Roeipraet 2-2019

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there are more rules and exams than I am used to at home. We don’t number the first / second / third stop, so I was very confused when these were initially transla- ted to English for me, but I think I’ve got the hang of it now. I enjoy the relaxed training environment and koffie in het Spantje, and am really looking forward to competing in some Dutch races this year. How does your life outside of Beatrix look like? Outside of Beatrix, a lot of my friends are from the expat community as we have all arrived here with no lives and no friends…I do find it strange that the main thing determining your friendship group is the date of arrival. There are a lot of events for new arrivals at The Hub, which is where I have met most of the people I spend time with now. I am taking Dutch lessons een keer per week, en mijn Nederlands is improving slowly. My rowing Dutch is getting quite good now…my favourite phrases are boven de hoofden and inpik / uitpik. I work at De Lage Landen, which is a leasing company with an office at the end of the Kanaal. I am really enjoying my job so far. Aside from rowing, I like cross- country running (although I’m terrified of dogs) and I’ve tried ice skating a couple of times since coming to Eindhoven. Thank you very much, Rachael, for sharing with us your story and – even af- ter Brexit - please stay with us! Robin

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