8 reactions to this article

daniel r gould posted: 2009-12-23 14:03:38

I read the article twice. But not because I found it so interesting. The headline had mentioned that the expat was trying to understand the Dutch postal system. However, it was not in the interview text...I know because I read it twice.

Mary posted: 2009-12-24 00:04:34

I really enjoyed reading this article. I am an American and have been living in the Netherlands for 5 years now. I loved hearing the insight and the HUMOR of this man as he shares his Netherlands experience. Thanks so much for writing this!!!
LIke him, I wondered about why no Starbucks...but actually, I think I know why. I think Starbucks would have difficulty matching the coffee here if only in terms of ritual. They would have to alter their selection and also how they serve customers. Of course, I don't live in a big city. Perhaps in a place like Amsterdam. a Starbucks would work.

I have figured out how to control the Albert Hein checkout problem he describes. The cashier can't begin ringing up the next customer until he or she tenders your sale. So, you can take charge by simply postponing payment until you have all your stuff packed up the way you want it. You can do this and be totally polite and friendly...while firmly standing your ground.

Your blog is really fun and actually heart-warming. I thoroughly enjoyed your take on Sinter Klaus... Thanks again for writing!

Ken Hardy posted: 2009-12-28 11:10:37

Daniel and Mary

Thanks for the comments and Daniel they must have edited it out. I wrote how lovely it is to walk into a TNT and everyone is sooooo nice but that it takes anywhere from 2-8 weeks to get a letter. My Mailman just smiles at me and says yeah, sorry, I know, tomorrow, I am sure I will be receiving Christmas Cards for the next two months! Mary I will try that but I hope I do not get some angry Den Haagers yelling things at me or throwing Haggelslag at me!. (I will try it if i have a lot of groceries)

Cathy van Hoorn posted: 2009-12-30 21:20:54

I like this "story" about Kenneth experiences very much. As a Dutch person I learn about the way other people see the Netherlands and their inhabitors. I liked it very much.

Ann Brown posted: 2010-01-03 04:33:13

Ken,

Really lovely story that is so vividly written!

ken posted: 2010-01-03 13:50:57

Danku Ann! You are in Holland, yes? Where? When I can read about you?
I have a blog of Dutch stories if interested....

http://dutchdepression.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html

Ann Brown posted: 2010-01-04 21:49:30

Hi again Ken,

No, I don't have a blog and I am in the Roosendaal/Breda area. However, I did take a peek on your blog. Very interesting and insightful!

Ruth posted: 2010-02-11 12:06:45

Very good article! so funny about the groceries at AH and the fast walking, and the dangerous bikes...I had the same feeling!!! and the food, for me is not good, but I am mexican anyway so is hard to get good and tasty food for my parameters.
I share so much about your comments! You are not alone, there are other expats that share the same, with a dutch partner, but it seems to me that dutch people don't understand this differences and frustrations because they are used to this. Let me tell you something: the health service is AWFUL, so I bet you will miss that from the US. And I am a woman, so giving birth at home is now supposed to be normal?! (Am I in the middle age or what?)
Good luck, I am sure you will get used to, just be patient and keep on trying. And I mean it you are not alone, expats are a lot here and a lot of people speak english, so you can share your opinions.
Good luck!