norms/convictions

i need not be angry when people try to correct me when i am wrong, they only want to help. i mustn't get annoyed when liesbeth asks me questions about my day, just because i am not ready to talk about it doesn't mean she must refrain from being courteous. just because i am not allowed friends over, doesn't mean i should be short with her and get frustrated. restricted freedoms are the consequences i must deal with. its only for the next couple months.

first name basis with teachers. weird. if they can have a personal relationship IN the school, why can't they meet their teachers outside of school? america vs netherlands?
perhaps it varies based on the field of study.

hand behind the back while biking?
the funky birds that dive under water and stay under water for long periods of time and show up in a totally different place in the water...
dutch television.

dutch words i learned today:
geweldig -- awesome
gebouw -- building
lantaaren paal -- street lamp