yoreApeean

So, so far things have been really great here. I did nothing on my first day except sit around the office. i was told by Tim that I wasn't going to be able to stay in the Glassworks rooms out the back of the offices as they hadn't received the keys from the landlord yet, so i was to stay on Andy's sofa at the Glassworks flat a couple of roads away. This being the flat that had been utilised by a lot of Glassworks staff over the past few months since its opening. We went back there with my massive case and Mike Wolfe from London who was also staying at the flat, myself, Andy Kid and the smoke op Steve went for a Mexican. the first thing I noticed upon entering the restaurant was the abundance of fit Euro girls. HAPPY TIMES. Food was great, except being served chicken initially and the waitresses were really friendly. Went back to the flat, watched some South Park then crashed out as today and the 5 days of partying prior to my leaving was pretty intense.

Weds 26.03.08
Woke up at 7.45 for my first day of work. Showered and headed to work. rather than both me and Noelle (the other runner) working today, I was to be on my own. the differences between the two work spaces, London and Amsterdam, is incredible. In an obviously Dutch way, out here is 100 times more chilled out and less stressful. i haven't broken sweat 2 days in and i can't see it changing that much. the job is the same excepting a few slight differences, such as instead of buying food in from different places for each member of staff, we go out and spend about 50 euros on bread, meats, cheeses, salads etc and all sit down to eat together (along with clients) for lunch. Its definitely cheaper, more sociable and creates a much nicer environment than everyone working away at their desks with minimal social interaction all day. Also the runs here are minimal, but they do allow great strolls along the canals, which today I destroyed by blasting 'The Format' in my ears.

It was mentioned to me again today that the keys weren't ready as the landlords being typically Dutch were not answering their calls about the key situation for us to enter our own premises out back. So, I was to spend another night at the flat with Andy and Mike. No problem for me really as I'm used to being on the road and living from bags. Steve Smoke and I decided the night before that we should find a bar and watch the England vs France friendly that was being shown in some bars in town. He took me out and we agreed with the guys at the flat that I would come back later and he would bring me back. Having no dinner and about 7 beers definitely didn't agree with me as I felt terrible on the way home. I vaguely remember meeting some Scotch guys from near Edinburgh at the bar who were watching the Scotland vs Crotia game that was on, on a different TV. Got back to the flat ravenous so in a drunken expedition i went out and found maoz which was a bonus. Its soooo much better abroad than the average slop they dish out on Old Compton Street. Came home and passed out!

Thurs 27.03.08
Second day, first working with Noelle. I was to start work at 11am so i could finish at 9pm. Another good day at work! I learned a few new things today such as locking up Glassworks and how to unlock and ride a Dutch bike. Noelle helped me loads today with the flat hunting as loads of it is in dutch and she was translating for me. she gave me a list of 7 places i need to check. As nice as the rooms are out back they are very minimal with just beds and a chair an bedside table in each room. I need to get out and get my own place so i can entertain mates when they come to visit and so I can get away from work at the end of the day. True colours and Birds of a feather are playing at winstons bar tonight and I had planned to go, but have been waylayed at work and I'm now working overtime as a job is due tomorrow and the ops are working late. i don't mind at all as I get to chill, watch a couple of films, get fed, start this blog and generally catch up with stuff.