Price checking

Price checking

Today after we went on a great bike from the beach. We had a great assignment that our class was told to complete. This assignment was for my class to go to any store and compare and contrast any object that we use at home to any object in Rotterdam. The object that I decided to go and check was something as simple as a light bulb. The price other the light bulb here was 16 euros. Back home the price would have been a 4-7 dollars.Store we got it from was the AH grocery store.The object that I chose was a standardization object. I also picked up an ad for cell phones in deutsch. The ad that i got from the newspaper says a sale begins this season.

Today's Assignment

In today’s assignment, I had to pick a product that I use in the United States and find a similar product here in Rotterdam. After looking around for a while, I decided to choose a detergent called Omo Color that was located in the AH Grocery Store here in Rotterdam, the price of this product was 10,00 euros (1.5 L). Of course, I recognized this detergent by the logo if I never would have seen it than I would have never known it was an actual detergent. But compared to the detergent in the U.S., Gain Liquid Detergent, which can be found in Wal-Mart, costs $14.97 (150 fl oz). I noticed a difference in that Omo Color was in liters and not fluid ounces like the Gain Liquid Detergent. But which of these products cost more? Varying on the exchange rate, I would choose the Omo Color detergent due to the fact that in U.S. dollars it would cost as much as $20.00. Both AH and Wal-Mart are groceries stores but they both sell the same but different products. I would than consider this product to be a standardization just because this products stays the same but then again the price might vary in the future, just depends.

                    

In the other assignment, I had to search for a local newspaper and find an advertisement of my choosing which was about Ray-Ban eyewear.

This ad basically informs consumers about contact lenses, sunglasses, eye check-ups, glasses with the shade, etc. It also give you the price of how cheap you can get them which is 90,00 euros and the number and website to contact them at for your service. It’s great for an advertisement.

Store Run

Today while we were in the grocery store looking for items to complete this assignment I found this medicine that is sort of like Pepto Bismol. I actually had to ask someone to explain it to me because I could not figure out what it was from just looking at the box. He told me that it was for stomach digestive problems. All Americans know a Pepto Bismol bottle from a mile away. It is pink and has the label around the bottle. This medicine came in a box and when I picked up the box I noticed that it was very light. In the United States a bottle of Pepto Bismol costs about 4 dollars. This medicine cost 10,96 euros. I’m not really surprised by the difference in prices because a lot of things here are overpriced in comparison with the prices in America. I found this in AH grocery store. This isn’t exactly the same product but I would say that the product is standardized.

 In the newspaper part of the assignment I found this advertisement for a 2 month training program. The ad basically asks if you made a choice in what you wanted to do early in life and if you would like to do something else. If so, of if you just wanted more information it gave the website for you to visit at the bottom left corner. When I first saw it, it reminded me of an old Cingular cellphone ad. It is actually like and Everest college type of thing.

A DAY A THE MARKET IN ROTTERDAM

Hot hot hot

It is our third day in Rotterdam and students are getting used to the city. We had a camera race yesterday, but, surprisingly, it took the winning team over 3 hours to finish all 10 spots. Compared to 2010, the winning team made it back in 90 minutes. I think it has quite a bit to do with getting used to the city style: walking, walking, walking. It seems that the students only now realize that you can walk 3, 4, 5 or more miles a day and... you get tired.

This morning we had hot lunch at the hostel and class in the Rotterdam library. We were talking about Global Marketing and this whole trip is all about just that. So, tonight, students have to find a product in here at the local store and explain how it is different (or similar) to the same one in the US using the 4 P's. I am looking forward to their blogs, so they should start popping up shortly.

As a sidenote - it is extremely hot today and we have easily topped 80F, if not 90F.

June 27,2011

Today is our second day in Rotterdam. So far I love this city. Today was the camera race; we had to locate about ten spots. At the end of our race we came across a protest type of situation. People were protesting against the conservatives because they want to take away liberal arts. We have this same problem in the United States. I feel as though art is a very essential part of life itself; not just the United States but the world as a whole. This city is full of architectural creations. The hostel we are living in was the first on the list. Our hostel is made in reflection of trees. I love it I think it’s beautiful.  I loved walking across the river front. Then when we crossed the bridge I was in my own little piece of heaven. Since the beginning of this trip I have been exercising. Whether it was from running to security to another location or getting lost I have really put my legs to use over here. I noticed that both Brussels and Rotterdam are culturally more fit than America. I can say that I have seen at the most two people who were overweight. I think it’s because their normal type of travel is either walking or by a bicycle. The people here are nicer, I still get people who don’t know how to glance but for the most part I feel as though I look accepted. People still don’t give you your personal space, I guess they be a European thing. I can see myself coming back to Rotterdam, I really like the vibe of the city and its people.

