By Guus , 27 August 2011

Hurricane Irene is on its way from North Carolina to the northern part of the United States. It is not assumed to hit Washington, DC directly and has lost a lot of its strength, but high water and strong winds could cause a lot of damage.

When DC was impacted by hurricane Isabel eight years ago, many homes were without power for several days. Just in case that happens again, we have bought some extra water, candles and food that doesn't have to stay refrigerated. All loose items have been removed from the balconies and patios in our apartment building, to prevent things from blowing away. The storm is supposed to be here between 8 pm and midnight.

Yesterday evening we went to Mackey's bar, where there was a Friday evening social with the DC Dutch club. It was a nice group of people, and since the weather was good we were sitting outside. There were even real bitterballen.

This morning I went for my first run since we arrived in DC. I passed the White House, the Washington Monument and many other famous sights. It was drizzling a little bit, but no heavy wind yet.

The apartment complex getting storm proofed yesteday.

Topic
By Guus , 26 August 2011

It was fascinating to read about the first three Kings of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. During most of the 20th century, the Queens have had largely ceremonial roles, but in the 19th century there was a real power struggle between the monarchs and parliament. Ultimately, parliament won and the Netherlands became a constitution monarchy, but the three King Williams fought a hard political battle.

This was interesting book, if a little gossipy. I didn't know much at all about this period in Dutch history; the 19th century was rather boring and generally brought decline compared to the 17th century, so it is not an important part of school curriculums.

Reading the book makes you appreciate why people across Europe revolted against royal rules. There is an incredible amount of scheming and intriguing going on. The descriptions of the private lives of the monarchs were less interesting but it was fascinating to see the politics around and in royal families worked.

This book was a present by Harm and Marijke. I read it during the time that we were moving from Durham back to DC.

By admin , 25 August 2011

Beste Mensen,

Imke heeft de volgende dinner meetup georganiseerd op 14 September 6.30 pm.bij:

Milano Ristorante Italiano
1907 Nacogdoches Rd
San Antonio TX, 78209
(210) 821 - 6373

 

Hartelijke groet en tot dan,

Cisca en Imke

By admin , 25 August 2011

Hello Everyone!

 

                      I'd like to host a get together. Why, you ask? Why not!

No theme or guest speakers or even decorations.  It's just a chance for us to meet before school begins, the summer is over, to sit, eat and be merry! Hosting at my home.....I will BBQ some chicken legs, make my Mom's Dutch potato salad and supply some soda.  You bring a lawn chair and a smile.  So Why Not?

 

By admin , 25 August 2011

Aangezien het erg leuk was, stel ik weer een meet up op en ook weer bij de turtles in het Spectrum! Volgende week kunnen we wel ergens misschien iets centraler voor iedereen afspreken! Ik geloof dat Chris erg veel leuke plekjes weet lol!!

By admin , 25 August 2011

Come and meet other people who speak the same language or are learning it. We welcome all levels (een klein beetje tot vloeiend) and nationalities. We meet in a cozy environment where food and drink are available but no purchase is required. Come hang out with us and see if you like it!

By admin , 25 August 2011

Hallo Allemaal,

Stop by the Continental Restaurant for een gezellige avond with Dutch speakers. You can have dinner, a snack, or just something to drink terwijl wij nederlands spreken met elkaar.

Look for the Dutch and Belgian flags on our table.

Tot ziens!

Brigitte