Groningen as I see it - best views of the town

Reaching the end of my journey in the Netherlands in 2 weeks, I am starting to reflect my experiences and organize meetings with friends as much as possible despite the terribly cold windy unpredictable Dutch weather. I strongly suggest going to see the city when it is still warm (March - October) to enjoy the views at their best. Below is my list of the most beautiful places you can easily reach by bike in Groningen. 

Every place is located near the center and close to each other, which is one of the things I like most about living here. This is unlike in Helsinki where train and buses are normal transportation taking you at least half an hour to visit a friend, or in Hanoi where motorbikes are commonly used in a quite dangerous way. It is possible to check out all of these places within 24 hours, if you know your way around, or a local with a day off.

1. Martini Tower is the highest tower of the capital Groningen - also its symbol and a common meeting point. Climbing up may be a bit tiring, but rewarding in the end. It costs 3 euros with the ESN card to climb up. Ticket can be bought in VVV tourist office.

2. Grote Markt - the main square where you can find souvenirs, have a drink at a coffee shop/pub near by, or even ice skating. Open events such as New Year parties, bands and gigs performances are commonly help every couples of weeks.

3. Vistmarkt - the biggest streetfood market opened on Friday, Saturday and Monday. You can find a eating guide post of mine in Vismarkt here. One nice thing is the biggest grocery shop Albert Heijn (which looks more like a temple for me) is located nearby, which helps me shop food ingredients efficiently. Meats and seafood in Vismarkt are fresh and slightly cheaper but do not last long, so I would not recommend shopping here weekly.

3. Just behind the Martini Tower is Prinsenhof garden. The garden is beautiful in the summer & autumn, also ideally peaceful for having a cup of tea or reading instead of pumping up into crowded libraries.

4. Hortus Haren
Another example of how green Groningen is, is the Chinese Tower, located 20-30 mins by bike from the city center. Entrance fee is 4 Euros (preferably), and member card for unlimited annual entrance costs 10 Euros. Though you may happen to find some weird Japanese pop culture fan doing photoshoots or wandering around this area, Chinese garden is fine for having a cup of tea while blending in the Asian atmosphere.  

5. Reitdiephaven - Colorful buildings on water located near Zernike campus of Hanze Hogeschool. The view is not that breath-taking though it is interesting to see how these bright looking architecture were built in such an expensive landscape. 

6. The Academy Building - main building of the University of Groningen also offers great views during sunset, though this old building is not much of a tourist attraction. 

7. Canals & rivers are everywhere to be found. What you can do with them is to try a cruise around the canals or try a huge Dutch pancake for a nice dinner at the Pancake ship.  

Best ways to spend Christmas in Europe

Unlike in the United States where official Christmas holidays are regarded as the 24th night and 25th day, or in Asia where the whole family dont usually gather to share food & presents next to the must-have Xmas tree (these kinds of celebration are associated with New Year), European countries are perfect places for young people to celebrate these meaningful holidays which extend to even 2 weeks taking into account the breaks before and after official Xmas holidays: 24th, 25th & 26th. The rest dates of the year are also considered end-of-the-year public holidays in the European Union.

Things I love the most during these ending time of the year are the food, the markets, gorgeous lighting decoration everywhere lightening up & bringing lives to the cold atmosphere, and the meetings with family & friends whom we have not met for a long time. As a foreign student from a totally different culture & doing my kind of 2nd exchange abroad, I had chance to celebrate Xmas in such a diverse & unexpected way.

1. Week before: Xmas market in Germany

Best cities in Germany that I was recommended to check out the Xmas markets were Munster, Munich and Berlin. I chose the very near German city Bremen to visit though, because it was an extremely cheap option organized by ESN Groningen. Lots of hot wine (Glühwein) and German food we had in the market were exceptional.

2. 24th night - dinner with family 

After giving presents to closest friends here and say goodbye to them before they return to their home country to celebrate Xmas with family in their own national way, I could not be sadder. Normally European families gather, share lots of food, drinks, presents with each other in their own unique ways. Many friends of mine travel to other countries for new experiences but I decided to celebrate in Groningen with some of my housemates with lots of dishes from different European nationalities. We also shared wishes for each other.

 3. 25th & 26th - Xmas in Amsterdam

Wanting to celebrate Xmas in a new city with a family, I decided to travel to Amsterdam to meet a Chinese friend who I have not seen for long time. The whole family were so welcoming here that I felt like treated as at home. We also had special family meals with hot pot (which I love so much and was craving for) and presents given to each other. Then we went ice-skating (1st time in my life), and partying in one of the nicest bar in Amsterdam, followed by a long day shopping in Roermond Designer outlet. 

