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Were these interesting facts about the netherlands?

From the lens Little known facts about The Netherlands.

So, how did I do? Ben ik iets vergeten?

  • Natascha May 27, 2012 @ 11:27 am | delete
    Een leuke mix van allerlei interessante feiten over Nederland. Wilde alleen nog wat kwijt over het Nederlandse voedsel, er zijn namelijk wel degelijk dingen die typisch Nederlands zijn. (Ben ik met name zelf ook achter gekomen door reizen naar o.a. Amerika, en verschillende landen in Europa)

    Hier wat ideeën van een aantal typisch Nederlandse dingen: broodje kroket en frikadellen, allerlei soorten stampotten, oliebollen en appelflappen tijdens nieuwjaar, drop snoep, roze koeken, de Nederlandse mayonaise, boterkoeken, pepernoten en kruidnoten, stroopwafels, sowieso veel koeken die wij hebben kennen mensen in het buitenland niet, het Nederlandse brood (is heel anders dan in andere landen, zelfs al in Duitsland of Frankrijk. Niet te vergeten jus op de gekookte aardappelen, twee keer brood op een dag en maar 1 maaltijd warm. Er zijn toch best veel etenswaren die typisch zijn voor Nederland. Niet te vergeten het vroege tijdstip van het avondeten, tussen 5 en 6. In veel landen is het eten pas na 8 uur.
  • spirituality May 27, 2012 @ 1:33 pm | delete
    Bedankt voor de ideeen. Ik heb onze toetjes nog toegevoegd: buitenlanders vinden vla vaak erg bijzonder.
  • Melissa May 23, 2012 @ 6:58 am | delete
    It's such a shame Sinterklaas is always being related to racism. Please get your facts right. Just because you think of pitch black people (do those even exist?) to be (african) slaves, doesn't mean it's true. There are many reasons for Piets to be black and slavery is the least logic one actually. A few reasons:
    - the whole myth around sinterklaas is based on Odin and his black raven
    - the piets are black from dust from climbing into the chimney
    - saint nicholas 'bought' a young african slave (the reason why this doesn't make sense is because piets look more like Mores than the africans beneath the sahara) so he could be free. The slave was so grateful that he stayed by his side forever. The reason we got so many Piets now is because Canada wanted more (altough they're banning him now because of 'racial' issues) at the celebration after WWII.
    - Sinterklaas was there way before the whole slavery issue + not many slaves were actually brought into the Netherlands itself, mostly to Suriname and our other colonies.

    Fact about Dutch people: trying to be so political correct and trying not to be a racist, that's they're actually destroying their own culture and insulting foreigners in different and more harmful ways. Just stop treating 'us' like we're different.
  • Gerrit Hiemstra Apr 14, 2012 @ 4:15 am | delete
    i feel that if you're comparing us to americans or asian people, we're definitely rude, but so is the whole of europe. if you compare us to the french and eastern europeans, we're not all that rude. also, i think you should try to explain the word 'gezellig', because it's a word that no other language has as far as i know, and it's incredibly important, being the dutch standard of having a good time (or not)...
  • gsvfilms-blogspot Apr 8, 2012 @ 6:47 am | delete
    I'm the great lover of Amsterdam, The netherlands.
    Iam from India. I'm a software professional and would like to have work permit from europe. what is the procedure and how can I work in Amsterdam.
  • Johannes Adriaansen Mar 26, 2012 @ 12:41 pm | delete
    Ik ben geboren in Nederland, en Ik vond dat Hollanders are very polite, considerate, and just plain nice people, who simply love a good time, on any given moment, hence the word "Gezellig" !.... Proost !
  • PeterStreep Mar 26, 2012 @ 9:02 am | delete
    fantastische lens, ik ben nog volop aan het leren hier op squidoo,en kijk hoe anderen mensen het aanpakken en probeer het te integreren in mijn eigen steil.

