Drinking in the Park with Strangers

Over the past week I have been participating in UU's (Utrecht University) international welcome week. The welcome week is designed to help us internationals get a feel for how the city works and to make new friends. Yesterday I had my favorite experience yet doing one of the activities. The activity was a beer and wine "tasting", where you go with five to ten other students, pick up a case of assorted beers, and assorted wines, and then go sit in the park and drink. I ended up losing my original group due to unforeseen circumstances (I was busy reading, lost track of time, and was subsequently too late to catch up with them) so I went to the beer store to see if I could find anyone else doing the same thing. Luckily I found a group of eight or nine people picking up their beer case and I tagged along. Little did I know I would be spending the next seven hours with these people. 

When we arrived at the park, the first thing we did (at the insistence of the German guy in the group) was put all the drinks (minus the red wine of course) into the pond to chill. We sat together in a big circle in the grass, filled our plastic cups with red wine, and began to chat. Right off the bat we went around the circle and each shared how we toast (cheers) in our home countries. Our group consisted of two Greeks, two Germans, a Portuguese woman, a Pole, a Belgian, and two Americans (myself included). Every culture has their own way of toasting, and this was how we kicked off our marathon conversation of the cultural differences between us. 

As we sat drinking in the park we covered pretty much every topic under the sun and how each of our countries and cultures differ. We went from the simple act of toasting one anther to a discussion on religion, to politics and taxes, how it is to be a member of the LGBTQ community, body image, immigration, the limitations of both capitalism and socialism, food, wine, beer, transportation options, the barbie movie (of course), and more that I can't even remember right now. By the time we came up for air it was 1 am, dark, cold and there were only three of us left.

I learned more in this conversation circle about life in Europe and European perceptions of the US than I have ever learned in any academic setting. I've never been in a group with so many diverse perspectives, nor have I felt that as an American my perspectives are of interest and respected in a European setting. Often in large groups like this I am hesitant to speak to the group at large, but last night I shared so many things about my life back home and every time I spoke I was intently listened to and would spark new anecdotes from my new friends around the circle. To exist in a world of strangers means that I am without the limitations of expectations and I can be whoever I want to be. I really felt like my mind was broadened last night and it makes me so excited to see what else this year will bring. 

Just a few days ago I was feeling extremely anxious and unsure about being in a place so far from home, but meeting all kinds of new people over the last few days has made me realize that I am extremely lucky to be one of a few Americans here. I feel like this is an extremely unique opportunity to experience new cultures and learn from students around the world and I can't wait to see how it changes my world views.