So, since I've been so lazy about posting to this blog, I'm about two weeks behind on noteworthy events to share. So, I'll start with somewhere around two weeks ago.
In order to blend in seamlessly with the local Amsterdam-ians, my company issued all trainees bicycles, a standard mode of transportation here for all demographics. We're working at the World Trade Center in Amsterdam, and every day we see countless businesspeople cycling to work in corporatewear. Incidentally, bikes tend to be somewhat expensive, and therefore have a tendency to be stolen by junkies to be resold. And that is what happened to my bike two days after I was issued it.
On our first Saturday here, our company arranged a social event which involved a bike tour of Amsterdam, followed by a whiskey-tasting session at a small local whiskey bar.
It is clear from observing traffic patterns in Amsterdam that the Dutch expect you to know what you're doing. Between the commonplace sidewalk and road, there is almost always a bicycle lane. In addition, many roads also have tram tracks in the middle. In addition, Vespas and other scooter-like devices can travel either on bicycle lanes or the road, and cars can travel on the tram tracks when the trams aren't. Overall, it is much more complex than most American roads I've encountered, and cycling along is fun, although it can be unclear when you should cross the road.
We saw some interesting sights along the bike tour, including the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and the red light district, among other things.
After the bike tour we went to the whiskey bar, which serves more than 1300 different whiskies. We tried six different whiskies, among them Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Isla, and ending with a LaPhroaig 40% and a LaPhroaig 58%. Along the way, the proprietor and owner explained the history of whiskey, how it was made, and what determined the flavor. He burnt a piece of peat for us and told us stories of him explaining to Scottish customs officials that the 13 bottles of whiskey he was carrying back with him were for personal use only. He passed around a sample of 77% newspirit, which is the whiskey straight after the distillation process and before it ages in the casks--awful stuff. Overall, it was great to learn more about whiskey and get a lesson in the variations that exist between the different brands.
After the bike tour and whiskey-tasting, we went to a nearby sports-cafe and, this being July 4, ordered American-inspired food. Burger for me, ribs for the guy next to me, and Buds for some. After that was a pub, after which was a club, and in between biking between those places, I locked it up in Rembrandtplein, from whence it was stolen and very decidely not-where-I-left-it when I got back. This resulted in me running quite a bit the next week, sometimes to keep up with guys on bikes, other times to compensate for waking up a little too late.
Fast-forward two weeks to last saturday: we had another company-sponsored social event: bicycle boats on the canals of Amsterdam. We piled into eight four-person boats and proceeded to clumsily avoid speeding tourist boats by paddling furiously and bouncing off the canal walls. Mix in some blind canal intersections, lousy steering capabilities, anemic acceleration, and a light rain, and you've got a fun time :).
We all made it out alive, although one boat took a wrong turn and took quite a bit longer than the rest. We stopped for a bite to eat at a local place famous for its croquets, off of Rembrandtplein. It was called something like... Van Dobbels. Good food.
After the boat-biking, we went 'lazergamen' or something like that, which translated into laser-tag in the murky basement of a Brazilian bar. Fun stuff, and I got first place.
After lazergamen, some of us went with one of the Amsterdam traders to a place which served traditional Dutch liqeurs and brandy wines. I tried a blackberry brandy wine, which was very very, VERY sweet. I liked the whiskey better.
This morning around noon, my roommate and I hosted a pancake and breakfast sandwich brunch for anyone in the flats who wanted to stop by. We had a turnout of maybe 10-12 people. I manned the pancakes, which mostly turned out like pancakes, although a few ended up more suspiciously tortilla- or crepe-like. Very enjoyable, the food was great, and we now have a good supply of eggs leftoever for breakfast next week.
In the weekend intervening, I went to Belgium, but this post is too long already.
In order to blend in seamlessly with the local Amsterdam-ians, my company issued all trainees bicycles, a standard mode of transportation here for all demographics. We're working at the World Trade Center in Amsterdam, and every day we see countless businesspeople cycling to work in corporatewear. Incidentally, bikes tend to be somewhat expensive, and therefore have a tendency to be stolen by junkies to be resold. And that is what happened to my bike two days after I was issued it.