    Great lens and inspirational, to me as an artist, Vermeer and Modrian (Mondriaan in Dutch) are two minds who think alike in a different era. sober,spiritual and with strong compositions with well placed colors.
    Love the lens, thanks.
  • graham Mar 25, 2012 @ 1:48 am | delete
    Excellent , Very informative and entertaining. Toured Holland last year for 5 weeks. Found the people to be very polite. It's the Canadian Dutch where I live that seem to be very outspoken about whats wrong with Holland.
  • apersephone Mar 20, 2012 @ 8:37 am | delete
    Very nice site for visitors!
  • MelonyVaughan Mar 1, 2012 @ 9:23 pm | delete
    Fascinating! I learned a lot from this lens. Thanks for sharing!
  • Amsterdam-Apartments Jan 30, 2012 @ 10:37 pm | delete
    Very interesting to read about the Netherlands in such manner. This lens is a most read for tourists/travellersthis to get their education on the Netherlands on the rails.
    Maybe you could post an architecture theme about it's housing in Amsterdam and other cities? Might be of interested!
  • DonD Jan 25, 2012 @ 11:35 pm | delete
    Netherlands is an interesting place to visit. I just added it on my vacation lists. You have a great lense.
  • Lindrus Dec 28, 2011 @ 1:04 am | delete
    Very interesting lens! I though I knew a lot about Netherlands, but I learned some new things. Thanks!
  • audiovideo Dec 25, 2011 @ 6:33 am | delete
    Leuke lens, goede mix van typisch Nederlandse dingen. Wat er wellicht ook bijpast is onze lunchcultuur (of het gebrek daaraan).
  • MindMart Dec 18, 2011 @ 12:05 am | delete
    Thanks for giving an honest representation of your country warts and all. So many people ignore the bad and brag on the good. For the record, the old Dutch masters are my favorite artists of all time.
  • stefie_school@live.nl Dec 5, 2011 @ 9:24 am | delete
    niet helemaal mee eens, er is een vrij grote groep mensen die wel degelijk trots zijn om nederlands te zijn of iets beroemds te noemen de mensen die ik ken in zaandam zijn allemaal trots om hier te zijn
    en nationaal zijn er inderdaad niet veel gebruiken maar als je kijkt per provincie of plaats zijn nederlanders onderling zo verschillend met apparte gebruiken ikzelf kom uit zaandam en toen ik in brabant was,was alles zo anders alsof ik in een andere wereld was
  • Katherine G. Dec 1, 2011 @ 3:32 pm | delete
    I really love the Netherlands!
    I have been studying here for the past 3 years and I have to say, it really is one of the few lucky countries! I personally consider the Dutch to be quite lucky with their country and everything that they have. Their systems, structure, attention to nature (such as parks), decent standard of living for everyone (even the poorer), proper education systems and POSSIBILITIES FOR ALL STUDENTS to go to College and University! Really, these things are harrrdly found in any other countries besides the EU.. The equality and little corruption. I think the Dutch should be proud of its country in many different aspects.
    Heck, I even have a bike and try to integrate myself as much as I can!
    I really dislike it when foreigners come and don't try to adapt to the culture, specially when there is so much you can learn, specially from the Dutch!
    Dutch tend to call themselves lazy, but if you actually look at it (older Dutch), they enjoy their time, while being productive. The best of both worlds, unlike Germans. (no offense to them)
    But I really do Love the netherlands! But hey, Its like one of my Dutch friends told me... The Dutch have it soo good, that it'sjust human nature to have a need to find something to complain about, so what's there left? The weather! haha :)
  • Dutch expat Nov 8, 2011 @ 10:55 pm | delete
    Super. Ik mis Nederland en realiseerde mij dat pas nadat ik geemigreerd was! Ik ben erg trots dat ik Nederlandse ben. Je beschrijving van "De Nederlander" is on point en ook de gebruiken komen mij zeer bekend voor. Wel mis ik de dropjes, bitterballen, frikandellen, de kazen en de tulpen die ons ook zo beroemd maken in je relaas!
  • spirituality Nov 9, 2011 @ 2:20 am | delete
    Well, this page is called 'little known facts about the Netherlands' not 'what the Netherlands is famous for'...
  • pheonix76 Oct 22, 2011 @ 9:51 pm | delete
    This has been an interesting read! Thanks for sharing this information about your country, it has certainly been insightful. I would love to visit the Netherlands one day as some of my ancestors were from there. :)
  • Oct 22, 2011 @ 5:16 am | delete
    Ik woon en werk in Nederland dus als je vragen hebt kan je het altijd vragen geen probleem.Ik vind het leuk om te zien hoe dat jullie bezig zijn met Nederland.Ten eerste Nederland is maar een klein landje op de kaart maar we hebben hier wel heel veel culturen door elkaar heen lopen.En ook het eten is hier erg verschillend omdat hier zoveel culturen aanwezig zijn.Maar inderdaad stampot en erwtensoep met rookworst zijn hier in de winter erg geliefd.En als je het over pannenkoeken hebt die kan je op verschillende wijze eten zoals met stroop of met jam of met kaas of met appel of met spek en ga zo maar door. Ik vind het leuk dat je dit stuk over Nederland hebt gemaakt.My englisch is not very good but you can translate it by google.
  • ajgodinho Oct 8, 2011 @ 5:30 pm | delete
    Wow, I learned a lot about Netherlands (or should I say Nederland) ;) It's always interesting to learn about different countries, their culture, history, language, food and all those interesting facts. Well well done and thorough lens. Blessings! :)
  • BookNow Oct 1, 2011 @ 7:47 am | delete
    Mooie lens! Thumbs up! Can you add a bit about the "Elf stedentocht" at the part of skating? Its a great ice skating tournement.
  • seeker2011 Sep 23, 2011 @ 9:35 pm | delete
    A very nice lense. een zeer mooie lens.
  • Shadrosky Aug 14, 2011 @ 9:03 pm | delete
    I learned a ton about The Netherlands from this, and its nice because I am fascinated by Europe in general. Excellent lens!
  • ClaireBerlin Jul 11, 2011 @ 1:55 pm | delete
    okeeee, sorry maar dit is bestwel slecht. nederlanders niet trots? nederlanders zijn het trotste volk op aarde. as being said to me: "dutch people are the most patriotic people on earth!" en dit is echt wel waar.
    nederland heeft niet veel tradities? wat dacht je van onnodige dagen als koninginnedag, vlaggetjesdag, prinsjesdag, ETC. je moet ff je bronnen checken voordat je zo'n groot artikel plaatst. verder prima stuk
  • Fransisca Oct 22, 2011 @ 4:45 am | delete
    Mag ik vragen waar jij vandaan komt. Kom jij uit Nederland dan want je weet er wel het een ander vanaf zo te horen.
  • Oct 22, 2011 @ 5:01 am | delete
    Hallo claireberlin ik ben het niet helemaal met je eens want er zijn wel tradities in nederland wat dacht je van het sinterklaasfeest.En ik vind koninginnedag helemaal geen onnodige dag.Ik vind het juist goed dat er nog dagen zijn die in nederland in ere worden gehouden.Alles verdwijnt hier zo langzamerhand en dat is ook niet goed daar moeten we juist voor oppassen.En dat we een trots en nuchter volkje zijn dat klopt dat ben ik echt met je eens dat zal ook nooit veranderen.
  • PaulOnBooks May 29, 2011 @ 9:14 pm | delete
    Fascinating view on The Netherlands from a perspective rarely seen: Angel Blessed.

