A Thai lady in the Netherlands
Name some reasons to Thailand to go and no doubt will come culture in the queue ahead. Now you could classify the a go-go's and discos in Walking Street and the countless massage places under culture, but I am referring more to Thai history and Buddhist culture.
We view the many temples with sitting, reclining, golden, very high, very small, etc. Buddhas with our Western eyes, we admire the magnificent murals of Rama history in the Grand Palace, but how many of us understand the deeper meaning of all of this?
Cannot be explained
And vice versa? Of course you cannot explain to a Thai why we have a Catholic and a Protestant church in the Netherlands and that the Protestant church can also be divided into many groups. Just try to say something sensible about our 80-year war with Spain, the Relief of Leiden, the Victory of Alkmaar, it's all in vain. A Thai will listen to you with surprise and incomprehension if you explain our social system somewhat. Even talk about the Second World War and why we have / had something against Germans and a Thai looks at you with uncomprehending eyes.
I had known this for a long time, because once – in the seventies – I went to London with a Thai businessman. Made a tourist trip to the Tower between the companies, because that seemed interesting to him. I told him a bit about the history beforehand and when we got there he was unwilling to go in at all. With so many beheadings there must be countless ghosts around and a Thai hates that.
Culture shock
I have been to the Netherlands twice with my current Thai wife. The first time obviously produces a culture shock, because how different the Netherlands is compared to Thailand. The beautiful road network, the neat traffic, the green grass, the beautiful houses yield many ah's and oh's. In my hometown of Alkmaar, the beautiful shopping streets were admired, although she looked with horror at the incredibly high prices for women's clothing, for example. She thought the Cheese Market was funny, but she can't get a piece of cheese down her throat. No, much more important was that there were two Thai restaurants in Alkmaar where she could speak Thai again and enjoy a Thai meal.
A nice day (or two) to Amsterdam then. Strolling through the Kalverstraat, grabbing a terrace, a beer in a brown Jordanian pub, the flower market, a visit to the Heineken brewery, she really enjoyed it. No, not a visit to the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, because just talking about the Night Watch or Van Gogh, who cut off his ear, quickly leads to a yawn of boredom. Fortunately, she was also able to go to many Thai restaurants in Amsterdam to feel at home again.
Manneken Pis
One of her ideas was to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris, so off you go. Spent a day in Brussels on the way there, because it also has a lot to offer for tourists. A delicious glass of Belgian beer on the Grote Markt and of course we have to see Manneken Pis. Now I had never seen that myself, although I have often been to Brussels, so it took some searching. When we found it, my wife burst into uncontrollable laughter. Will the whole world come to Brussels to see that statue of about 90 cm high? I took a picture of her with Manneken Pis, which is in our room. We can still laugh about it now and then, especially when we see the enlarged image at Patrick's in his Belgian restaurant in the Arcade on Second Road.
The Eiffel Tower is imposing, a walk on the Champs Elysee - with much higher prices for women's clothing - is nice, but apart from the traffic chaos at the Arc de Triomphe and the high prices in shops, restaurants and drinks on a terrace. We have not been to the Louvre and I have not told anything about Louis the Fourteenth or the French Revolution, for example, because she would look at me like a cow watching a train go by.
Fat cows
Just like in Paris, there are no Thai restaurants in Barcelona either. After a tour of the city with a short visit to the Gaudi Park (absolutely lost time) and a walk on the Ramblas, you want something to eat. So not Thai, then a Spanish paella, because that is also rice, isn't it? Whether it was her fault or the quality of the food, I don't know, but halfway through she hurried to the toilet to vomit up that red, sticky rice and prawns again. Going to sleep quickly after a glass of beer and the next day back to the Netherlands in a hurry, back to a Thai bite.
