Working in Holland

Here are some observations on working in Holland. First of all, the work pace is much more relaxed than our crazy American overwork, overstress, work-your-butt-off ethic. I like it here. Hardly anyone puts in hours on nights and weekends (unless its absolutely necessary).

In our department, we have coffee breaks every morning and afternoon on top of a lunch break. Well, that may not seem like a big deal, but everyone stops what they're doing and takes the break, which could be up to 30 minutes long. If its someone's birthday or there is another reason to celebrate, that person brings a pie - and these are no dinky American pies. They are fantastically delicious.

The coffeekamer (coffee room) is an interesting place lately since 3 languages are generally spoken. Dutch, English (when I'm there), and Chinese (quite a few Chinese students here).

Here is a pic of me and some friends in the lab here (l-r: Walter, Juliette, Corinne, Anja, Dennis, me) hanging out after work on a Friday evening during my last trip in April.