    If anyone's thinking of visiting - one of the most civillised countries/peoples I've even been to,
  • MomwithAHook May 28, 2011 @ 3:55 pm | delete
    I would still love to visit - I might not like the rudeness at first but I'd rather be around outspoken honest people than candy coated liars. Blessed.
  • Dutchguy May 1, 2011 @ 12:36 am | delete
    What you call rude I think would be better described as (painfully) direct. We are protestant in our nature, we don't like to beat around the bush. ''Doe maar normaal, dan doe je al gek genoeg"
  • JadeEd May 29, 2011 @ 8:16 am | delete
    I beg to differ, most find the Dutch rude including Dutch who live outside of NL look herehttp://static.rnw.nl/migratie/www.radionetherlands.nl/currentaffairs/region/netherlands/080714-Dutch-politeness-research-redirected
  • Oni Mar 28, 2011 @ 6:07 am | delete
    I live here for about 6 months now and I can't say that the Dutch are rude. perhaps they are very honest and not hiding negative impressions. I think this should be appreciated. As in some cultures, like mine, we are very polite taking face-to-face; however can say weird things as soon as the person is gone.

    I like Dutch, Holland (both) and the whole Netherlands.
  • Michey Feb 26, 2011 @ 12:39 pm | delete
    Yes I learn a lot of new things about Nederland. Great lens and presentation
  • American in Nederland Feb 21, 2011 @ 12:29 am | delete
    of course there are dutch foods... what about bitterballen, frikendel, and friets oorlog? you wont find those many other places in the world!!!
  • JadeEd May 29, 2011 @ 8:17 am | delete
    No, but they are not culinary greats really... The Dutch do not have a big food culture.
  • Davey Aug 27, 2011 @ 8:14 am | delete
    stamppot!!!!
  • Fransisca Oct 22, 2011 @ 4:38 am | delete
    Hallo hier een berichtje van iemand die echt in nederland woont en werkt en geboren en getogen is. Wij hebben hier inderdaad bitterballen en die eten wij als warm borrelhapje.Een fricandel is een snack voor bij friet.
  • Gadzooks Jan 31, 2011 @ 7:52 pm | delete
    Thank you so much! I'm doing a school project on the Netherlands, and this information was essential to my project!
  • ClaireV Jul 11, 2011 @ 1:58 pm | delete
    half of it is complete bullshit though. i wouldnt rely on this if i were to be you..
  • JoyfulPamela Jan 30, 2011 @ 3:40 pm | delete
    Wow, this is awesome! Thanks for teaching me about the Netherlands! =D
  • pkmcr Jan 28, 2011 @ 12:06 pm | delete
    Congratulations on the Purple Star as well as being a LOTD - and added to my Lensography of Purple Stars :-)
  • cherangelry Jan 27, 2011 @ 11:40 pm | delete
    Very interesting lens. I enjoy traveling (although money is tight), so it's nice to feel like I've experienced a bit of your world from my own living room! Thanks for sharing!
  • EuroSquid Jan 15, 2011 @ 2:56 am | delete
    You missed Dutch pancakes! I did not like them so much when I lived there, but I miss them alot and have them everytime I return. I think that outside of the Netherlands, most people do not know about Dutch Pancakes. Great lens. Well deserving of an Angel's blessing.
  • spirituality Jan 15, 2011 @ 3:59 am | delete
    :) good one. Pannekoeken coming up :)
  • Serenia Jan 13, 2011 @ 6:58 pm | delete
    Wonderful lens and you answered some mysteries for me about the netherlands - thank you.
  • Jip Aversteeg Jan 10, 2011 @ 3:51 pm | delete
    Lolz, i loved reading about my own country, its all so true! xD
  • Dustbunnyodoom Dec 30, 2010 @ 4:44 pm | delete
    I really enjoyed seeing the earlier work by Piet Mondriaan that you shared. I've actually never seen his impressionist paintings before, absolutely gorgeous colors. Thanks for the informative lens!
  • AngelineSophia Dec 21, 2010 @ 11:30 pm | delete
    Netherlands is a fascinating country indeed.
  • daybreak Dec 8, 2010 @ 7:50 am | delete
    Controversy is a powerful tool!

    In recent years, Christmas traditions have also been debated in the USA, which is a good thing I believe.

    One thing I that I was hoping to find was a discussion about Dutch foods. Perhaps someone can tell us more about Dutch meals?
  • stargazer00 Dec 1, 2010 @ 3:55 pm | delete
    My husband recently found his biological father and discovered that he is half Dutch. Coincidentally we had just moved to a little town of Dutch immigrants. Interesting read about the Netherlands.
  • Titia Nov 20, 2010 @ 6:21 pm | delete
    I agree with the comment Wiebe gave. Your lens has a nice set up, but it displays mostly your very own view on the Netherlands and its inhabitants. Lots of what you stated as 'general' are not actual facts.
    Sinterklaas vs. Zwarte Piet is not about slavery, but from origine about good and bad, the Saint vs. the Devil. Through the centuries the helper of Sinterklaas has transferred into many different characters, some are white, some are black (Moor from Algeria/Turkey).
    The 6th of December is not his birthday, it's the day he died.

    Dutch people are not fond of their Roalty??? Then why are the streets filled with people on her birthday each year, then why do we have still a Queen/King and not a Republic. There's only a rather small group that would vote for a Repubic.

    Dutch manners: you're generalizing big time here and as a Dutchie I feel quite offended by it. I think most people are proud to be Dutch, but we don't have that outbursting patrionismn the USA people have. We're Calvinists by origine, meaning we don't show our feelings too much, but inside we're as proud of our soldiers, proud of our atletes and proud of all our other achievements as anybody else.
    And by far, like anybody else, we're not perfect, we're just humans with a great history. Yes, we like to complain, stir things up a bit, but show me one country where it's all quiet and peace. Freedom of speach stands high in our standard, only a few like to think it's an excuse for intimidation.
  • Martini Dec 20, 2010 @ 10:20 am | delete
    Uhh I live in the Netherlands and I am American and I have to agree some of you are a little rude. But yes your are right the U.S. is a huge country and yes we are a bit proud and sometimes a bit rude depending on what State you are in and other factors. :)
  • Jodi_k Nov 16, 2010 @ 1:53 pm | delete
    Love how who focused on lesser known artworks, rather than the big, popular pieces.

