Priority One

My number one challenge and priority living in the Netherlands is to learn the language. There are many reasons that this is important, but most importantly what I have found in my shortstay, is the need for the language during moments of panic.

Thursday would be a day where I would have the house to myself and be able to live my life as a native in the comfort of my own home. I would not have to worry about being the silly foreigner or saying the wrong thing with my rough Dutch tongue. It felt nice to relax without trying to "just be". As I sat on this very own computer drinking cola light and listening to American music, an elder woman came to the window and began flailing her arms. I swear, even this looks different in Europe. As I could not ignore an old woman in the street, I ran outside in my sloppy workout clothes and Wietse's large shoes. She greets me at the door immediately and has the first sense of urgency I have ever witnessed in Europe. I cannot even think of the words to say, "I don't speak Dutch" under this kind of pressure. I had no choice but to say what every foreigner Does Not want to admit. They are foreign. (Must I add that there is nothing wrong with this but when all you are trying to do in your new life is fit in, you dont want to admit to all the neighbors that you are different).

When I turned the corner of the house and found that a post and tree from my yard has fallen into the street blocking traffic, my mind was still stuck on thinking of a way to say ''I don't speak Dutch. Do you speak English?" So to make matters worse, I simply stared and did nothing. Not until another 2 neighbors came (because I was not reacting), was when I started to move after telling everyone once again, I am American. I mean why didn't I attempt to move the tree and keep my mouth shut?!? Gotta love first impressions. Priority number one, learn the language, because without this, I apparently cannot function. In my family, speaking and speaking loudly is a prerequisite for any other basic needs.