Celebration

On Friday night, my roommate Marieke turned 22. It was really fun to help celebrate her long awaited birthday. In general, birthdays are celebrated the same as in the U.S., but with a few differences. For example, if it is your birthday, you are expected to bake your own cake. Maybe I am a bit bias, or lazy, but I think I prefer the tradition at home. You are also expected to host your own party or celebration. If you take your friends out for a drink, you pay for their drinks. Another thing I thought was almost a bit strange is the tradition to congratulate not only the birthday girl, but the entire family.

Regardless of minor cultural differences, I really had a fun night with a girl who has to put up with me and my Dutch on a daily basis. Happy birthday Marieke!


Try to ignore the scary guy in the background

Note: I bought her an oven mitt because I set hers on fire the first week I moved in...oops!