What to do & Where to go...Hmmm

So you're between two modules (that's the only real break we get) and no readers to read, no group work, no assignments due..sigh it doesn't get any better than this....heaven. But you don't want to waste it, so what's happening in and round Rotterdam, what to do?

I used to be so impressed with the amount of cultural activity going on.. You could see it every day there'd be something new, on the many billboards as you ride pass heading to class in the morning or heading back in the evening. My favourite one to check was on the Goudesingel. For those of you who ride you'll recognise it easily as its right after or before the Hofplein fountain. See photo above.

But if you barely have the time to stop and read a billboard (hardly the case but I almost always felt that way) or its so cold you your body won't respond to the command, stop......well this is where you can go http://www.xpat.nl/events/cultural_events which has a small but good selection of activities, shows, expositions, etc. taking place in Rotterdam and the cities near you - Den Haag, Utrecht etc.

If the movies is all you need well that's easy - The Pathé Schouwburgplein cinema in city center and the closest to you, has the biggest screen of the Netherlands, it cannot be missed architecture-wise and its right smack in the midst of all the shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Just a word of caution - if you go outside of peak period, the ticket boothes are closed and you have to use the ticket dispensers (see photo above) and you'll need your ATM card as it does not take cash. I was rescued by a lovely Rotterdamer who took my cash and bought me a ticket. And if you have your Erasmus student card - DISCOUNT!! So make sure to bring it.

The Pathé De Kuip cinema is another option but a bit further away. Another close option is Cinerama Rotterdam at Westblaak 18, and being the oldest (built in 1957) has a wonderful ambience (see photo below). And I know what you're wondering - language barrier?? Well not for the movies as you get Dutch subtitles but yes for the others its a challenge, except I find that with the Arts, language is almost redundant. For information on what's showing.....http://www.pathe.nl/english. Enjoy now. J.C.

Health Store

So the first quarter is behind and you are stressed out, feeling "not yourself", lethargy has set in and you don't have the time to get sick, that is a luxury you can't afford. So your mom emails and says get a tonic, some extra vitamins and iron is what you need. The thing is you have no idea where and everyone you ask is clueless. Too little time to take care of yourself is what got you here so where will you find the time to go scour Rotterdam looking for a health food store.

Well you checked the right spot...the IHS Blog Spot. I am hoping to find one a little more affordable but for now you can get just about whatever you might need at JOS PETERS DROGIST. They are located at Beurs in the underground shopping mall. Now there are two sides you can enter from. This store is found at the very end of the the underground shops close to the entrance by HEMA. The address would be Beurstraverse 17.

Another nearby option is just a few shops down, is Tuinen De at No. 168.

Well here's to good health and don't forget, no matter how intense your workload is your brain and body will not give you their best and you cannot do your best without the right fuel - exercise, rest and good balance diet. Click on photo below.


One reminder - in these parts, the Northern Latitudes you really don't get as much sunshine as you've been used to or should have and will need extra vitamin D. Of course I'd prefer natural sources of tuna, salmon, egg, mushrooms etc but if not you now know where to get it.
Til next time

Beste Wensen (best wishes)