Sunday, June 27, 2010

BBQ Non Dutch style

When I first moved to the Netherlands, I moved to a small city where no body spoke English (at least not to me). I couldn't find any other English speaking expatriates like my self - I didn't even dare to go to the store alone. If I told you I felt alone, that would be an understatement! I quickly dove into a high level Dutch language course just so I could learn to communicate quickly with my fellow civilian.  That course took about 1.5 years including the extra levels I took on top of what was mandatory.  
The culture shock was extreme - I won't kid any body.  The food is different, the mannerisms are different, and the most difficult; I was miles away from my family and friends who meant the world to me.  I can't begin to tell you how many times I questioned my ingenious idea to move to the Netherlands.  
I quickly met a few English ex-pats in the Dutch classes who I am very happy to say I am still friends with but we also all have our own lives and families but unfortunately months go by before we find time to see each other.
My grandmother always told me I should write a book about my experience in the Netherlands.  I have always known that I don't have any creativity when it comes to words.  My grandmother on the other hand has her Bachelor of arts in English and only expects her first grand daughter to carry the same genes. Sorry to disappoint you grandma...
Even though my grandmother is in no way tech savvy, I decided to possibly make her somewhat happy.  I decided to write a blog about my experiences.  As I started I began looking around at other peoples blogs here in the Netherlands who are also experiencing what I am experiencing and finally came to the realization that I am not alone. Hallelujah !   The first blog that I found was Tammy at Canadutch  Everything she wrote about, I could totally relate to... in fact it felt like I was writing it (but with a better writing style then my own of course).  I stalked her immediately and found her on facebook and it seemed like we connected.  Shortly after finding Tammy's blog, I found Sonya's blog at Home Cooking with Sonya.  I too felt like I had a connection through her witty yet loving words.  PLUS she had such YUMMY treats and recipes on her blog. BONUS!  She made me remember how much I loved to bake.  I loved trying her recipes because I knew they ALL were good!  I then realized she lived on my side of the country, another BONUS! It didn't take me long to stalk her too and find her on Facebook. 
Today was the day we got to meet up with our husbands (and children) for a delicious BBQ at chez moi's house.  The weather may have been hot but didn't stop the time from flying by as we chatted it up non stop as if we were all long lost friends.  It didn't take me long to realize that my inclinations were correct and I have indeed found a group of friends that I can totally be my self with. 


Tammy brought some mouth watering cheese cake.  This was seriously the best cheese cake I have ever tasted!!


Lots of pictures were taken but I think they were just trying to make me jealous of their camera's ;-)

3 comments:

Breigh said...

Awww what a great post! I totally understand how you felt when you first moved here, believe me!
I'm so glad we got together today, where have you girls been all my NL LIFE?! haha
Prepare yourself, I'm going to be bugging you girls nonstop now until we get together again!

Lost in Translation said...

Looks like fun. I want to come raid that Cheesecake, looks like white chocolate raspberry, am I right? Oh I miss North American foods sometimes. :)

Sonya said...

It was fun wasn't it:) can't wait until the group zoo trip! Im so happy I finally met you and Tammy. It was the best day ever!