Fanmar

Visitor Messages are generally used for conversions that you don't mind being public, and they do tend to be shorter usually, but not always, obviously. We can switch to PMs if you'd prefer.

The holiday thing is kind of interesting to me. Even though I was raised Catholic, I identify as agnostic/atheist, so the holidays themselves don't really have meaning to me. And, in that sense, it's a lot like America! We have holidays like President's Day and Columbus Day that don't really mean anything (in fact, there's a sizable group of people actually protesting against having Columbus celebrated with a holiday) but people get a day off of work or school. Despite the meaning, whatever it is or even it actually means anything, I think it's important for people to get forced breaks and holidays, so I rather enjoy them, even if I'm not working so I don't get a lot of use out of them myself.

And, no, I don't mind the random questions at all. It's funny; I've actually met more Dutch people though PokéBeach than I have in-person in Amsterdam, since I'm a very shy person in real life. So this is a fun way for me, too, to get to talk with some people in my new home country. :3 Another one of the smods (red name folk) on the site, Drohn, is also from the Netherlands and we chat a lot, and I've had fun having conversations (Pokémon related and not ) and trading Pokémon cards and all sorts of cool things. :3

Yeah, I can see how living in the city, especially a busy area, would be kind of crazy if you're used to small-town life. I actually lived in the suburbs of Chicago when I was in the States, but I've always gotten along well in urban areas, and hubby is the same, so it works out perfectly for us. :3

I do find it somewhat amusing how much residual Christian influence is here. Not just the shops closed on Sundays thing (though that's a pick part of it), but also many public holidays and such are religious-based. Although I was raised Catholic, I never even remember when Pentecost (Pinksteren) is, and yet it's a national holiday here! Seems like the shopping thing is being eased somewhat, though, at least in the cities. It seems that more and more stores are open on Sundays and later in the evening than they were my first trip here back in 2009.

I agree. There's a reason I've had her in my sig for six years.

It's kind of funny, really; some things are very different, but for every different thing, there's something very similar (or the same) that I wouldn't expect. There are of course some things I miss from my home in the States (the 24h shopping is a big one; it's hard to adjust to stores closing in the early evening during the week and sometimes even being closed on Sunday!), but most of the changes are positive. For example, I really love how close everything is; I walk to do my grocery shopping and can walk all over the downtown, or bike or tram if I feel like using less effort. My experiences would probably be different if I lived in a less urban area, but I'm a city girl at heart, so living downtown (my husband and I have a house in de Jordaan) is wonderful for me.

Haha, no problem at all! My Dutch is pretty poor anyway. I moved here in fall of '12 to live with my husband. We bought a house last year, and I super love it here! It's a wonderful city and country to live in.

Welkom op PokéBeach! o/

Fanmar, I hope you get comfortable then! We try to be a very friendly and welcoming community. If you have any questions, feel free to ask myself, or one of the moderators.

Welcome to the 'beach!

Fanmar, You're more than welcome! Enjoy!

That was weird, it kept showing you as a passerby?
Thank you for the trade and I hope you complete your Vivillon collection!