Random Ramblings 2

I'm overdue for some ranting and raving. I'm sure you've missed it, so here it goes. This one is all about the arrogant, rude American stereotype. I'm sure most of you are aware of it, how American's are perceived in the rest of the world. At least that's what we hear at home. I gotta tell you, I'm a real doubter of its validity. Now I know there are certain places that dislike American's more than others... the Middle East comes to mind. But more and more, as I visit different places and ask questions of the locals, my perception is changing a little on that 'ol ditty. Just as we came to disbelieve the French are snobs after our visit there, I'm hearing (and seeing) American's have not cornered the market on rudeness and arrogance. One of the things I bitch about at home is how self-centered people act. The notion that they are the only beings in existance, and when out in public, walking around, and definitely on the roads, their needs are the only ones of concern. Well, the US does not have the monopoly on that type of behavior! I can attest to that. It's almost a "slam dance" sometimes when I walk down the streets in certain parts of Amsterdam. There's an abundance of people who walk Tokyo while looking Chicago!! I used to cut and move like Walter Payton or Barry Sanders dodging these self-involved chumps. People stopped right in front of me, looking through a window of a store, and right when I come up on them they'll back up right into me or in front of me. Hardly anyone looks around as they walk or stop, to see the impact of their forthcoming action. I got tired of it and now just collide right into them. Hey, it works!!! They get shocked and knocked a little silly (okay...I'm slight but I am solid!) and I brace for it. They apologize and collect themselves. I say "No problem." in my American accent, and continue on. It's like this with the bike riders and car drivers too. Kinda reminds me of people at home, in the far left lane realizing at the last second they have to turn right and cutting across 3 lanes of traffic at that instant, instead of being polite and protecting the safety of themselves, passengers, and other drivers by going to the next intersection and making a u-turn. Lord knows those couple of seconds or even minutes will kill them or ruin their entire day.

In earlier posts I mention my perception to be that the Dutch people seem very nice. For the most part, this still remains my opinion. However, as the saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt. In this application, contempt is too strong a word of course! Let's just say I continue to gain a fuller understanding of Dutch culture with each passing day. And like American culture, the Dutch culture is in a constant state of change. Amsterdam has a considerable immigrant population. Where the US has seen it's most dramatic changes come from Latin America, Eastern Europe and Northern Africa seem to be the major additions to Dutch culture. Amsterdam is a beautiful city. Upon closer inspection you discover the considerable amount of debris and trash floating in the canals. Even with the abundance of street cleaners in this socialistic country, there's almost always something blowing around your feet carried by the wind. And with all of the signage prohibiting pet owners from allowing their dogs to "deposit goodies" on the sidewalks, there seems to be a fair amount of doggy souvenirs out there! I have seen many people walking their dogs, but have yet to witness one allowing Rover to "unleash" his cargo on the sidewalk. Staying on subject of "laws", it seems they are more like "suggestions". Perhaps the Dutch have an underlying knowledge of the law, but approach it as "Yeah, but it can't be for me!" kinda thing. Also, it seems they may not be too used to polite behavior. I was waiting for Radhika's tram to arrive one evening near the apartment, and a number of other people were in the area waiting, I assume, for friends or transportation because we were next to a gym. A woman was crossing the street pulling a rolling basket containing various articles. As she crossed the tram tracks, her load spilled. I could see it happening before the fact as things began to slide out, and had started out into the street. I helped her pick up everything and crossed the street with her. She was very thankful (in Dutch) and as I returned to my waiting space, the men and women smiled at me. I took it as a "...that was a nice thing..." look, but wondered why no one else made a move. I have opened doors, helped a woman in the grocery store, and in every instance I can remember, I got a sense that they are not used to others making an effort to make their day a little better or easier.

Well, the observations will continue. I can't help it, it's part of what I do!! And you get to be on the receiving end of it all. Oh boy! Today is Wednesday, and I'm making general preparations for our move. We'll be using the GE car to move our stuff from this apartment to our new one, possibly as early as Friday night. Saturday will be for the professionals to deliver our stuff, and Sunday morning we'll move any remaining items from this current place. So when after all of this rig-a-maroll is over, I'll write again.