So Pieter van den Hoogenband has won silver on the 200 meters at the world championships. Was amazed by the time of american swimmer Michael Phelps, but the photo above this piece turned me off again. First saying 'I'm going for 8 times gold'. And then not even looking happy, just putting one finger up. Only seven to go. Why do Americans always irritate me with their arrogance? Seems they need it to get that far in the competitive American sportsworld, otherwise no one would be interested in this swimming competition? But being from a less masculine country, I judge this finger to be offensive. I prefer the 'toppiejoppie' of Inge or Pieter's remark: 'I admire that guy, what he did is terrific'. Find that the American sportsworld is much more aggressive, but also more childish. Get Three! Get More Get Seven! No Get Eight! Wonder how he'll feel if he only wins seven. Will he be laughed at in tv shows? Could well be: you promised us eight and all you got us was seven! Loser!
In the end I think Phelps will be just an average guy, but his cultural clichees keep him at a distance from my Dutch mentality. We'll carry on playing the underdog. Much more fun, you even get applauded for ONE bronze! Well, good luck to Michael. Hope for him he will get his 8 gold medals. If only he promises to show some genuine happiness after winning the last one, not only a 'and then there were eight and I did my job'-tight lipped arrogance.
What I do know is I chose Canada because I like the Canadians so much better than most Americans. Have met lots of nice individual Americans (of course there are a few! In such a big country!), but the atmosphere in Canada on the whole is so much more relaxed. A cultural cliche that is still true. Wonder how Americans will describe their differences with Canadians. Must dive into that one of these days.
Anyway have signed a new rental agreement today for another apartment. Will move may first (30 day notice..), so Marcel can also enjoy the humming fridges serenade for two weeks. Jottem.
