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A Guide to Confusion and Mild Acceptance

 

Thirteen years. That’s how long I’ve been in the United States, trying (and often failing) to fully embrace the American way of life. At this point, I’m hardly surprised by anything anymore. Drive-thrus for everything? Sure. People wearing pajamas to the grocery store? Fine. Cheese that comes in a spray can? Okay, that one still haunts me.

Somewhere between my first encounter with unlimited soda refills and my discovery that Americans actually like coleslaw, I realized: adapting is a lifelong process. So here I am, still trying to make sense of it all—one overly large portion size at a time.

 

The Latest Blogs

Why the Netherlands is a Political Buffet and the USA is a Two-Party Potluck.

Ah, politics—a topic that’s as divisive as pineapple on pizza and just as likely to spark a heated debate at the dinner table. It’s a world where ideologies clash, alliances shift, and the unexpected is always lurking around the corner. Whether it’s the Netherlands with its kaleidoscope of political parties or the USA with its two-party tug-of-war, the contrasts are as fascinating as they are baffling. And then there’s Trump, a man who approaches geopolitics like a game of Risk, complete with tariffs, territorial ambitions, and a flair for the dramatic. So, buckle up as we navigate the peculiarities of Dutch democracy, the quirks of American politics, and the ever-entertaining chaos that ties it all together. Oh, and don’t worry—we’ll throw in some humor to keep things light.

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A Dive into American and Dutch Transit Differences

When it comes to transportation, the USA and the Netherlands are as different as night and day, each with its own quirks and let's face it, plenty of charm. Picture this: cycling in the Netherlands is like an art form, with bicycle lanes smoother than a hip café's latte foam. 

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Directness vs. "Friendliness"

Dutch people are known for their directness. An American might say, "That's an interesting approach," when they think your idea is terrible. A Dutch person will say, "That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. It has the intellectual merit of a concussed goldfish. I worry about the education system that produced you," and then invite you for coffee, 

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The Hilarious Differences Between Dutch and American Humor

As a person born in the Netherlands who has spent some time observing American humor, I’ve come to realize that what makes one culture burst into laughter might leave another in complete confusion. It’s like telling a joke to your dog—sure, he might tilt his head and wag his tail, but does he get it?

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Unraveling the Secrets of the Dutch East India Company: A Journey Through History

Did you know Amsterdam, with its picturesque canals and crooked buildings, once harbored the world's most powerful trading company? Picture this: a group of ambitious Dutch merchants sail thousands of miles into the unknown to bring back spices that would make your grandma's cooking seem downright bland. Welcome to the age of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), where adventure, trade, and a dash of mischief came together in ways that history books often overlook!

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