Dutch summer

But don’t worry, fellow foreigner, a couple of soaking wet experiences teach you a lot. Stratus, cirrus or nimbus? High, medium or low level? Do the clouds move quickly and in which direction? Did the first fresh breeze already blow through your hair?

Complaining about the weather isn’t only a Dutch habit; it’s also a part of the standard package for foreign students. Especially if, like me, you’re from a sunny country. But from the very beginning of the grey summer days, I was determined not to envy my family in Turkey or the thousands of Dutch rushing to the sandy beaches of Antalya, Marmaris and Kusadasi.

Instead, this past summer I learned to listen to the whispers of the Dutch clouds. And I can say that having a ‘fresh’ July and August in Holland was very interesting. This country’s like an open-air museum, for those who can appreciate the unpredictable, ever-changing sky-scapes. My favorites are the low-level grey and dense clouds that mostly bring on storms. An ordinary afternoon… when suddenly a very dramatic background appears. Your train seat suddenly feels more comfortable, your coffee starts tasting better. A non-shadow condition where the edges of objects become sharper and the colors brighter than ever. The polders become as green as they ever are; bikers, cars and cows sharply contrasting with the landscape; and the small watery ditches suddenly turning into dark mirror strips that seem to follow you.

I’ve heard many people say: ‘Holland’s a nice country, but it should have been covered’. As part of my inburgering I should agree. But personally, I now prefer to explore and enjoy the impressive dynamics of the Dutch summer.

To estimate, while enjoying a nice cold beer on a sunny terrace, when precisely it’s time to jump on your bike and quickly cycle back home seems to be a natural ability of the Dutch. But don’t worry, fellow foreigner, a couple of soaking wet experiences teach you a lot. Stratus, cirrus or nimbus? High, medium or low level? Do the clouds move quickly and in which direction? Did the first fresh breeze already blow through your hair?

Complaining about the weather isn’t only a Dutch habit; it’s also a part of the standard package for foreign students. Especially if, like me, you’re from a sunny country. But from the very beginning of the grey summer days, I was determined not to envy my family in Turkey or the thousands of Dutch rushing to the sandy beaches of Antalya, Marmaris and Kusadasi.

Instead, this past summer I learned to listen to the whispers of the Dutch clouds. And I can say that having a ‘fresh’ July and August in Holland was very interesting. This country’s like an open-air museum, for those who can appreciate the unpredictable, ever-changing sky-scapes. My favorites are the low-level grey and dense clouds that mostly bring on storms. An ordinary afternoon… when suddenly a very dramatic background appears. Your train seat suddenly feels more comfortable, your coffee starts tasting better. A non-shadow condition where the edges of objects become sharper and the colors brighter than ever. The polders become as green as they ever are; bikers, cars and cows sharply contrasting with the landscape; and the small watery ditches suddenly turning into dark mirror strips that seem to follow you.

I’ve heard many people say: ‘Holland’s a nice country, but it should have been covered’. As part of my inburgering I should agree. But personally, I now prefer to explore and enjoy the impressive dynamics of the Dutch summer.