    (and greetings from "New Amsterdam").
  • clouda9 Sep 16, 2010 @ 6:55 pm | delete
    Appreciated the original spin on this page all about the Netherlands. Especially imagining ice skating on natural ice all bundled up and out in the fresh winter air...hot cocoa included ;)
  • Bluejay Aug 30, 2010 @ 7:27 am | delete
    hi, I am Indian studying in Netherlands. I agree the dutch are very straightforward and honest.. and I find that refreshing :) I find them very helpful and open too! I love that !.. It can come across as rude sometimes.. but really once you understand they are being honest.. you will love the straightforwardness. I love the fact that what I see is what I get.
  • Robert Aug 27, 2010 @ 5:29 pm | delete
    There was no mention here that Sinterklaas delivers the presents by dropping down the chimneys, like Santa Clause, so the reason 'zwarte pieten' are black, is because the smoke and the dust from the chimneys made them black. I hate that people always come in and make a big deal out of it, even though there's no racist thought whatsoever behind it and even if there was, there hasn't been for a long time. It's a children's event, and it's about the story and the presents. Why does a discussion about racism always have to ruin such things?
  • JadeEd May 29, 2011 @ 8:21 am | delete
    that is bull, why does he have curly afro hair and big red lips ???? racism ruins you day sorry but it was created and it is a part of many cultures not just the Dutch. The issue is always a debate
  • Wiebe Aug 27, 2010 @ 5:16 pm | delete
    I liked the article for showing relatively unknown pieces of art by Dutch artists, but I have to say (and I guess it's direct, because apparently that's what we are) that I don't really agree with a lot of the things you mentioned. First of all, Dutch pride goes further than you made it seem. Second, aside from the public transport issues and traffic jams, I don't really notice a lot of earnest complaining, most of it is sarcasm and third, it's not rude, it's direct.

    But this is all in my experience as a Nederlander. Maybe you see things differently and that's possible, because people differ. But I feel kind of offended, especially seeing as how you're bringing a personal view of the Netherlands with little referenced facts to the web. Judging from these comments, international folks believe most of it to be true facts, which will only bring untrue stories in the world about the Netherlands. I'm not saying we're perfect, I'm just saying this site is not fact and more a personal view. Sorry for the long comment.
  • Wouter B Jul 23, 2010 @ 7:30 am | delete
    How about Rotterdam, the 2nd-largest city in the Netherlands, being the largest port in Europe and one of the largest in the world?
    And something about the 80-year war of independence would have been nice as well.

    But otherwise, an impressive short presentation, esp. about our relationship with water!
  • Shubbalubbadingdong Jul 12, 2010 @ 12:33 pm | delete
    I loved reading all these facts but I have to say that I don't agree with you saying that the Dutch are rude and aggressive because my best friend is Dutch and she is the best friend you can ever have!
  • Lea Jul 2, 2010 @ 11:39 pm | delete
    this piece of text was actually really helpful in aiding my understanding of the netherlands, i'm from south korea, living in australia & just wanted to know more about the netherlands. great fifa soccer match last night! (netherlands vs brazil) :)
    Thanks
  • Thijsser Jun 28, 2010 @ 2:22 pm | delete
    Cursing is normal?
    Since when?
  • JadeEd May 29, 2011 @ 8:23 am | delete
    Since I saw the F word on a head line in a newspaper, it is all over the televison also, however it is common to hear English curse words not Dutch ones...guess the Dutch don't see how vulgar it can sound
  • Tipi Jun 26, 2010 @ 8:57 am | delete
    Returning to visit this awesome facts lens. I do have it featured on my Fargo Local and World News lens, because it is interesting to read and learn about the culture.
    Have a great day!
    Susie
  • AmericanDutchGirl - Jun 6, 2010 @ 2:02 pm | delete
    Woah! That's a lot of great information. I'm dutch on my mother's side and now this makes me want to go to the Netherlands as a syudy abroad opportunity. I definitely get the honesty part for my Dutch heritages, even though my aunts lie like crazy. (Shame shame shame.) (Also, my family thinks part of our Dutch side mingled with an Asian culture. Yay for off topic-ness!)
  • DutchTouch May 16, 2010 @ 4:46 pm | delete
    I am a Dutch person living in Canada, I agree with almost everything that is on here, good job! I also agree with some of the comments which say that the we are not rude but yet direct and honest. and if you are still updating this website, maybe add some more historical facts.
  • gerardodonnell Oct 12, 2010 @ 6:43 am | delete
    I have 8 yrs experience here. I have never come across such rude, selfish, and arrogant people. The only difference, that is a Godsend, is that you are less likely to see drink related street violence, they are a much more sober race than the Brits so it makes for a safer environment? They are mean too, invite them to your house time after time, and it is never in their psyche to perhaps bring a small gift, a bottle of wine and, once they have experienced your Anglo Saxon generosity, you will never get an invite back, they just keep coming. Driving, same push shove mentality, right on the back bumper, weaving right and left in their impatience. And, if they do not get their way, up the inside, and then pretend to ram your car by steering sideways, wankers. Doors in shops, meant for one to pass with comfort, the Dutch wedge themselves in the doorway, until you are squashed up against them, never an excuse me, or sorry. The scooter tossers, clipping your arm at high speed in a shopping street, God help you if you make a last minute decision to look in a shop window, wallop! Sorry, not impressed with the Dutch, rude and obnoxious people, It ain't much, if it ain't Dutch, that is their motto. Racism, they invented it? My wife attends a local Catholic church, so does a lady from Nigeria, they were in the coffee shop and a Dutch parishioner makes a joke, if you use some soap it will scrub off ha ha ha but, at least he was being true to his breed, honest Dutch and straightforward, right! Just another example of the type of people you will meet in this small minded little land. Subtle, they are, as a kick in the balls.
  • Martine Oct 13, 2011 @ 10:43 am | delete
    I wonder where the heck you live tbh.
    As for the haste and shoving, we're a small country, with a lot of people in it. We are used to people in our personal space, and TOLERATE them. The haste factor comes in because the dutch hate being late, and our bosses/schools expect us to be on time, regardless of traffic etc.
    Despite Wilders, the Dutch are still known as one of the most tolerate countries in the world, so maybe, just maybe, you are the racist here mister "all dutch are simple minded racists".
  • OnlineStorageGuru May 5, 2010 @ 3:08 pm | delete
    How about Oliebollen, bollenrapen, koninginnedag, drop? :) (I'm Dutch living in the USA)

