How the Dutch Gambrel-Roofed Their Way Into American Architecture (And My Heart)
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A Guide to Confusion and Mild Acceptance
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.
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The Unsung Hero of the High Seas: Adriaen Block’s Wild Ride
A place of breathtaking beauty, rugged charm, and the occasional historical nugget that makes you say, “Wait, WHO was Adriaen Block?”
Kingsday? Tales of a Dutchie Abroad
As I sit here in the USA, sipping my coffee that somehow tastes less Dutch without stroopwafels on the side, I can’t help but think about today: Koningsdag, or Kingsday. Thirteen years in America, and I still can’t fully shake the longing for this glorious day of orange chaos back in the Netherlands.
Why the Netherlands is a Political Buffet and the USA is a Two-Party Potluck.
Ah, politics—a topic that’s as divisive as pineapple on pizza and just as likely to spark a heated debate at the dinner table. It’s a world where ideologies clash, alliances shift, and the unexpected is always lurking around the corner. Whether it’s the Netherlands with its kaleidoscope of political parties or the USA with its two-party tug-of-war, the contrasts are as fascinating as they are baffling. And then there’s Trump, a man who approaches geopolitics like a game of Risk, complete with tariffs, territorial ambitions, and a flair for the dramatic. So, buckle up as we navigate the peculiarities of Dutch democracy, the quirks of American politics, and the ever-entertaining chaos that ties it all together. Oh, and don’t worry—we’ll throw in some humor to keep things light.
A Dive into American and Dutch Transit Differences
When it comes to transportation, the USA and the Netherlands are as different as night and day, each with its own quirks and let's face it, plenty of charm. Picture this: cycling in the Netherlands is like an art form, with bicycle lanes smoother than a hip café's latte foam.
Directness vs. "Friendliness"
Dutch people are known for their directness. An American might say, "That's an interesting approach," when they think your idea is terrible. A Dutch person will say, "That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. It has the intellectual merit of a concussed goldfish. I worry about the education system that produced you," and then invite you for coffee,