We are too blessed (part 2)

Follow Nate, a student in our Summer Programme in European Studies, throughout his time in Maastricht and Europe. Here are exerpts of his second week in our beautiful city.

7/11/12

Productive!

Today I ordered a sandwich and just sat in the café until I saw some other people walk in. When the moment was right, I sat down next to them and asked if I could conduct a short interview for my communication class. We had a very intelligent and insightful conversation that I think will really help me when writing my assignment. Afterwards I purchased a bike from Jules & You and decided to get lost in the city. Unfortunately, shortly after taking my second intentional wrong turn it began to pour. Like, TORRENTIAL downpours. It was a long ride back. I threw my clothes in the dryer and am currently trying to warm up!

7/12/12

Today was the first day I rode my bike to class, and that was awesome.

On a sad note, they’re moving Austin (my roommate) and me out of our hall at Maastricht University’s International Guesthosue because our old one is under renovation… but they gave us both single rooms. WE’RE NOT ROOMMATES ANYMORE. Sad day. But anyway, moving took up a majority of our afternoon.
We met an Australian dude named Marco, he seems like a bro. Otherwise, we had a nice family dinner in our new kitchen and all was well.

7/13/12

We arrived in Amsterdam! It’s pouring and I forgot a jacket or umbrella so I quickly went into a store and bought a nice Amsterdam one…After a boat tour on the canals we had lunch at the PANCAKE FACTORY. Ah man, it was so good! I got bacon and cheese on a pancake.
Next was the Anne Frank house, and it was tragically beautiful. What a story! I’m impressed by the 13 year old girl.

7/14/12

We went on the Heineken factory tour, which was cheesy but cool. Free beer! After that we went back to the iAmsterdam sign, and then took a much needed nap… Only to restart last night all over again. What a crazy night!

7/15/12

Today, after moving out of the hostel, we got more pancakes and then went straight to the train station (well maybe not straight…). The train ride was uneventful and I was happy to be back in Maastricht! I slept, showered, shaved, changed and just finished writing the paper for my Intercultural Communication class. I’m done early so I can go out for karaoke tomorrow.

7/16/12
Did I mention I lost my water bottle on the train? It was really a tragedy. Today we had class, ate at Something Good, the usual, and then biked it back to the guesthouse before it started raining. Now that the rain has calmed down, I think I’ll go buy another water bottle… Last night was karaoke night… AWESOME.

7/17/12

Claaaaaaaass. Austin and I finally got our blind-booked weekend trip to Friedrichshafen squared away, hostel and all. After class I stopped to get a postcard and made the trek to the post office. After asking for directions, I found it! I sent the postcards off and I feel good about that. I think I’m sick.

7/18/12

I am definitely sick. Today was our last day of class and it was kind of sad to leave. I really enjoyed my time with the professor… After class I napped for a very long time. I have to get rid of this cold before Friedrichshafen!

About the author:

Nate Valorz is a rising Senior at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. Born in Boston, MA, Nate was raised in Charlottesville, VA for most of his life before moving to Newport News to study Communication with minors in Computer Science and Leadership.

Students from the Center for European Studies (CES)

CES students are bright and eager personalities from all around the world who attend classes at all faculties of Maastricht University through the comprehensive CES programme of their choice. Programme topics range from ‘Business & Economics in Europe’, 'European Culture & Arts', 'Psychology & Neuroscience in Europe', 'EU Politics, Policy & International Relations', ‘European Society & History’ and 'European Law & Human Rights' amongst many others.