These are the two words that kept popping into my head the whole time we were away last week: decadent and self-indulgent. Because that’s what we were, and enjoyed it tremendously, for the most part. You…
My most recent posts! |
Things I Like about Holland
I’ve received a couple of complaints – one from Albert, my husband, and one from Robert, a colleague and friend – that I complain too much about Holland in my blog. Well, first of all, in…
Australia Comment #3: No Worries!
The most typical phrase in Australia is not “G’day, Mate,” as I expected, it’s “No worries!” It’s amazing how often we heard that phrase and in how many different situations. Someone just gave you your change…
My version of “The Truman Show”
Well, I’ve been travelling around Australia for the last month, and this is the first chance I’ve had to sit down and add anything to my blog. In case you’re curious, I’m at a sort of…
Guilt
Anyone who’s ever watched a Woody Allen film will know that guilt is built into the culture of the East Coast Jewish family. The slightest mistake that we make will make us feel guilty, even when,…
A Dutch custom I will never get used to…
When it’s someone’s birthday here in Holland, you don’t wish them a “Happy Birthday,” you say “Gefeliciteerd,” which translates more closely as “Congratulations.” What are you congratulating them for? For surviving? What makes even less sense is…
The Polder Model in Action
Have you ever heard of the Dutch polder model? It’s a political term referring to consensus decision-making. However, here in Holland, it is used within organizations as well. The idea is that everybody in the organization…
How to be Dutch
Here’s something I wrote about five years ago, but it still applies! How to Be Dutch There’s been a lot of talk in Holland lately about immigrants and about how and how much we should adapt…
A rant about Dutch supermarket shopping
I’m sure there are plenty of rude supermarket shoppers the world over, but this is something that’s happened to me numerous times here in Holland: I’m in line at the check-out. They’ve just opened up the…