Day 2: Rotterdam

Its Sunday and I've had a good day so far. . . of course, I started off with some breakfast which was actually lot better than it was in Brussels but I can't complain because it’s been quite an experience trying all types of different foods. . .while we were eating breakfast Dr. V had just came from running and told us to be ready for the Camera Race at 11:00 a.m. but then we convinced him to switch the time to 1:00 p.m. which gave us all enough time to lay back down for a quick nap. . . so after my nap, I got up around 12:30 to start getting ready for the Camera Race which was some adventure but at least we got to explore the city before we got the week started off just right. . . I took a lot of pictures of most of the buildings but my camera ended up going dead so I missed out on a couple of them but there were some terrific views. . . And I just love how they all speak English quite well because when we were in Brussels they didn't too much of that but could understand us somewhat. . .

I already like it here and I've only stayed here one night only and that's crazy but I feel that would be common for an American to come to another country where you've never been before. . . I got some used to walking the streets of Brussels and now I got to start all the way over with Rotterdam but that's fine like I said I am not complaining because a lot of people don't get opportunities like this unless they really reach for them you know but I would advise any other person to go for it. . Personally, I feel like it’s a once in a lifetime thing; you live each day as if you were dying tomorrow and that's life for you just as long as you living it right . . . oh by the way, the hostel is very nice and I thought the other one in Brussels was also; it's just that I got to get used to the bunk beds thing all over again. .brings back childhood memories ha. . As of right now, I'm not doing anything sitting downstairs in the Hostel fixing to start on some homework in a few. . . hope to have a great night also, after I finish up some of my homework and what not; cannot be a procrastinator throughout this trip. . . I know I'm here to enjoy myself but also, to gain more knowledge and learn something new on a daily basis without hesitation. . In a blessed mood, enough said, waiting patiently for tomorrow WHEN CLASS BEGINS. . . 

Welcome to Rotterdam

It hasn't been a week in Europe and we are already changing countries. This week is Holland's turn and we are here already. Overall, the trip went smoothly, no one and nothing was lost or hurt. Except that we have one very special student with the heaviest bag without wheels. The sound of it getting dragged is unforgettable and unmistakable but you have to be there to believe it. A new suitcase is due...


The morale is high, the students are doing their work (at least in my class). It is 'professor' time now and Biff and I are grading student's assignments here in Cafe Dudok.

June 24

Today was another good day. The first thing that we did today was went to the Brewery it all smelled wonderful.We were able to see how the made the beer made it was very interesting. The tour guide told us they were a family owned business and were a fourth generation brewers. They had many types of beers it was so tasty! On the way back we got on the metro train and got lost until the conductor yelled at us in French. After that we came back and ate some good mexican at this place called chi-chi. The food was not good at all it was really overpriced. After we ate we walked around and got some belgian waffles with lots of toppings. We were sooo stuffed from all the food, we all went to sleep early. We all got hungry again and we went to buy some kabobs and met some hispanics from California they were interesting to say the least. Now I am going to bed until next time!!!

Brussels

My first impression of Brussels was that it was a sort of sleepy type of city. Since I've been here I've come to find that it is quite the opposite. I came here with an open mind and ready to experience a culture different from my own and that is exactly what I have done. You never know how diverese the people of the world are until you emerge yourself in their lives. Even the simplest routine in life is different. For example at this moment I have had to correct my spelling a numerous amount of times because the keys of the keyboard are placed differently. In Brussels most of the people walk to get from location to location. I have never done so much walking in my life, but I got used to it. We have visited many resturants and boutiques and shopping stores. We also visited the Parliment in Brussels. It was very interesting to be informed in the ways their government is run. In the Parlimont buliding there is a beautiful structure in the middle of the buliding; it symbolizes that problems in one country effective others. I personally loved it. I am looking forward to the rest of our stay in Brussels and super excited about the rest of the trip.

Falling into Brussels

6/23/2011


Today is Thursday and there's a lot more to look forward to throughout the city of Brussels, Belgium. Setting some time aside for class work and homework now, yesterday was full of its own adventures. While going to visit a few boutiques down the streets of Rue Antoine Dansaerttraat, I found that some of the people here can make you want to........forget your in another country! And I also discovered for sure that maps are not my forte'. So far Brussels has proved to be a very unique city. There are lots of beautiful antique buildings and status to see around the city, and the people here come from a variety of different cultural backgrounds. On Tuesday we went on a tour of the European Parliament and it was really nice, and probably would have been a little better if we hadn't gotten brushed to the side by another group. But overall informative and interesting to see how differences within their decision processes differs from ours back in the U.S. The walks can sometimes get crazy long, but everyday has its new experiences. Well, until next time! Bonjur.

