Zero. Nada. Zilch. Zip. There you have it. That's the gist of it. My social life is non existent. So I guess you'd better get back to your wonderful social life. With bells and whistles and things...
But seriously, its not my fault. I'm not anti-social or anything. (Ok, maybe just a little). Its just that its pretty darn difficult in Delft. Sure, you can argue, that Delft is chock full of students and pubs and all that, but really, its not that simple. I wish it were. But its not.
Take for instance the last time I went out on a social binge. We were quite a crowd. Half of it consisted of Greeks and the other half were Spanish speaking folk (from Mexico, South America and, of course, Spain). This, by the way, is the average cross section of the party folk in Delft. Ah, yes, I see you've recoiled back in your chair a tad bewildered. Dazed and confused as well, I might add. 'But, this is Europe, right?', you ask, your brain warming up,'Where is everybody else?'. Truth be told, I really have no idea.....But wait, let me finish.
So, anyway, there we are. At the pub. A couple of Indians in the troupe (self included). And an Irish chap as well. The beers arrive. And in Delft, this is what inevitably happens. The Greeks sit together and the Spanish speaking folk sit together. The other minority nationalities get scattered around the table. The conversation starts of with the normal stuff. (You know, Dutch weather, university, courses, blah, blah....the normal stuff). Then it switches to better stuff. (Chappie A took a high dive from his bicycle at 20 kmph and landed on his face, Chappie B got busted while biking in a pedestrian zone and had to shell out 40 bucks, Chappie C....well you get the idea). Then, there's a lull in the conversation and before you know it, Greeks start speaking to other Greeks in Greek and Spanish speaking folk to other Spanish speaking folk in...well...Spanish. Its almost like a sleight-of-hand trick. If you're not paying attention, you'll totally miss it. If you were paying attention, you'll notice that this happens during these dangerous lulls in the conversation.
If you think I'm being resentful or anything, can that line of thought. That is not the case. While the Greeks and the Spanish speaking folk are speaking, you'll notice that the conversation is a great deal more lively. Especially with the Greeks. They use a lot of hand motions and their jocular laughter resonates through the entire establishment. Oh, this happens with Greek women as well. They're just as jocular and loud as their male counterparts. Now, if only I could understand what they were saying. Gosh-darn-it. Its the same with the Spanish speaking folk. Ok, ok, they're not as lively as the Greeks, but they have their own relaxed way of talking. No gesturing, though. Their hands are occupied with the chalice. Occasionally, you'll hear a burst of boisterous laughter, which will usually cause a few heads at the bar to spin around. Meanwhile, minority nationals like myself will sit tight and observe the troupe. Its a dicey situation. Bursting in and stating that English is the spoken language at the table is a bad idea. In fact, its not an idea at all. And even if you did want to interrupt and gently ease the speak-English ploy into the minds of the folk via some devious strategy...well...its kinda criminal. I mean, have you seen these people? They look like they're having the time of their life. So sitting tight and being the party wallflower is more my style. Its not by choice, mind you. Whats that? You don't know what a party wallflower is? Ah..Ahem, he's the guy at the party who stands against the wall with a drink in his hand. He's dressed, more often that not, in black. That's because he believes it makes him look cool. More often than not, he's wrong. He nods at people passing by and tilts his drink at them to complete the greeting. Occasionally, a 'Hi' or 'Hey' will ensue from his lips. Yep, that's what most party wallflowers do. Siiiiiiigh...
I see you frothing at the mouth. 'Where are the other Europeans?' you splutter, 'What of them?' you continue. 'And where are all the Chinese and more important, where are all the Indians?' Ok,ok. I guess I owe you some kind of explanation regarding the social scene in Delft.
The Europeans students here comprise mostly of the Dutch. Then come the Greeks (in number). Then the Spaniards. A decidedly smaller number. After which there's a smattering of other European nationalities-French, Belgian, Portuguese and some from Eastern Europe. No one from Germany. Guess they like their universities too much. There's a tiny number from the UK. (Oh yeah, there was an Irish guy with us the other day......Wait, I already said that, didn't I?) Apart from the Europeans, there is a sizable population from South America and Mexico. The largest foreign student group are the Chinese. A fairly large group of Indians and quite a number of Indonesians complete the Asian picture.
