My Magical Journey to The Netherlands
April 14, 2011I’ve been out of the country this week–traveling through The Netherlands, visiting with family, attending the Global Speakers Summit, and enjoying the miles and miles of sandy beaches. It’s been quite magical and I am trying to savour every moment of the journey. It’s always so exciting to me, to immerse myself in another culture.
I’m traveling with my son, which makes it all the more special. We’ve learned about the history of Amsterdam while sailing along the various canals. And we took a boat trip around the harbour of Rotterdam–which was once the largest port in the world (now the second-largest). Rotterdam is very modern, with some of the most unique architecture I have ever seen. Cube homes and buildings with large overhangs across the street or water. Certainly much larger than the overhang over the Grand Canyon!
It has finally sunk in why the Dutch are so hard working… it’s the caffeine. Yesterday, I was determined to keep up but I had to quit at 2 espresso’s 2 cappucino’s and 2 teas. Even while shopping, I was issued an espresso. There’s no looking at clothes until you’ve had a conversation about life, and had your COFFEE!
The current fashion trend here is boots, boots, boots. Ninety nine percent of the women were wearing boots. Tall, tight boots are for winter and cold days and ankle length wide-legged boots are for warmer spring days. Apparently, then the air can circulate.
Another new fashion trend is “treggings,” — a cross between leggings and trousers. Tight legged is the norm, with stretch. No woman is caught in the main centers wearing jogging pants.
Tunic tops and longer tops are everywhere, with short jackets. Remember when we would not be caught dead with blouses longer the jackets? Well the reverse now holds true here. Silver is everywhere and the jewelry is definitely big and chunky.
Makeup is minimal.
Our last errand of the day was to buy flowers to take to my mother’s twin sister. The cost of 20 roses was 6.50 euros, or just under $10. Why wouldn’t you have your home filled with flowers??!!
The Dutch are so much more direct and open than we are, especially about body parts. When the women were discussing
breasts (and not in general terms but very personal terms)Michael, my son, was a bit uncomfortable. A Dutch man simply explained to him in his broken English – “Isn’t it nice to hear woman talk about their breasts”.
As for me I’m just going with the flow. While in Holland I will do as the Dutch do as I explore my cultural roots.
Next up? A bicycle tour! (stay tuned for more on that!)
Life Explorer
Margaret
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