⟁: January 2010

This is it.

My exchange program has come to an end. By this time tomorrow, Leeds will be forgotten; it will be nothing but a meaningless, flashy memory...

Hahaha just kidding! I will never forget this place!!! I love Leeds, but more importantly: Leeds loves me :)

I was asked by my university-agent in Amsterdam to write a report about my time here in Leeds. The assignment is to write 2 pages about me studying abroad, in order for the future generation of exchange students to have some information of what studying abroad is all about.

I told her matter-of-fact that I will not do such a thing; instead I will write just one single line on my 2-page report:

www.ajslive.blogspot.com

That's right. I told my agent that I will only write down the internet link to my blog. I told her that if students want to have information about studying abroad, they can just visit my website. obviously, she didn't approve, so I had to exercise my considerable charms in order to convince her. initially, she didn't allow me to write just this single line -my URL- on a 2-paged form, stating that "it wouldn't be in accordance with standard procedures". on which I replied that all procedures ought to be dynamic. the word 'standard' implicates concepts such as static, still, traditional; and those are exactly the kind of concepts I dislike.. I told her that life itself is in a constant process of dynamic change and I said that my report would be a symbolic representation of life's dynamic forces. eventually she approved of me writing just the URL on the standard form; on the condition that this post (the one you're reading now) should be written in accordance with "standard procedure questions".

This blog is thus my "official" evaluation form about the time of me studying abroad.

Enjoy it.

1) Why did you choose to study abroad?

Because studying abroad is in accordance with the process of me developing myself. for all my life, I live in a safe, comfortable environment and that seriously has to change. I am such a fucking spoiled brat, so I really need to be on my own; learn what it's like to stand on my feet; learn what it's like to make my own food; it's all about testing my character; will I teach myself to prepare my own food -and hence develop my cuisine-quality's- or do I take the coward's way out and order pizza everyday? ;)

Another reason of me studying abroad is because it supports my view of myself being a citizen of the world. that's right. though I was born and raised in the city of sins, I nonetheless don't perceive myself as a Dutch citizen. the reason of me looking at it this way, is because that for all my life, I have traveled all around the world (my mother works for the airline, so I can Jet-set worldwide for a decent price!!) truth is, I spend half my life outside of the Netherlands. I meet people all around the world. many of my friends/girlfriends/ex-girlfriends live in different countries. this is how it's been going for the last couple of years and I fucking LOVE this way of life!!

The last -perhaps the most important- reason is because next year, I will study abroad once again. that's right; the promised land is calling for me. next year around this time, I'll be in California, Chicago or Boston, so I wanted to improve my English-language and grammar- skills. why studying abroad? do you really think I will stay all my life in one place??! do you have any idea how much the world has to offer? every opportunity I get of me finding out what the world has to offer me, is an opportunity I vigorously take with both hands!

2) Why did you choose to study in England?

Because I speak English fluently -more or less-. and given the fact that I study at university-level, I can not permit myself to fail on small stupid things such as grammar. if it wasn't about the language, I would do my exchange program in Brasil, Portugal or another sunny place. why not America? because my university in Amsterdam only offers that in the master-year (next year).

3) Why did you choose to study in Leeds?

After doing some research on the worldwideweb, it came to my attention that Leeds is the #1 Student City of England. translated: drinking, partying, sex, girls gone wild; need I say more?

4) What modules did you followed, and why?

-"The life and works of Freud", -"The life and works of Nietzsche", -"Psychoanalytic Contributions", -"Political Theory". why I chose these? because it gives me something to talk about when I'm trying to impress you.

5) How did you like your student accommodation?

I LOVED it! though the room is very small, similar to a prison cell, it nonetheless feels like home..

I was located at Sugarwell Court, Deepdale, room 7B

It all starts when I open my door with the electronic key

Welcome to my room; mi casa es su casa

On the top shelf: a pair of Hugo Boss, Venezia's, Hugo Boss.

On the middle shelf: some university books, library books and of course my Holy Bible: The 48 Laws Of Power. on the right, you see a bottle of the finest Absolut. some prefer Whiskey, others like Scotch. me, I stick to the Holy Water; Vodka. did you know that vodka is the only alcoholic drink that doesn't give a hangover the next morning?

On the bottom shelf: some bracelets, my phone, my wallet, some gum and some loose change.

My sink. funny fact: I used this sink everyday as a toilet :P hahahaha don't worry; I didn't shit in the thing; I just sprinkled the flowers ;) am I not charming? I let you in on an exclusive view of my private urinoir..

