Gezelligheid

Gezelligheid - a very important Dutch word. All is well when it is gezellig! A great feeling when your house is spotlessly clean (including windows), candles are lit, flowers are in vases and you sit back and say 'het is gezellig!'

It is all about cleanliness, order and atmosphere. I also found out on this visit that gezelligheid also includes living together in harmony so tolerance, decorum, consensus are important aspects of Dutch life.

Dutch people are extremely tolerant, except when you try to walk down a platform with a pusher and two children in rush hour or if you walk out in front of a bicycle.

For me, I now understand just a little more about Holland, which means I understand a little bit more about my husband! Walter loved living in Utrecht and Houten during the past two weeks and is looking forward to more extended visits. His Dutch language also improved immensely through constant use. However we are not moving there permanently!

We are eating pancakes in a cafe. It was warm and friendly, with soft lighting and good food. Het was heel gezillig!