Other ex pat bloggers (see Connor's and Pinay's links on the right) have commented extensively and wittily on the mysteries and background of the uniquely Dutch (and Flemish) Sinter Klaas tradition. Personally I have always found it confusing, never knowing whether to give presents or cards at Christmas or earlier in the month. Every time I ask Dutch people they say different families do it differently. So I have never really participated in the whole Sinter Klaas thing.
Last week I came home from my work to find a mystery package outside my door. It contained three lovely houseplants and a gingerbread man. Most of all it contained the traditional poem that is often the most important part of the present giving tradition. I'm glad I didn't have to read it out in a room full of people because I ******* cried my eyes out - for once with gratitude - for the nicest surprise I have had in - well I can't remember how long. So I thought I'd share it
Dutch is no problem to me anymore
Since I came here so many times before
Rhyming in English is difficult though
Cause my English skills are very low.
But I’ll try it anyway
Maybe I’ll learn that too, some day.
Feeling lonely and a little bit blue,
You know I felt exactly like you
First time I came here, ages ago,
I’m not a Dutchman, did you know?
But now I’m looking forward every year
To my birthday-party here.
I‘ve heard your chanting in the air
While I was on the roof somewhere
Attracted by this beautiful sound
I stopped by and looked around
You have a nice appartement here
Cosy, almost Dutch, I swear.
I hear you have an office too
You are almost well-to-do
The secretary knows your name best of all
And announces your visitors by call
Why is that? Does she like you a lot
Or do many females visit the spot?
What did you do, please do tell!
I might be too old, but I’d like that as well.
Before I leave this lovely place
I’ll give you a present to light up your days
On the balcony it will flourish I’m sure
If you won’t forget water to pour.
Please become happy, plant some good seeds
Making good causes will help you indeed.
I’m still amused by the rituals here
So I come back to see you next year
I’m sure you’ll feel great by then
And I look forward to meet you again.
Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet
Thank you Sinter. Next week I am going to put a tooth under my pillow!
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4 comments:
Yay, the spirit of Christmas lives! What a gracious sentiment, reaching out with gingerbread and house plants.
I guess it could be quite alienating, moving to a new culture and not quite knowing how to be. Do you have an idea of who sent it?
Regarding the whole tooth thingy, apparently the tooth fairy is called Kristabel, and likes to be addressed formally by letter.
What a lovely surprise. It's like having Valentines twice in the year! Do you have any idea who left that poem for you?
Living in a foreign culture has its up sides too! I do have a good idea who sent the presnt and I am sure it was meant in a spirit of friendship, rather than an indication of any romantic interest. And that's equally good!
Awww - sweet!
Noticed myself reading it (listening?) to a Dutch accent (LOVE Dutch spoken English) upon reading this line....
Before I leave this lovely place
I’ll give you a present to light up your days
Because only with a Dutch accent do the words "place" and "days" rhyme!! (Laughing with fondness)
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