Illustration: Henk van Ruitenbeek Since I moved to the Netherlands and became part of an international community, I have become intrigued by the different occasions when you wish the person you are talking to something. For example, in Greece, it is common to wish people ‘a good month’ on the 1st of every month. In the Dutch culture there is a similar occasion, which I am trying to get used to. On Friday evenings, everyone from your co-workers to the bus driver or the cashier at the supermarket will wish you ‘Fijn weekend!’
Such a nice addition to otherwise mundane conversation
Wishing someone a good weekend is such a nice addition to an otherwise mundane conversation, especially when accompanied by a smile. In my opinion, it also shows the value of the weekend in the Dutch culture. From conversations I have had with some of my Dutch friends, I have realized that for the Dutch the weekend is the time to rest, eat some kibbeling at the local market, and enjoy your time with family and friends.
Eva Katsimpri, MSc student of Tourism, Society and Environment from Greece
Do you have a nice anecdote about your experience of going Dutch? Send it in! Describe an encounter with Dutch culture in detail and comment on it briefly. 300 words max. Send it to Resource@wur.nl and earn 25 euros and Dutch candy.