MY LIFE IN BRUSSELS

June 21, 2011

Day 2

Today started off just ok. When I woke up, I went to the front office to see if anyone had talked to the airport about my missing luggage. The man behind the desk was sympathetic, “No. I’m sorry.” So I began to worry even more because I didn’t know if this was going to be day two of no clothes. My roommates have been so nice to offer me jeans, t-shirts and whatever else I needed. Now it’s time for breakfast, which by the way was toast and cheese. Yea, I know what you’re thinking--all you had was toast and cheese? The answer would be yes. While every one finished up with their nourishing meals... ha. I went back to bed until it was time for class. Before class started, I went right back to the front desk to check in again and to my surprise I found out the airport located my bags! When I got the news, it was if someone told me I won lottery. Minutes later I went to my first class with new found enthusiasm, like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders. The class wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. I learned a lot more about marketing concepts and why businesses really strong marketing strategies to be successful. After class, we went over to the Parliament to hear a presentation by one of their spokesmen, Rok Zozelj who discussed the purpose and responsibility of the Parliament. I learned a lot from Mr. Zojelj, so I’d say it was a good experience outside the classroom. The only bad thing was we had to walk about an hour to get there and needless to say I was a little sleepy and tired. Ok, I might have crossed by eyes a few times and after two hours of sitting there, I realized I needed to move around, but our visit was over.

Dr. V. had more plans for us and taking a nap wasn’t part of the plan. ON his rather extensive list of things to do, a picture hunt! It was so hard, but fun at the same time, and seeing that people here don’t speak English that well and I don’t speak French, I’d say we were really challenged.

In the process of “hunting” for the pictures, I got really hungry. To my surprise we found a really good shake shop with a line of people waiting out the door and down the street. We ate, talked some more and began our trek back to our home away from home, which was only about 20 minutes away, Yeh, we got turned around a little following Dr. V. and we got kind of lost. I must say, overall it was a great day and no time to rest. I’m on my way out the door again, then I’m come back home and then to bed I go... hopefully. (LOL)

Wednesday in Belgium

I think that the students are finally 'getting' what it means to be in Europe. Everyone already has at least one story to tell and dozens of photos to show.

So far we have accomplished quite a few things:

• Our classroom is set up and we are using it the best that we can. NOTE: Biff will teach on the balcony today. Lets see.
• Everyone was able to connect with their families back home. Skype is the life saver.
• Everyone is up and ready on time (8:00) for breakfast. NOTE: Those breakfast apples are really big!
• Fascination with Belgian chocolate is as high as I have expected. Not so much with sparkling iced tea.
• The visit to the European Parliament went very well but I still don't know who crashed the presentation: us or the Icelandic group?
• Only one team has accomplished the camera race (and they have won a USB thumb drive)!

 Late last night we went to the GROTE MARKT and it was packed with people. A lot of youngesters were sitting on the ground (cobble stones) and drinking alcoholic beverages with police was roaming all around without paying any attention. Would never happen in the US, methinks.

Hotel de Ville (Town Hall)
at night, standing tall (215 ft)

6/23/06

Today was a pretty good day. We went to class and I was really tired after class we hung out and played many games. After we played many of the games we all went out to eat Meditterean food. It was pretty good overrall everyone liked the food at the restaurant. Most of the food everyone liked and especially we all tried the food that we ate and enjoyed it. After that we walked around and we to go see the markets and the people who were there to eat food. Tomorrow we will go and have class and go on more tours around Europe until next time.....

Start of the trip

It seems that storms have completely closed us off to leave Nashville on time. The whole group couldn't be rebooked because of a cancelled flight to Chicago, so everyone had to stay in the Music City USA for one night. I am stuck in Atlanta's Comfort Inn since I didn't make the connection to Brussels by about 5 hours. I am surprised by how customer unfriendly this Inn actually is. The minute we arrived (11PM local time), one receptionist at the front desk decided to take off leaving 15 people to be helped by one person only. Of course, with Murphy's guidance, slew of guests came over with their own problems cutting in front of the line. That slowed check-in process to a crawl.

Service evaluatitons:

• Room cleanliness - average
• Bathroom cleanliness - good
• TV reception - as poor as it gets
• Sound of AC - M1 Abrams comparable
• Sound insulation - poor
• Breakfast - very unhealthy selection

Overall evaluation: would not stay again.


 I think that all who decided to stay back in Nashville had easier day but I have one less leg to fly today.

First post

Good day students!

this very blog is set up for you to post your thoughts, ideas and opinions about the upcoming study abroad program in Holland and Belgium.

I know that for some of you it is the first time, but for others traveling is second nature. Either way, please share with as what you think, what you want or what you observe.

Dr. Lukosius