What We All Share
Around the world, people are fundamentally the same. No matter where you are, in which country you are visiting or living, you will find numerous similarities. Of course, we all know there are differences (I am sure I will address this in a later post), but at the core, we are all alike. Let me explain.
When I lived in Utrecht and was commuting to Amsterdam on a regular basis, I noticed several universal traits. As I walked along the cobblestone streets to the train station, people were swiftly walking or biking by, in a hurry to get to work. At the station, the atmosphere was even more alive, like a beehive. I bumped into many of the same passengers each morning, sometimes waving and nodding a brief hello as recognition.
In the train, some munched on their homemade peanut butter or cheese sandwiches (not the two ingredients together, mind you), while others purchased a croissant or piece of fruit beforehand at the station, in the few minutes they had until the train departed. Sometimes I’d catch someone doze off en route, but most were busy checking their email, reading or preparing for the busy day ahead. What’s more, I noticed coffee was, and is, a staple. It seems to be a universal truth across cultures that people love and need their caffeine.
As I biked in Amsterdam, weaving through rush hour traffic, I saw the mothers and fathers dropping their kids off at school, tiny, little fingers interlaced with the parent’s. This sight melted my heart. To this day when I see a moment like that, it takes me back to my childhood, when I would go to school and my Mom or Dad would drop me off, kiss me goodbye and wish me a great day. It’s very much the same here in the Netherlands.
Over the last four years, I’ve seen young couples kissing on a bench along the historic canals. I’ve seen elderly couples holding hands, taking a mid-day stroll or just waiting for the tram. I’ve seen young children climbing on a play structure, shrieking in pleasure. I’ve seen families gathered around the dinner table, sharing a meal together and engaging in conversation. These sights, familiar and comforting, are ones you can find everywhere, not just in Amsterdam.
People are people. Amsterdam is home to 178 nationalities, and while we may have been raised in different environments, in general we share the same emotions, stresses and joys. We want to do well. We simply want to live, laugh and love. It’s part of being human, no matter from which culture we come.
This is beautiful! Indeed, we are all the same, it doesn’t matter where we are from. Wish we could all get along and be tolerant with each other!
This is a beautiful reflection Jessica. I think the first time I truly noticed the same, was when I met my husband’s family and hometown. There are some small differences of course, but the core values and habits are pretty much the same. I find it often in children’s behavior in different countries: the way they play, what they do on their way to school and even the tantrums! If only everyone saw that people are pretty much the same everywhere!
Thank you so much for reading the article, Monique and Sandra. It is wonderful to hear you share similar thoughts. I wish others could share this perspective, as well. One day perhaps!
You’re so right, it’s important to look at our similarities. Understanding the differences can be equally important at times, but you don’t want to get bogged down by them. Realizing that some things are indeed universal – like need for caffeine! – is crucial to creating understanding!
Thanks for sharing your blog post in the #MyGlobalLife Link-Up!