Dutch Hospitality

One of the genetic counselors that I contacted on LinkedIn, Monica, went above and beyond to welcome Pete and I to Holland. Prior to our arrival, we exchanged many e-mails where she shared a lot of helpful information for our arrival to the Netherlands. She also invited us to dinner and we took her up on her offer our second night in Amsterdam. We had Oma and Opa babysit and drove into the city to their lovely apartment in Oud- Zuid conveniently around the corner from our only other friends in Amsterdam! We had a great evening getting to know her and her husband and were treated to a four course Dutch meal. Course one was a cauliflower soup with smoked trout. Course two was a traditional Dutch stew with veal and a side dish of mashed potatoes mixed with greens and dill. Next was dessert which was a yogurt base with mango sauce, granola and chocolate flakes. Just as we were saying our thank-yous for the meal, we were offered coffee, tea and homemade apple pie. While we were stuffed, we didn't want to be rude and we also didn't want to turn down apple pie! It was more cake-like than American apple pie, but delicious! 

By the end of the night, Pete was leaving with specialty beer glasses that her husband was getting rid of and we were discussing plans to meet up with them for a personal walking tour of the city. Monica also spoke more about genetic counseling in the Netherlands and while I would need to know Dutch for a clinical role, she offered to put me in touch with some colleagues in cancer research where the language wouldn't be a barrier. 

We were really floored by this warm welcome and hope that we continue to have positive experiences with the Dutch people! 

Jude with Opa and Oma!