Useful Shops

So I had to get some a passport photo done for the IND office. Did not imagine that finding a photo shop would have been such a task. I was adivsed to get it done professionally as there are rules for these official photos and failure to submit proper photo will delay processing of application. So after two hours of asking folks all across Rotterdam Central, I went to City Hall and they directed me here. Click map below. I got about 7 photos done in 5 minutes for 9 Euros You have two options: Kijkshop or Foto Van de Graaf. I have not verified this but you have a photo booth at Central Station and one a Erasmus which I am told are cheaper so feel free to check it out.

If you are not at IHS and you need to make copies or print a document you may locate such a shop very close by. Or if you are not inclined to buy phone credit online and prefer a store (as some students have said, as strange as I find that). BUT it is very very important to say that that printing services are significantly cheaper at IHS so chose this option as a last resort. Click on map below for directions.

Erasmsus Library Fines

Just a word of caution. Loans at the Erasmsus library are for three weeks. You may however renew these loans for an additional three weeks if no one as requested they be reserved for them. Should you fail to do so, you will be fined. Normally, a reminder is sent to your Erna email account but many of us tend not to check regularly so be careful.

The charges are as follows and additional info can be found at:
http://www.eur.nl/en/ub/english/services/borrowing/borrowingfromthecollection/
1st recall € 0.50
2nd recall € 0.75
3rd recall € 1.50
4th recall € 2.50
Bill for replacement costs: €25 administrative expenses + €50 replacement cost per book + recall costs = minimum charge of €80.25

A bit of anecdotal information. I left for my thesis research and got stuck in Jamaica for 6 weeks. I had taken some library books with me. There is no official rule barring a student from doing this but as other students were in need of some of the books it took some doing to get the 75 euros waived so I just thought I would advise against it.

All the best.

Erasmus Library

Collection profile
The University Library (UL) of EUR is a typical social science library. Having started as a collection of materials about the economy, it has expanded into a collection about all processes in society:

• How do we earn a living? Economy
• How do we deal with one another? Social Sciences
• What kinds of mutual agreements do we have? Law (from international to domestic)
• How do we improve these processes? Public and Business Administration.

Okay that's what the Erasmsus Library website says. What I'll say is that this library is of no match for the IHS library collection that specializes in urban development and housing issues. However, there are always additional supportive material that can be found here. I for one was very impressed with the number of books on my home country - Jamaica, authored by Jamaicans that I must confess are not so easily accessible back home but were accessible at EUR. So its definitely worth exploring.

The HOT TIP O' DI DAY is..... when you need a book of course you do a search. This is how.

1. Go to http://www.eur.nl/ and click on the English flag at the top right corner for that Language. Or just save this setting on your favourites to take you to english directly http://www.eur.nl/english/


2. Click library at the top of the page.



3. Go to the option UL Catalogue under the Search Option - see image below.
   


4. Do your search, select book of choice and then hit REQUEST at bottom of page.
   



5. When the next page opens put in your library number. You find that on your library card - 8 numbers. Your password is usually the first three letters of your surname.
   


6. On the next page that opens, select the request option in the grey box.
   


7. Your book will be ready for pick up in 15 minutes after the request is made by the Circulation Desk on the ground floor of the Library, present your card and collect your book. TEN BOOKS MAXIMUM ARE ALLOWED FOR LOAN AT ANY ONE TIME.

You can do this while in class on your laptop, or at home before you head to IHS or anywhere via a computer. They will hold that book in reserve for you for that day before someone else can claim it. If the book is not available you may select RESERVE and as soon as it is returned an email is sent to your account to advise you.

Well there you have it. Easy as cheesy. CHEERS!!

Research Tips

Hi Everyone
So you are full throttle into research for term papers, course papers and coming up to the big one ....THESIS RESEARCH. Well just a quick suggestion on one source that was very helpful to UMD 5. I am sure some have already stumbled across it but there might be those who have not. This very helpful source is GOOGLE BOOKS!!


