Postcard from Holland (from an outsider POV) II

Part of the joy of traveling for me, is the preparation. I enjoy it as much as the trip itself. I try to learn a bit about the language and the history and customs. Normally my best source is the good old fashion library. I usually get a basic language CD and try to watch as many movies in the given language as I can. Dutch or Netherlands was in a way very difficult for me to learn. I was able to get a few phases and even was able to imitate their famous guttural sound. My challenge was mostly to get to practice. Most of the people I meet spoke several languages, I understand they have German and English as a norm in schools. They really liked that I made the effort to speak Dutch but if I asked how to say this or that, they will just reply, it's easier in English. I notices that most of the houses have a lot of windows and they look like doll houses, usually with a flower arrangements or some decoration in the windows. My friend told me that they have signals like if the curtains are open, that means that they can receive visitors, but if closed they want their privacy. One thing I noticed before landing in Schiphol was the gray, at that moment I was able to understand the reason they like the Caribbean so much. The colors are not as bright but I think they balance the lack of light with beautiful bright flowers, letting as much light as possible into their homes and riding bikes. When there is a birthday in the family, they announce it by adorning the window and if invited, you are expected to congratulate everyone in the family by “Gefeliciteerd!” and 3 kisses alternating cheeks. The birthday person will buy pastries for the office or school class. Some of the buildings, I noticed mostly in Amsterdam are crooked, they rest on each other for support. I understand the foundations are long wooden pillars onto the muddy soil. Water and waterways are so abundant that is normal to see boats being used for almost everything, from housed to transport heavy equipment of both combined. In some of them I saw their cars on top.