Tuesday 6/21

Tuesday's introduction to Dutch culture was fascinating. We started with a visit from Catherine Ann Copeland, the head of the primary division of an international school here in Maastricht. I found out so many interesting things about the Netherlands. Dutch are statistically the tallest people in the world. Space is a luxury in Europe. Probably not so good if you're over 6 feet tall. Holland is the 3rd most populous country in the world. WRONG! Holland is actually a province which in included in the Netherlands. This equates to 400+ people per square kilometer. There are more Holstein cows here than people, hence the proliferation of fabulous dairy products. Not many obese people. Everyone bikes or walks mostly. 

Our home base is at a castle in Maastricht, where the treaty was signed to form the European Union. So much history here, I wish I had more time to experience it.

The Dutch are very economical and practical. Things here are very organized, which also means lots of bureaucracy. Directness is a virtue. People are not afraid of stating their opinion, which may not always be politically correct. They don't pretend problems don't exist, but prefer to expose and deal with them. 

While taxes are high (40-60% of income), the government provides everything from healthcare to subsidized housing. They will even pay your mortgage if you become unemployed. Yesterday, we saw multi-million dollar apartments nearby student housing for the university. A university education costs the equivalent of $2000 dollars per year. 

I could never live here. Ms. Copeland told us that a lot of ideas in Dutch culture derive from Calvinism. One reflection of this is the lack of heavy drapes. Windows are truly a view into people's lives, because they believe everything should be seen. I could never live here! Close those curtains!

OK, this was kind of random, but that was the gist of yesterday's presentation and Q&A. Today is a 12-hour academic day, starting with a presentation on the important tests that children take here which determine their educational track and path in life. This evening, we have a chance to interact with local college students, which should be interesting. More soon...