Google Books is a web site created by Google that has uploaded and impressive number of books on this site that can not only be viewed but will allow you to search using certain key words. Over the course of a year I have accessed and referenced 117 books. Before you begin its best i tell you most of these books only allow a limited view of the literature but some do allow you to read the entire book. The good thing is even a "limited view" still offers up much information. Follow steps below and see image at end of page.

1. Head to http://www.google.com/ and at the top are all the various google sites.


2. To maximise this site it will require that you have a Google Account...which usually requires a google email. Set that up and you are good to go.


3. Click on MORE and select BOOKS.


4. Plug in a search....hmmm lets try "infrastructure" hmmm too general. Lets try urban infrastructure. Yah much better.


5. Select a book, take a peek and if you like you can read on or save it in YOUR LIBRARY. This option should be at the top right of the screen.


6. After a while your libary is gonna grow, making it hard to find the books you saved and even forgot you saved. So you might want to add LABELS which will make it easier to find the books you want.


7. Add labels by clicking on MY LIBRARY at the top, right corner. All your saved books show up and you simply click "add labels" and think of words that will remind you of what this book is about and think of about three with commas in between. Then click save.


8. If you look on the right side of the page you can now see all your labels and an easier way to access your materials.

I found this an invaluable resource. Most times after locating a book I then turn to the Erasmus library website to see its available. I then reserved it while at home and pick up tomorrow for deeper study. Do not underestimate this resource and have fun. Cheers.

Graduation

Greetings UMD

I should have said that well much time has passed and UMD 5 has graduated. I believe 8 of us graduated with distinctions and no one failed so we're pretty proud of the year that has passed. We've all been keeping in touch via facebook and its been wonderful seeing each other back on our home turf and pictures of their families and life in the different countries.

For the blog I will continue to try to fulfill the objective as described on the first page and hope it will be of help to the present group of UMD 6 and beyond. It goes without saying that since I was not able to keep up with this page as I would have liked then I its a pretty intensive course and it keeps you on your toes. But I am glad that I am still here in Rotterdam and will be able to make good on this idea that came to mind just about one year ago. Keep reading and keep coming back now.

Cheers!!

IND Risjwijk Office

Hello Everyone

Today I figured we'd make it a bit easier for you to find the offices of the IND which you're probably going to need if you ever have to deal with travel permits, residence permits and for those of you who decide to remain and work in the Netherlands this is where you will need to go for such permit extensions etc.

I have decided to remain for awhile to pursue doctoral studies. Its been a bit overwhelming to figure out the HOW so i 'll be sure to update the blog so you might have it a bit easier should you decide the same. But for now it starts with getting what we call a "search year" permit for "highly skilled immigrants". Yes its really for studies but as I am not yet accepted in any programme this was the only option. By the way, the cost was 331 Euros. I did not anticipate that so its good to know early. More to follow .

So below is a map of how to get there. Just remember when you get out of the station. Head to the front not the back like i did. Turn right and you'll find the building at the very next juncture on the right. Its only a 5 minute walk so don't take the tram. Cost from Rotterdam to Risjwijk 7.4 Euros and of course its 40% less if you have a discount card. The address is 293 Sir Winston Churchilllaan 2288 DC Rijswijk. All the best.

Ciao!!

Euromast Tower

Okay so Aloysius has your brain in a bind trying to understand net present values and Internal Rate of Return and Benefit Cost Ratio (oooh the pain!!) and he's forgotten that we are really here just to get away from the stress of the office (just kidding). But now you need really need a break and even a good game of pool in the common room is not gonna relieve the tension.

