Settling In

For the past eight weeks, I have been contacting leasing agencies and individuals, networking on linkdin and expatriate sites, and combing the internet for possible rooms or apartments to rent while I'm here in the Netherlands for book research.  It originally looked so easy as there were so many options to choose among.  As I narrowed the search, however, it turned out there were always problems -- I didn't meet age requrements (no one over 30 -- heh, I remember those days) was the most common problem.  I also got caught in a couple of scams -- just send the money by western union and then I'll save the apartment for you.  Hah.  I think not.

As a Plan B I decided to book a room in the most likely hotel I could find for five days, use that time to look for apartments, and then talk to the hotel about staying there for the duration at a reasonable rate.  I loved the Eden Oranje Hotel for its features and its convenience.  It has a nice restaurant with a lovely outdoor space although it's all a little too pricey for everyday use.  There are lots of comfortable couches in the lobby where people sit and chat and there are even toys for children carefully arranged around the room.  Lots of computers and lots of newspapers.  I decided quickly to talk to the manager about a longer term rental rate.  We worked out an arrangement today that took $50 off the daily room price and gave me free wi-fi and free breakfast.  That fits in my budget and means that I have easy access to all transportation since I am directly across the street from the train station that is the hub of all bus, taxi, train, and bicycle traffic in Leeuwarden and the outlying areas.  The train station also has a couple of restaurants and a couple of convenience stores, as well as a kiosk for changing currency.

My room is perfectly adequate with a kingsize bed, mini bar and fridge.

There is a desk, open storage unit, and a flat screen TV.  And the bathroom is huge by European standards and really quite large even by US standards with a full bathtub and shower, sink and toilet.  The room also has a small balcony (not much of a view unfortunately) perfect for coffee and even for the laptop.

So I've solved the immediate problems and I'm very happy and relieved to have a home here.