And of course I'm sleeping in the master king-size bed. this is where all the magic happens. I'm not talking about the masturbation-kind-of-magic; I'm talking about real magic. can you believe that I had a threesome in this bed? remember my post The drunk blog? it took place in this bed; 2 girls and me and I got it on video ;) though I must say that we also used the chair, not only the bed.

Two chefs

Two bosses

Aight that's it, I hope you enjoyed this exclusive footage of A's crib @ Sugarwell Court.

More footage on A.'s room available at MTV Cribs.

5) Did you enjoy your time in Leeds, how did you spend your time?

I freaking LOVE Leeds! I seriously had a wonderful time here.. but about that concept.. time.. time becomes valuable once you are aware of the fact that life is so deceptively short.. imagine you only have 3 more days left to live and by the end of the 3rd day, you will die.. these 3 days then, become enormously valuable and you would be surprised just how much you could do in those 72 hours.. indeed, time is what you make of it. what did I make out of my time? I made friendships, especially noteworthy is my friendship with A. (much love man! I'll visit you in Sweden!!), I've met a LOT of people; a lot of fun people, different types of people; and I even met a few lovely ladies who were willing to share their beds with me ;).

I want to give you my top-3 favorite places here in Leeds:

#3: Vodka Revolution

This is a very decent place to relax, have a chat and enjoy a highly flavorable vodka in a loungy atmosphere.

#2: A Nation Of Shopkeepers

Every Thursday was A Nation Of Shopkeepers-day. I like this place a lot, because from the moment of entering the room, you can literally feel an aura of positive energy. this place is just great; nice people; nice music; but above all; they have the BEST BURGERS in all of the UK!!! I recommend you to try the Stilton Burger..

#1: Club Halo*

I wish you could see me now.. at the moment I have a VERY big smile on my face ;)

This is my house; my world. I am familiar with the whole club-culture; the "games" that are being played; the walls of protection; the concepts of dominance; arrogance. there is a whole world regarding the club-scene. you think it's just about dancing and having a drink? think again!! there are all kinds of theoretical frameworks; social characteristics and sooooo much more.

The reason I love Halo is because I feel so at home there. matter-of-fact; I feel very much at home in the club-scene. Halo is great to practice your game-skills and I've had my fair share of success here ;)

England, and especially Leeds, is known for the pubs. pubs are always crowded, always gezellig and everywhere you look, you'll see pints of beer. unfortunately, I myself am not a beer-guy. I normally don't drink beer, so I often did not 'fit in' with the rest of my friends ;P. but then again; 'fitting in' is not one of my priorities. if you believe in what you do, than it really doesn't matter what you do. I can drink a glass of milk and still make it look cool. matter-of-fact, I did exactly that a couple of times, just for the sake of making it look cool. I remember one time we were in a pub and this girl sees me with a glass of milk. she looks at me -confused- and asks me: "why do you drink milk?" my response: "because I'm as smooth as silk." hahaha I know it makes no sense, but it's fun to make random comments and see how people react, I do it all the time. but I'm going off topic here.. the reason I like Club Halo is because it's a big venue, good music, nice people, but moreover, it's the place that got me my first one-night stand in the UK! T. you were great, I loved spending time with you and you are an amazing dancer. keep up the good work! maybe one day, you will outdance me ;) much love (x)

*Funny fact: what is now a club, used to be a church! that's right. Halo wasn't always a club; the former church has been renovated and turned into a place of sex, drugs & rock 'n roll.

What was once the House of the Lord, is now the House of Housemusic.

Amen.

6) Do you have any tips or suggestions for future exchange students?

I do. talk to many people as possible, flirt with as many girls as possible; be social. if you are not social by nature, force yourself to it. that's right. studying abroad is one thing, studying abroad and making your time worthwhile is another. you have to understand that -by studying abroad- you are on an adventure. translated: you are completely free to create your destiny. everything what you want to do, you can make it happen! try to comprehend the thought that nothing is impossible. YOU are special; YOU are unique; there is only you in this world and in your world, the you is the main character. try to perceive the reality of everyday life as something you create yourself. it's very easy to follow others and to do as they say. it's more challenging -and more satisfying- to live your life according to your principles. don't hold too much value on other people's opinion; for most of the time; they serve no purpose other than to hold you down. the very fact that you -as a future exchange student- want to study abroad, makes me very proud. the very fact that you study, makes me proud! keep doing your thing, and above all, keep doing your thing on your terms and conditions.

Having said that, enjoy your time in Leeds. I know you'll love it here!