I got just thing for you. Its the EUROMAST TOWER!! For those more adventurous among you or those really in need of going home (like me) 10lbs lighter you can bike it. But for those who think that that is even more stress just head to Central Station. Now if you aren't sure where that is then you are not really stressed...you are now traumatized and Erasmus Medical Centre might be the better tour - I'll take you there in the next post :-) oh yes I've been there (broken toe) and lemme just say you'll be very happy and grateful for those euros you've put to insurance.
But back to the Euromast Tower. I won't do a spoiler and tell you all about it but its 328feet high and gives a panoramic view of the city, There is one round shaped lift which is made up of glass walls to give a 360 degree of the city. To add to the fun this round lift keeps rotating so that you do not miss any good view of city….till the horizon. Se the Rotterdam port, feeders, ships, canals, road, garden from top. Its green city with lovely view from top. But what's really nice about it is its close, it won't break the bank at 8.5 euros and its not something you need hours to enjoy. Perfect for a small break. Of course, you can make it a longer stop if you have lunch or a cuppa coffee (shown in photo below) as there is a lovely restaurant. And for those of you who will find love here...the ladies do enjoy the Valentines nite there which is always in demand, so book early. But I would recommend a lovely cup of coffee inside afterwards as it gets more than a little nippy.

For those not to happy about heights maybe you wanna pass on this one BUT they do have different levels so still give it a shot. If you go during Spring and Summer then you can enjoy some hair-raising activities. ENJOY.

Parkhaven 20 Rotterdam The Netherlands - Tel: 010/436-4811

Dutch News in ENGLISH please!!

Hello Everyone
So last week we (URDS) went on a expedition to......Paris, Milan, Brussels...nope!! If only...sigh. We went to Oude Noorden, yeah thats right, Rotterdam......just down the street. But interesting it was...hoping we'll do more of it. We had a lecture at the Office of the Sub-Municipality North that spoke to how participatory planning was utilized to address social tensions that can happen in a multi-cultural society such as this.

I learnt so much in the few hours of talk and the tour that I realized that my experience so far it has been very superficial. I've allowed my opinion of the Netherlands to be formed by the few places I've been and people I have met. I wanted to know more about the challenges this country faces, its people, its politics but the language is the biggest challenge. I can't read the papers and I can't understand the TV news.

So what to do? I know I could not be alone with this desire to feel more integrated and a part of this society for the few months here. Well I will continue to find additional sources of information but the for now one good place to go would be http://www.expatica.com/. This is a pretty cool website that actually delivered more than I had anticipated. But its self-described as the place for "news and information for the international community" for those who "do not speak the language".

Here you can find a summary of the latest headlines BUT there are also links that take you to:-

• Moving to the Netherlands
• Life in the Netherlands
• Forums and Connect
• Health and Fitness
• Housing

So until I can dig up more news sites in English, this will have to do. Check it out and see if this can be a resource for a more satisfying 7 months left in the Netherlands.

Cheers!!!

P.S. So as promised here's a few more online news sites in English http://www.dutchnews.nl/ and http://www.nisnews.nl/ and a favorite of mine http://www.rnw.nl/english. So all you income students for the Masters and short courses....read up a little on the what's what and the who's who before joining the gang. :0)

Spring Break

Hello Folks
Man those words "spring break" never meant much before...back home in Ja we call it good ole "Easter Break" but after 137 days of missing sunny 25 degree weather the word SPRING!!! is definitely more meaningful. So what I am going to do with this rebirth of nature...what else but breathe back life into mine too. Drop the books, shed the laptop and head for the airport.

Now I gotta admit that my travels here have been modest, besides going home in Xmas I've pretty much just enjoyed Dutch towns and my colleagues could say much more about travelling tips but I found Ryanair to be the best I could find. Sure they charge for everything, hand luggage, checked luggage and heard online they are planning to charge for use of the restroom...my goodness...but their quote for a trip from Eindhoven airport to Barcelona then Barcelona to Paris was less than my usual Easter trip to Florida which is a few miles north of Ja. I'd say that's pretty darn good. So guys http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/ it is. Of course doing it in groups makes hotel costs much cheaper but if you have friends to hook up while there...well there's more funds to enjoy french cuisine and spanish museums.