The most beautiful day in the Netherlands was a visit to Volendam. Not so much Volendam itself, although of course a photo was taken in traditional costume and eel eaten, but the way back to Alkmaar. Instead of the normal major roads, I drove back along farm roads and villages. We stopped at a pasture with 100 cows, grazing in a green meadow. Really, we sat there in the grass for hours enjoying the beautiful and fat cows, of which many pictures were taken. At one point my wife sighed: Oh, if only my cows from the Isaan could survive this for a few days holiday!
– Reposted message –
How can it be, my wife has now been to Europe 3 times and apart from the weather she likes it. She does miss the rotten fish and stuff. And she thinks cheese just like what I think of that rotten fish.
And you can get Thai food almost everywhere (I miss it myself), including in Paris. Unfortunately, often seriously adapted to Dutch taste. And in Barcelona the tapas were not to be found. One of the places in Europe where both of us could live like this.
And history of churches and stuff is really no different in Thailand. To us it may seem like 1 kind of Buddhism here, officially there are at least 2 and there are still many branches in Thailand (and many more worldwide). And the Thai are pretty cruel when it comes to Burmese, Lao or Cambodians, so heads and other limbs have rolled in many places. Even a few months ago and everyone is just shopping again.
Thank you for your response, Chang Noi, but I don't understand what you mean. Is it just an addition to my story or did you not like that story?
Hello Bart
I think Mr. Chang Noi has no sense of humor, I read your story with a big smile on my face.
I can totally imagine how your wife reacts to our country.
Thailand is a wonderful country, just tell her, lovely people, delicious food, beautiful temples, etc, etc.
In any case, we are very much away from next month we are going to Hua Hin again for 4 months, I am already looking forward to it.
I then sit and watch the Thai cows……..because they don't have to stand in the cold and the rain.
GR Jac
Nice comment, Jack, thanks! Certainly, Thailand is a mighty beautiful country to live in as a pensioner, but I remain a Dutchman. My story should therefore not be taken too seriously, because the Netherlands also has so much to offer, also for Thais. Anyway, we wish you a pleasant stay in Hua Hin!
I think not all Thai who come to Europe are like I read in your story. And I think that's a bit of a misrepresentation. Of course it is a nice story.
I know Thai people who live in Europe and don't want to go back.
And in any case, there are certainly Thai restaurants in Paris (as in Maastricht, Aachen, Rotterdam, The Hague, Alkmaar, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Brussels, Antwerp) and I think that the Spanish Tapas food is a very good replacement for Thai food is. Now every kind of food in a restaurant can be disappointing because it happens to be not well made.
And Thai people who think they can't go somewhere because of ghosts will probably not get any further than their front door in Thailand. Probably due to lack of proper education.
Thank you for your two comments, Chang Noi. I see that you take the humorous article way too seriously. We have had 2 fantastic holidays in the Netherlands and in many cases my wife has adapted nicely.
Every Thai woman will experience a visit to Europe differently and I also know that there are many Thais who like to live in Europe. I even know 1, who lives in Bodo above the Arctic Circle in Norway and is very happy there with the occasional -40 degrees.
Of course I know there are Thai restaurants everywhere, but I will tell you that in Paris and Barcelona we didn't really look for them and enjoyed – on that one paella that is – the baguette with brie, the tapas, etc.
If there is a message in my article, it is that we cannot blindly assume that Thais understand everything about how Europe “works”, just like that we (at least I, maybe not you) are often puzzled in Thailand. standing as far as habits, history, customs are concerned.'
Finally, speaking of "good education", I wouldn't really surprise you to tell you that there are millions of Thais who lack education, right? This has nothing to do with their fear of “pilou's” (ghosts).
what a nice story, and what a nice bouncer at the end, great
have fun in thailand
Well, a familiar story. It is a pity that the Thai ladies are described as half retarded again. I have completely different experiences. My wife, also Thai, loves to visit an exhibition. Watches the news and current affairs programs and documentaries every day. Speaks perfect Dutch, has respect for all religious beliefs and also knows exactly what the difference is. Lusts for cheese and loves Dutch new ones. Don't have to play cards and drink and especially gossip with other Thai while enjoying a lot of steaming smoke. Just has a few Dutch girlfriends. Owns a nice profitable company.
