Life Begins at 30

Exactly 10 months and 19 days ago,  I came to the Netherlands with my luggages in tow, curious as to the kind of life I will have in Holland.  Today, I look back and realize that in more ways than one, I have become accustomed or maybe partially imbibed what they call The Dutch Life… let me count the ways.

• I have a PINK Dutch Drivers License. And I love it!
• The yellow traffic light – I consider that to mean “Drive Faster!”
• I use triangles in the road to tell me if I must pass first.
• I have developed a liking for Frikandel (but only before I learned what kind of meat actually went in there.)
• I am eating more potatoes than rice.
• I am addicted to Griesmeel. (Thank you, Rina!)
  
• I actually own a horrible pair of Dutch boots,  a flashback of what being fashionable meant during the 80’s. (I’m sorry Giuliana, i know you hate seeing me wear them, but the boots are really comfy!)
• I am in love with fresh mint tea.
• My palate has become accustomed to less salty, less spicy dishes. (At least now I can say, I can find refuge in Surinamese food, as though it were real Chinese food!)
  
• I look forward to waking up early in the morning on Satudays to go to the open market
• I have become experimental with my “cheese”.
  
• I wear tights and skirt sometimes.  Go Madonna!
  
• I can pronounce Scheveningen properly (sometimes!!!).
• I actually keep a strippenkaart in my wallet for emergency purposes.
• I am getting used to having a separate toilet and bathroom.
• I know my geography a little bit. I can tell you the capital of each of the 12 provinces… doesn’t that sound so geeky?
• I eat tosti met ham and kaas for lunch, sometimes!
• I actually love Dutch music – Think Tiesto, Kane, Armin van Buren, PVD, Chuckie, Ilse de Lange to name a fiew.

Griesmeel, my current obsession

I can go on and on about this whole Dutch life experience  and how much of me is still  left as unDutchable (like not owning a bike!).  At the end of the day,  what really matters is that I still keep the same values and I am still the same person, only with more love to give. To all the Filipinos shivering in the cold Dutch weather, here’s my favorite Dutch band to give you some goede lovin’ – Kane – No Surrender