Now, as for why the Dutch don't hang out with international students, I have no clue really. They're pretty aloof and have their own clique. I mean, sure, I have some really good Dutch friends and so do most of the internationals. But breaking into their social circle and hanging out? Perish the thought. Or rather, if you can pull that off, you'd have pulled off the most amazing feat ever known to.....the International Community in Delft. The rest of the European students get along very well with each other and the South Americans, Mexicans and the Spaniards form a nice triad. As for the Chinese, I....well...hmmmm...lets just say they don't give a damn about what happens outside their community. Ahem.Passing on now to the Indonesians, well, these guys have their own clique too and they're are a very closeted group. They band together very well and will most probably give up their lives for each other. (Not that its come to that.) But they are very open and will accept pretty much anyone into their fold, at least from what I've seen. As for the Indians, well, how do I even start? This subject requires a post (well, a rant actually) devoted entirely to itself. For now, I'll just echo the words of a Spanish friend: "There are two types of Indians. One type mixes with the international community, while the other type prefers to stick with their own community". Pretty good stuff, eh? For those of you who know what I truly think and feel about our Indians.............stop smirking. Yeah, you. That's right. You. Stop. But I shall oblige you chaps with a rant some other time. A nice roast it shall be.
So there you have it. The international student scene in Delft. And now, back to our setting. We're in the pub having us some refreshment. Spanish speaking folk do their thing and the Greeks do their thing. Us minority nationalities forming our own (separate) islands. The Irish chap I told you about was pretty much seeing stars. But it was his first time and I don't blame him. I suppose I was looking pretty lost myself, when it happened to me the first time. Occasionally, though, one of the Spanish speaking folk will turn to one of us and pose a question. Not a mind numbing question or anything, just a normal, lets-not-leave-you-out-in-the-cold thingy. Like, for example, the Irish chappie was asked about whisky and how it all began. Or something like that. You get what I mean? Well, anyway, the Irish chappie, glad of the question, launched into a little soliloquy about whisky and brewing and what not. I don't recall the details, but I think it ended with Guinness, something about it being the national drink and the correct way to pour the darn thing. Of course, I get these questions too. "Hey Anish, how do you like the weather here. I bet its warmer in India, eh? Hahaha.....". And of course I have to pick up the ball and run with it. Very nice of them and all that, but still the time wasted on me could have been better spent doing their thing. With the animated conversations and and all that. Sometimes, its like some personality disorder symptom. The greek chappie will be yakking animatedly about something (something funny, because his mates are all smiles. Its always something funny, by the way). He'd be using his hands and balancing his drink on his elbow or something. He'd also try a cartwheel if in the mood. Pausing, just in time to see me, he'd quickly wrap up his story, leaving his mates rolling on the floor, convulsed with laughter and come to me. Hey, Presto! Instant change. Now he's all somber and stuff. "So, Anish, how's everything? Great party,eh?". Yeah man, it sure is. But what were you telling your friends there? Why are they choking and gasping for breath? Gosh-darn it. If only I could understand.
Its pretty much the same with the Spanish speaking folk. Only the energy levels are a little low. But they're spirited all the same. Its quite possible to break into these circles. Then everyone makes the switch to English. But now the coversations sputters on. Something boring. Like the Mechanics class at the university. Blast! See what I mean? It makes me feel extremely guilty. It isn't right for me to suck the fun out of these social gatherings. To make matters worse, some chappie will tumble in from another circle, pause and then yell "Why the f*** are you speaking in English?" Someone will solemnly point at me and say in a hushed voice "Anish is with us". Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!
Occasionally, I do get to score some bonus points. As someone passes me the beer, I say "Muchos Gracias". I'm rewarded with a grin and a resounding thump on the back. And for the toast everyone yells "Salud" and "Yamas" which is "Cheers" and "Our Health" respectively, in Spanish and Greek,....respectively. Keep that in mind, just in case you plan to visit those parts of the world
The only respite is when the Spanish speaking folk and the Greek speaking folk get together to discuss something of mutual importance. Like the next social gathering. Or a beach party. Or simply to bitch about the weather. This is when chappies like me jump in to participate. Ah well, make ye the best of every situation.
Now, I've decided to study Spanish. Purely to participate in these above mentioned social excursions. Why Spanish, you ask. I looked up the Greek alphabet. All those letters rose up and brought Engineering to life. Omega for Resistance. Epsilon for Electric Field. Pi for ...errr...Pi. A tad confusing for me. Makes you wonder how the Greeks studied Engineering, don't it?. Well anyway, lets see how it goes.
