Dutch men, stereotypically speaking, display a keen aversion to romantic gestures. Amongst friends who also have Dutch partners, it’s an endless source amusement and frustration.  I’ve heard of dead flower gifts, ignored anniversaries, forgotten birthdays and even inviting his ex along for a romantic night for three. Events like this would cause break-ups in other countries or at least the ‘silent treatment’ for a day or two. Yet here in Holland it’s fairly run of the mill.  Sweeping a girl off her feet is strictly left to the romantics down in Southern Europe, who the Dutch secretly believe are a little crazy from all the sun.      

So why do we all stick around?   Good question…

No seriously, if you speak to any foreigner who wound up with a Dutchie they’ll tell you that Dutch men make up for their unromantic hearts in the every day things.  They cook, clean, feed the cat, take out the garbage, rarely complain, never nag and seem to be in a perpetual good mood.  It amazes me how much pleasure they take in the simple things in life, how they try to make everything ‘gezellig’ (cosy) and how they still think we’re wonderful despite our temper tantrums about living in Holland.   

Tomorrow is Valentine’s day.  I wonder if he’ll remember?

It’s official. The final stage of my Dutchifcation is underway.   I speak Dutch ALL DAY.   

My body is physically rejecting it.  After the first day my ears rang louder than the Dom church at 10.15 on a Sunday morning. Swallowing was torture and the 5 minute walk home felt longer than my old 90 minute commute from Amstelveen.    A less perceptive person might conclude I’ve finally fallen victim to the nasty flu going around.  Yet those who have followed my sometimes bumpy road to integration will agree that my body is fighting it all the way.   

I’m afraid it’s a lost cause as my first impression of the company is excellent.  I received flowers and cake on my first day, I’m the last person to leave at 5pm and the work requires real brain activity.   Even my colleagues are fun.  They are a young, motivated bunch and we laugh all day.  At times I think they are laughing at me and my retarded Dutch but on the other hand, at least I’m providing entertainment value. It’s astounding what a difference working close to home can make.  I won 3 hours a day.   

Now I just have to work out what do to with them.  Ideas are welcome.