Perpetual Wonder

It’s great being back in the Netherlands, where I know lots of people, where all my friends live.

So, you would think it would be easy to fill your days with nothing but happiness and fun, right? Well, it is! As long as you’re willing to plan all your happiness and fun at least a week in advance…

The previous week was my first full week of work. And I’m not used to it anymore. Getting home tired, not a lot of energy to do a lot. So Wednesday I was really happy to have no obligations, just me, a book, tea and a big piece of dark chocolate. Pure bliss!

Thursday I was already feeling a bit better, not quite as tired, but still didn’t feel like expending the energy to actually go do a lot. But if someone would’ve called I probably would have gone along…

Friday I was feeling perfect again. Weekend, time for fun! Send some SMS’ (yes, I still live in the stone-age and my phone doesn’t have WhatsApp…). And lo and behold, replies were coming in quickly!

“I’ve already got an appointment.”
“Sorry, not tonight, but how about next week?”
“I’m in Paris, but have fun!”
“I’m off but would love to hang out some other time!”

And a few more of those…

At which time I remembered: I’m not in South America anymore…

I love Dutch punctuality, the fact that people actually do what they say and that a yes means yes and a no means no.

But there definitely are some downsides to my home country as well. Such as a complete lack of spontaneity… Meaning that you have to schedule in an appointment with your friends at least a week in advance. Or else you’re stuck home alone on a lovely Friday night. Without even a piece of chocolate because you ate that two days before…

So, anybody got time coming Friday for drinks, fun, games, dancing, whatever?