Buenas Noches.
But seriously, its not my fault. I'm not anti-social or anything. (Ok, maybe just a little). Its just that its pretty darn difficult in Delft. Sure, you can argue, that Delft is chock full of students and pubs and all that, but really, its not that simple. I wish it were. But its not.
Take for instance the last time I went out on a social binge. We were quite a crowd. Half of it consisted of Greeks and the other half were Spanish speaking folk (from Mexico, South America and, of course, Spain). This, by the way, is the average cross section of the party folk in Delft. Ah, yes, I see you've recoiled back in your chair a tad bewildered. Dazed and confused as well, I might add. 'But, this is Europe, right?', you ask, your brain warming up,'Where is everybody else?'. Truth be told, I really have no idea.....But wait, let me finish.
So, anyway, there we are. At the pub. A couple of Indians in the troupe (self included). And an Irish chap as well. The beers arrive. And in Delft, this is what inevitably happens. The Greeks sit together and the Spanish speaking folk sit together. The other minority nationalities get scattered around the table. The conversation starts of with the normal stuff. (You know, Dutch weather, university, courses, blah, blah....the normal stuff). Then it switches to better stuff. (Chappie A took a high dive from his bicycle at 20 kmph and landed on his face, Chappie B got busted while biking in a pedestrian zone and had to shell out 40 bucks, Chappie C....well you get the idea). Then, there's a lull in the conversation and before you know it, Greeks start speaking to other Greeks in Greek and Spanish speaking folk to other Spanish speaking folk in...well...Spanish. Its almost like a sleight-of-hand trick. If you're not paying attention, you'll totally miss it. If you were paying attention, you'll notice that this happens during these dangerous lulls in the conversation.
If you think I'm being resentful or anything, can that line of thought. That is not the case. While the Greeks and the Spanish speaking folk are speaking, you'll notice that the conversation is a great deal more lively. Especially with the Greeks. They use a lot of hand motions and their jocular laughter resonates through the entire establishment. Oh, this happens with Greek women as well. They're just as jocular and loud as their male counterparts. Now, if only I could understand what they were saying. Gosh-darn-it. Its the same with the Spanish speaking folk. Ok, ok, they're not as lively as the Greeks, but they have their own relaxed way of talking. No gesturing, though. Their hands are occupied with the chalice. Occasionally, you'll hear a burst of boisterous laughter, which will usually cause a few heads at the bar to spin around. Meanwhile, minority nationals like myself will sit tight and observe the troupe. Its a dicey situation. Bursting in and stating that English is the spoken language at the table is a bad idea. In fact, its not an idea at all. And even if you did want to interrupt and gently ease the speak-English ploy into the minds of the folk via some devious strategy...well...its kinda criminal. I mean, have you seen these people? They look like they're having the time of their life. So sitting tight and being the party wallflower is more my style. Its not by choice, mind you. Whats that? You don't know what a party wallflower is? Ah..Ahem, he's the guy at the party who stands against the wall with a drink in his hand. He's dressed, more often that not, in black. That's because he believes it makes him look cool. More often than not, he's wrong. He nods at people passing by and tilts his drink at them to complete the greeting. Occasionally, a 'Hi' or 'Hey' will ensue from his lips. Yep, that's what most party wallflowers do. Siiiiiiigh...
I see you frothing at the mouth. 'Where are the other Europeans?' you splutter, 'What of them?' you continue. 'And where are all the Chinese and more important, where are all the Indians?' Ok,ok. I guess I owe you some kind of explanation regarding the social scene in Delft.
The Europeans students here comprise mostly of the Dutch. Then come the Greeks (in number). Then the Spaniards. A decidedly smaller number. After which there's a smattering of other European nationalities-French, Belgian, Portuguese and some from Eastern Europe. No one from Germany. Guess they like their universities too much. There's a tiny number from the UK. (Oh yeah, there was an Irish guy with us the other day......Wait, I already said that, didn't I?) Apart from the Europeans, there is a sizable population from South America and Mexico. The largest foreign student group are the Chinese. A fairly large group of Indians and quite a number of Indonesians complete the Asian picture.
