It's on me. I will take care of it Alex.
Alex
Wait up! What are you doing? Let's go Dutch.
Mina
No, it's my treat now.
Mina
What is the origin of going Dutch or Dutch pay, anyhow?
Mina
I heard that people in Holland tend to be very stingy, like Scrooge, in the book...
Mina
..."A Christmas Carol".
Mina
So if you go to a restaurant or pub with Dutch people,...
Mina
...they tend to pay for only their own portions.
Mina
I know it sounds very mythological,...
Mina
...but I'm wondering if the word really exists to describe such a person.
Mina
Anyhow, back to my point, since I'm used to Korean culture,..
Mina
... I don't quite understand why Westerners tend to pay for their portion only.
Mina
Even at someone's birthday party!
Mina
Once, I was invited to my Canadian friend's birthday party,...
Mina
...and after we had a nice, fancy dinner,...
Mina
...each of us had to pay for our own share.
Mina
I mean, in Korea, on such an occasion,...
Mina
...the birthday girl or boy,...
Mina
...usually buys drinks or whatever for the whole group...
Mina
...and in return gets nice birthday presents!
Alex
I see.
Alex
As far as I know, after that first round...
Alex
...the next person goes to the bar and buys another round, right?
Alex
Well, we do say "Let's go Dutch" often.
Alex
Obviously, it doesn't mean, "Let's take a plane and go to the Netherlands,"...
Alex
...it means we'll go out together but each person will pay his own share.
Alex
It's also called "Dutch treat."
Alex
I like this sort of system, since there are no obligations.
Alex
I don't like to feel as though just because someone spent...
Alex
...30 bucks on me at dinner tonight...
Alex
...that I will have to remember to spend exactly 30 dollars on that person the next time we meet.
