Jesus, I still can't get over the fact you had soldiers everywhere during your youth lol. You always talk like you grew up like us, but it was clearly so different. As a proud Icelandic American, I feel more and more like I have nothing in common with people from mainland Europe
After the Wall came down we saw less military and internal borders within Europe disappeared in 1993 when the internal market started with the 4 freedoms: free movement of people, goods, services and capital. In the Netherlands there is still compulsory military service, but the conscription has been suspended since 1997. This means that people are no longer required to serve in the army, but that they are registered for military service in time of need. Military service applies to all Dutch citizens between the ages of 17 and 35.
Interesting. Do you feel that the intensity of the Cold War left an impression on you growing up? I imagine it did with all the soldiers around, and it probably helps explain your strong interest in world affairs today. At least partly.
In Iceland and America, I experienced almost the opposite reaction to what was happening on the world stage. Whatever the adults were yapping about felt boring to us. We just weren't curious, and even many of the adults lacked curiosity back then, especially in America. Ignorance was bliss, as they say.
But today, you can hardly find people who aren't politically engaged lol
But you had to play it cool, had to do it your way Had to be a fool, had to throw it all away
