First impressions of the Dutch culture

[ENGLISH]

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Everyone is affraid of big changes. Far from home, you need to met new people, language make you uncomfortable... If all that was not enough, you have to get used to the weather, especially when you are used to warmer temperatures.

Once you get to the Netherlands from the Basque Country, everything changes. The weather gets cooler, people are more quiet, you start to use an old-fashioned bike, which you wouldn´t be using in your home town... Just a few days in the Netherlands and the culture shock is visible. Here, everyone prefers to be at home. If by chance there is a need, no one refuses to take the bicycle. Actually, they go at full speed, as if flying. But, how can it be? How can something be so different so close to home?

Dutch, are famous for their frankness, independence and self-reliance. They are very tolerant of individual differences and international influence. Their strong egalitarian values permeate many segments of their society. This contributes to low instances of poverty and fairness in the workplace. Dutch frankness can border on rudeness for the non-Dutch.

I have newly arrived to the Netherlands, land of no noise. The first thing you notice is that nobody is talking, no one is going to be shouting to the other. Why are they so quiet? As an example, when you enter a shop, everyone is engrossed in themselves and their tasks. However, when you go and ask something everybody is ready to help you. It seems to be true what everyone was told me before coming here. It seems to be true that they are very open and nice... So far, Dutch people are truly friendly. They would always ask me with genuine curiosity what I was doing in the Netherlands. They gave me the time and patience to help me with English. Despite my poor level, they asked me many interesting and intelligent questions.

By difference, the most weird thing for me is to watch the incoherence of the dutch society. Since I came here, I have realized that this society is more advanced than Basque in many aspects. From my point of view, their most important way of transport is also the most dangerous. People seem to not worry about their physical security. Most of the time, I see people bike with only one hand or chatting on the mobile phone. In the Basque Country, it is obligatory to use a helmet even when there seems to be no danger. Moreover, the Dutch ride using headphones, so they are completely isolated and they get exposed to even more danger.

In a nutshell, apart from the differences that I have mentioned, this week has been a fast welcome to the open Dutch culture. From experiencing cycling along with fast motorcycles, to dealing with people who are always ready to help you. I am ready for all the new adventures that this community has in store.

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