“Good afternoon, sir!” he says. “I always greet everyone. Solidarity is important. Even if I have to keep greeting someone for three years before I get a reply. Solidarity leads to safety. And this is a safe country.
I’m from Somalia, but I live under the Oranges now, under the queen. I feel like a Dutch citizen. I have four children, all born here. The eldest is a gift from Sinterklaas. She was born on 5 December.
No, I’m visiting a friend here. I live out in the province, in Aalten. I’m here for three days. Things are very quiet in Aalten.
Look, a tram!
We don’t have those in Aalten.
Look, a bus!
We don’t have those in Aalten either.
Look at all these different people!
None of those in Aalten.
That’s why we’re sitting here, watching the parade, as we call it.
Look, I have special shoes. I had polio as a child. My foot was completely deformed. I had two heavy operations in Alkmaar. Now I can walk without crutches. All I had in Somalia was two tree trunks to lean on!
Why would I ever go back to Somalia? Things are great here in Holland. And they even have Heineken.”
Translated by Richard de Nooy
I always greet everyone…
