My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ Z

My Little Dutch ABC Book

Z

Zwarte ~ Black

Well, being that this is the last letter of the alphabet and my last letter of My Little Dutch ABC Book, I will end this part of my blog with a controversial subject in The Netherlands. Zwarte Piet or Black Pete.

 In The Netherlands in November, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus) makes his way to The Netherlands. Traveling all the way from Spain on his steamboat he docks with his trusty steed Amerigo at a designated port and is greeted by thousands of adoring fans. But the wee little tots are not there to only see Sinterklaas, they are also there to see Zwarte Piet, Sinterklaas’ trusty friend who has come along to help Sinterklaas pass out candy, kruidnoten or pepernoten (little round gingerbread cookies), do funny tricks and help Sinterklaas decide who has been naughty or nice.

As innocent as this sounds, I would have to say this was my first truly shocking thing about The Netherlands. It truly taught me that there are very different cultural differences around the world. Zwarte Piet or Black Pete, makes his first appearance in history in a book as the nameless servant of Sinterklaas. The book, Sint-Nikolaas en zijn knecht or St. Nicholas and His Servant/apprentice, was written in 1850 by a school teacher named Jan Schenkman, a school teacher from Amsterdam.

Usually the Zwarte Piet’s are white people but Blackfaced to appear like a Blackamoor from Spain. Zwarte Piet arrives dressed in Blackface makeup, colorful outfit from the 17^th century, curly wig and over emphasized red lips, lace collar and a feather in his cap.

Judy Garland

 Blackface is a term that became popular in the 1800’s where white people would appear on stage in minstrel shows with burnt cork or shoe polish grease covering their faces to appear as if they were a black person. Usually the person’s facial features were dramatically exaggerated to try to be even more comical emphasizing super red big lips, big eyes, and curly wig and overstated baggy outfits. This continuation of Blackface in minstrel shows in the United States and also Britain helped to multiply the spread of racial stereotypes of black people from the days of slavery of being happy go lucky darkies off a plantation.

In recent years Zwarte Piet has come under public controversy. One side saying that his character is dated and racist and offending to people of color.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbJpRLhaSqs&list=PL1509584180218D85

The other side saying that it’s just an innocent childhood character who brings such joy to children during the Christmas season.

I totally can see both sides as I actually have seen both sides with my very eyes. When you witness innocent children filled with joy with the prospect of seeing not only Sinterklaas, but also Zwarte Piet, the child can barely contain their joy. Jumping up and down, promising to be good and go to bed early.... right after they’ve laid out their shoes for Sinterklaas to put little treats in. The children don’t get the controversy no should they. That innocence is part of the joy of being a child. But the adults in their lives have a choice to make. In today’s contentious times, I feel the Dutch should start phasing out Zwarte Piet’s Blackface color and his over emphasized hair and lips. They have tried.

One year there were rainbow Piets, but I think that was too fast for the little ones. They missed Zwarte Piet. I feel Piet should just go a little shady like Dick van Dyke in the classic musical movie Mary Poppins.

After all, the Dutch in recent years have said Zwarte Piet is so black because he came through the chimney. Bert, the beloved character as the Chimney Sweep in Mary Poppins, is charred black from cleaning the city of London’s chimneys. Maybe all the Piets can be more like Bert.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_mpaF5-SlU

But the children all need to be kept in mind. I’ve heard the Dutch say, if you don’t like the tradition, then go home. I don’t think that is the answer. The Dutch are known for being progressive, liberal thinkers. But this tradition is right there in front of their faces. With today’s times, I think it’s safe to say it’s a good thing not to offend other people.

People have said they feel offended so we as the adults should take notice and see if there is a way we can change traditions so that no one will be hurt and so that our children can grow up without feeling they were part of a race controversy. Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet are fabulous endearing traditions. It would just be nice to people around the world if Piet could tone down a bit. Keep the black but ditch the racially offensive Blackface.

