Traveling to Amsterdam!

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I updated my photos at http://community.webshots.com/user/chadgriggs

So I have finished up my first week at the office and I have got to say it was pretty interesting. I mean I had all of these perceptions of how the office would be, and what the people would look like etc after talking to the office several times a week over the past five months or so. Anyways it is great being in the office and at the house with all of the different people both those who always work in the office and are from Belgium to the different sales consultants like me who are from around the world. It didn’t take me as long as I thought that it would to wrap up the other project and by Tuesday I was told that I would be headed to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Go to the following link to see where it is on a map (or copy and paste http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/middle_east_pol_2003.jpg into a your web browser )

I will be working for my same boss and she has asked me to go to Bahrain to wrap a project that was put on hold before Ramadan. Interestingly enough though that this project will be for print instead of television. It will be pretty cool though because it is for a new publication that my company is starting up called British Airport Magazine which will be distributed throughout the Business and VIP lounges in Heathrow Airport. A little interesting known fact is that Heathrow is the busiest airport in the world with around 1/3 all travelers going for business and one in ten of all travelers are headed to the Middle East. I will also have a new partner named Vivian who is from Spain who is brand new to the company. I am really excited to be heading up the first publication of this new title and hope to have the project wrapped up by Christmas time if all goes as hoped.

I spent the rest of the week getting things in order to leave for the new project and finding out what the last team got done and who they were able to meet with. On Friday several of the new friends that I had made left for Brussels to go to their new projects. And the other four friends left to go explore Germany for the weekend. Amanda and I made our way into the small town of Overpelt and had a nice dinner with the locals. It was fun ordering as the waitress didn’t speak any English; afterwards we ended up in one of the local pubs. This one was different as it was a not profit one, rather a gathering place for the cities youth. What was interesting on this night though was the fact some of the kids had organized an event to bring attention to the problems the South African farmers are having with globalization and their produce getting a fair wage. I particularly found it interesting considering the fact of my history in the region not to long ago.

The next morning we got up early to catch the first train that would take us to Amsterdam. There was typical Belgium weather this time of year cold, rainy and windy which made our long walk to the train station interesting although we were hoping that as we made our way into Holland the weather would change. The first stop was in Antwerp where we had spent the last weekend exploring which is known for the diamonds. We decided to go into the city for breakfast as our next train didn’t leave for about an hour. It was an interesting experience and reminder of the expense that is Europe. After ordering and getting my food at McDonalds (I know I know your saying why are you eating at McDonalds with all of the great food of the region. But I needed something quick and really wanted some gold ol American food) anyways after I got my food I asked for so Ketchup just as I would in the states. Then to my surprise they said that it cost money and would be a half Euro. I can’t say I was shocked rather disappointed. When you think of McDonalds after kiddy meals, hamburgers and fries I personally think a given that goes right with these things is Ketchup. Something that shouldn’t be charged for anyways I guess I am going to have to write the HQ in the US to tell them to get their acts together in Europe.

Once we entered into Holland you start noticing the endless canals, the green grass and the mix of old buildings with modern architecture that is used throughout. The central train station drops you off in the middle of the city. The main street has numerous shops and restaurants as well as the government offices. We walked down to the Ann Frank house and their was a line a mile long to go inside and see the room in which she hid for all of those years. After having lunch I decided that I wanted to take one of the river boat cruises around the city to get a better understanding of the layout and what it has to offer. On the tour which last about an hour and takes you through all most all of the city the tour guide explained everything. Some facts such as there are over a thousand canals throughout the city, and over a hundred bridges, in about 1980 they put a gard rail along all of the canals to try and stop all of the cars that were accidentally driving in but even after that they still average about one car a week driving into the canal which has a pretty steep fall. It was a perfect time of year to visit the city as all of the trees were changing colors that lined the canals. They pointed out that all of the very unique river house boats are licensed to park along the canals and have running water, gas and electricity. The city has a rich history with tons of architecture to go with. We saw numerous huge mansions lining the canals that were originally built in the 1700’s for rich merchants that lived there to take advantage of the sea trade.

Amsterdam is a wonderful place to explore which should be given at least a couple of days to see everything. A city that can offer almost anything that a tourist or local could want including some things that are not legal in the states. Although I am sure you have heard the stories which leaves no need for me to explain.

I will be flying out on Thursday after I get a few things wrapped up at the office with stops in Paris and Egypt planned along the way. Since I am going in to finish up the project they already have a 3 bedroom hotel apartment arranged for us. As well as one of the nicest perks, my company car will be a 2006 seven series BMW. Which will be a bitter sweet change from the dirty taxis of Jordan. All for now.

Ciao Ciao