Yummy hot pot - Chinese style

Biggest ice-skating ring in Amsterdam

Dam Square

Xmas tree in Roermond Outlet

4. Week after: preparation time for the upcoming new Year.

Stay tuned for a special New Year's Eve post!

Experience Groningen 2014

One of the first questions people in Netherlands used to ask me when we introduce ourselves to each other was why I chose the Netherlands for Erasmus, where drugs and prostitution are legal. I did not come here for those reasons in case you are wondering. In the beginning, it was all about Dutch friends in Finland I had, good reputation or simply nice words of mouth I heard about how open and high-quality-material Netherlands as a country is, that made me so eager to apply for this short and expensive exchange program for me compared to staying in Finland, which has already been a rewarding opportunity living abroad for me. It was also the travel-bug that had bitten me and pushed me on that plane. 

Only until recently that I have quite the full answer for why I want to be here in Groningen, where you can find just enough things going on around for an ideal student life - great international education & English speaking level, lots of activities & awesome parties,nice people, etc. 

Most importantly, this small city up north of the Netherlands has one of the richest Dutch cultures among all the areas. What is Dutch culture? Hard as it might seem to embrace Dutch culture, it is to me the way Dutch people talk and behave towards each other, the drink and food they typically eat, the celebrations they organize, the language, etc.

A short video about Experience Groningen - a 2-day event for new international students to explore and get to know the city

Here's how I see Dutch culture diverisity, of specifically Groningen's 

Social culture

Among all beverages, Jenever is a very typical well-known alcoholic drink specially owned by a family business HoogHoudt of Groningen. The taste is amazing, fruity, high quality and prices are incredibly inexpensive compared to a very unique brand image HoogHoudt brought to the Dutch market. 

I love the way Dutch people celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on 5th December night and 6th December morning with ginger biscuits (peppernotens) and the well-prepared journey of Sinterklass (Dutch Santa Claus) arriving from Spain to different cities in the Netherlands 2 weeks before his birthday, which is featured and broadcasted in every media. 

Sinterklass in Fraeylemaborg

Dutch Mustard soup

Art culture

Another thing I especially love about citizens of Groningen and the city itself is diverse art culture, well drown with artists, dancers, and musicians every here and there. It is not difficult to find dance classes, theatrical performances such as Jonge Harten festival, music clubs, latin parties, etc. 

Club Guy & Roni - where you find amazing performers, artists and dance teachers

Working culture

I think Dutch people are typically confident, smart, initiative, straight-to-the-point and could be assertive when working together, especially with foreign people. I love being around them, enjoy their energy, the way they organize things and stick to the deadlines. Dutch people are mostly punctual, though concept of time is a bit more relaxed in the international environment. If you are looking for a  high-quality educational environment where people a talented and efficient at performing & presenting themselves, Netherlands is an ideal country.

Presentation at IBM Groningen 

My 10 favourite pics of Belgian chocolate

Let alone the bad experience that happened to me with Couchsurfing in Belgium, this 4-day trip to the small bordering country with Holland was incredibly sweet and worth the way I travel to eat. What I literally had for breakfast and lunch everyday were hot chocolate, cakes, chocolates, waffles, and fries which was the only not-sweet food. It was inspiring to see and taste how people create, sell and enjoy chocolate here in different ways that would never get people bored!

Home-made chocolate was the No.1 chocolate everyone must try in Brussels. I came across a store named Chocolateri near the center Grand Place and met a lovely girl working there with her dad who literally made chocolate in the store. We had to come back the next day because she was so nice and the chocolate we bought taste even nicer!

Dark, milk and or white chocolates? I would definitely go for dark chocolate which you can only taste best by letting in melt on your tonge!

 Chocolate with cakes. It was fun to see cakes designed and inspired by many styles of different countries

Hot chocolate in Antwerp.

Chocolate in bakery stores

 Chocolate exhibited in museums

 Waffles wrapped with hot chocolates - the second best sweet food I favor in Belgium. 

 Fresh fruits covered with hot chocolates

 Chocolate as souvenirs. And obviously you can find chocolate in the shape of Manneken Pis every where.

Chocolate bars

5 things about CouchSurfing you should know

As a newbie traveler and fresh Erasmus student, I have been using Couchsurfing for 6 times so far and each time has been memorable and rewarding experiences. Yet not all of the journeys I have been through was as awesome as said by all famous bloggers and writers you have known. There were definitely boring, dramatic and even shocking times that I wished I have never experienced. The last trip to Belgium was a memorable example, which was why I decided to write this post about Couchsurfing. And I would definitely not forget to include the photos of such delicious food I had in Belgium with the CS hosts, and my travel-mates during this special trip. 

