Eurode and tales from beyond the Dutch border

The old townhall of Kerkrade (the Netherlands).

Europe is one community and often people think about currency and trade. But there is also a culture- similarity and interest between local communities. E.g. Kerkrade (Netherlands) is almost grown together with Herzogenrath (Germany). In the Cold War-age, people of Eastern Europe couldn’t grasp the idea, that you can live so near by the border. Politicians are unfortunately not very interested in these locations/areas. Because in every country there is more interest for the middle of the country than for cities on or near the border.
The dialects in Kerkrade and Herzogenrath are quite similar. But many cultural things do not come over the border. Somehow we stick to our own language. Dutch is mostly not spoken by Germans.
But Germans are more interested in the Netherlands, than in reverse. Dutch people are not very interested in the other side of the eastern border, or it must be, that they have German relationships (family, friends, relatives etc.) or for trading.
I think that the problem pure practical is. E.g.: every leaflet, flyer, folder, etc. must be translated.
I will tell a few stories of this area in the upcoming columns... in German. Because it is a world language. The first story is a story about Herzogenrath...

(to be continued……)

With special thanks to Sally, for the beautiful pictures