On our first Saturday here, our company arranged a social event which involved a bike tour of Amsterdam, followed by a whiskey-tasting session at a small local whiskey bar.
It is clear from observing traffic patterns in Amsterdam that the Dutch expect you to know what you're doing. Between the commonplace sidewalk and road, there is almost always a bicycle lane. In addition, many roads also have tram tracks in the middle. In addition, Vespas and other scooter-like devices can travel either on bicycle lanes or the road, and cars can travel on the tram tracks when the trams aren't. Overall, it is much more complex than most American roads I've encountered, and cycling along is fun, although it can be unclear when you should cross the road.
We saw some interesting sights along the bike tour, including the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and the red light district, among other things.
After the bike tour we went to the whiskey bar, which serves more than 1300 different whiskies. We tried six different whiskies, among them Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Isla, and ending with a LaPhroaig 40% and a LaPhroaig 58%. Along the way, the proprietor and owner explained the history of whiskey, how it was made, and what determined the flavor. He burnt a piece of peat for us and told us stories of him explaining to Scottish customs officials that the 13 bottles of whiskey he was carrying back with him were for personal use only. He passed around a sample of 77% newspirit, which is the whiskey straight after the distillation process and before it ages in the casks--awful stuff. Overall, it was great to learn more about whiskey and get a lesson in the variations that exist between the different brands.
After the bike tour and whiskey-tasting, we went to a nearby sports-cafe and, this being July 4, ordered American-inspired food. Burger for me, ribs for the guy next to me, and Buds for some. After that was a pub, after which was a club, and in between biking between those places, I locked it up in Rembrandtplein, from whence it was stolen and very decidely not-where-I-left-it when I got back. This resulted in me running quite a bit the next week, sometimes to keep up with guys on bikes, other times to compensate for waking up a little too late.
Fast-forward two weeks to last saturday: we had another company-sponsored social event: bicycle boats on the canals of Amsterdam. We piled into eight four-person boats and proceeded to clumsily avoid speeding tourist boats by paddling furiously and bouncing off the canal walls. Mix in some blind canal intersections, lousy steering capabilities, anemic acceleration, and a light rain, and you've got a fun time :).
We all made it out alive, although one boat took a wrong turn and took quite a bit longer than the rest. We stopped for a bite to eat at a local place famous for its croquets, off of Rembrandtplein. It was called something like... Van Dobbels. Good food.
After the boat-biking, we went 'lazergamen' or something like that, which translated into laser-tag in the murky basement of a Brazilian bar. Fun stuff, and I got first place.
After lazergamen, some of us went with one of the Amsterdam traders to a place which served traditional Dutch liqeurs and brandy wines. I tried a blackberry brandy wine, which was very very, VERY sweet. I liked the whiskey better.
This morning around noon, my roommate and I hosted a pancake and breakfast sandwich brunch for anyone in the flats who wanted to stop by. We had a turnout of maybe 10-12 people. I manned the pancakes, which mostly turned out like pancakes, although a few ended up more suspiciously tortilla- or crepe-like. Very enjoyable, the food was great, and we now have a good supply of eggs leftoever for breakfast next week.
In the weekend intervening, I went to Belgium, but this post is too long already.
5 comments:
The single malt tasting sounds pleasant! I think the correct spellings are Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Laphroaig. Don't think I've had Isla.
Have you been taking any pictures? Inquiring minds want to know!
What?? Too long? We read it aloud and grandma and I loved it--we are ready for much, much more!! Belgium! Belgium!
I am ready for Belgium too! And photos please!
Bicycle boats are amazing! Even though due to the qualities you mentioned, we nearly ran (boated?) into a bandstand where a concert was being held, much to the delight of all present.
They call this work? lol sounds like fun to me =] Pictures please!
~Lauren Z
Hi,
Thanks for sharing your valuable experience on company outings.
Company outings can be fun and extremely useful ways to promote corporate team building and employee satisfaction. Company sporting events, picnics, and field trips are good ways to take a break from everyday monotony and add some fun and excitement to your employee's daily regimens. There are also plenty of options worth exploring that focus not only on fun and a change of pace, but also focus on team building and strengthening of employee relationships.
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