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One minute the Dutch drive you crazy with their unabashed rudeness, the next they live up to their reputation as the most polite people in the world. I just got through lambasting Holland for its lack of manners when the supermarket cashier did the unheard of; she spotted me 11 cents. This happens in America when you are two or three cents short. The cashier will just say, "I got it", and then hopes that someone leaves a penny later. This girl spotted me 11 cents.
Before you pack up and move to Holland with dreams of saving 11 cents a day at Albert Heijn (the tiny, crowded Dutch grocery chain), let's try to get some perspective. Europeans love coins. I do not understand this phenomenon. They have a one dollar and a two dollar coin and will do everything in their power to gain more. They always ask if you have the extra twelve or even thirty cents. If not, they frown and reluctantly give you the proper change with a longing look in their eyes as if handing over the last few M & M's. They know it's the right thing to do but they really want those coins/candy coated chocolate pieces.
Whatever her motivation, that anonymous Dutch girl put a smile on my face and curbed my homesickness for at least another day. Cheers, Dutch supermarket girl.
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4 comments:
Ted,
Hope this short message finds you well. Your blog-spot has provided me with an opportunity to neglect my litigation writing assignments and appellate brief. To be sure, I'm in a SNAFU with writing assignments and pending deadlines at FCSL. This shoud come as no surprise -- you are all too familiar with my laissez-faire work ethic.
The semster has just flown by in JAX. Admittedly, I miss you terribly -- particuarly our long political debates over multiple bottles of wine. The Presidential Debates would have surely provided enough fodder for protracted discussions over bottles of vino.
Margot visited over the UF v. LSU weekend. She provided a wonderful respite from school work. We traveled to that little slice of heaven known as "Gainesville" for MArgot's first SEC football game -- well maybe her first real football game given the fact that she attended TCU -- but on second thought, TCU looked might strong against BYU last week. Margot also met my parents for the first time and loved them.
LSU weekend was also Thomas's 25th birthday and we marked the ocassion with a pilgrimage to Lillian's Music Store. The trip to Lillian's was quite an experience for MArgot -- complete with CarBombs, Jagar, Double Crown & Cokes, and of course an occassional AGR pinching her posterior on the dance floor. I made sure to purchase Margot a signature Lillian's t-shirt to commemorate the trip(yes they have t-shirts now -- unlike when you and I faithfully patronized the Music Store).
This past Saturday JR and I participated in a charity event. I should provide some context given you are likely questioning the motives behind our participation. The charity event was the Ronald McDonald House's annual Pig-Skin Pick'em -- ticket proceeds go to charity. The event consists of all you can drink beer, all you can eat BBQ, and all the College Football you can watch on the Plasma T.V. Screens. Over lunch and several beers, John was amazed by my sports acumen. Specifically, I remarked how Vandy Head Coach Bobby Johnson has a striking resemblance to former Georgia Tech basketball coach Bobby Cremins. My sports acumen appeared all the more proficient when I remarked that Stephan MArburry actually played under Bobby Cremins!!!John almost whipped out his cell phone and called you when I correctly invoked Cremins and MArbury's name in the same sentence.
In 2 weeks we once again celebrate the long-standing rivalry and tradition of FL v. GA. I have decided to honor you in my annual toast at the commencement of the Shotgun Beer Kick-off in my backyard -- it will promptly commence Saturday morning around 8:30 a.m. EST -- so if you're awake, please call and I'll put you on speaker phone. John is hosting everyone Friday evening and we are all very much looking forward to his hospitality.
Im not sure when you return and whether you will venture to JAX prior to 2nd semester, but the Riverside/Five Points Wine Festival is right around the corner. We'd sure enjoy your company and I will send you the date. IT's the last weekend in November or the first of December.
With that said, I must return to the endless paperwork that sits before me. I hope you enjoy reading my message as much as I have enjoyed procrastinating!!!
Send me an email sometime soon if you have time -- otherwise, I welcome the opprotunity to return to your blog and read your postings.
All my best,
TP
p.s. -- please tell me you filled out an absentee ballot -- this election is looking sinister. Socialism is alive -- in fact, the magnet on my fridge reads:
"Obama-Lenin '08 - Spreading Your Wealth"
Ted, I was gonna make a long and affectionate posting but after reading Toby's post I can't live up to it. We miss you here in Ocala too and already shopping for BIG Rib Eye Steaks and good wine.
JTPJR aka Dad
Toby, What's up Big Dog? I am having a Halloween party next Thursday Oct 30th so you should plan on coming down to St. Aug. Get your costume ready and come on down from Jax.
Teddy, I emailed Kati's address so please send that postcard out for me. Thanks, R1
Dad-
There is no way to out long and affectionate, Toby. Sometimes you are outclassed.
Also, we need to talk election ASAP. I received my absentee ballot along with plenty of local propaganda and need some advice.
R-
Postcards are going out with my absentee ballot. Pray for freedom to prevail.
Toby-
I would normally make fun of you but my vanity prevents it. I'm so glad you posted the longest and most detailed post in the history of Nederland Ned that I have no desire give you hell. If I was going to make fun of you I would start with your use of quotations marks around Gainesville, move to your clearly fabricated story about impressing John with your sports knowledge, and end with your excessive (not, as you would choose, superfluous) use of exclamation points (although I concede that I have superfluously made fun of you on that point).
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