Genre: Micro Memoir
Word Count: 100
We flew to Brussels to visit friends in the municipality of Heist-op-den-Berg, a Belgian, Flemish community of 42,000. Brussels is an international big city to the south. This little area is pure Netherlander (Dutch) in language and a reserved, coldish, culture.
Rudy had said he liked American helpfulness and friendliness (speaking, holding doors, smiling, etc.) when he visited here.
I went for a run through town.
Seeing the surprised looks I got, instead of a wave and “good morning,” I got louder with “Howdy, y’all,” all smiles like I wanted to hug. The natives were plumb shocked. I loved it.
Look both ways trying to understand life, history, language, and culture.
Travel, learn, love, and mind the gaps.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do,
but “to thine own self be true.”
Our Literary Journey 
“To thine own self be true” can create a heap of cross-cultural trouble
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Yes, indeed. We walk such a tightrope as we mix. Even here. 🙂
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It’s so nice to see you had such a very good time
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I think they liked it. I did.
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Ahhh…. the number of times we have done the “hand to face” movement watching the antics of our prime minister… sigh…
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I like him. An interesting man. And, he seems to have his priorities straight (ladies first). 🙂
After the past 5 years here, embarrassment takes on a new dimension.
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He is so hated here by so many. I think you are right on that one…
Yeah, well… that’s a whole ‘nother ballgame!!
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Oh, sorry to hear that. I will gladly trade them a family of Trumps for one PM. No? 🙂
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It’s kinda like we Canadians really liked Obama but so many ‘Muricans didn’t 😉
I’ll keep him, thank you very much 🙂
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No surprise there. 🙂 I so so so miss Barack.
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🙂
So presidential, classy, a gentleman all the way.
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Agree.
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One Justin “out-trumps” a hundred, no a million, of his redness of the fake news/hair. Justin’s father, Pierre, was also quite a character. Canada had it’s “Trudeamania” in 1968. Nothing at all like the Cult of Trump!
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What a fun trip.
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It was. 🙂
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A bit of a culture clash going on there! Nice one Bill.
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Thanks, Keith.
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Do they not do the double-cheek kiss of greeting in Belgium? It took this friendly American a bit to make the adjustment to that in central Europe. Grew to love it, but it’s very different from what I’m used to.
I’m glad I wasn’t the recipient of Trudeau’s social faux pas. Wonder if he ever realized what he had done?
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I only know what I was told and what I experienced. Sometimes I pass people on the sidewalk, all of whom I greet, some will not even make eye contact, but it’s rare.
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Kind of like New. York, especially now. You just don’t make eye contact.
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I disagree. I love New York and the people, especially NY City. I would visit again without a thought (minus covid). Maybe I’ll soon tool up one of my NYC stories. 🙂
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Well, to each his own. I hate it. No reason to go there, so I don’t 🙂
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Aha! I, too, came to like the easy, superficial friendliness of Americans and Canadians I encountered when abroad. But the key is superficial. If you make friends in one of the ‘cold’ European countries, they really mean it. Otherwise they call you acquaintance. But I still miss the friendliness and easy service where I live (cold Germany) you all too often get grumpy faces and lousy service. Great story, I can see it.
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Thank you. I agree. They were not so much “unfriendly” as they were reserved and distant.
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Ah, culture clashes will never end as long as we’re allowed to have our own cultures. I think I’ll take the clashes as the alternative is unfathomable. I’m glad you / your character enjoyed introducing a little friendliness into their stay.
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I did enjoy Belgium and their regional differences. With 3 official languages (none English) and so much interesting history, it is, as I’m sure all of Europe is, fun to visit.. In the states, we still have some regional cultures, but the homogenization of America is sad, in my opinion.
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Dear Bill,
We do vary in different cultures, don’t we? I do like NYC. Jerusalem is lot like it only in Hebrew. 😉 Nicely written story of human differences and similarities.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hey Rochelle,
Thank you. So many of the FF pictures inspire memories.
Peace,
Bill
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It sounds like a fun trip!
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It was.
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i’d been to vilvoorde. loved the place and people. 🙂
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I wish I’d been there when you were running, and calling, ‘Hi, y’all!’. I can just imagine some of the looks you got!
I worked a lot with Dutch colleagues and visited often. I liked them enormously.
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It really was a fun trip and the people were great. They were not at all rude. Just shocked.
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Cultural differences are everywhere.. Good story😊
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Thank you.
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Cultural exchange like this is fun. It’s interesting to shake up norms in a non hurtful way.
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Be yourself. When we lived in Bavaria the nighbours always greeted us with Gruss Gott. I think they found my reserved Guten Morgen a little understated. 🙂 Nice story.
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Thanks, Sandra.
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You never know, you might start a new trend. Fun, cheery story that made me smile.
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Glad you liked it. 🙂
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