Let me start this by saying: I like my country. Always have. Sure, there’s lots wrong with it, but I feel at home here in the Netherlands. The fact ‘our’ hockey men are just playing at the Olympics as I type this, has nothing to do with that. Although the Olympics (held in London!) did kind of captivate me in a way it hadn’t before in the past 20 years.
Maybe it’s because they’re held in London and local friends keep buzzing about it, but I’m now baffled that my neighbours aren’t as thrilled about it as I am. Even though I never understood watching sport, I could hardly have cared less before the actual opening ceremony and I stayed away from my beloved London because of the predicted madness. In any event, I like the games and so my TV has been on since the fireworks. I’m not watching religiously; I don’t mind missing goals while I’m doing laundry. But I can conclude I’m actually a sport slut: no matter what is on, it fascinates me. Which easily can be justified by mentioning how peaceful the atmosphere seems and how refreshing it is to see real talent on the tube.
Naturally it gets even more exciting when there’s Dutch players involved. Or British ones, for that matter. That’s right, I cheer for both teams. I like seeing this much London on the telly and I love God Save The Queen. I also love spending days in English pubs with locals, while I hardly do this with Dutch friends. I have an Oyster card, yet I hate the OV-chipkaart system. Furthermore, I get very annoyed with people over here not understanding how escalators work or how to queue properly, like the Brits. And obviously, the best music was made in the United Kingdom. So I fully understand why you call it ‘Great’ Britain, yes.
Now I’m not trying to justify the pictures you’ll see when scrolling down, ‘cause as I said at the start: I do feel very orange. I’m Dutch and I like our down-to-earth-ness (‘doe maar normaal dan doe je al gek genoeg’) and the open, honest directness (no reason to be polite if you don’t mean it). I’m also used to the euro now, we eat normal things for breakfast, we drive on the right side of the road (mustn’t forget that one!) and overall it’s just very ‘gezellig’ here (no dear, you really don’t have a word for that in English).
I’ve decided to study English. So I’ll actually know what I’m doing, instead of ‘just’ putting into practice what I’ve learned along the way. I know I’m pretty good at it already, but by far not as good as many of you kind souls keep telling me. It’s a good move and it will be good to eventually have it in writing that I’m somewhat skilled in this language. (Now I’m suddenly aware this column/blog-thing might be considered homework… and where was I going with this?) Anyway, you’ve always been more than welcome to point out spelling errors (or typos). One can only learn from it.
So maybe it’s because I’m so interested in England (and visit often). Maybe it’s because I’m better at playing Mornington Crescent than most of them, or just since I drink my tea with milk – but one of my friends gave me honorary citizenship! (Which I just wanted to show off really). I have a suspicion he’s not actually in the position to do that, but I’m proud to be anyway. Without disregarding my roots of course. Go Team NL!!
My honorary British passport. Which was actually a (birthday?) present made by Todd. I love this. It has stamps from recent visits too! And yes, the picture shows me on a slide. (I also decided to keep the nail-less thumb in there, in case you’re wondering).
One Comment
You’re suspicion is correct
Though it may not be legally binding, it’s a pleasure to have you as an honorary Brit. I’ll have to brush up on my Mornington Crescent skills now, or you’ll be more British than me!! 