On a more personal level, and simply said, sometimes I just need to get out of here! Often on the weekend, my husband and I go with [or without] his parents to Germany. For a few hours or a few days. Why? Other than needing a break from the usual, we go usually because shopping in Germany proves to be cheaper. And more choice. And also the restaurants offer more for the money, and the atmosphere is often more comforting. Not to say life in the Netherlands is not a picnic, but the prices can get ↑ high. And the service can get ↓ low. Doesn't always make a very nice weekend.
There is nothing overly wrong about the Dutch. For the most part, I like living in the Netherlands. But I do miss my home country, and sometimes the cure is driving a few hours across the border. Or hopping on a quick flight from one German city to another because Germany is so close. Belgium too, but we'll get there one day.
The title of this blog entry translates to "The Great Escape." Often escaping for a few hours or a few days to Germany is an excellent cure for what here becomes mundane for my husband and I. My photo collage, all my own photos, are pieces of parts of Germany I've seen recently. Some pieces are in Düsseldorf at the airport, and some are in Dresden. Lately I've been learning German. Not a lot because I don't want it to interfere with my Dutch, but I notice how easily I recognize some words due to learning Dutch. Both languages are Germanic, so there are some similarities. However, I'm not completely naïve and realize the grammar will be possibly one of the toughest parts about learning German. Why learn German? Why not? I witness daily people who speak at least 3 languages, and because I have found some great spots I enjoy visiting in Germany... Why not learn some German? Same if I visit Austria or Switzerland, knowing some German might be helpful! If I traveled often to France or Italy, I would also want to learn at least a few important phrases to start.
Living in Europe, when my husband and I can afford it, there are so many lovely places we'd love to see. Even he, born and raised in the Netherlands, has not seen a lot of Europe.
Places I'd love to visit in Europe, in no particular order:
One important piece I'd like to add: I'd like to visit every corner of these countries listed. No particular city or region. A definite advantage of living in the Netherlands [or anywhere in Europe], for those who love to also travel, the traveling is easy and nearby. I love to explore and learn about the history... In person! And I have yet to see all of the Netherlands, so the story definitely isn't over yet.
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Die große Flucht
Categories:
Buiten Nederland,
Culture/Cultuur,
Germany/Duitsland,
Journeys/Reizen,
Language/Taal,
Tourism
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16 comments/reacties:
As a Canadian living in the Netherlands I too find myself often escaping to Belgium or Germany just to get away from it all. My Dutchie also hasn't seen a lot of Europe still so it's great to routinely explore more and more as the weekends come.
I was wondering if you could share some of your favourite places in Germany. If you could even be more specific as to recommend a specific restaurant/shops I would be really interested in your suggestion. Preferably somewhere within driving distance (but Canadian/American driving distance! so give or take 6 hours)
If I haven't said it before, I really enjoy reading your blog and am always really happy to see you've updated :)
Thanks!
Theresa
I get'cha. Nothing better than the great escape. Europe is our playground, so much to do and see. With every country squished together, it's impossible not to visit.
Theresa & Decora: Thanks so much for your comments! We do definitely have what a lot of people back home would be jealous of, and I try to not forget this..
Theresa, I will definitely share more about places in Germany! I think it's a great idea. I've put a little bit before in my blog about a trip to Dresden, the area around there & the road trip there [http://atouchofdutch.blogspot.com/2008/06/ich-spreche-kein-deutsch.html] I'll soon post more per your request ;)
This is so funny! Since we live in Germany, we often go to Holland to get a taste of something different. It doesn't hurt that we're only about 15 minutes from the border. We husband and I always say Dutch looks like German, but with a lot more Js. ;-)
Let me know if you ever make your way to Aachen.
I personally would go mad if I wasnt able to cross over the border into germany and enjoy some of the sites there..lol It's the only time I feel at ease here.
Sonya: So true, isn't it? As soon as we cross the border, it's "Weeee!" Naturally if my husband is driving, he usually steps on the gas. Hence the reason for "Weeee!" ;) We explore new areas usually each trip, and this makes each trip even more of a delight!
Achtung!: Aachen! I've heard so much about it! Especially the Charlemagne-connection. And the German–Dutch–Belgian border being so close by! This would make for fun weekends "Hmmmm. Where shall we go today?" LOL about the J's ;) When we finally make our way in the Aachen-direction, I'll drop you a line :-)
I'm glad I work in Belgium because then I'm out of the country every day. It's always nice to be here at weekends. I'm also glad I work with expats. It's nice to be around people who understand what it's like.
