Spreken Nederlands? Only if we are talking about eating.

Well, it's not fluent, but it's impressing people. The days at the restaurant are paying off. You CAN learn while hungover.

A colleague that I had never met before came back from holidays yesterday. I had lunch with him today to get acquainted and talk shop.

I surprised him, when we ordered, I asked for a "Coffee Verkeerd". (equivalent of a latte, i guess...)

He sort of smirked and I said "what was so funny?"

He said he thought it was nice that I was trying to speak dutch. "Trying" being the operative word.

Then as we were eating (Indian curry soup for me, and a rice and fish stew - getting used to the 2 course lunches to get me through the day, since I don't get home til 7pm these days- and he had 2 rolls with egg and cheese!!!! - "broodje met kaas en ei" - no condiments, no vegetables, no meat - and a pastry with honey.... COLD LUNCHES, they think HOT LUNCHES ARE WEIRD!! Aaagh!), he said, "how's your meal?"

and I said, without batting an eyelid, "Is goed. Heel lekker. Bedankt." ( It's good. Very delicious. Thanks.)

And he laughed and said, " Why is it that the only dutch you know is related to food?"

Even the Dutch are starting to notice my obsession.