The Samurai Guy

My journey begins in the Netherlands, country of tulips, windmills, and canals. It has a proud history of mastering the seas and grew wealthy from that trade. This land shares many similarities with my own small nation of Japan. Though small and with limited natural resources, we too found a way to become world powers in our time. My studies of the centuries through which I traveled, revealed a history of Dutch and Japanese cooperation. So it bears good omen that my first trip outside of my homeland should begin there.

I must admit, even all the videos I saw on this “YouTube” did not prepare me for this monstrosity you call an airplane. How could anything so massive ever soar like the proud birds of prey? With a great roar and mighty rumbling this metal beast lifted into the air and before I knew it, I found myself amongst the clouds. Truly, your modern marvels are a sight to behold. No one at the Imperial Court will believe me when I return; they will surely think me mad.

These Dutch people are tall! I am told they are on average the tallest people in the world and having seen them I must believe this to be true. I am also quite shocked about this open display of these women in “red lights” and these “coffee shops.” Men urinating in public?! Never would such a thing be permitted by the Emperor. Sometimes I feel the whole world has turned on its head and I will never understand this new way. Once I got over my initial shock and as I wandered these beautiful canals and bridges, my mind and spirit started to relax back into peaceful tranquility. Clearly, the years of comfort and peace have been kind to the Dutch. The warming sun has brought them out on their bicycles and the terraces are filled with friends and loved ones sharing food and drink. The air fills with music and laughter, and it is during these times that I long for home.

While here I have tried to learn as much as I could about the Dutch engineering skill and their technology which holds back the sea. Imagine! Nearly a third of this country is beneath sea level! Amazing! I have also studied the International Court of Justice in Den Haag (the Hague). I could not imagine a pact amongst these United Nations in my time. It seemed we were constantly at war with our neighbors. Of course, I fought for my daimyo with absolute loyalty, but the horrors of war seemed so senseless at times. Maa, that is for another time.

Even though nothing beats a beautifully prepared nigiri and warm sake, I must admit these Dutch know their beer. And this bitterballen is a flavorful and hearty snack. It would go well to warm a soldier during our long cold campaigns.