Mussels cooked by CS host in Brussels

1. Give time and patience to write and read the profiles

Write a rather long and detailed profile is always better than keeping it too short especially if you do not have much travelling or CS experiences. There might be things you need your host to know about your eating habit, religion or special requirement, which they may accept or dislike. Write to them directly in the message if this is important to you. But normally I just send a friendly request without any special requirement as I am quite easy-going person.

Read your potential host's profile carefully. Going through the reference is of course one of the most important thing. People always focus on the negative reference apparently, but read them carefully as not all of them are true. Some host may expect your cooking, some small gift or even was looking for sex! 

2. Prepare a good request to send at the right timing, and don't give up at the last minute!

Send your request as soon as you know which day you are going to arrive at the city you are travelling to. Show them that you have read your profile personally in the request and DO NOT COPY PASTE! I and my travel-friend did not plan our accommodation very well as we were paying too much focus on the transportation. On the last day before departing we still do not have place to stay in Antwerp and was gonna take a hostel as many hosts declined to us saying that they would be busy or already had other surfers. Fortunately at midnight we got accepted by a nice couple living 30 mins walking away from the city center. We could not be happier, and got even more acceptances when we arrive the city, as well as invitation to meet up and show us around the city by other CS users. 

Our tour-guide in Brussels contacting us on CS came though it was rainning 

3. Most hosts are amazing and friendly - so expect to be surprised

As mentioned, I was luckily hosted by a Belgian couple in Antwerp - Miek and Robin with their little 2-year-old daughter. It was a long tiring walk from the center with  our luggage to finally reach their place, which was worth it definitely! They were artistic people especially Robin who is a musician, warmly welcoming us with tea and dinner almost ready. We spent the whole night talking about our backgrounds, different cultures, places and experiences we have been through, music, and arts. They showed me things about the city I have never known before. This was one of the best thing of travelling - interacting with local people and learn from them!

The next day was almost even better! We woke up at late morning. I played with their daughter Lily who was adorable and very 'sociable' with surfers.  We went to have breakfast with cakes and hot chocolates in a small coffee place in the street corner near their house. Here I had the best hot chocolate ever in my life in an exotic way: hot milk poured from a pot mixed with chocolate candies! 

4. Be humble, respected and don't forget to bring a small gift

Though hosts are mostly open-minded and friendly, don't show them the bad sides of yours. And some hosts may say they do not expect any gift but everyone of them would be happy if you bring along a small gift from your home country to show some hospitality. And remember  not to eat their food as if their fridge is yours! Buy something and cook for them if you have tim, but never promise to do so because you never know if what would happen when travelling!

5. Expect the worst, hope for the best

CS host in Brussels had dinner with us and offered Belgian beer.
They were nice in the beginning but very impolite to me on the last day.

The last day in Brussels I had the worst CS experience ever. I got lost alone in the middle of nowhere in Brussels, was panic and found a random girl on the street, desperate asking for a phone call to a taxi as my phone was out of battery. She sent me to other 2 ladies who took me to a big station nearby where I can find taxi. Here I went with a Belgian girl who do not speak English at all but helped me talked to a driver. I was lucky that he agreed to drive me with lower price, and he could speak English. As soon as I arrive the host, they started to complain and criticise that I could not cook for them as promised and thus they had to wait for so long. I was speechless, waiting for my travel-mate to come  back! At some point I felt mentally attacked and isolated, which I could not imagine beforehand considering the first awesome nights we spent with the hosts. We were not communicating properly at some point as I wanted to leave to another host's place but forgot to inform them in the morning, which was properly one reason why everything went crazy. I could never forget the sarcastic laughter and evil look they give to me at that night...

Would I stop using Couchsurfing for travelling and rent hostels/hotels since then? The answer is definitely NO! I would want to continue my adventures filled with experiences made by local people everywhere in this world, though now a break is definitely needed. Belgium is not that sweet after all those chocolates, waffles and fruity beers I had :)

Our CS host rode us on his boat in Rotterdam

7 things I love about being a student in Groningen

It's been more than 1 month since I arrived the little town Groningen in the very North of Netherlands for my Erasmus exchange with two full luggage of curiosity, energy, and readiness for my new adventure. I can still remember the adrenalin and excitement rising throughout my mind as soon as my flight landed from Helsinki to Amsterdam, where I took my first NS train ever to Groningen station. I was luckily welcomed and picked up by 2 Romanian students from Hanze University, who went with me the whole way to my hostel where I stayed temporarily for few days before moving in to my official apartment. 

