PLANNING THE DUTCH WAY: WHY TIMETABLES SHAPE DUTCH CULTURE | MAG GOING DUTCH S02E02 скачать в хорошем качестве

PLANNING THE DUTCH WAY: WHY TIMETABLES SHAPE DUTCH CULTURE | MAG GOING DUTCH S02E02

Luba and Salomé explore Dutch culture through its favourite habit: planning life down to the minute. If you’ve ever tried to make spontaneous plans with a Dutch friend, you’ve likely discovered it: Dutch culture runs on calendars. In episode two of MAG Going Dutch, hosts Luba and Salomé sit down with art student Noah to unpack why planning is so deeply woven into everyday Dutch life, and how that habit shapes friendships, holidays and even group trips abroad. Noah admits he’s a walking contradiction: a spontaneous person who plans with almost military precision when it comes to dinners, trips and holidays. ‘If there’s somewhere I want to go, it’s written down,’ he says. But despite that structure, he insists he still leaves room for randomness, calling it the sweet spot between efficiency and enjoyment. His friends confirm the reputation: he was the one insisting on itineraries months before their group visited Strasbourg last summer. What fascinates Luba and Salomé is how consistently this pattern shows up. Want to get coffee next week? Chances are your Dutch friend already has something in the calendar. ‘Some hangouts you have to plan weeks in advance,’ Noah says, especially with people from older friend groups whose schedules no longer align. The stereotype, it turns out, is not entirely unfair. But planning in Dutch culture is not just about logistics; it’s also tied to travel. The Netherlands is small, and many Dutch people grow up holidaying elsewhere. Noah’s family stayed mostly in the Netherlands, but he himself loves exploring other cities, researching historic neighbourhoods, and, by his own admission, dragging friends to the nearest large cathedral. ‘Maybe it’s a man thing,’ he laughs. ‘Even if you’re not religious, you want to see the big church.’ The episode shifts into holiday traditions, especially the transition from Sinterklaas to Christmas. For Noah, Sinterklaas dominated childhood: the TV programmes, the arrival from Spain, the shoe by the door with a carrot for the horse. He tells a story about his father pretending to sneak out for a smoke, only to circle the street and knock on the door as Sinterklaas delivering gifts. It’s a moment that still feels magical in hindsight, even now that he knows the truth. As he explains, Coca-Cola helped popularise the modern Santa image, but Sinterklaas remains uniquely Dutch. These days, his family focuses more on Christmas: gifts, board games, music, and a week of slowing down together. It’s less about tradition for tradition’s sake, and more about warmth and rest after a long year, something internationals often observe as a defining winter rhythm in the Netherlands. The episode ends with rapid-fire questions, revealing Noah’s love for winter, ABBA, cosy clothing and evenings spent people-watching in festive streets. His favourite karaoke song? Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’. What makes him genuinely laugh? People who aren’t afraid to make fun of themselves: ‘Being yourself is fun,’ he says. With two episodes now released, MAG Going Dutch continues to explore the quirks that shape student life in the Netherlands. Sometimes silly, sometimes sincere, always recognisable. More discoveries about Dutch culture are on the way.