RRRoll Up the Rim To Vin.doc

Last night/this morning there was a deadly plane crash at Amsterdam's Schipol airport. Originally we heard there was only one fatality, but it was later reported that nine had died. It was a bit eerie to think that a crash of that magnitude took place only a few KMs away, but the city didn't miss a beat (everything was operating as usual). A quick review of the net informed me that it's all over the international news circuits - thank you to those who inquired if everything was OK. You probably read about the real details shortly after I did. It's a bit odd that we've had three high profile plane incidents in the past two months, isn't it?

So, the title is a shout out to one of my favourite holiday seasons, and one that is distinctly Canadian. I remember returning home from Cuba two years ago around this time and Roll Up the Rim was the only redeeming quality about being home. I will miss winning a free coffee one out of every twenty tries. So, in honour of RUTR (rutter?) and as a framing device for this post: Roll Up the Rim Amsterdam

1. You Vin a Veekend Off!
After the whirlwind of a Hyland visit, it was relaxing to have a weekend to myself. I was able to catch up on readings, finish an assignment due at the end of the week, and write a draft of one on the horizon. While I didn't spend the whole weekend looking at the inside of a library, the bulk of my time was spent among the books (I constantly have to remind myself I'm doing an MA degree - 'tis to be expected). Unfortunately, we've only had one day of sunshine in the past five but it happened to fall on Saturday so I was out and about. Amsterdam is actually gloomier than the UK if you can believe it; this constant overcast makes the urban centre appear a little gothic. I'm hoping spring comes quick!

2. You Vin a New TV!
So I don't have a TV, but I've thrown caution to the wind and started downloading a few choice shows and movies again. The rumour is that the residence handbook contains empty threats about downloading. In addition to watching Top Chef (which concludes this week) and a weekly dose of Lost, I've delved back into the world of Brothers and Sisters (mid-Season 2) and am considering a return to Six Feet Under. I also watched Vicky Christina Barcelona recently - I forgot how much of a Woody Allen fan I am. If I could emulate any writer it would be him. That being said, I've decided to try and write a screenplay. Why a screenplay you ask? Well, I was so inspired by the simplicity of Allen's story, plus the Oscar speech from Dustin Lance Black, that I'm thinking it a worthwhile project. If you have any suggestions, send them my way. Here's hoping my Atom Egoyan 'in' pays off...

3. You Vin a free coffee!
So I didn't get any coffee out of it (yet apparently am still sticking to horrible stereotypes!), but a few of us from the MAIPR group hosted a troupe of Columbian performers who are touring a play throughout Europe. It was a pretty wild evening. Only two out of the troupe of a dozen actors spoke fluent English which proved to be quite a challenge - lots of gestural communication and "dos cervezas, por favor" just wouldn't cut it. We took them out to a bar in the Rembrantplein where they promptly took over the dance floor and requested Shakira. It was great to meet some students from South America. The majority of them are completing their undergrad degrees with the hope of becoming teachers back in Columbia. A few of them thought Canada was a really exotic country and wanted to hear more about it (I don't know how you could get any more beautiful and 'exotic' than Columbia!) We exchanged email addresses all around and I will apparently be welcome in Columbia if I ever visit.

4. You Vin a Van Gogh!
Now I must explain something to your North American ears. It appears we pronounce "Van Gogh" incorrectly. Everyone here in Europe pronounces the 'g' as an 'h' as is the custom in Dutch - so it sounds more like 'gawh' or even 'gawff'. I've made the change, not wanting to sound ultra Canadian. Courtney, Adam, and I went to the Van Gogh Museum today. I was pretty certain I'd be a fan of everything I saw, as there are two of the more famous VGs that I really like, and my suspicions were confirmed. The collection was absolutely brilliance. The most enchanting quality of VG's work, aside from the irresistible use of bold and vibrant colour, is that the painting transforms depending on your proximity to it. One has to stand far back and then up close to appreciate all the tiny brushstrokes that compose the complete picture. If it wasn't socially unacceptable, I'd stand right in front of the paintings for an extended period and stare closely at the brushstrokes - the 3D quality and abundance of them is what I was most struck with at the museum. Because of my Museumkaart deal, I might just be able to visit early or late in the day and accomplish this desire (although there is usually a queue). I also took solace in knowing that VG decided to become a painter at age 26 with zero formal training. There is hope for a mid-twenties trajectory shift.

5. You Vin the Boobie Prize!
Nope, nothing to do with the Red Light Distrist - just a grab bag of interesting items.

• I was getting a bit down and out about keeping up with blogging this past week (since it takes a lot of effort when you have a pile of readings to attend to) when I was able to correspond with friends that are notoriously hard to get a hold of - one a busy professional actress in Toronto ;) and the other at a renowned acting school in New York (shout outs all around!) Hearing from them that they were up-to-date with blog activity, and continue to be so, is all I needed to hear to keep the wheels turning.

• My new favourite beer in Amsterdam is called Leffe (pronounced Lef-eh). We went out after the Columbian workshop on Monday for "one drink" and since it was Leffe we said "just one more" about four times. Can you get this stuff in Canada? Nectar from the Gods.

• I cooked with eggplant for the first time ever. I made an eggplant, zucchini, and tomato sauce for some pasta. Since it's quite good for you I hope to keep experimenting with it.

Doc's Prescription for the Day: Please Play Again / Réessayez S.V.P ©