Saturday, we got up and watched yet more Discovery Channel and Hustle and Flow because it had to go back to the video store that day. It was an interesting movie, filmed in Memphis and everyone was very sweaty and moist all the time. Realistic in that sense.
Then we got ready to go to Xander's dad (biological) and his wife's place (her name is Siska). They live on this lovely quiet island (but it's big, so you can't see the North Sea from everwhere--it's like 10 minutes away) and in a house that reminded me a lot of an English one--the garden in the back, the windows, small, etc. So Xander had psyched me out about Siska, he said she doesn't like anyone and she's hard to win over. And I was kind of tired by then, feeling exhausted by all of it, the being in a new place, trying to learn at least SOME Dutch but feeling completely overwhelmed by the differences, meeting new people, etc etc. But I rallied, and guess what? Even though they couldn't speak hardly any English and Xander had to translate, Siska liked me right away! Ha! They were very nice, too, and I see why Xander is so laid back, his dad is, too. We had a beer there and looked around their cute garden (they are growing tomatoes, blackberries, zucchini, basil, dill of course, they are Dutch, etc), and then we headed home.
Once we got home I had my first minor breakdown, Xander knew right away that I was really tired, and that I was just overwhelmed by everything, it's hard being somewhere new where I don't know anyone and I can't speak the language. It's a lot to process. He was very sweet and we cuddled, and I realized that somehow I'm still managing to be hard on myself and push myself to be settled right away, and that I'm a bit scared, too--I'm overwhelmed by how strongly I feel for Xander. I think I just can't believe I met him and he's so lovely.
As food solves all ills, had some dinner that Xander cooked, steaks, potatoes, green beans wrapped in bacon, wine. Very delicious!! Of course. Then we went to his cousin's boyfriend's birthday party. I was dreading this, too (more family?!!), but it turned out to be just what I needed. I hadn't had any social interaction at all to speak of except for with Xander's parents, and this was the first time I was with people around my own age (they are a little younger). And the difference in their English skills was striking. They could carry on whole conversations easily--obviously, TV in English came onto the scene when they were kids. Very interesting. So I chatted to some really nice girls about New York and about Gray's Anatomy (!!), and Xander's cousin, Marjolein, was very nice and has a cute place with her boyfriend. We decided to have dinner all of us sometime, and exchanged email addresses. I also got another girl's email address, too, Mirjam. So that was a lot of fun, actually.
Sunday we didn't do much of anything, just watched TV (learned all about that evil bastard Stalin) and, inspired by talk of maniacal leaders, planned a bit of Germany stuff. We went and rented a couple of movies, then came home to watch them when Sander called, he wanted us to go and see this new place he got, kind of a farm house. We went over there to see it and so I could meet Camilla, Sander's girlfriend from Norway who is living here now. The place was kind of strange, very big, and Camilla didn't seem that happy about it. It was a bit isolated, I understand why she wasn't happy. Anyway, she's very nice, and I got her email too so we can get together in Spijkenisse for lunch. We went for dinner together, as the grocery stores are closed on Sunday here. Dinner was actually delicious, it was in a little place in a little village. I had a great salad, and learned how to ask for the check in Dutch. Fun! I realized, being out with others, how many inside jokes Xander and I have already. We are kind of in our own little world. But again, great to hang out with people socially and realize there is a world out there!!
Came home and watched Letters from Iwo Jima, and cried and told Xander that he had to get out of the military and he said I only have a little longer...but he is definitely leaving. I'm so, so relieved. He's just such a cutie, and I hate that he could be in danger at work. Anyway, off to bed so Xander could get up at sparrow fart for work.
Today, I'm waiting for the storm to slow down so I can go shopping at the grocery store. I've already moved around the furniture in the living room, and I've got ideas for elsewhere, too! Poor Xander...
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