Is culturally interested and has visited many large meseas in Europe in the meantime.
And there are many more in the Netherlands
You have an ideal Thai wife, dodo dingo, I'd be jealous. And as for that last comment, believe me, there is no second one like yours in Europe, I'm sure! Good luck with her!!!
Yes, we know a few ourselves and there are more. They just don't report to the well-known meetings, but sometimes meet them at a party.
By the way, happiness has lasted for 31 years without any problems. I have to say that I also had to do a lot for that, but that makes sense.
And I also occasionally go alone to Thailand, also without any problems. This turns out to be an exception.
Wonderful story to read and yes I recognize a lot. Today we fly to Thailand (Isaan yes) and will be back December 4th.
Indeed Bert a very recognizable but also nicely written story. My girlfriend didn't like the salty herring on the Alkmaar market, even though she eats all the fish she can get here in Thailand.
Thank you for your nice comment (from “my” Alkmaar?). If I can only mention 1 thing that I miss here, it is a tasty, fat salty herring. Nice and freshly cleaned on the cart and then let it slide down your throat.
Hi Bart ,
I live in Thailand and have been several times with my Thai (Isaaan) wife, among others
been on holiday in the Netherlands.
As for the interest in history, art and culture, I have the same experience as you. Although she does her best to arouse interest, sometimes it gets too much for her. On the other hand, she can't get enough of information about (and enjoying) the Dutch landscape and nature.
However, she has less trouble than your wife with the culinary part of her stay in the Netherlands and she knows how to make do.
Firstly, she has already used herself in Thailand to have Dutch breakfast with me. Brown wholemeal bread with cheese and Ardenner ham (Carrefour) and a cup of (freshly brewed) DE coffee.
(By the way, that's pretty much the only Western meal I enjoy, otherwise I mainly eat Thai.)
Furthermore, when we are in the Netherlands, she has learned to appreciate smoked eel and a “Dutch New” with onions as well.
We always rent a bungalow in a holiday park, so she cooks herself.
She takes various indispensable Thai ingredients such as pallaat (rotten fish), nampra and namprik from home and there are also Eastern and Surinamese shops in every major city in the Netherlands where she can get almost everything to prepare a Thai meal.
Maybe this is a tip for your wife?
And when we go out for dinner, which we regularly do, she can enjoy a delicious Dutch fillet steak with a good glass of wine just as much as I do.
Might be an idea for your wife to try that too.
Of course you have to want to adapt to each other.
A friend of mine often has to go to the Netherlands for business and likes to take his Thai wife with him. She dreads it like a mountain just because of the food.
I also know plenty of Dutch people who have lived in Thailand for years and know no more about Thai cuisine than kao-pat and pat-tai and continue to swear by stew.
Life can be so much more pleasant if you know how to adapt a little.
Regards, Leo
Thank you for your response Leo and also thanks for all your well-intentioned tips. Don't take it all too seriously, because my wife has also adapted quite a bit in terms of food in the Netherlands and surroundings. At my house in Alkmaar we cooked potatoes together with red cabbage and pulled pork, we ate stew, brown beans, I made fried rice the Indonesian way. A plaice and a dover sole went in like cake and I can go on and on. She ate it all with taste, so that the visits to Thai restaurants became nice snacks where she could chatter Thai again.
I have a Thai girlfriend who loves cheese. She eats at least one cheese sandwich every day. She makes sandwiches and is even angry when the cheese is gone. French cheese doesn't survive a day in the fridge. I have to make sure I get another bite.
And still just as slim and she doesn't gain a kilo. Why cheeseheads? Completely incomprehensible why she is not gaining weight.
It is a strange world that we only know from hearsay and pictures. I brought a guide from the Netherlands, so she can first see what we have to offer for a while. Keukenhof in first place.