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ Y

My Little Dutch ABC Book

Y

Ya Ya ~ Ja Ja

Ja.... meaning yes. But the Dutch love to say Ja Ja. I think it’s sometimes used even when they don’t realize they’re saying it. Like when someone is explaining something or telling a story, the other person will say the double ja ja many times to communicate that they are listening or understand.

Yes, this is something I say all the time.

Lisa.... Do you miss The Netherlands? “ Ja Ja! “

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ X

My Little Dutch ABC Book

X

Texel ~ Tessel An island is West Frisian Islands in The Netherlands

Texas ~Tejas A state within The United States of America

Yes, once again, I know my word of Texel does not start with an X but it is MY Little Dutch ABC Book so I reserve the right to mix things up when I want. Just all part of my folksy charm. First I have to admit that I have never been to Texel. But it is on my Bucket List. If I am ever blessed with the opportunity to go back to The Netherlands, Texel will be one of my stops.

As I’m in Texas... I thought it would be fun to compare the two places that sound similar. That is if you try to strain your ear really hard. Ok, they don’t sound alike but still fun!

Population: Texel ~ 13,641 Ok that’s not fair... The Netherlands ~ 16.85 million

                    Texas~ over 27.5 million.... The US of A ~ 318.86 million

As similar sounding are their names, the two places couldn’t be more different but then again still be so much the same.

With 30 Kilometers of beach, people in Texel love sporting by the sea. Beachcombing, hiking, swimming and even parachuting are favorite pastimes in this beautiful area.

In Texas you really can’t think Texas without thinking football... no not voetbal but American football.  Yes there are many many other sports... but football and Texas go hand in hand. Not only do you have our professional football teams like the Dallas Cowboys and that other team down south that I won’t mention... but how can you live in Texas and not enjoy the Friday Night Lights. That’s right, High School football ranks right up with there with the big boys for excitement. In my little town...

Eagles football looking for that State Title

Always held at the Cowboy's Stadium

But that Eagle stadium aint to shady! Yes this here is

high school football, right here deep in the heart

of Texas

But Texel is also famous for their sheep. The white faced little sweeties with no wool on their faces or legs. Known not only for their beauty but also their lean meat and wool.

Texas.... well I’d say they’re pretty famous for their Longhorn cows. Drive along the back highways or even in downtown Fort Worth.  In Fort Worth you’ll get to see these beauty’s right up close and personal 2 times a day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mp5IrRZZUw

Flowers... both have amazing flowers that fill their fields and highways.

Texel, tulips

and Texas Bluebonnets.

Equally stunning in their own right.

Ok, that’s enough X fun comparing for now.... xoxo American Girl in Holland

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ W

My Little Dutch ABC Book

W

Water ~ Water

Amsterdam

Ohhhh a nice easy word for me but such a difficult word for the world. Some places have little or no water and others have so much they really don’t know how to control the water.

The Dutch controlling the North Sea from flooding.

There were so many times when I was living in The Netherlands that I would hear my friends from Texas complain about the drought. Oh how I wished I could send the rain from The Netherlands back home. It just didn’t seem fair. But I would have to say the opposite applies as well. So many times while skyping with my children, they would be in shorts and t shirts complaining how hot it was and I was on the other side of the world bundled up in blankets trying to stay warm. After days of clouds and rain… just begging for a little sun.

The best way to enjoy the Texas heat!

With roughly 1/3 of The Netherlands is actually below sea level. The Dutch have had to master the art of containing the sea. What’s it like to live below sea level? It really doesn’t even sound weird… but I can tell you on train rides to and from Amsterdam there is a section where you are riding just lazily looking out the window only to see water and barges passing by at a slightly higher elevation. Hmmmm A little unsettling but still stunning!

View through the 7 Bridges in Amsterdam.

But the stunning result from all that water and reclaiming of land is what makes The Netherlands so very beautiful! Healthy grass, trees, people and even the animals just seem to all look so incredibly healthy.

Beautiful Belted Galloway's or Oreo Cows as myself and many others like to call them.

Water…. It’s a good thing!

Enjoying the view while sailing in Sail Amsterdam 2015.