    Very nice lens! 6* ! Oh wait, 5*!
  • americancloggie Apr 20, 2010 @ 7:42 am | delete
    Just fascinating! The Netherlands is a fabulous country in my opinion and I love living here and learning more about my new country. Thanks for keeping up these lenses!
  • Wordwinder Apr 9, 2010 @ 2:14 am | delete
    Thank you for a virtual introduction to the Netherlands and its people. Enjoyed reading this lens.
  • The_Bard Mar 22, 2010 @ 11:28 am | delete
    I spent a week in Amsterdam this month and had a great time, although it was brass monkey weather. The hotel (where I always stay when I visit) is traditional and charming - just across from the Westerkirk, although the stairs would challenge a mountain climber! Steep and narrow - but that's typical of the buildings. It is my favourite European city. I get on extremely well with the Dutch and have rarely encountered rudeness, which is par for the course in London (maybe I'm immune). There is certainly an ethnic diverse mix, but it all adds to the experience. Dead easy to get around and a twenty minute train ride will get you out to windmill land and charming fishing villages. Horses for courses I suppose. You could offer me Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin etc etc - all have something to offer, and all uniquely different - but Amsterdam?....It's top of my list! Great lens by the way - with a very original take!
  • Johannes Adriaansen Feb 18, 2010 @ 11:24 am | delete
    Thank You for this site !.. I can't wait to share with My children.. I was born in Noordschans Brabant and lived my first ten years in Alblasserdam...Again , Thank You, very interesting facts !
  • Dutch guy Feb 8, 2010 @ 6:51 am | delete
    The dutch are not rude. Dutch people are direct, which is interpreted as rude by some foreigners. Dutch people are honest, when perhaps... a little white lie would've been given in other cultures. Ask a dutch person what he thinks, and he/she will say it as he/she thinks it. Dutch people cut to the matter immediately. Also criticism in The Netherlands on politics: Say as it is, and do as you say. Politicians are probably the only people in The Netherlands that are not direct enough. ( Except for some politicians i.e. Geert Wilders; Jan Marijnissen )
  • supermuis Jan 25, 2010 @ 2:47 pm | delete
    Eventhough i like your article, I do have argue you on one point. I disagree with you that the dutch do not have their own traditions: what about the Cheese market, the eating of raw herring, liqourice, the "kaasmeisjes", Fritters(Oliebollen) at new years eve, pea-soup, all our cycling, fierljeppen, I could go on for a little while. As I already said: I do like your article, keep up the good work and for the record: I am proud of being Dutch
  • Shibamom Nov 18, 2009 @ 6:59 am | delete
    My teenage son is Dutch on his father's side. He is extremely interested in the Netherlands. I am going to email your lens to him, I'm sure he'll enjoy it!.

    Like other commenters, I also didn't realize MC Escher was Dutch, always assumed German....Never assume!
  • Pukeko Sep 6, 2009 @ 3:41 pm | delete
    Fantastic and interesting. I didn't know that Escher was from Netherlands. There is a whole wall of his work at a Puzzling World (just down the road from us here in New Zealand). It was interesting all the way through. Even got a laugh out of the "rude" section.
  • spirituality Sep 4, 2009 @ 1:49 pm | in reply to B.Hora Adema | delete
    Good point, have updated this to reflect that fact. I meant since fall of the Roman Republic and after the Middle Ages.
  • B.Hora Adema Sep 4, 2009 @ 11:32 am | delete
    The first republic in Europe was the Roman Republic. It started 509 BC and lasted 450 years.

    So Holland came much later and was the second republic.

