by Alice Rush
WE’RE just back from a wonderful 10-day visit to Holland, finally making a long deferred visit with family and friends. It was so wonderful to see everyone again and to meet some friends in person finally. I loved spending true quality time with people who mean so much.
I also got to see the Muiderslot castle courtesy of our friend Jan Emous who patiently went through the castle with me and hopefully enjoyed the displays as much as I did. I had a fascination for castles when I was a small child, so to see one first-hand was really special.
The whole country is beautiful to see really, and I am deeply respectful of the engineering that makes it so, and of all the recycling efforts that take place in the cities, where we spent much of our time. I think we could do so much better in the States if we followed the lead of the Netherlands on recycling and conservation. It is a challenge to convince some Americans of the necessity, and I’m sure that there are a few Dutch folks who remain “sticks-in-the-mud” about recycling as well. But Holland is a nation making a great effort.
It is certainly not easy. I did not enjoy separating every little bit of paper, plastic, foil or biologic scrap that I discarded, because it’s not something I do everyday. But I would certainly become adjusted in time.
EVERYONE in Holland seems to be adjusted to the tight driving space in small towns and the small cars. It’s just how life is. The city streets and parking spaces were very intimidating for me. I was more comfortable driving on the highways, but the speed and busy-ness there was also a test of nerves. I’m much more relaxed driving in the States – because I’m used to it.
By the last few days of our trip I was parallel parking with ease and following the GPS in the car just fine. My eyes were constantly watching for pedestrians and bicycles and I did fine on the highways as long as there wasn’t a patience-testing traffic backup.
I was remembering to sort my trash appropriately and starting to enjoy the brief walks out to the recycling bins to empty the segregated trash and do my part with keeping our world healthier and more beautiful. It was a novelty, but I’m sure I could develop a habit.
The bottom line is, I believe anyone can learn to make some adjustments for the betterment of all. More will have to be done to reverse the effects of climate change, and I will gladly do my part. I love the spacious land that we have in the United States, and I have a deeper appreciation for it now that I’ve once again visited the tight, but highly efficient, land use in Holland’s cities.
* Alice is a Maine realtor and a licensed helicopter and fixed wing pilot. She first met her Dutch husband in Maryland in 2005, and married him four years later.
