The Dutch People

My Experience in the Netherlands

    My family is diverse and well spread throughout the world. My mom's side of the family resides in the Netherlands. So naturally, we every once in a while go to visit. The first time I was in the Netherlands I was in a complete culture shock. I was in probably third or fourth grade when I went their my first time. The people in the Netherlands are extremely friendly. I remember walking through the city and eight out of ten people walking by would say "Hoy" (Hello). At first, it took getting used to because I was used to just not saying anything to strangers. I eventually just started initiating the "Hoy" and it became a normal thing. 

    Another thing that shocked me was the freedom I was given. We were staying at my aunt's house and I would just hang out with my cousin and his friends there. The city we were staying in was relatively small so I knew how to get to certain places after a few weeks. I'd say everyone owns a bike in the Netherlands. I would use my family's bike to just go around anywhere I wanted. The shock was that I was able to just freely go where I pleased with no supervision. At home, Long Island, I would never be allowed to just roam endlessly without my parents at least knowing where I would be, especially as a fourth grader. That was the thing though, there really wasn't anything to worry about over there. The city was small so most of the residents in Bolsward knew one another. Bolsward was also a very social city so I was comfortable asking anyone anything. It's definitely not like Long Island I know that much.