Went to a dutch swap meet today....

I land in Franfurt on the 4th february.

I will enjoy the red cabbage and gravy, alas you can have the pork and spuds. 

I will get some fish or chicken for my main.

hugs,

Pete

PS I miss europe. Was that wife or husband swapping ?

KathiM said:

Bhahahahaha!!!

Both, I would imagine, Pete, knowing the Dutch!!!!!

 

Actually, it was better than that.  First of all, I must remind you that neither the Dutch nor the Germans are very good at spontaneous laughter...and, well, to put it short....I AM!!!  So, I laughed loudly at an experience while we were there, and infected other people there as well...first stares, and then, when I explained, with smiles...

I was negotiating a price for some stuff, in my best Dutch (which, BTW, is getting VERY MUCH better!).  The seller responded with something, I understood the 5 but not the 50 (cents).  I asked her twice, and then said (in Dutch)..."I only know 2 languages, Dutch and English and my Dutch is not very good...I don't understand what you are saying!" (mind you, with a smile on my face...).  She then smiled, and switched to Dutch/English...she said "Oh, I thought you were German!"  (I have much family from Germany originally, and, with my dark brown hair and eyes, and square chin, this is not the first time I have been mistaken for being German).  So, that, of course, started a chat about me coming from So California, and we live here in The Netherlands 6 months of the year...etc...and she complementing me on my Dutch....

For the rest of the walk, I was smiling...and telling my story...the Dutch LOVE to speak English...and I love to interact...so, it's always a win/win!  (except one German guy who, after running into something, and I sort of comiserated with a chuckle along with his female companion, gave me SUCH a LOOK!!!)....

Grins, dearest....see you in February....safe travels!!!

Hugs, Kathi

i am proud of my dutch genes

hugs,

pete