Worldly Chatter

Bagels and Beans is one of the few places where I can get a real bagel. I have a co-worker who is American and told him to check it out with me. Off we went for an afternoon lunch and coffee! We sat outside and enjoyed the slightly chilled air over cappuccino and a bagel. I have been here a while now and a bit on the slow side to making my own friends so it was so nice to suggest an outing after work! I can be so shy at times, especially when you are in a foreign place with a different language. It can leave you a tad nervous and shy. I did it however! I suggested something and we hung out on a terrace! Such a big girl I am!

It’s a bit strange to me, I used to be good at making friends, being the chatter bug and all that. Since I have been here, I have been quiet and iffy about stepping out of my shell. There wasn’t a reason in the world for it other than I was scared to face the new world I put myself in at a different angle. I’ve learned there are different angles to getting accustomed to your new country. Work wise, relationship wise and socially on top of all the other culture shocks and customs that are new and thrown at you. I have been getting into the work and social aspect of it on a slower pace than I would in America. It’s an interesting thing to consider. I lived in different states in America and never really had a problem piping up. It troubles me that I have changed in this way. Maybe now that I have done it once I will do it again and will break the shell right open! One can hope right. Does one consider the consequences like this? The isolation that is put on a person by your surroundings, the government, or yourself. I want to be as I was, bubbly and chatting. An outgoing person I will be darn it all! I can do it! I am a big girl!

expats, Netherlands, Worldly Chatter, making friends