I had that same culture shock when I was on vacation in Amsterdam. We we're going to the theater and my aunt was like "we have to leave home 2 hours before it starts". I didn't understand at all, as she is also from Suriname. 😅 But everything there is punctual. And it seems that if your late to a theater piece, they just close the doors on you.

I get that. No matter how little someone has here, when they throw a birthday party, even if it's not the fanciest or most expensive food, they make sure you can eat 3 times or more if you want to. Plus you get to take some home.

Yeah, too bad that party won't be happening this year. For the first time since I was born, the city streets will be empty on december 31st. Or maybe not, people surprise me each day.