    B.Hora Adema, Amsterdam
  • jansen Mar 21, 2010 @ 12:32 pm | delete
    he said: ''The first republic after the roman republic''.
  • kiwisoutback Jun 28, 2009 @ 2:49 pm | delete
    I never knew M.C. Escher was from the Netherlands. There's a lot of information here, extremely helpful. This lens, along with your group, were featured on the ExSquidtion Travel Journal today (and I'm Squid Angel blessing this lens!)
  • andrasnm Mar 20, 2009 @ 9:25 pm | delete
    Great stuff!!! I love Holland. When I briefly worked and stayed in Luxembourg any time I had I drove up to Amsterdam....Great country!!!!
  • Mary Jan 17, 2009 @ 9:47 pm | delete
    I have visited The Netherlands four times, for roughly a month each time. I have Dutch friends who I met while they were living in Canada. I have enjoyed all my times spent with them but I have not enjoyed the consistent, shocking and unwelcoming rudeness I have experienced throughout the country. At first I thought it was a joke; soon I realized, "no, they are seriously this rude". Having lived in Canada for a while, my friends themselves noticed the rudeness when they returned home. They also mentioned that they missed how you could so easily become friends with strangers in Canada (I did not really understand this comment of theirs - how else do you become friends with someone?). I will never forget my first day in the country visiting a grocery store; customers were moving grocery carts through the store like Canadians would drive bumpers cars at an amusement park. I "no kidding" looked around for cameras, thinking a movie was being filmed. It wasn't!
  • Shankspony Jan 9, 2009 @ 5:42 am | delete
    Hi! I enjoyed your lens. Have got on well with the few Nederlanders I have met - friendly and thoughtful, as well as outspoken! And thanks for your help on forum.
  • PatrickBernauw Jan 9, 2009 @ 2:01 am | delete
    Hé, dat is leuk!... Voel ik mij hier niet meer zo verdomde alleen op Squidoo!... Kan ik ook eens gewoon in 't Nederlands iets zeggen. (Of in 't Vlaams.) Leuke lens, trouwens, prima uitgewerkt!
  • Rossman Jan 8, 2009 @ 11:27 pm | delete
    Several years ago, I went on Western Caribbean Cruise where I was lucky enough to pal around with a bunch of young Dutch tourists. These people were not at all rude. They were polite, considerate and very generous with others. It was one of the best vacations I ever had and I have that group of people from Holland to thank.

    -Ross-
  • crapnation Feb 19, 2010 @ 6:18 am | delete
    Look Dutch people are friendly when not at home. Many of my friends got dutch girlfriends during thier travels and returned with dutch girlfriends to holland. Only to find out that they change 180 degrees. Also the dutch are not direct, they blab the shit out of a topic whitout getting to the bottome line, as in business. Never had so many meetings about the stupidist things. Secondly, they dont have manners, thier morale values is very low. Lets say somebody is robbing you or something they will not help. Nobody stands up for older people in public transportation. If something goes wrong nobody takes the blame. They are a bunch of COWARDS and backstabbers, and boring as hell.
  • Linsey Mar 31, 2010 @ 8:55 am | delete
    Actually I think that you are being an ignorant pest at the moment. Good for you for being cynical and apparently rather pessimistic about the Dutch. When I view the Dutch as part of the world and compare them to other countries, they are honest. To the point of rudeness yes but honest. They will try to help you when you're not familiar and they change because whoopdee fucking doo, you can't put on a mask when you're in a relationship. When there's something wrong, they will damn right tell you that there's something wrong. You are quite contradicting yourself by telling that there are dishonest and painfully honest at the same time. And actually their moral values are rather normal really. I do admit that standing up for elderly people isn't common but from what I've seen in other countries, neither is it there. And if something goes wrong no one takes the blame? Have you ever wondered, my young moronic individual, that they at least not blame it on each other? They all take fault by not blaming a single individual. It's arrogance to blame another person, such a thing that regularly happens in other countries. Also cautiousness in business does not mean cowardice. And as you might have noticed I myself am Dutch and I must say that my English is far better than yours actually. Learn how to speak, type, whatever. Organize something inside that petty little head of yours before placing insults that make no sense at all. Your personal experience means very little to me, the way you come off is rude and irritating. No wonder you had bad experiences, the way I view it, you are just an annoying little brat who needs to know how to grow up and use the potty properly.
    Have a very pleasant day sir.
  • Martine Oct 13, 2011 @ 10:48 am | delete
    Well said!
  • DutchTouch May 16, 2010 @ 4:48 pm | delete
    The Dutch are very active in the world disarmament of Nuclear weapons, if that is cowardliness i don't know what is.
  • awelldressedbullet Jan 6, 2009 @ 6:54 pm | delete
    What an absolutely fantastic lens, I loved my visit to the Netherlands, thank you. We have some very dear friends who are Dutch, and we always say they are very stubborn LOL Congratulations on your LOTD, most deserving! - Kathy
  • Jan 6, 2009 @ 11:45 am | delete
    I loved learning about Nederland. Thank you for a truly educational lens.
  • spirituality Jan 6, 2009 @ 3:00 am | in reply to rargiros | delete
    I certainly think it's possible. I've personally always thought of New York as sort of a twin to Amsterdam. After all - it used to be called 'Nieuw Amsterdam'. And Amsterdam has a very bad reputation as far as manners go within the rest of The Netherlands :)
  • rargiros Jan 5, 2009 @ 8:42 pm | delete
    Especially enjoyed Dutch manners. Do you think New York's similar reputation could go all the way back to it's origins as a Dutch colony?
  • hmsweaver Jan 5, 2009 @ 2:07 pm | delete
    Thank you for the interesting and educational peek into Dutch culture. I had some classmates from Nederland in graduate school, and they were lots of fun. Congrats on LOTD!
  • spirituality Jan 5, 2009 @ 1:05 pm | in reply to kaylhew | delete
    Our first leader - prince William was a prince of Orange. Wikipedia notes: "Prince of Orange is a title of nobility, originally associated with the Principality of Orange, now in southern France.

    It is carried by members of the House of Orange-Nassau, as heirs to the crown of the Netherlands, and is also seen carried by the pretenders by members of the House of Hohenzollern. It is currently carried by Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (Orange-Nassau) and the pretender Georg Friedrich, Prince of Prussia (Hohenzollern)."

