…and think we should adopt in our culture.
1. Gezelligheid
To quote Lonely Planet:
“This particularly Dutch quality is one of the best reasons to visit Amsterdam. It’s variously translated as snug, friendly, cosy, informal, companionable and convivial, but gezellligheid – the state of being gezellig – is something more easily experienced than defined. There’s a sense of time stopping, an intimacy of the here and now that leaves all your troubles behind, at least until tomorrow. You can get that warm and fuzzy feeling in many places and situations:
- while nursing a brew with friends
- over coffee and cake with neighbors (the stoop will do)
- lingering after a meal ….”
(p. 186, Amsterdam City Guide 7th ed., 2010)
It’s a wonderfully warm, relaxed way to live life, that is quintessentially Dutch. I’m finding it difficult to do justice to in my stories, but it’s fun trying. Maybe, I need to go back and do more research:)
I saw gezelligheid everywhere I saw people interacting. At first, I was shocked at how different the atmosphere is in restaurants. No one rushes you with a check, quiet chatter and laughter fills the air, and the warm relaxed feeling of enjoying the moment is as much a part of the experience as the food you eat. Yes, I think I need to take more notes.
2. Dutch Kissing
They kiss a lot! When Dutch people greet friends and family they kiss each other three times (alternating cheeks) and hug. You end up feeling very kissed. The open expression of caring leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. It’s nice.
3. Foot Power
People walk and ride their bicycles everywhere. It’s a flat country after all, and the people are fit and active.
4. Dutch Apple Pie
is worth the plane ticket to Holland. It oozes butter, freshly baked apples, and crisp pastry. Yum.
It’s so odd to read your comments about Amsterdam. Your take is very different than someone I just heard talking about the place. Their comment had to do with the availability of drugs. Why they wouldn’t have mentioned the apple pie, I can’t immagine. Awesome pic. Love the concept of the more laid back way of living. Certainly not what we find in most large US cities where we’re all about do more faster, faster. Thanks for the post and glad you had this experience.
Hi Marsha
Yes, I agree Amsterdam is many things to many people. I even heard Nederlanders outside the city refer to it as the Sodom and Gomorrah of Holland. For me, staying in Amsterdam for a month was a wonderful experience. The art galleries and museums are magnificent and the culture is warm and embracing. I’m using it as my setting because it intrigues me, how people can be so much the same, and yet so different.
Happy writing
Jo-Ann
Love the pictures…but love the apple pie most of all. Could really use some of it…aw heck – could really use ALL of it, right about now. And I wouldn’t share. Great blog – great posts. Lisa McManus Lange
http://www.lisamcmanuslange.blogspot.com
Hi Lisa
Thanks for stopping by for the two dimensional pie.
Happy writing
Jo-Ann
I love Amsterdam. It’s a beautiful, laid-back city and a great place to get away from it all. The canals, the sidestreets, river cruises and coffee houses guarantee a relaxing time. I too love the way everyone cycles. It’s one of my favourite European cities. I haven’t tried their apple pie, but definitely will next time I visit.
Emma
It is a very special place. Thanks for stopping by.
Best
Jo-Ann