Culture Shock!

My step-father went in search of more information about the brand of motorcycles that fueled his passion, and it was then that he befriended a Dutchman. They became regular pen pals, exchanging letters, cards and friendship for over a decade.

Unfortunately my step-father's health was failing and, after several remissions of cancer, he finally knew he was losing the battle. His friend knew it was now or never to meet his long time friend, my stepfather. When the Dutchie arrived on my parents doorstep on the 14th of February we greeted each other with a hug. We were hooked! So I made the decision, packed my belongings, put them in storage, and boarded a plane to The Netherlands.

I had never read anything about the country; all I had was the mental image of windmills, tulips and wooden shoes. I didnt even know where in Europe it was located, I thought somewhere south of France.

On the way home from the airport, half asleep in the car I was looking at all the cars and trucks and road signs and thinking, it's not so different. Everyone was talking in another language. Finally, next to the highway I saw it: a windmill, and I thought, ah there we go, that's what I was expecting, now I know I am in Holland!

First impressions were of a flat, busy, industrial looking, clean, neat, organized and over crowded country. Holland has some 17 million residents for a very small country. That's when the culture shock first took hold of me! I don't think I really prepared myself for this. I never even really said goodbye to my family or friends, I just jumped in with both feet.

Culture shock is an overwhelming feeling that you really can't prepare for. You normally go through many different levels, first it's just joy and then you feel like you are on a vacation. Then the day to day life settles in. You are no longer a tourist, no longer able to get by with only knowing English and you have to start making some adjustments. Everyone in town was anxious to meet "the American." The town we live in has about 2600 residents, and everyone knows everyone. Of course, after living in the country for 3 weeks, then the questions start to come. "DO YOU SPEAK DUTCH YET?" has to top the list of the most annoying and irritating of them all.

Thankfully, though, we took a first tour of Europe. We took a motorcycle through Germany, Switzerland and into Northern Italy where we vacationed for a week. It was the most amazing trip. I remember at one point we stopped to take pictures, and it just dawned on me: I was sitting on a Swiss Alp. I started laughing. How amazing is that? You have no idea how liberating and free a feeling that was. So I basically felt like I was backpacking across Europe except I did it on the back of a Harley!

So fall turns into winter, and my days are full of cleaning and packing. We have been approved for a new house. Yep, that's how overcrowded this country is. You have to put your name on a waiting list for housing. When we moved into our new home it really helped because I was able to decorate it the way I wanted to, which also made me feel like I was settling in and had a little place of my own in this country.

Another important thing has helped me is the network of friends I have: I also have a terrific support system from my in-laws, and I don't think I would have made it without their support.

I am now able to speak the language, which also helps you finally feel like you are finding your way around here. Everyday is a learning experience. Every day you walk out the door as a foreigner. Everyday you are confronted with the fact that you are a long way from home, then you see the tulip fields in the spring time or a perfect stranger tells you how great your Dutch is and you start to feel like you belong. It hasn't always been easy, and there have been a lot of ups and downs, but I wouldn't change this adventure that has become my life for anything in the world. I never thought I would end up living in Europe, but here I am.

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