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ V

My Little Dutch ABC Book

V

Verboden ~ Forbidden

For me this is a word that translates very easy for me. Verboden… Forbidden. Usually seen where people don’t want you to drive or park. But it also reminds me of a time in The Netherlands when many things were Verboden to the Jewish people of their communities. Such a horrible time in history but have people actually learned the ultimate lesson of life? I find it sad to see many in life that are Verboden to do things in their communities around the world.

Jews banned~ forbidden

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ U

My Little Dutch ABC Book

U

Uit ~ Out

This is a great word to know if you ever want to exit the highway or leave someplace. Uit means out or to go from. By the way…. In Germany the exits all say.. Ausfarht, which always gets a big laugh from our guests from the States.

Love Dutch Doors

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ T

My Little Dutch ABC Book

T

Tot Ziens ~ Good Bye

Tot ziens is one way the Dutch people say good bye to each other. Doei and daag can also mean good bye in a less formal sense.

This is a word I’m not looking forward to using soon. Yes, my time in The Netherlands has come to an end. Final preparations and packing up our family to move back to the United States of America have already begun.

I will not end here because I still have one more week to hug all my friends before I have to say tot ziens, something I’ve been not looking forward to for a long time.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+sound+of+music+goodbye&view=detail&mid=C6E3838ED7211A83BD09C6E3838ED7211A83BD09&FORM=VIRE1

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ S

My Little Dutch ABC Book

S

Stroopwaffles ~ Syrup Waffles

A delicious Dutch delight that began in the early 1800’s in Gouda, The Netherlands. Gerard Kamphuisen is given credit for inventing the Stroopwaffel ussing left over breadcrumbs from his bakery and sweetening them with syrup. He took the dough and rolled it into a ball and pressed them into a waffle press. Then sliced the waffle open, sweetened it with syrup. Putting the two halves back together glues the stroopwaffle together.

My favorite way to enjoy a stroopwaffle… place the stroopwaffle over a hot cup of coffee… this melts the syrup and softens the waffle. Mmmmmm lekker!!!

                                             

Stroopwaffle holder that  gave my children.

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ R

My Little Dutch ABC Book

R

Regen ~ Rain

Growing up I always sang the children’s song

Rain, rain go away

Come again another day

Little Johnny wants to play

Rain, rain go away

Well, in The Netherlands if that was the way it was… the kids would hardly ever get to go out to play.  But thankfully everyone seems to take the rain in stride and just go on their merry way.

So.... I'll just keep......

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+singing+in+the+rain&view=detail&mid=4B56C89A333C436BC9AD4B56C89A333C436BC9AD&FORM=VIRE2

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ Q

My Little Dutch ABC Book

Q

Queen ~ koningin

Yes, I realize I’m doing this backwards compared to the other words in My Little Dutch ABC Book but hey it’s my blog so I figure I can bend my own rules when I feel like it.

Koningin in Dutch is Queen and yes we are a country with a monarchy system. To this American Girl it’s like something out of a fairy tale novel. I love the Pomp and all the glory that goes with it.

When we first moved here to The Netherlands 5 years ago, my first trip to Amsterdam happened to fall on Queens Day. Koninginsdag is the day in which the entire country celebrates the Queens birthday. Now that Queen Beatrix has passed on her throne to her son we now have a King in the Netherlands. King Willem is definitely fun to watch as well. With his beautiful Queen by his side and 3 adorable little princesses growing up with us all watching, I can truly say they are a beautiful family.

Here’s a little poem I wrote for our Queen when she abdicated her throne to her eldest son Prince Willem.

http://americangirlinholland.blogspot.com/2013/04/to-queen-beatrix-and-our-new-king.html

Photo source Getty/ Toussaint Kluiters

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ P

My Little Dutch ABC Book

P

Pofferjets ~ Tiny little pancakes that taste like their from Heaven

One of my first Dutch delights that I was introduced to in The Netherlands were Pofferjets.

They sell them at the market and I thought well.. lookie here.. These look normal. After hunting and hunting for maple syrup but still coming up with thick brown sludge. I finally figured out how to truly enjoy this perfect breakfast delight by doing it the traditional way….. pat with butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Mmmmmmm Perfect Pofferjets!! Eet Smakelijk!

