Unusual Encounters in the Heart of the Netherlands

As a lifelong resident of the Netherlands, I've noticed that strange things do not typically happen here. This may sound unusual, but what does it mean? It means that the Dutch culture often ignores or doesn't label many things as strange. However, there are always exceptions that help us better understand and appreciate the unique aspects of our diverse society.

Uncommon Human Behavior

For example, the behavior of some individuals who are attracted to people of the same sex has always been a topic that I find bewildering. Once, I heard that some people are comfortable with such feelings, and ever since, I have been horrified at the thought of it. This insight into human nature highlights the importance of cultural understanding and acceptance.

Urban Dutch Cyclists and Impatience

Today, I witnessed a behavior that was completely new to me, even in the chaotic and crowded traffic of Amsterdam. I was cycling on a narrow path and attempted to make a left turn. Just before I indicated my direction, a cyclist on an electric bike overtook me and practically pushed me aside. This action was taken without any warning or indication, despite being a combination of electric power and human impatience. The cyclist didn't stop, and he simply sped ahead as if nothing unusual had happened. This scenario underlined the growing conflict between the increasing number of e-bikes and the traditional Dutch patience and courtesy on the roads.

The Call of the Wild in an Urban Setting

While living in a city like Amsterdam, one might not expect to see much wildlife. However, it is common to hear bird songs, mostly from pigeons, seagulls, crows, and swallows. On a particular evening, I decided to take my dog for a walk a bit later than usual. It was around 23:00, and the park was unusually quiet, filled with only the distant sounds of the city.

Then, out of nowhere, I heard an unusual bird call. It was dampened with short intervals, followed by a long, wailing cry. It wasn't like any bird call I had heard before. After some time, I noticed an owl perched among the trees, making the most beautiful and clear sound I had ever heard. For a few minutes, I stood there, listening in awe, trying to locate the owl in the darkness under a moonless sky.

That night, the owl's song remained etched in my memory, and I tried to hear it again as I fell asleep by opening my window. Unfortunately, the skies were silent once more. The next day, in the midst of human chatter on the train, I could only imagine the owl's beautiful call as a reminder of the rare moments of nature that find their way into an urban environment.