Around this time of the semester, every single college student is completely into the study grind and can no longer imagine a time when we were "young and wild and free" or put into other words: enjoying summer break. I am no exception to this phenomenon. As I am studying for my next exam or writing yet another theology paper, summer break seems like a life time ago, even though only little over a month has passed. For these two different worlds have a very literal meaning. As soon as I board the plane from Amsterdam to go to Cleveland, or the other way around, I enter a completely different world and a different me. Don't get me wrong, having two homes definitely has its benefits, but while I am grinding out all of my course work, there are some things I miss about the Netherlands.
1. Hagelslag
This chocolaty good is something every Dutch person loves and appreciates, while it confuses every single foreigner.
2. Bikes
I am definitely not a fan of walking everywhere, but it ridiculous how much Americans use their cars. Just choose the middle path and ride a bike.
3. My Dutch friends
Americans are cool, but my Dutch friends are on a whole new level of fun.
4. Pepernoten
The Sinterklaas season is coming and I miss every single aspect of it, especially the pepernoten.
5. My bunny
Petting someone else's dog is fun and all, but everyone knows that their own pet is the cutest and sweetest animal in the whole wide world.
6. The Dutch language
People who do not speak Dutch don't realize what they are missing out of. It is unreal how well and vividly you can describe things in Dutch. I sometimes have sentiments in Dutch that I just can't express in English, so I just laugh at my own joke while crying internally.
7. The Dutch humor
It is hilarious and very underappreciated.
Tip: Turn on English subtitles
8. The Dutch government
No one really pays attention to what they are doing, but I guess everything is alright because nothing major ever happens and we all get subsidized and don't live on the streets. A world of difference compared to this election cycle in the U.S.
9. My family
I guess I could not make a list without having them on here. Shout out to my brother Sander for always tagging me in funny instagram posts.
10. Going out on the weekends
First of all, I am legal in the Netherlands. Second, I have so much homework in the U.S. that I don't even have time to think about going out. Finally, going out with my Dutch friends is always an adventure.
11. The weather
Just kidding. The weather is horrible in the Netherlands, nothing to miss there.