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ O

My Little Dutch ABC Book

O

Oudejaarsavond ~ Old Year’s Evening

With the approaching Holiday season upon us and our calendars about the turn to a page I thought I’d share a story I wrote the first time I discovered the meaning of the letter O word for the day. Here in The Netherlands, instead of celebrating New Year’s Eve.. the Dutch celebrate Old Year’s Evening.

I wrote this first one December 31, 2011

http://americangirlinholland.blogspot.nl/2011/12/oudejaarsavond-old-years-evening.html

This story I wrote January 1, 2015. As I reread this story about Oudejaarsavond celebrated here in The Netherlands, I’m reminded of what some think of the insanity of Americans and their love for guns. I guess having a love for fireworks is not too far off. We all have our ways and a few adjustments to both, people might be a tad safer.

http://americangirlinholland.blogspot.nl/2015/01/new-years-eve-in-netherlands-im-not-fan.html

This is how my friends and I like to celebrate in America. We usually check into a hotel with our best friends so that no one has to drive after drinking and then we have dinner and dance the night away. So much fun!!

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ N

My Little Dutch ABC Book

N

Nederland ~~ Netherlands…. But if you want to speak Dutch you are speaking Nederlands

What can I say about a country I love so much? Five years ago, this week our incredible journey to the low lands began. It all began with a message on LinkedIn requesting an interview with my husband about a job in The Netherlands. I didn’t even have a passport. My husband had been asking me for years to travel with him on his work trips to different places in the world but to be honest, I was scared. Scared to leave my children, scared to fly on a plane that long and the fear of leaving my country to a land unknown to me.

But as our family discussed the opportunity, excitement surpassed my fear. Yes, I was still afraid and I still am at times… but I knew it was the right thing to do for our family. Leaving 2 of my children in the States to continue college (along with a chunk of my heart), we began our new life here in The Netherlands with our youngest daughter in tow.

My husband fully committing himself at work, plus surrounded by all the newness of international finances for our family, taxes, running of the house with all the differences. My daughter jumped into her new international school and made so many life time friends from all over the world. And I … forced myself out the door to begin what would be a life altering time in my life.

Joining not only the North American’s Women’s Club of Eindhoven, I also joined the International Women’s Club of Eindhoven. The North American club would be my home. Surrounded with friends who just “get it”. We all have that group or I hope you do if you are away from home. People who speak the same language… not only my mother tongue of English but also understanding words like Target, Nordstrom’s, Cream of Mushroom soup, Pumpkin Pie mix in a can… stuff at home I took for granted but here became a real challenge. Yes, I’ve made a pumpkin pie from an actual pumpkin and hey it’s actually better! But people who just get it!

My international friends that I’ve made here have changed my life in ways I didn’t even know I needed. My eyes and heart have been opened to a new understanding of the world around us. I won’t say I know everything because that is impossible. But I will say my little world has changed. It’s so very interesting to sit and really listen to someone from another culture explain their way of life and why it’s important to them. And to have them listen to me and truly understand that American’s are not like the Kardashians.

But I’ve also done something I can highly recommend if you ever get the chance to live in another country other than your own…. Step outside and meet your neighbors. Yes, it’s a tad scary but once you get over the fear of saying Hi my name is … friendships can begin. I have made a ton of friends in my community that are Dutch and I love that and them for helping me along the way but also laughing with me and sharing life stories.

So when people say What’s it like to live in The Netherlands… I’ll say sure it’s windmills, tulips and a whole lot of water… but it’s also home for me. A place that will always be in my heart. Nederland… my home away from home.