    I assume the COLOR orange comes in because of the name. The original principality didn't have that color - but once it came into Dutch hands, the coat of arms included the color. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_of_Orange
  • Wealthforum Jan 5, 2009 @ 11:33 am | delete
    Thanks for putting Holland on the map for those who have never given Holland much thought. And for those who have, it's a great lens too! I like the skating video. I remember skating on the the farmer's fields in the Veluwe when they were frozen over.
  • kaylhew Jan 5, 2009 @ 11:24 am | delete
    I have a question, if I may. I have been trying to find out why the color orange is so prominent in Dutch souveniers and such - your flag is red, white & blue. The Dutch friends I have asked could not answer this question for me - can you? Thanks!

    kaylhew
  • spirituality Jan 5, 2009 @ 2:23 am | in reply to JustBon-Crochet-Designs | delete
    Almost right. It would be spelled 'Goed gedaan'. But hey, just glad to know you know some Dutch :)
  • spirituality Jan 5, 2009 @ 2:23 am | in reply to howtopublish | delete
    That would depend on your job skills. But I'd say that unless you are in a field with a shortage like medicine, or really high up, you would need to learn Dutch. Though I don't think they'd look at your language skills if you were willing to do the work our Polish immigrants do (hard labor on farms, cleaning, etc.)
  • howtopublish Jan 4, 2009 @ 10:02 pm | delete
    Nice lens. Thinking of immigrating there. How are the job opportunities for people who don't know the native language?
  • JustBon-Crochet-Designs Jan 4, 2009 @ 9:41 pm | delete
    Goed gedane! I hope I got that right lol! Really enjoyable read :) Congratulations (Gelukwens) on LotD!
  • spirituality Jan 4, 2009 @ 2:45 pm | in reply to CleanerLife | delete
    It's not your memory - I did add a lot, and then submitted this for LOTD :)
  • CleanerLife Jan 4, 2009 @ 1:23 pm | delete
    Grats on LoTD!

    Looks like you've added more interesting things, or is my memory getting bad?
  • ArtDiva Jan 3, 2009 @ 6:43 pm | delete
    Very nice lens. As an artist, much of the art shown was familiar and represent many classic artists of their time, Vermeer being my favorite, and the illusions of Escher. I have friends who recently visited your country with beautiful photography and a beautiful experience with no tellings of rude behavior.
  • sergepupko Jan 3, 2009 @ 5:52 pm | delete
    Love the fact that you mentioned about the Dutch version of Santa... Gotta mention though, that it's 6-8 black men (formerly known as slaves) that he brings with him every year. I had to do a stand-up comedy on that once :)
  • susannaduffy Jan 3, 2009 @ 5:00 pm | delete
    What a lovely lens! How beautifully done and how you describe your country so well! 16 million people seems quite a lot to me - we have 20 million in the whole of Australia and the Netherlands would fit into my home town (almost). We have a distinct Dutch influence in a number of areas, especially noticeable at Christmas time where I live. You mention water - oh my, we have a deep relationship with water too, we don't have any! 5* for a beautifully presented work.
  • spirituality Jan 3, 2009 @ 9:51 am | in reply to coolingstar9 | delete
    I hope you realize that's fiction. No way could you stop the country from overflowing with a thumb.
  • Marelisa Jan 3, 2009 @ 9:13 am | delete
    Hi: I have heard that Dutch people are, for the most part, not proud to be Dutch. I find that very strange because it sounds like such a beautiful country. Thank you for this great lens, and congratulations on being lens of the day.
  • roysumit Jan 3, 2009 @ 8:55 am | delete
    Congrats on LOTD. I loved the art works by the famous Dutch artists. I am a great admirer of Vincent van Gogh's arts and all the art works you presented here, were a treat to the eyes. Thanks and 5*
  • Maripa Jan 3, 2009 @ 8:16 am | delete
    Leuke lens! Nice Lens, I smiled when I you said that the Dutch are rude,because I also thought so,until I met my husband who is Dutch and the most polite man I ever knew. Maybe because he's a Limburger:) from an older generation. The Dutch are outspoken by all means. Funny thing is I have NEVER been to Holland so I haven't seen the Country but half of my family lives in Holland. I have to disagree with the Sinterklaas celebration though,because I think changing the colour of the Pieten won't make it right. But that's another story. Dankjewel voor deze Lens!(Thanks)
  • coolingstar9 Jan 3, 2009 @ 8:03 am | delete
    I know about this country due to the story of peter who used the finger to stop flooding.
  • poddys Jan 3, 2009 @ 6:14 am | delete
    Very nice lens, 5***** I have only been to the airport in Amsterdam in transit, but I would love to visit the country, especially to see the bulbs in bloom. Girl with a pearl earring was made into a good movie recently.
  • spirituality Jan 3, 2009 @ 5:20 am | in reply to aj2008 | delete
    Well, yes - I get that. The fact is - even with perfect English (and of course most Dutch people's English is nowhere near perfect - however impressive it sounded to you) it's still WAY easier to speak Dutch. You went to a gathering that was not meant for tourists, but just friends visiting each other. What I think they probably did: they talked Dutch to each other and English when talking specifically to you.

    Socially, in the Netherlands, there is a lot of difference between ordinary polite and really being part of a clique. You weren't part of the clique, and they (unconsciously I'm sure) made you feel it. In the US people will be personal a lot sooner than in the Netherlands. But in the Netherlands it will mean a longer term connection once you get to that point.

