10 Things the Dutch do Differently…in no particular order:
Park at your own risk. The edges of the canals have no barriers to keep parking cars from going over the edge. Due to the narrow nature of old town European streets, people often park within inches, and climb out the passenger side door to avoid falling into the canal!
People are taken-aback by the greeting “How are you?” To ask someone this is quite an intimate question.
Virtually the entire country looks like a manicured garden. Stunning blooms in the Spring...yellow, tree-lined paths in the Fall. Green countryside fields separated by the straightest grids of water-filled trenches. It’s quite difficult to find a view that is not stunning.
If there’s one thing the grocery store will never run out of, it’s spices. Traditional Dutch food is pretty bland.
A public petting zoo will be found in almost every town. These often include chickens, goats, and even small deer, and provide excellent opportunities to alleviate oneself of produce which may be on its last leg. Note: goats LOVE grapes.
75 degree temperatures prompt a mass flocking of people to the beaches. This generally constitutes a “hot” summer day.
French fries are typically served in a cone, topped with mayonnaise, and are considered a full meal, not a side. John and I have “frites” for lunch about once a week, and both of us will state that our snack shop of choice makes the best we’ve ever had...especially the sweet potato fries
Housing. In a set of traditional row-homes, large front windows lead directly to kitchens, dining rooms, and living spaces. As you walk along the sidewalk, it is not unusual to get an up-close view of residents cooking, having a family meal, or perhaps watching tv. You almost feel like you’re part of the family!
“My English is not so good” basically translates to “my English is perfect”. Nearly everyone speaks excellent English...yet many are insecure about it. Let them hear me try to speak Dutch to increase their confidence!
Bikes commonly have an extra passenger on the front or the back. How they ride so gracefully, we still have yet to determine.
The list could go on…but it has to stop somewhere :) What a blessing to get to experience and learn from a culture different than our own. These are treasured observations and memories I hope to cherish for my lifetime…even the silly ones :)
