I LOVE learning about new cultures and seeing what differences there are between all the places I've visited or lived in. Somedays it's crazy to think I've lived in 4 countries and am only 28 years old, but there are other days I'm in awe of how the Lord has brought me through so many adventures. I've really been blessed by so many lovely people and cultures along the way. Being in a new place and learning a new culture has been exciting, although it definitely comes with it's challenges too. I am aware of people's shocked faces when my introduction blurb has 3 cultures as part of my family alone. Haha. It creates some fascinating conversations.
I've never lived in Europe and so wanted to write 6 cultural findings living here in The Netherlands! These are quite general but it's a start....
1. Bicycle culture:
The bicycle paths here are amazing. I am still getting used to the fact you can really cycle safely ANYWHERE and you have your own path and traffic light. It's so cool to see the tiny kiddos cycle to school or the large bakfiet cycles carrying a few kids. The Dutch are cycle experts. It's amazing! The amount of times I have looked like a fool just trying to get on my seat.....
2. Work culture:
The Dutch are hard workers, but everything here closes at a reasonable time, especially clothing stores. This is to make sure that people are home for dinner with their families. How beautiful is that? They value their holiday time and overall don't seem so stressed by their regular job. Family time truly matters and they take it seriously. (I'm fairly certain this depends on the job and know that many people suffer from burn-out etc).
3. Cafe culture:
It's so wonderful to see so many people out and about enjoying the little sunshine that exists. The outdoor cafes are always full of families and people enjoying time together. Being a coffee and cafe lover, I am loving this about The Netherlands. I think it's something I've done the most since being here: meeting a friend for coffee or sitting at a cafe for the afternoon. There is no rush at a cafe as I think people are used to students studying or people working etc. So you can sit at a cafe all day and be content. The frustrating part is definitely paying, as most places only take a Dutch pin or cash. The use of a credit card or international debit card is basically non-existent. Haha.
4. Weather-talk culture:
There are probably 50 different words for rain in Dutch. The amount of different types of rain is quite a shock here. I've only really been used to: drizzle and downpour (Asian monsoon!) But here....woah! It's amazing how people are brave and used to it so they will still cycle places and just learn to dress appropriately. The wind speeds are not kind to your umbrella- so forget that idea!
5. Flower culture:
The Dutch and their flowers! I stood at a flower shop the other day and was overwhelmed by the choices. They know how to beautify their homes and gardens for sure. Such a cool welcoming gift or 'bring to a friend' gift. I'm used to bringing cookies or a drink to a dinner invite, but the Dutch will bring flowers. I really like this normal. Flowers aren't seen as a "get well" only or a "congrats" or a "condolences" only type situation. They are just everywhere and for ALL occasions.
6. Communication culture:
I've really appreciated the genuine bluntness of the Dutch. People view it as rude and maybe sometimes it can be, but once you live here it somehow doesn't seem that way anymore. It's quite nice not to have to figure out what people are thinking or worry about if you understood them wrong or what they mean, cuz they'll just tell you! It's refreshing actually. Time is not wasted and people aren't misunderstood nearly as much. I've only met kind waiters and waitresses and kind people on the bike paths when I'm lost and need direction help :) I've been so impressed that here in Den Haag, everyone speaks English! The Dutch are so gifted in languages. The biggest difference for me communication wise is the lack of spontaneity. The Dutch love planning and appointments. Nothing is wrong with that- it's just something I need to get used to. I'm the "can we meet in an hour for coffee" person...... so it's definitely a new ball game here.
There are many more things I could have written about but I thought I'd just pick 6. I am grateful for the cultural realizations that are happening. It somehow helps me settle more and learn to make this beautiful place home!