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ L

My Little Dutch ABC Book

L

Lichtjesroute~ Route of Lights Festival

In 1947 a celebration was held in Eindhoven to remember the liberation of Eindhoven from Nazi Germany. The committee asked neighborhood homeowners to light the route with a light in the window to show the route of the festival. Most people used a candle as supplies were still in short demand. But no matter what, the Dutch people wanted to celebrate and show their appreciation for their freedom. I’ve written two stories which I think need to be read here if you haven’t had the time. It’s stories like these why the Dutch will never forget the men in black that dropped from the sky and came to rescue them during World War II. A grateful nation that will never forget. This year the festival starts today September 17th and will continue thru October 11th.

http://americangirlinholland.blogspot.nl/2012/09/lichjesroute.html

http://americangirlinholland.blogspot.nl/2015/06/stolen-childhood-holocaust-survivor.html

These are just 2 stories of the millions of people murdered during WWII.

Let's make sure we never forget.

My Little Dutch ABC Book~K

My Little Dutch ABC Book

K

Kleding ~ Clothing





What’s a girl to say about kleding but except I’m a fan. It took me a long time after moving to The Netherlands to embrace the clothes they sell here. It’s funny, but when you tell people you live in Europe, people expect everyone here to look like they just stepped off the pages of Vogue.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru0Cp1gyfA4

In reality it’s not the case. People are working hard, pushing through life and biking all over the place.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-AbPav5E5M

I’ve had a few scary encounters with people who look like they been choosing their clothes from the far back section of their closets… like from 20 years ago.

http://americangirlinholland.blogspot.nl/2013/09/fashion-fridaysummmmmm-no.html

But I’ve also seen people really making a change over the last few years as well.

One of my favorite stores right now is a little shop in my village. The owner is fabulous and always invites me to have a cup of tea with her. Just a fabulous way to enjoy shopping and I love getting to know my new Dutch friends.

When in doubt though, just throw in a fabulous scarf! 

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ J

My Little Dutch ABC Book

J

Jumbo ~ pronounced Yumbo

I thought for today's letter I would pull a post from the past. Sounds eerie but actually it's fabulous. Enjoy my favorite J word here in The Netherlands....

http://americangirlinholland.blogspot.nl/2013/05/my-waltz-with-waffle-man.html

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ I

My Little Dutch ABC Book ~ I

Ijs~ ice

Ijsje~ ice cream 

Sounds about the same but taste so much better especially my favorite stratchella.

My Little Dutch ABC Book H

My Little Dutch ABC Book

H

Huisarts ~ Family Doctor



When I first arrived in The Netherlands, I quickly discovered the process of seeing the doctor as I was already on some medications and needed them to be monitored. I was told where to register at my neighborhood medical office. No we did not get to choose from all over the city. Everyone in my neighborhood went to the same one, but within the medical office there were about 4-5 doctors to choose from.



As I entered the office I went into a large waiting area that I noticed was full of many people chatting (because they’re all neighbors!). A lovely coat rack was full of rain coats as it was raining that morning. This is pretty standard at most areas like restaurants and offices. I opted to hold onto mine as I have a fear of lice or someone walking off with the wrong coat (mine).



The young assistant came out and called my name and I followed her to a room. To my surprise the young assistant was to be my doctor. When I say young, I mean early 20’s, just starting her learning to become a doctor. I asked politely if there was another doctor and she said yes, of course. Sorry but I have grown up adult medical needs and wanted someone a little older than Doogie to be tending to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrERtikdPus

It all worked out fine but I will say after I moved to my new home in my new little village I feel much more at ease. My doctors know me well. And one of the greatest joys I have is to be out and see my doctor biking with his dog waving a hearty hello to me. Yes, he knows me and I know him. The perfect way to make me feel comfortable.

My Little Dutch ABC Book G

My Little Dutch ABC Book

G

Gezelligheid ~ Wow! I’m having a groovy time at this fabulous place and time in life.

If gezelligheid was a song for lovers… this is what I think would fit… 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COiIC3A0ROM

If gezelligheid was a party…. Maybe this song would fit… of course Superbowl Parties are the best!!! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20H2w1GLAmQ

And… if gezelligheid was a group of friends… how can I not reference my favorite tv show of all time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2fZb9tDXKE

Gezelligheid is a feeling of happiness, coziness (not so sure how cozy a Superbowl party is but it’s usually surrounded by fabulous friends) a flow or vibe with others… and a feeling of pure joy.