guys: Well... will you teach us how to line dance?
Me: (My surprised face)
Guys: (break into immense laughter)... But seriously.

It was so nice to have such amazing friends in town!!