Spending Money

This week was a good week. It was also a busy week. On Tuesday school was cancelled for the students because Naomi and I, along with four other colleagues, attended a conference in Ede. It was nice to see all the other teachers, although it was geared toward higher levels of students as it was a bilingual conference. Finally, English!

We did not make it home in time to pick up my bike. So we had to get it Wednesday. And it is nice! Of course the first thing I do is drop it on the ground and break the fender. I think it is working now though. The rack and saddlebags, although not terribly stylish, have already proven quite handy. It is good to finally have my own bike, as it is takes the place of my car...

The new bike.

Thursday I went into school for the morning, but then left to Utrecht for Naomi's graduation. I was rather uncomfortable and upset by the timing of this ceremony. I found it quite strange that they would hold it during working hours, forcing everyone to take the day off. I guess that is one more of those cultural differences...

While we were waiting for the train (delayed due to suicide) a tiny English lady in her early 20s asked us about the delay. Naomi explained and after we had met her parents and her dad's partner at the train station, had a very nice lunch, and were walking out of the cafe, we saw this same English lady eating lunch. Quite the coincidence!

Lunch in the 400 year old cellar of a canal-side cafe.

The ceremony was nice and personal. There were only 18 students in Naomi's program so that was possible. Drinks were served afterward and it was nice to meet some of the people that Naomi talked a lot about. The same questions (how do you like the Netherlands...how is school) got really old after awhile though.

Graduation.

Friday was a good day at school. I finally felt like I was gaining the upper hand in the constant battle for control with the students. I took charge even when I was working with more experienced teachers. My confidence is going up.

After school, we picked up our new printer at the post office! We tried to buy it two different times before this and the stores had run out. This time it was 30 Euros cheaper. So the frustration was worth it. Yesterday we set it up, and today I will try to use it.

The new printer.

The printer did not come with a cable, so we had to go into town to buy one yesterday. We also picked up some photo paper. At the store, we ran into a friend and ended up having drinks and burgers at an Irish Pub. It was a nice evening. The only problem with this week is that most of my salary for the month is already gone...