11:56pm
Started our MAS Quarter Away today at Bureau Pindakaas ad agency. The agency itself sits right on the Herengracht, one of the three original canals city-planned back in the day. The foyer is grand, with red carpet and white marble, a tall red street clock sits juxtaposed on the staircase and stained glass offers an added element to it all.
Gathered in the photo studio upstairs and acquainted ourselves. All did our informal introductions and surveyed our new digs. Joanna, our point person at Pindakaas, started the session introducing herself then going around the room (in true MAS fashion) and introducing ourselves. There are twelve greenhouse students and five porfolio students - totaling 17, a large group. Mix of characters seemed great, with students from Miami, Belgium, Spain, Canada, Germany, Brazil...
Then, entered Peggy, the director of our program and of Pindakaas. Complete with a tight scarf around her neck and a sheath skirt, she commanded the room's attention and proceeded with her own introductions. She then sat and talked to us for a bit - lent some of her feelings about the industry and where it is headed. Emphasized the importance of having our portfolio speak out and distinguish itself from others. Went on to discuss a recent business transaction in New York, describing it as a "third world country" in the way business is conducted there. I couldnt help but wince at that one inside - I just never heard anyone refer to Manhattan as a Third World Country in such a non-chalant way. What was I in for? :P
After some other formalities (mugshots, tour of the agency), we were set free for the day, being told carefully to enjoy it while we can. Grabbed some sandwiches with the crew, scuffled around the city doing some essential shopping (shampoo,etc) and then went on to see Michelle and Alicia's hacienda, then Simon and Scott's. Both of which were great and special in their own ways. A&M's place is in a 300+ year old building right in the city centrum while S&S's place sits in an attic loft with exposed beams and a loftspace.
Tired and sick of the spitting rain so headed back to finally finally unpack my clothes. Feel much better going to sleep tonight knowing I won't have to pick and pull through my suitcases tomorrow morning. Back at the agency bright and early to dig into things.
New clean comforter on my bed. Heavy eyelids. Sleep soon.
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