You're sooo evolved.

Well, I've been in the Nethers for three months now and I have two blogs written: one on my lactose intolerance and one on the retraction of my lactose intolerance. So now, for some real goodies on the Netherlands. I called them the most evolved people of the world - quite a statement, I realize. I thought about it though, and I don't want to retract it. I had some advice that I should tell all my friends and family how great the Dutch are and how we should be more like them, which prompted me to write a blog. I think I can say this, because I don't actually live there. If I were moving there, then it is rude. Plus, I'm aware they have flaws. Major flaws.

The Dutchies are really evolved bike riders. The average Hollander biked 560 miles in 2006. They are the bomb! I started to feel pretty good on two wheels, but I'm childsplay compared to these peeps. They have done wonders in making the bike realistic transportation. Exercise is the by product of this practical transportation. Because of

this, they have really perfected it to an artistic degree. Here are the awards: "Best Effort" goes to the man peddling against a strong dutch wind in a light rain uphill, with a chattering little girl in the front and another one squeezed on the back (Roger's favorite). He was a really good dad, peddling so hard, but still saying "ja" in all the right places. "Best in Show" goes to a woman with a seat on the back of her bike holding a kindergarden aged child and a two year old in front. Her hands were fixing her hair and the toddler was steering! And my personal favorite "Most Practical" goes to the man in a strong rain, holding the umbrella with a baby zipped inside his rain coat, his little newborn head peeking out. He was just chilling!

Number two reason: The

y are artistically evolved - the Dutch love to make

beautiful things. They make beautiful people (exhibit A - hottie ---->) and beautiful art. Even in the miniscule, they really outshine any other country I have visited. New buildings have li

ght displays, event posters are bold and interesting and the music of festivals takes a back seat

to the decor. What is so "evolved" about it isn't the art, but rather that they appreciate it and made it part of their life. It has become part of the every day, the mundane becomes interesting.

At Mystery Land, the main stages were a spectacular event of lights and movement, but what

was equally spectacular were the details in the regular going-ons outside of the stage. For example, the festival producers contracted a group of women who"urban knit" to beautify the poles and banal structures we see all the time. I don't have photos at the actual place, but the knitted tree is an example of it. It's beautiful!

Beyond the already compelling examples, these are other things that make me inclined to say they are evolved. The men share the duties of traditional housewife. They split the work week and dish duty. They are tolerant of people and ideas. They are very open to non-traditional medicine and have great health care.