You made it to my page. So, this is me. I’m Jamie. New to the world of blogging (well, since October 2010) and all that goes with that. I’m a Brit living, working and loving life in The Netherlands. I’ve been living in the land of clogs, cheese and windmills since 2005. I planned to stay in The Netherlands for 1 year, but after about nine months in the country I met Bas, my wonderful partner. Now, years later – with a house, a car, two cats and still head-over-heels in love I think I’ll be in the flatlands a little longer. I am living the expat life. It’s a strange one. You find yourself in a bubble of happiness where the outside world seems so far away. However, the longer I’ve spend here the more I realise that the bubble is getting thinner…… Maybe I am becoming ‘more Dutch’.
I’m a lover of all things Eurovision (that’s the Eurovision Song Contest to those outside of Europe). I have a kind of love/hate relationship with it. It’s what you get when you mix glitter and politics! To many Europeans the Eurovision is a one-night TV show with songs and acts that make them laugh (or cry). To me the concept spans from November, when countries start picking their first entry, to the evenings shows (yes, there are a few) in May.
I’m a traveller, nursery school teacher and the guy who never quite made it to being a television (Blue Peter) presenter. I wish, I wish, I wish. I have dabbled in stage work theatre…… Well that’s if you count Pantomimes as stage work. So far I’ve been a village idiot and an Indian Dame. I like to vary my character portrayals.
As for blogging…. Why have I started? Well, I want to share the things I see and do. An anthropologist at heart, perhaps? I’m always watching people around me or noting down things that people say and do. My friends may start to panic at this point. Some think that my blog will be my new form of friend-exposure. Panic not friends….. I will be kind and gentle.
I’ve blogged about so many different topics since I started in October 2010. Maybe you’d like to hear about:
- The time I caught a mouse in a rather unconventional way. (Not for the faint hearted).
- The time I survived a crazy bus journey in England.
- The time I first discovered ‘Chat Roulette’.
- The time I destroyed my kitchen in a cooking disaster.
- The time I got stuck in a very small, Spanish lift (elevator).
I always said that one day I’d write a book, but why not start here? So here goes….. Happy Reading Bloggers!
Hi young Jamie……I just read A little bit about you…….and I’m thinking you most probably ROCK.
Nice blog. Keep up the good work. I will certainly sing your praises to my crazy bloggy buddies.
Terri
Okay Brit- do you love marmite? My grandmother is from England and I have been hooked on marmite since I was a child!
Marmite: it’s a love it or hate it product. I have to say that I do love it. A nice thick layer on toast! Yum!!!
I am consuming mine as we speak! My 2 year old son likes it too!!!
love your blog! witty humour, me likey!
hey thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog! i hope you do so more often
i’ll be taking a look around your blog…
I now know why I love your blog and pretty much found myself reading it for a long time! You are British! Even though I am cursed being French, Irish and Scots… Yes, I am at war with myself everyday
I feel I am British trapped in an American body! I am soo adding you to my blog roll! I am pleased to meet you and I am very much!
Thanks for the message. I hope you continue to enjoy reading more and more. I love writing stuff to pop on here. Wow – you have quite a mix of nationalities. I’m half English and half Scottish and was born in The Netherlands. That can be quite confusing too.
This is my first time here Jay. Great stuff. It all makes sense to me. Dutch, English, Geordie, Scots (in part). From where are we all descended? I think the Vikings. Vikings were civilised, practical, liberated and it’s all in the eyes. Enough said.
Your’s may be the most random comment on my blog. Vikings? Where did that come from? What were you referring to?
Hi! I am a new visitor to your blog so I think I need to introduce myself first.
It’s funny, entertaining.
My name is Nadezhda. I live in Ukraine, Kiev. Love reading blogs from every corner of the world. So your blog fits perfectly
Subscribed.
Happy Holidays!
Hi Nadezhda,
Hope you are enjoying the blog still. It’s a busy activity, watching the world go by. I have so much fun blogging about the things I watch, the people I see and the things I hear. I have never visited the Ukraine and so you’re the first Ukrainian that I have communicated with. That’s great! Hello.
Enjoying reading.
Jamie
Hello! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’ve really enjoyed looking through yours. I’m also a Brit, living in Germany.
.
And I really want to try belly dancing – maybe you can give me some tips
We Brits get everywhere!
Tips on belly dancing….. That would make a great blog post. Maybe you should make a start on it….. Haha
I await your points of expertise.
Jamie
Funny boy.
In my case it would probably go something like wobble your wobbly midriff, don’t pant too much and try not to fall over.
I’m at the moment working on a 101 things in 1001 days, and it’s on the list already. Have you heard of it?
101 things in 1001 days…… Tell me more.
You write out a list of 101 challenges for yourself to be completed in 1001 days. Each challenge has to be clearly written, and achievable. I’ve been working on mine for a couple of weeks now. Still not finished but the blogger I got the idea from said it took her two whole months to finalize her list.