This morning I just really wanted to get out of both countries though. I was in such a bad mood, I did NOT want to get up at 6.30 and all the pushing and shoving on the train I get is really tiring. People are just so aggressive. Every day the ticket inspector always tells me that my ticket is only valid from our town - the border and not in Belgium. Every single day. Despite showing them that there are two tickets, one for Netherlands and one for Belgium, they're always a bit suspicious. I hate using public transport here.
Can you tell I need a holiday already?! Haha.
Wow, L! Thanks for your comment! Déjà vu! I used to think I was alone in my thoughts as an expat. I went to a special language school when I first arrived here in the Netherlands. I paid for this out of my own pocket. Inburgering programs had yet to be offered to me, and I didn't hear about anything-inburgering until nearly 2 years later when I went to the IND to pick up my official residency permit [I used to have a work visa]. The first school I went to, everyone was living in situations where they were not so exposed to everyday-life. For example, their schooling was provided for them by their companies. They had a driver who picked them up/dropped them off for work [sounds awfully posh, doesn't it?]. Another example, they lived in apartment buildings where other co-workers lived next door, above & below, and where they had a great view from their balcony. They rented a bike when they wanted to get "adventurous," like a tourist. Some even had people who did their shopping for them! This was my first exposure to "expats." I had none of these special luxuries which they had, but to my advantage I did know a few immediately who were locals and who helped me [and who also taught me how to always remember to lock my bike]. So I indeed agree 100% with you about the daily in's & out's we face. It's good to have each other out here to relay these things with. Helps us realize we are not alone in our feelings.
If ever you need tips about France, please make sure to ask a few from me :)
I also enjoy reading you a lot, thinking about my next cross cross border WE in the NL...
Thank you, lilfairy! Or I should say merci beaucoup! You are so kind :)
If you've gotten Dutch under your belt, German will be easier. I haven't made an election yet, but after my brain surgery I'll go back to my HBO opleiding (economy and management) where I'll learn another language. German seems to be the most logical, but Spanish would be a good choice, too.
Czech Republic. Lovely place, been there twice now and look forward to the next trip. Tip: Bohemian region. You can get some incredibly good stuff with excellent craftsmanship at near dirt cheap prices. France, head to the Les Landes region instead of the Cote d'Azur, it's far less crowded, more provincial in nature, very relaxing because it's less popular with tourists. We stay a lot in the Bordeaux region, Messanges, for example. Before you go there, buy and begin reading the children's book "Alleen Op De Wereld" (originally Sans Famille, by Hector Malot). Actually you can get it online via Project Gutenberg http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/19054 but the book is worth having. I recommend it in Dutch because it's most likely readable at your level. It's a lovely and tender story of an orphaned boy, whose travels include this region. Even though it's a youth book, the story will touch you.
We skipped vacation this year because of my medical issues but hope to get to Hungary next year to visit the region from which my father's family emigrated in the 1920's.
Dee, I wish you the very best for your health! Thank you so very much for your suggestions with travel within Europe as well! These are very helpful tips! Especially about this book "Alleen Op De Wereld." It sounds like a very good read & I will check this online today. I do hope you are recovered very soon!
What are you waiting for, woman?! Get that but traveling! I think the close proximity to so many countries is the #1 reason I'm excited to be here. I think we'll visit Germany in the next couple weeks and I think I'll fly home for Christmas from London (also because it's hundreds cheaper than from Schipol!!) and fly back into Paris for New Year's eve! HAHA I'm embarrassed to admit it, but for a MILLISECOND I thought "wait, do they celebrate NYE here?!" That's just how much I'll miss Halloween, Thanksgiving and other US holidays! Hahaaaa ooooh boy. Do you know anything about trains going from Amsterdam to parts of Germany? I want to visit a friend in Tubingen and am not too sure where to look. xx!
Jaime, your plans sound G-R-E-A-T :-) Try for train service information http://www.ns.nl When you get to the website, in the upper right-hand corner click on English and it will take you to the English version of the site. Hopefully this will help you plan it out!
I've found that there are many places that I am lukewarm about on first visit, but that I really come to enjoy with repeated visits. France, Italy, Germany fall into those categories.
Other places I just fall in love with first time out: Denmark, Turkey, the UK among others. Somehow they resonate right away and I get a spring in my step just from stepping out the door in the morning.
I've come to really enjoy the bits of travel that get me out into the countryside, especially if it involves a boat. Sailing in Sweden and England have been wonderful, and I highly recommend it. Canalboating is a new temptation, or one of the river cruises in Germany or France.
Thanks for your suggestions on this too, Dave :-) The idea alone of sailing is a super idea! Somewhere in Europe: Even better!
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