Now, as for why the Dutch don't hang out with international students, I have no clue really. They're pretty aloof and have their own clique. I mean, sure, I have some really good Dutch friends and so do most of the internationals. But breaking into their social circle and hanging out? Perish the thought. Or rather, if you can pull that off, you'd have pulled off the most amazing feat ever known to.....the International Community in Delft. The rest of the European students get along very well with each other and the South Americans, Mexicans and the Spaniards form a nice triad. As for the Chinese, I....well...hmmmm...lets just say they don't give a damn about what happens outside their community. Ahem.Passing on now to the Indonesians, well, these guys have their own clique too and they're are a very closeted group. They band together very well and will most probably give up their lives for each other. (Not that its come to that.) But they are very open and will accept pretty much anyone into their fold, at least from what I've seen. As for the Indians, well, how do I even start? This subject requires a post (well, a rant actually) devoted entirely to itself. For now, I'll just echo the words of a Spanish friend: "There are two types of Indians. One type mixes with the international community, while the other type prefers to stick with their own community". Pretty good stuff, eh? For those of you who know what I truly think and feel about our Indians.............stop smirking. Yeah, you. That's right. You. Stop. But I shall oblige you chaps with a rant some other time. A nice roast it shall be.
So there you have it. The international student scene in Delft. And now, back to our setting. We're in the pub having us some refreshment. Spanish speaking folk do their thing and the Greeks do their thing. Us minority nationalities forming our own (separate) islands. The Irish chap I told you about was pretty much seeing stars. But it was his first time and I don't blame him. I suppose I was looking pretty lost myself, when it happened to me the first time. Occasionally, though, one of the Spanish speaking folk will turn to one of us and pose a question. Not a mind numbing question or anything, just a normal, lets-not-leave-you-out-in-the-cold thingy. Like, for example, the Irish chappie was asked about whisky and how it all began. Or something like that. You get what I mean? Well, anyway, the Irish chappie, glad of the question, launched into a little soliloquy about whisky and brewing and what not. I don't recall the details, but I think it ended with Guinness, something about it being the national drink and the correct way to pour the darn thing. Of course, I get these questions too. "Hey Anish, how do you like the weather here. I bet its warmer in India, eh? Hahaha.....". And of course I have to pick up the ball and run with it. Very nice of them and all that, but still the time wasted on me could have been better spent doing their thing. With the animated conversations and and all that. Sometimes, its like some personality disorder symptom. The greek chappie will be yakking animatedly about something (something funny, because his mates are all smiles. Its always something funny, by the way). He'd be using his hands and balancing his drink on his elbow or something. He'd also try a cartwheel if in the mood. Pausing, just in time to see me, he'd quickly wrap up his story, leaving his mates rolling on the floor, convulsed with laughter and come to me. Hey, Presto! Instant change. Now he's all somber and stuff. "So, Anish, how's everything? Great party,eh?". Yeah man, it sure is. But what were you telling your friends there? Why are they choking and gasping for breath? Gosh-darn it. If only I could understand.
Its pretty much the same with the Spanish speaking folk. Only the energy levels are a little low. But they're spirited all the same. Its quite possible to break into these circles. Then everyone makes the switch to English. But now the coversations sputters on. Something boring. Like the Mechanics class at the university. Blast! See what I mean? It makes me feel extremely guilty. It isn't right for me to suck the fun out of these social gatherings. To make matters worse, some chappie will tumble in from another circle, pause and then yell "Why the f*** are you speaking in English?" Someone will solemnly point at me and say in a hushed voice "Anish is with us". Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!
Occasionally, I do get to score some bonus points. As someone passes me the beer, I say "Muchos Gracias". I'm rewarded with a grin and a resounding thump on the back. And for the toast everyone yells "Salud" and "Yamas" which is "Cheers" and "Our Health" respectively, in Spanish and Greek,....respectively. Keep that in mind, just in case you plan to visit those parts of the world
The only respite is when the Spanish speaking folk and the Greek speaking folk get together to discuss something of mutual importance. Like the next social gathering. Or a beach party. Or simply to bitch about the weather. This is when chappies like me jump in to participate. Ah well, make ye the best of every situation.
Now, I've decided to study Spanish. Purely to participate in these above mentioned social excursions. Why Spanish, you ask. I looked up the Greek alphabet. All those letters rose up and brought Engineering to life. Omega for Resistance. Epsilon for Electric Field. Pi for ...errr...Pi. A tad confusing for me. Makes you wonder how the Greeks studied Engineering, don't it?. Well anyway, lets see how it goes.
Buenas Noches.