I’m really excited about it. She had things such as get a tattoo, read 50 books, etc somewhat similar for your task for the year, then she draws a line through them to shows she’s completed them. Or tops up the stats like (1/50).
Fantastic idea, huh?
I love the idea. It is indeed similar to my list for 2011. I think I need to do mine on a yearly basis to keep myself interested. I am also crossing mine off as I achieve them. I also need to add to the list too. I like the stats idea. That may feature in my list very soon.
Jamie
Musically, I think the Eurovision is absolutely dire – but, for entertainment value it’s a must watch, though I think it lost a lot for us Brits when Terry Wogan ceased commentating on the acts and the voting !!!
[We usually have a party here on the night - with guests randomly allocated a participating country beforehand, then required to attend the party dressed as a native of that country and bearing a food dish and alcoholic beverage associated with that country. The hapless couple whose country comes first then have to attempt to perform the winning song for the entertainment of their by then somewhat inebriated fellow guests and hosts
]
When it comes to Eurovision, I view it quite differently. Ok, there are good and bad songs, but like the charts in any country there is good and bad. I like the whole show in Eurovision. The fact that it’s unlike anything else and that it’s been going for 55 years.
I’ve been to it live 3 times….. Incredible experiences. It cannot be compared to other concerts and shows. As for Terry, he had his time… He was funny (in moderation). What he and most of the UK failed to notice was that the BBC broadcast was shown around Europe and his comments offended many. I’m glad to have Graham Norton at the helm instead.
Eurovision, like it or hate it, is bigger now than ever!
I’ve had many parties with the costumes, the scoreboard, the food and the drink….. It’s always a memorable occasion. Fingers crossed that the UK do well in Germany in May.
Hey there — thanks for stopping by my blog! I’ve truly enjoyed reading through yours and will continue to do so. You’re funny and I very much appreciate your humorous outlook on things!
Thanks for the message. Glad you enjoying making sense of my random blog posts. Always more to come. Feel free to share them with friends, colleagues, family – the world. Go on, go on….you know you want to.
Jamie (It’s weekend – isn’t that just the best feeling).
nice to meet you!
Do come back. Bring people. The more the merrier!
The more i read the more I’m liking.
Thanks for spending time looking through my blog. It’s great that you’ve enjoyed reading the posts I’ve done. Thanks also for all the comments! Wow! I’m amazed. Jamie
Hi, I came across your site and wasn’t able to get an email address to contact you. Would you please consider adding a link to my website on your page. Please email me back and we’ll talk about it.
Thanks!
Mandie Hayes
mandie.hayes10@gmail.com
Hi, can u send me a link to your website on here? Thanks, Jamie
Jamie, thanks for the “Like” on the post about my wife and I’s grocery list. Much appreciated. Like your site – great pictures along with interesting stories.
Bruce (aka lifeattitudes, sportsattitudes)
Hi Jamie! Thanks for your comment on my post.
I’m a Eurovision fan too! It’s so cool you went to Germany to see the show! Are you planning on going to Azerbaijan next year?!
Eurovision fans everywhere!
Germany was amazing. I am not sure about Baki. It’s not likely….. I have a wedding to plan.
—Coming to you via Terri’s blog.
I’m married to a Brit from Liverpool.
I do believe you guys are taking over the world !
I’m enjoying reading some of your posts….
So, where are you from if the hubbie is from Liverpool? Taking over the world is a great idea.
I’m happy to do that.
Heading back to The Netherlands today. The drive is ahead of us…… When home I’ll be adding lots of new things to my blog. It’s been rather unloved for three weeks.
I hope you come back and continue to enjoy what you read.
Jamie x
Hi Jamie, you visited me and now I’ve visited you
Nice to meet you via your About You page. You have some good stuff on your blog, I could easily get lost in your posts. I look forward to reading more and in the process learning more about you! Have a great day.
Thanks for the visit and for taking the time to come and comment. Do please come back soon.
hi jamie
i love ur blog
pls. visit my blog (http://writer-nathi.blogspot.com/) waiting for ur comment and ideas……….
thanks
nathi
Thanks for your comment. I’ll take a look at your blog soon.
Jamie
So glad I stumbled upon your blog. I’ve nominated you for the 7 x 7 Link Award. Congrats!
Following the link for acceptance protocol. http://wp.me/pPyQY-mT
Hey Jamie!
I’m not sure which blog awards you won but you have recieved three!! woohoo!
They are the Liebster Award, The Versatile Blogger and ABC award (Awesome Blog Content).
Here’s the link! I tried to shamelessly promote Mrs. Brambleberry obviously.
http://karenslatte.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/can-i-now-call-my-blog-award-winning/
Fantastic! Thank you SO much!!
Jamie xx
Jamie – I tagged you:
http://sarsm.wordpress.com/2012/03/01/ive-been-tagged-so-im-it/
