I see what you mean, although I've never been to Africa. The warmth and friendliness remind us of our human quality, something efficiency or coldness never could.
Of all the places I've spent time, I think Frankfurt is the most northern. For many years, my customer had their head office there. I remember visiting two people, both of whom I had worked with. It turned out that they shared an office but had not spoken to each other in five years!
When I lived in Holland, I just had to learn the language. I did feel excluded without it.
Many people talk about the "Seattle Freeze" which hits newcomers the way you describe Frankfurt. Where I live now is an island just north of there. We have such a rich community here that I write about it my newsletter! Maybe urban/rural is a dimension too.
Thanks for sharing your experiences in northern Europe and I like to hear how similar they are to mine. I never heard of the "Seattle freeze", but that makes total sense given its position and especially climate. I haven't been in that part of the world, but it's on my bucket list: Seattle, PNW, Vancouver...! A dream, I thought, but I'll remember this phrase before booking my flight there haha.
I like your view to mix the North/South part with the urban/rural aspect, the perception may be more nuanced. Thanks for reading, John!
This was so interesting to read about your comparisons and experiences! It made me realise things about myself and what I like. Have you written about your experience with Catalonia? As you know I’m down in Andalusia and the Catalans are described as cold here (although I do think the feelings towards Catalans is mixed up in much more complex things which I won’t get into). I found them much more private than what I’m used to.
I haven't written about my experience moving or living here, I guess I'm too close for now. 😄 But yes, the Catalans are famously called "the Germans of Spain"... it's true they are very different than Andalusian or other regional sub-cultures, and more private or closed off to foreigners. Of course, it's all mixed up with politics, but behaviorally the differences are clear. And now I realize my theory doesn't stand, because up here it's not much colder or rainier than in Andalusia haha!
Yeah, it’s so weird because I also thought the weather had a big part to play in culture. But as you said, it’s a similar climate, especially if you compare only the coast. Some argue, though any Catalans read this I do not want to offend, it’s the French culture influence? Or perhaps it’s the complicate politics and history making a bigger impact than the weather?
Hmm interesting, I never heard the connection with the French culture. I think it's mostly the complicated politics that drives some behaviors. To put things in context, we are mentioning the differences here, but of course the Catalan people are also very similar to the Spanish, culturally speaking. Closer to them than to any northern European culture, of course.
Yeah, very true! Though I think within Spain there are certainly distinct subcultures… And as I type that I think subcultures exist in most countries!
Though in my pondering and searching about Spanish history I did come across that Celts used to live here, I knew there were links with the north of Spain and Ireland but I didn’t realise Celts actually lived here. I shall continue my learning about Spain 😆 It seems different parts of Spain have different historic influences.
Sure, it's a very diverse country, that's why even the politics and administrative territories are what they are. The Celts lived in the north, Galicia, etc. If you think about it, that NW corner is geographically (the shape), climate-wise and culture-wise very similar to NW France, the Bretagne region.... which literally means Britain.
I don’t trust people who live places it’s sunny and nice out all the time. Where’s the balance? Are you just permanently happy? How do you know when do be sad?
What I’m saying is I think I have seasonal affective disorder.
Hahah that's a logical inference. If only people who lived in warm, sunny climates had no hard feelings... But you are right about one thing: we do need balance. For example, in Barcelona where I live, there is hardly any fall, no colorful leaves, and I do miss a proper fall season.
Thanks, Brian! Glad to hear they resonated with you too. Yes, I live in Barcelona (well, in a suburb), perhaps we could organize another substack meetup like you guys did a few months ago? I couldn't make that one.
I see what you mean, although I've never been to Africa. The warmth and friendliness remind us of our human quality, something efficiency or coldness never could.
Of all the places I've spent time, I think Frankfurt is the most northern. For many years, my customer had their head office there. I remember visiting two people, both of whom I had worked with. It turned out that they shared an office but had not spoken to each other in five years!
When I lived in Holland, I just had to learn the language. I did feel excluded without it.
Many people talk about the "Seattle Freeze" which hits newcomers the way you describe Frankfurt. Where I live now is an island just north of there. We have such a rich community here that I write about it my newsletter! Maybe urban/rural is a dimension too.
Following to see where you go next!
Thanks for sharing your experiences in northern Europe and I like to hear how similar they are to mine. I never heard of the "Seattle freeze", but that makes total sense given its position and especially climate. I haven't been in that part of the world, but it's on my bucket list: Seattle, PNW, Vancouver...! A dream, I thought, but I'll remember this phrase before booking my flight there haha.
I like your view to mix the North/South part with the urban/rural aspect, the perception may be more nuanced. Thanks for reading, John!
This was so interesting to read about your comparisons and experiences! It made me realise things about myself and what I like. Have you written about your experience with Catalonia? As you know I’m down in Andalusia and the Catalans are described as cold here (although I do think the feelings towards Catalans is mixed up in much more complex things which I won’t get into). I found them much more private than what I’m used to.
I haven't written about my experience moving or living here, I guess I'm too close for now. 😄 But yes, the Catalans are famously called "the Germans of Spain"... it's true they are very different than Andalusian or other regional sub-cultures, and more private or closed off to foreigners. Of course, it's all mixed up with politics, but behaviorally the differences are clear. And now I realize my theory doesn't stand, because up here it's not much colder or rainier than in Andalusia haha!
Yeah, it’s so weird because I also thought the weather had a big part to play in culture. But as you said, it’s a similar climate, especially if you compare only the coast. Some argue, though any Catalans read this I do not want to offend, it’s the French culture influence? Or perhaps it’s the complicate politics and history making a bigger impact than the weather?
Hmm interesting, I never heard the connection with the French culture. I think it's mostly the complicated politics that drives some behaviors. To put things in context, we are mentioning the differences here, but of course the Catalan people are also very similar to the Spanish, culturally speaking. Closer to them than to any northern European culture, of course.
Yeah, very true! Though I think within Spain there are certainly distinct subcultures… And as I type that I think subcultures exist in most countries!
Though in my pondering and searching about Spanish history I did come across that Celts used to live here, I knew there were links with the north of Spain and Ireland but I didn’t realise Celts actually lived here. I shall continue my learning about Spain 😆 It seems different parts of Spain have different historic influences.
Sure, it's a very diverse country, that's why even the politics and administrative territories are what they are. The Celts lived in the north, Galicia, etc. If you think about it, that NW corner is geographically (the shape), climate-wise and culture-wise very similar to NW France, the Bretagne region.... which literally means Britain.
FLORIDA, and most certainly Miami are NOT the “south”.
I don’t trust people who live places it’s sunny and nice out all the time. Where’s the balance? Are you just permanently happy? How do you know when do be sad?
What I’m saying is I think I have seasonal affective disorder.
Hahah that's a logical inference. If only people who lived in warm, sunny climates had no hard feelings... But you are right about one thing: we do need balance. For example, in Barcelona where I live, there is hardly any fall, no colorful leaves, and I do miss a proper fall season.
Great insights Monica! Some of these ideas have crossed my mind but it was nice them explored on a deeper level.
P.S. - I'm also in Barcelona, if you're still around let me know :)
Thanks, Brian! Glad to hear they resonated with you too. Yes, I live in Barcelona (well, in a suburb), perhaps we could organize another substack meetup like you guys did a few months ago? I couldn't make that one.