We moved to a new place a few weeks ago. My partner moved in before I did as I was on vacation for a few months. He's met the neighbours (they came over to introduce themselves) but I have not. I feel like I should.
Is it okay for me to take over a tart I baked to say hello? Is that strange? I'm not looking for any kind of relationship (I know the Dutch are quite private and so am I!) but it might just show goodwill of some sort? Also ,they recently cleaned our very dirty hallway so it might be a thank you of some sort... Yet, I don't want to appear weird (especially since I'm already foreign!).
I don't really want to go in for coffee. Just "hi, i moved in next door. my name is X and i baked a pie today. thought you might like some, bye!" .
2007-09-02 08:37:24 · 6 answers · asked by backpacknepal 3 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Netherlands
Thanks for your answers everyone:) I was wondering whether it was weird because my Dutch partner said it is. And yes, we do live in an apartment building:)
I don't want to invite anyone to my place because we still need a lot of furniture nor do we really like to you know, make small talk (I'm horrid at that) so I was thinking of just a short outside neighbour's door conversation:P
2007-09-02 19:50:47 · update #1
That seems very neighbourly to me! I can't image they'd be offended by receiving homemade tarts! Just tell them how sorry you are that you weren't able to meet them earlier. Rather they invite you in for coffee, is their call! My guess is that they will. But, don't be surprised if they choose to wait for another opportunity.
2007-09-02 08:49:49 · answer #1 · answered by Pinyon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Dutch thing is to invite them to come to your house rather than go to theirs.
You can drop a little note in their letterbox, or go to their door to invite them.
A cake or pie is a good idea, but not really needed, but a gift is always welcome.
When someone moves into this apartment block we mostly just say hello in the hall, but where my parents live we often invite people in for some practical reason and drink coffee then.
No reason to excuse yourself for being a foreigner, I bet that you are not the strangest person in your street.
You are different, So What!
Added:
It is perfectly alright just to have small talk in the hall. It is also alright to ring their bell on a pretend question, (the famous cup of sugar,) and when they react say something like, By the way, I have baked this cake, would you like some?
2007-09-02 09:15:14 · answer #2 · answered by Willeke 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We just got new neighbours and they simply send us a note with all their names on it and said in it they'd come by for coffee soon. that'would be to the neighbours on your floor. the rest you'll get to know along the way. Of course if you take a pie it'll be great, but you will have to explain that that's very normal in the US because dutch people would never do such a thing. They'll be happily surprised and glad to learn about your culture! I hope you'll like our country!
2007-09-04 07:52:08 · answer #3 · answered by saskia r 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is an absolutely wonderful idea and gesture. No foreigner is weird when they have the good sense to have good manners, a friendly disposition and a hand that reaches out. Kindness is a universal language that understands completely. Don't be surprised if they invite you in to enjoy it with them!
2007-09-02 08:46:39 · answer #4 · answered by Chris B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, most dutch people arnt that fond of people dropping by unanounced. in my opinion, especially if you have older neighbours, you should invite them over for coffee or maybe lunch or dinner sometime.
oh and realy old fashioned people, might find it s\customary to bring cookies when invited over for coffee, make sure you have something incase they dont, but dont be supprised if they do. again especially if theyre older.
2007-09-03 09:51:10 · answer #5 · answered by mrzwink 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It never hurts to be friendly, under any circumstances.
2007-09-06 01:46:58 · answer #6 · answered by bgee2001ca 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