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Do you want to hear about one of the most excruciating, culture shock debacles I've ever experienced in my life
Ok so I was moving into a new place in the Netherlands a few years back and introduced myself to some of the neighbours as you do.
Few days later, neighbour approaches me on the street.
"Oh hi" she says. "So on Saturday we're having a party. Afternoon thing, some friends and family, we'll have the barbecue going, casual enough."
"Oh hi" she says. "So on Saturday we're having a party. Afternoon thing, some friends and family, we'll have the barbecue going, casual enough."
"Oh that's so kind of you!" I say. "I'd love to come. What can I bring?"
Can Dutchies see what's coming 
"You are not invited" she replies. "I am telling you to warn you that there might be some noise on Saturday. Please also warn us if you have an event that would cause noise. We would like to be good neighbours."
I almost died on the spot.
And that friends is what happens when one of the most indirect-communication cultures in the world encounters one of the most direct.
