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.
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?
So, here I am, staring into the abyss of my phone screen, and the abyss stares right back with targeted ads for socks and existential dread. It's a real love-hate relationship, you know?
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!
Picture this: two intrepid travelers, filled with excitement, embarking on what they hope will be the ultimate bucket list adventure. Destination: Niagara Falls! But little did we know, what began as a straightforward plan to see one of nature’s most breathtaking wonders would turn into a day of serendipity, a comedy of errors, and—best of all—a little bit of unexpected magic.
Ah, the days of my pre-car life in Rotterdam. No driver’s license, no car, and not a worry in the world. Just efficient, punctual, and downright delightful public transportation. Let me tell you, the Dutch have mastered the art of making buses and subways a luxurious affair. Imagine, if you will, buses and subways arriving every 11 minutes like clockwork. It was so wonderfully reliable that even my coffee machine at home couldn’t compete!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from living between two cultures, it’s that Americans really know how to throw a party. And when I say party, I don’t mean your average “let’s have some cake and call it a day” kind of gathering. No, no. I’m talking about all-out, break-the-bank, second-mortgage-worthy celebrations that make Dutch birthdays look like a cozy book club meeting. Never understood why Dutch people sit in a circle when celebrating a Birthday. Oh well.