The first month was like in a rollercoaster for me as I can neither remember how many papers I have filled nor how many people I have talked to. So far the experience has been amazing! It would take forever to talk about it but here are the main nice things I want to list down about student life in Groningen:

1. The people

Its not where you go that matters, it’s the people around you!

Having lived in Vietnam-Finland-Poland, been to many places and met different kinds of people worldwide, yet I could not have been less surprised by Dutch people. They are amazingly open-minded and straightforward. People come talk to you and to make friends without hesitation as if they have known you before. I think is it not only because the Duchies speak almost perfect English but also because of the openness in their personality that you can recognize at the first moments. Yet they are too loud and intimidating sometimes J At school I can freely talk to my teacher or ask personal questions as a friend, which I would have never done in Vietnam or Finland, where people are more reserved.

I never expected to find these people who study, share a room, travel, work with me and hopefully would become friends of my life for long time onwards. The more I go around, talk to people and learn from different cultures, the littler but richer I feel.

2. Travelling – from Groningen to the Netherlands

Small city as Groningen may seem, I believe I did not see all of it. Must-visit places have been to are Grote Markt, Martini Tower, Vismarkts, Groningen Museum, Chinese Garden, Prinsentuin, Color Building near our campus, etc. I am especially in love with the small canals here and there, which reminds me of beautiful Amsterdam.

It is easy to travel from Groningen to other cities of Netherlands such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Den Haag, Maastricht, etc. Last week was my very first Couchsurfing experience with a Dutch host in Rotterdam, which was amazing! Don’t forget to try this J ESN also organize many trips to nearby countries such as Germany (hitchikising) and Belgium, which I found attractive but expensive. So I went on my own to Belgium and France with train, car-pooling, and hitchhiking.

ERAMUS BRIDGE IN ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

3. The parties – Groningen is the city of bars and clubs

In Groningen, people party 2-4 times a week. ESN usually organize fun theme parties, which I usually do not miss because I love dressing up and face painting. It is not hard to look for good parties and find friends you have not met for ages on what we call ‘The Bar-street’.  I am not the kind of person who is into getting wasted or high, but meeting friends of friends and sharing good conversations with them. I am happy here I can afford doing pub-crawls and drinking cocktails when I am in the mood every now and then. Everything in Groningen seems to be student-friendly charged, which is hard to find in Helsinki.

4. Food, markets and restaurants

Simple but excellent! This is how I would describe Dutch people as well as Dutch cuisine. My first few weeks were spared for trying so many Dutch foods for the first time in my life: kroket. stroofwaflle, poffertjes, frikandel, cheese waffle, hering, gouda cheese, etc. These can be easily found in the street markets (Grote Markt and Vismarkt) or super markets (Albert Hejn, Jumbo, Lidle, Spar). For bigger meals I have tried Andijviestamppot met spekjes and slavink made by my Dutch-Chinese girl in Amsterdam, which is simple to make and taste satisfactory. It is also not so hard to have a nice dinner in a restaurant in Groningen, as many of them are served with good quality and reasonable price or discounts for students. All you need to do is ask a Dutch student for suggestion!

5. Accommodation - student house

I live in Kraneweg 4, one of the smallest but not less crazy and fun student house near the city center, compared to other bigger residences with hundreds of student living there. I found it easy to get along with my lovely roommate from Hungary and neighbors from Czech, Poland, China, Germany, Belgium, etc. Although studying in different programs, we would often party, cooking dinner or simply chill out together after hangover days. I feel like a family here!

6. School

I may sound like a nerd when mentioning that I love school, but I can’t deny the fact that we have awesome teachers and classmates. The marketing program I am pursuing is practical for my future work as a marketer or blogger. We work in international team for a big project researching on a Dutch product in foreign market. I enjoy sometimes just having a chat with my teacher and schoolmates about different cultures and places in the Netherlands.

7. Sports and other

With only 59 Euros per year or 39 euros per semester you can afford ACLO student membership and join different types of sports (Basketball, Tennis, Squash, Soccer, Climbing, Martial Art, body training, all kinds of dancing, etc) to keep your head less stressful and active enough for the parties after long classes. I am enrolling for hip-hop dance and pole-dancing classes this coming period as I have always been addicted to dancing meanwhile living in Vietnam and Finland.

That’s my story so far. What do you like most as a student in Groningen, (if not alcohol)?