    You got close enough to the Dutch real life to feel the culture difference. And it's not all pretty. (which of course is true all over the world)
  • aj2008 Jan 3, 2009 @ 5:12 am | delete
    Congratulations on Lens of the Day Katinka. I have visited Holland - Zerikzee - and have very mixed memories. I love the fact that cycling is made so easy in Holland, because of all the wonderful cycle paths. But what I could not understand was how a group of people I spent the afternoon with spent all their time conversing in Dutch, when they all spoke perfect English! Every half hour or so they would throw in a few English comments and then back to the Dutch. This went on for hours!! I did enjoy the canal trip in Amsterdam though!
  • spirituality Jan 3, 2009 @ 5:05 am | in reply to debnet | delete
    I'm not sure about the legoland actually, but the rest: yes, that's The Netherlands. You just picked the much known facts about the Netherlands, I wanted to get away from the obvious on this lens :)
  • debnet Jan 3, 2009 @ 5:00 am | delete
    Congratulations on LOTD!!! To me, the Netherlands is all about Tulips and Amsterdam, mayonaisse with chips and Legoland..that is in Holland, right? I've met some lovely Dutch people in Bulgaria and in Greece too. Well done, great lens :)
  • LaraineRose Jan 3, 2009 @ 4:29 am | delete
    It's a country I'd love to go to, rude or not! Congratulations on this lens being picked as LotD. Well deserved and I have enjoyed some of your other lenses also. GOOD JOB and 5*s.
  • pmolinero Jan 3, 2009 @ 2:47 am | delete
    Congrats on LotD, it is well deserved. I have been several times to Netherlands and I enjoyed it every time, finding people friendly and not rude at all.
  • KimGiancaterino Jan 3, 2009 @ 12:33 am | delete
    Congratulations, Katinka. Amsterdam was my first European city experience, so I have fond memories of the Netherlands. I don't remember anyone being rude, though. Quite the contrary. You have many fine lenses, and it's good to see you get some well-deserved recognition.
  • Squidster Jan 3, 2009 @ 12:02 am | delete
    I've been to Amsterdam once but don't recall encountering overly rude people there. Then again, hailing from northern Germany I was probably accustomed to road rage and snotty sales people. Congrats on LOTD!
  • TheGreenerMe Jan 2, 2009 @ 8:49 pm | delete
    Congratulations on LOTD! Great work!
  • spirituality Dec 28, 2008 @ 2:20 am | in reply to hotbrain | delete
    For now the economy of the Netherlands is merely slowing down. Car and home sales are down, but other than that, we're still OK, it seems. But since the Netherlands is so dependent on trade, and the euro is up, it is unlikely that we will remain unaffected. Oh - and we've had one bank nationalized. So the underlying problems do affect us as well.
  • hotbrain Dec 28, 2008 @ 2:12 am | delete
    Very interesting lens. I like how you did the layout, spacing out the text among the pictures - it makes for a very enjoyable read. How is the Netherlands doing during this economic downturn?
  • chefkeem Dec 28, 2008 @ 1:46 am | delete
    Interesting read for this German. I had no idea about the rudeness issues and the threat from the water level. A SquidAngel Blessing for this informative page. :)
  • Jimmie Dec 26, 2008 @ 11:52 pm | delete
    Wonderful lens.So many artists come from Holland/The Netherlands. (And why are you called Dutch? So many confusing names!)

    Blessed.
  • dc64 Dec 24, 2008 @ 2:28 pm | delete
    Oh, every place has it's good and bad. Don't even get me started on the attitudes of some of the people here in Alabama, but if you're the outdoor type, it's a beautiful place to be.
  • spirituality Dec 22, 2008 @ 2:10 am | in reply to Treasures-By-Brenda | delete
    I think now Canadians pay for their tulips though, don't they?

    [in reply to JJ Simon] I haven't been to New Jersey, no. Of course I can't be absolutely certain that people elsewhere aren't ruder. Also - I don't think the Dutch are generally impolite to tourists... just online and inconsiderate when it comes to waiting for the train or standing on an escalator.
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Dec 21, 2008 @ 9:32 pm | delete
    We grew up thinking of The Netherlands as Holland. Now we are always confused about what to call your lovely little country. We waver between Holland, The Netherlands and just plain Netherlands often according to our age...

    I visited The Netherlands for a few hours one afternoon. We were visiting friends in Germany and went to a historical re-enactment village as a day outing. I would definitely like to see more and hopefully will one day.

    Ottawa has a connection with your tulips...in 1945 your royal family sent 100,000 tulips here as a thank you for Ottawa giving Princess Juliana and her daughters a home for the three years before the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in the World War II. You still send tulips every year but it may be more like 300,000!

    Great lens!

    Brenda
  • JJ Simon Dec 21, 2008 @ 1:33 pm | delete
    Loved Holland, went to, Amsterdam, 's-Hertogenbosch and Utrecth. Had a blast and can't wait to go back. You think people in Holland are rude have you ever been to New Jersey?
  • spirituality Dec 21, 2008 @ 10:35 am | delete
    Zoals? Ik hou nogal van Nederland en vind dat we het heel behoorlijk geregeld hebben hier :)
  • Elise Dec 21, 2008 @ 8:30 am | delete
    hee, vergeet de slechtere dingen niet te vermelden!
    elk goed land heeft ook zijn slechte kanten
    mensen moeten weten dat niet altijd alles even geweldig is in ons kleine kikkerlandje...
  • cleansweeping Dec 4, 2008 @ 9:25 pm | delete
    Nice! I would love to see the Netherlands! I teach so I love to learn new information! If you are interested, come visit http://www.squidoo.com/stlouisfamilyfun and learn about the fun things to do in St. Louis, Missouri, USA!
  • flowski Nov 23, 2008 @ 9:09 pm | delete
    I've always wanted to visit the Netherlands, I'll get there someday. Thanks for the look at the country somewhere over there in Western Europe!
  • poddys Nov 21, 2008 @ 8:06 pm | delete
    The Netherlands is definitely a unique country, I hope to visit one of these days.
  • CleanerLife Nov 1, 2008 @ 11:02 am | delete
    I just learned a lot from this. Seems like we really don't hear much about The Netherlands here in the States, or at least I don't.

    Thanks for the map, now I have a better idea of where you are!
  • KimGiancaterino Jun 19, 2008 @ 11:57 am | delete
    I always learn something from your lenses! Welcome to All Things Travel.

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spirituality

I'm a webmaster and student of religion and spirituality. See my website on religion and spirituality: www.katinkahesselink.net or my spiritual blog: All... more »

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