Coming back from Paris to Rotterdam I chose the bus, its 6 hours but i wanted to do an inland trip and see the sites. I used http://www.eurolines.com/
So there you have it!! There'll be more as the rest of the gang tells you what they did. So folks its Spring Break and though I'd love to be hanging out on the Jamaican North Coast with a cold Shandy in my hand, Shaggy on the land and the cool tropical breezes caressing my once sunstarved now sunkissed derriere...I'd say this Easter break is looking mighty good. Keep yah posted til next time.

Bike Rentals

So Ellen has inspired me to take on the OV-Fiets. What's that?? Well I've been wanting to see other Dutch cities and of course I thought it would be much nicer if I could do it by bicycle. Turns out its even easier than I thought.

A number of these towns have stations that permit you to rent a bike for only 2.85 for up to 20 hours. But even better you opt for the yearly fee of only 9.50. I think this is pretty cool and I wanted to encourage you guys to try it out.

For more details on this you can go to www.ns.nl then hit the link for English at the top right hand corner, then hit the "About Your Trip" link at the top and then "to and from train". On that site you will find all the info you need. Now you are good to go.

Next blog we will talk about the Rotterdampas which you sign up for at the Rotterdam library for a mere 10,00 and you can visit most museums, the Euromast and an impressive range of attractions free or at huge discounts.
Til next time....watch the Ghanians conquer Rotterdam by bike..hey Ed Salia...i'm watching you :-)

Xmas Holiday Plans

So its February and the next holidays are still a good way off BUT I thought it was very important to look back and address the issue of what to do during the Christmas holidays. So I was one of the lucky few who went back home ...ahh Jamaica Jamaica....okay focus Jeanette focus!! Where were we? Oh yes..so here are some ideas for what you could do both for those well-funded..(a shout out to World Bank and Nuffice) and those self-payers (like myself) who have to pinch those pennies.

SPIDO - In among the busy traffic of sea-going and inland ships, this trip is a special voyage through one of the largest harbours in the world. You can see Rotterdam's impressive skyline with its imposing buildings glide by, and then get a unique view of the harbour's shipyards, docks and the hypermodern transhipping of thousands of containers.
Additional details: cost, tours, time, group rates etc, can be had in English from the following link.
http://www.spido.nl/default-menu.aspx?TaalID=2

There is more anon......but its 12:29am and I am only 50% into my paper due tomorrow. My plan is to set my watch to Jamaica time and pretend its only 6:30pm. LOL...lets see how long that will work. Till next time we will look at international travel...best sites, best tickets, best places...

Phone Calls

So I am probably the last person to discover this but since there might be a few other "slow-pokes" out there this is just for you. So as it turns out Lebaramobile and Lycamobile does offer the most competitive rates for us international students. Of course, different rates apply to each country so you have to check and compare to your existing provider to determine which is better for you.
Where can you get them. I think Chinatown might be the easiest (if you are the Weenapad) and if anyone knows of any other spot please add your comments below. You can refer back to the map on the blog dated for location of the store but head for the Western Remittance marked #3 on the map and you'll find the store loaded with all your phone needs. Until then you can visit http://www.lebara-mobile.nl/en/ or http://www.lycamobile.nl/ for more information.
But don't forget to save money on skype or yahoo messenger.

Found another spot which is only 3 minutes walk from the Central Station/Tram Stop which you use daily. Click on map below to enlarge for directions - there are three such shops on this building on the ground floor.

Til then happy chatting.

The Clutch Start

Hi guys I must apologise for my silence. I allowed the Group Work and assignments and those kind of 'distractions' to overshadow this commitment (imagine that!!) but its the end of January and i find that so many of us are still not getting the good news from others. So this is a what I would call a "clutch start"...of course only real drivers understand that concept :o).

I am back on track so please keep tuning in for the latest updates on where to get good tickets for holidays, what's happening on the weekend, where are the latest bargain bins, etc.

This is particularly important as we don't see each other as much as we used to because Specializations have began.

So until then see you in class.