Blame it on the Dutch- Part 1

Many years ago, 38 to be exact, I had the opportunity to be an exchange student in the Netherlands. Right now I am screaming silently in my head- has it really been 38 years?
I have to tell you that this experience changed my life in many ways and that is why I blame it on the Dutch.
Don't worry, this is extremely positive.

When the opportunity came up, I JUMPED at it.
I had never been to Europe, didn't speak Dutch (took Spanish in high school), and had never lived away from home. I really wanted to have this experience and hoped I would be one of the lucky ones.

On the plane over to Amsterdam, I had second thoughts. What was I thinking? I don't speak Dutch. One member of the large family I would be living with spoke limited English.
This could be a nightmare.

Actually, it turned into a life changing experience and for many reasons.
It gave me confidence. I realized I could do something outside of my comfort zone and live through it- hehe.

I started to learn Dutch. Very shaky at first and very funny. The younger kids in the family taught me little songs, etc. In return, I taught them English phrases.
I still remember a bit. Ik hou van je- I love you (but that is a whole other story). Not sure if I spelled it correctly.

The picture above is the house I lived in. I thought it was just perfect.

This picture was taken in the garden. I had always loved plants and flowers and this love just grew. As a girl, I remember coming home from Church and changing my clothes so I could "help" a neighbor with his garden. As I look back, he had the patience of Job!

This shot was taken in the backyard. So peaceful. I knew when I grew up I had to surround myself with what made me happy.

Another shot of the garden. I learned to enjoy life, and savor every experience.
Beauty is everywhere, we just need to open our eyes. This experience opened my eyes.

We would ride our bikes through the woods.
I don't mean little rides but serious (even Lance at that age would be shaking his head) bike rides.

This picture was taken after a particularly long ride. I'm the one leaning on "my younger brother". I didn't think I would be able to ride back home. But I did.

I learned to really live in the moment but
I knew that I was destined to move to Europe.
And I did. Several years later, I moved to Switzerland (The original French Elements started at that time even though I didn't realize it).
The exchange experience opened my eyes and for that I am extremely grateful.

I grew up around flowers but I had never experienced anything like the flower fields in the Netherlands. This YouTube video will give you a little tour of some amazing flower fields.
Just watching this made me want to quickly pack, and jump on a flight.

Enjoy