Interview with Jody
Growing up in Haarlem, Jody and her twin sister — also a Rick Steves guide — were dragged outside every weekend to ride bikes, ice skate, or visit museums with their parents. This fostered such an appreciation for Dutch culture, and an enthusiasm for sharing it with others, that Jody suspects her parents were secretly training them to be tour guides.
Since 2014, Jody has been leading Rick Steves tours, including the Heart of Belgium & Holland, Best of Europe, Family Europe, and Venice, Florence & Rome.
You're from the Netherlands.
Yes, but nobody ever guesses that I am. I am not tall, and I don't have blond hair or blue eyes. And nowadays even Dutch people sometimes ask me where I'm from, because, after speaking American English half the time for so long, my accent has changed to sound more American — and sometimes, without thinking, I even use American words. However, I am Dutch to the core: tolerant, content, and direct.
What do you mean by "direct"?
Some might say "blunt," but I prefer "direct."
It's one of the Dutch traits that come from our ongoing struggle with water. Since our country is the natural delta of Europe, and quite a big part of it is below sea level, the Dutch have always needed to work together to build and maintain our dikes and dams. That's how we became the society we are now: tolerant, social, liberal, and yes, a little blunt. We are also thrifty — some may say cheap, but I'm determined to change this stereotype. And, of course, we love to cycle.
Why do the Dutch love cycling so much?
With such a flat landscape, we are basically born on bikes, and my bike is one of the things I miss most when I'm on tour. I think visiting Americans are surprised when they experience our cycling culture firsthand. We cycle everywhere, without helmets, in any kind of weather, and you see people cycling in everything from office clothing to sundresses. We use our bikes to transport furniture, Christmas trees, and children. Our cities are too densely populated for quick transport by car, but we have great bike lanes that get us around quickly, and cars pay attention to bikes.
How did your path take you to leading Rick Steves tours?
As a university student, I was a waitress at a restaurant in Haarlem that just happened to be where groups on the Best of Europe in 21 Days tour met for dinner on their first night together. I got to know some of the guides, and thought they had a dream job. When they needed a new local to take the groups on a walking tour after that first dinner, of course I said I would. After about five years as a local guide in Haarlem, I applied to become a tour guide…and I've been one ever since.
Are there any particular moments that stand out to you from your years of guiding?
It's always the unexpected things that get me — like a procession of cows coming down a mountainside for the winter, fireflies in the Cinque Terre, or fireworks exploding over the Rhine. But some that get me most are the little moments when my travelers realize they are actually on a trip they've always dreamed of. I will never forget a tour member who was overwhelmed by the curtains in her hotel room. She rushed down the stairs toward me saying, "Jody, the curtains, did you see the curtains?" The joy in her face! I just love experiencing places all over again through other people's eyes.
Is that what you like best about leading Rick Steves tours?
I also appreciate that we get like-minded people who know what they're signing up for. It quickly creates a great group dynamic. I also love that Rick wants us to teach not only history and culture but also travel skills. On the Best of Europe tours, we often get people who are coming to Europe for the very first time, and who find the idea of navigating all these different countries intimidating. It's so great when, after picking up skills from a tour, they come back to Europe on their own. I love that we create independent travelers.
Here's what Jody won't tell you, but her tour members will:
"I can't imagine this trip without Jody. She turned a once-in-a-lifetime vacation into an unforgettable one. She blended humor, honesty, excitement, knowledge, and personal stories that made you feel like you were on a vacation with a close friend."
— Best of Europe in 21 Days tour member