It pays to be Dutch

I lost my Student ID card somewhere on my Europe tour, which is unfortunate because it's also my library card. Since then I've been using Danielle's card, because we look relatively similar and most of the time they don't even look at the card when scanning the barcode. Any other time I need it (collecting an assignment, checking my mail or trying to get into BOP -- a university-sponsored dance party), I just smooth-talk my way out of it. Even if I'm not taking a journalism class, at least I'm learning some useful skills in getting through bureaucracy. I think the "American" accent helps. I just simply don't know any better. ;)

Today, though, I thought I'd check if they could just look up my number and let me take out a few books without my card. First I asked the librarian if she could look up how much I owe the library in late fees, and after typing in my name she smiled to herself and said, "That's a very Dutch name!" and then smiled even more when I told her I was, in fact, Dutch. Apparently she had lived there for years and her daughter still does. She was really excited to hear I could still speak some of the language and that she knew where Fryslan (where I was born) is. Then when I asked if I could take out a book without a card, she grimaced and said "Oh, no, they're very strict about that here." But then she leaned in and whispered,"But if you can find a few books before I leave at 2 o'clock, I'll let you take them out if you bring them to me... just because you're Dutch!" I took advantage of her favoritism and took out nearly ten books on Hinduism and Buddhism for my religions term paper. Yeah!

For once I'm not persecuted for my citizenship! The perks of living in the European Union with actual status are really starting to spoil me. Going through customs no questions asked for one, free health care for another, and not having to worry about immigrant status most importantly. It's going to be weird going back to the States as an outsider, even though I actually feel more at home there than I do in England. Sigh, maybe our new president will initiate immigration reform, but until then, I'll enjoy the special treatment here while I can!