February 14, 2003

Celebrating Holidays.. The Dutch Way
Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Birthdays are BIG things in the Netherlands. Today, I took cakes to work to celebrate my birthday. The tradition is "backwards" from what we do in the states. You bring cakes on your birthday, rather than bringing food to work for other people's birthdays. (I guess that way you only have to bring cakes once a year.) Anyhow, today went fine, but at my office, in order to call everyone into the "coffee room" to have cake, you have to ring this BIG bell.... Oh my god… I don't think I could possibly be more embarrassed! After you ring the bell... everyone comes into the coffee room and shakes your hand, and congratulates you on your birthday... or if they know you well enough they give you kisses! We have been told that if you have a birthday party… everyone would go around and say to Mark, "Congratulations on Heide’s Birthday!!"

Today was also Valentines Day, but it’s not a very big deal here. The stores don't have aisles of candy, cards and cheesy gifts like in the United States but there are a few small reminders around town that Valentines Day exists. Some stores will put a few small hearts up in the windows and you may see an odd sign or two, but that is about it.

Still, Mark and I booked two weeks in advance for dinner at a restaurant I had been eyeing for quite some time. We pass "Listers" on our walk from home to our Dutch lesson and from the outside it looks absolutely beautiful. Dark wood, huge wine racks lots and lots of candles -- what more could you ask for to make a perfect Valentines Day meal? Our reservation was at 8pm. It was a great evening out and I loved the beautiful bouquet of flowers that Mark surprised me with! After our recent visit to Paris, I have to admit that the food was a bit... well... Dutch (bland) but no complaints! I was happy with not having to cook! 

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This Page was last update: Monday, February 23, 2004 at 10:39:56 AM
This page was originally posted: 2/22/2004; 11:20:11 AM.
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