I let her stroll through Amsterdam for a few days and Queen's Day was really great. Thai food was nothing. Of course showing the famous museums and the diamond center was also great. Worked out with a stick and didn't buy diamonds lol. Salted herring eaten… yuck, how dirty. French fries…. that's it.
It was great, but living here? No never.
Another nice note; drove through Sweden with Thai ex beautiful landscape and then the question comes; CAN YOU EAT THAT TREE? THAT FLOWER? wonderful enjoyed Dr.
Nice story.
You should also take them to the zoo. Mine knew how to tell each animal how it tasted.
Oh and she didn't want eels, because they look like food.
Henk
We have been to the Netherlands ONE time for 2 months. She had never flown before etc etc To keep it short: She liked 2 things in the Netherlands: crossing on a VOP, “heee? all cars stop!” and that you could drink water from the tap and that water was also cold. She called the Dutch food “hospital food”. But she found the Netherlands a lot nicer than Belgium, because there were few trees and plants growing along the roads.
Wonderful and recognizable story that has a big smile on my face.
I immediately thought of the first time my wife came to visit me in the Netherlands. We went for a walk in the Geesterambacht (recreation area in Alkmaar) and what she noticed (besides the beautiful greenery and cleanliness) was that the ducks and geese were so thick, much thicker than in SiSaKet.
What she absolutely didn't understand, however, is why these ducks could just walk loose, swim, etc. Who do they belong to? oh if they don't belong to anyone, can we catch them ourselves and eat them? In the isaan they of course eat everything that is loose and stuck, but well that is NL just a bit different haha.
When we talk about it again, we both have to laugh really hard.
What was also a highlight was the gay parade in Amsterdam man oh man she couldn't believe her eyes and took a lot of pictures but mom and dad weren't allowed to see them because they would be very shocked and might get the wrong impression of NL haha
She has been living in Alkmaar for two years now and may not have to go back so soon, maybe when we both retire, but she certainly doesn't like living, working and living here more than fine.
About Paris: There are several Thai restaurants in Paris. especially in small streets!
There is also an entire Asian district in the 13th district. My Thai wife had a very good meal there and jumps up when I mention Paris because the “Vietnamese noodles” are so tasty there…..
Planning and some googling will also help, put a printed list of Thai restaurants in your pocket when you go to an unknown city. Also nice to discover them like this!
I've had the opposite experience when it comes to food.
The Thai girlfriend of an acquaintance of mine was here for 3 months last year and because he had to have an operation and was staying in the hospital, I spent a few days with her (visited Madurodam, Amsterdam and the Efteling). When I told her we
In the evening she would go to a Thai restaurant to eat, she said: why does everyone take me to a Thai restaurant, I want to try something different now that I'm here. I then took her to a Greek restaurant. I had to order for her and then ordered a mixed grill. She really enjoyed it and really fed herself. As usual, there was still quite a bit of food left over and when I said we would take it home so she could enjoy it again at home, she was very surprised.
It is indeed striking that people always take the Thais with their Dutch or Belgian expats to Thai eateries, while we have so many cuisines from other cultures in our countries. I think a Thai is more attached to his food than a Dutch or Belgian.
Total disinterest…. I have seen that in many Thai people.
It will have to do with their origin, upbringing, education, poverty and culture in general. Buddha comes first and so does the family, not to mention the King.
A people… mainly focused on food and drink, fun and nice things (sanuk), money ~ a bit basic.
It's no different (with most).
Three Thai friends have already visited me in Amsterdam. All three liked to eat stroopwafels. Kibbeling also did well. My current girlfriend is even addicted to bickering, she wanted it every day. She also likes to drink a glass of red wine, not many Thai women will do that.
In terms of culture, I notice that our flowers are doing well, the old cities are also very popular, such as Alkmaar, Haarlem, Utrecht and Leiden.
Thai food that we make ourselves at home. I ask if she wants to bring some packages of Roi Thai or Lobo, so we can make a nice cloud dish at home in no time 😉