My true home
I am Dutch and born and raised in The Netherlands. It is my true home. But I did live and work in Switzerland, Canada, Singapore and several other countries, that I now also call home as well. You cannot be a foreigner everywhere. Strangely enough I do feel like a tourist in my own country, because I don't have a home there and do not know any celebrities or tv shows. I do appreciate the lifestyle and enjoy all the goodies. Here are some highlights and must-do's from my perspective as a world traveller and world citizen.
Some Background Information
The Kingdom of The Netherlands is the official name of this little country with 18 million inhabitants by the North-Sea. Many people also know it is as Holland, but this is historic and only covers two out of 12 Dutch provinces, excluding additional Dutch countries in the Caribbean (eg. Curacao). You will not find Holland (or a direct translation) in my passport. The country Holland officially does not exist, but in-officially everyone knows where it is. Currently there is a King (Willem Alexander), but before him there were four Queens.
“The Netherlands” describes the altitude of the country: nether-lands or low lands. A large part of the country is at or below sea level. There is a lot of water everywhere. The Rhine, Meuse (Maas) and Schelde rivers end in the Netherlands and flow into the North-Sea. Dykes and dams protect the country from rising sea and river levels.
Because of the extremely flat landscape and abundance of water, almost everyone in the Netherlands can swim and bicycle. These are necessities. There are more bicycles than people and an extensive bike path system enables this.
The Dutch are a trading nation with the 17th century seen as their golden century. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange started in 1604 and is herewith the oldest international stock exchange in the world. Stocks were sold and bought to support the Dutch East Indian Company that ruled the world for 200 years. This is also the era of painters like Rembrandt van Rijn and Jan Steen. The Dutch still trade, but peacefully, and are officially the country where English, as a foreign language, is best spoken worldwide. Classes held in English in Dutch technical universities are common.
Because of its long colonial history, the Dutch now have a special, friendly relationship with the beautiful country Indonesia. We love to go on vacation there. You may find many Indonesian people and restaurants in Amsterdam and around the country. Their specialty dish is “rijst tafel”, a rice meal with several side dishes.
One more fact: the Dutch are the tallest people in the world (since 1958)! The average Dutch man measures 184 cm and a woman normally reaches 170 cm. When it comes to sport, the Dutch may dress up in orange (the colour of the royal family) to support the national team or a national hero. If the Dutch football team wins, there is of course party!
Amsterdam, the capital
Everyone knows Amsterdam, the capital and largest city of The Netherlands. It is known for the canals, the old houses, the museums, the lifestyle, the happy people and the coffee shops. It is one of the most international cities in the world with 180 nationalities represented.
Most itineraries to The Netherlands will include a few days in Amsterdam. The centre is very walkable and asking directions, if needed, is easy. A boat trip on the canal to see the 17th century buildings, as well as a visit to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank (war) museum should be part of your itinerary. The Dam with the palace (a former trading house) is the centre of the city, approx. 30 minutes on foot from the main train station, and close to the Kalverstraat for shopping. The market on the Prinsengracht is also nice. Most people also visit the Red Light District (“de wallen”), where women offer their sexual services from behind a viewing window, completely legal.
Amsterdam can best be discovered on foot, on a bicycle or with public transportation (incl. boats). Private cars are not really welcome, because there is no space for them. Parking is expensive. There are plenty of nice hotels within the city centre or near Schiphol Airport. House boats may be available as accommodation option as well.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the 10th largest harbour in the world and an important gateway to Europe. The harbour, the ships and water works in general are major pillars of the city‘s economy.
The Dutch know the city also for its canals, cafes, shopping and architecture, including the cubes, the pencil and (since 2014) the “markthal” building, where lots of different foods and drinks can be tried.
Not far from Rotterdam is Delft, known for its blue on white ceramics (“Delfts Blue”). Delft features nice canals plus the renowned Delft Technical University, making it one of the most international cities in The Netherlands.
The Hague
The Netherlands is one of few countries where the city of government is not the county’s capital. The Dutch government is housed in The Hague (Den Haag) at the “Binnenhof” in the heart of the city, a place that you can visit.
The Hague is internationally known for the residence of both the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice (at the Peace Palace), among others. These are the highest courts in the United Nations, where international conflicts and war crimes can be judged and prosecuted. Some countries (like the USA, China and Russia) do not recognize the courts authority.
Scheveningen is a very well-known beach in The Hague and certainly worth a visit. Besides swimming and wandering around, you can also visit a musical or the casino here. If you are in Scheveningen on January 1st, you can join in the New Year Swimming party. Scheveningen is at the southern end of a long beach that also connects to Katwijk aan Zee, a nice day out on a bicycle!
Maastricht
Maastricht is the most southern city in the Netherlands and entry point for the river Maas. It is one of the oldest cities in the country. It is a very pleasant, touristy city.
Maastricht has a world-famous citizen who is born and raised here and lives nearby: André Rieu. This musical maestro is extremely popular and still gives two weeks of light classical concerts in July on the “Vrijthof”, the main square. Concerts are usually booked out months in advance.
The Vaalserberg, a bit south of the city on the border with Belgium and Germany, is the highest points of the European part of The Netherlands at an altitude of 322 m. The highest point in the The Netherlands is a volcano on the island of Saba in the Caribbean, at 887 m.
Water works, polders, protection
The Dutch have learned to live with the water and are known worldwide for quality water management and protection. This knowledge is valuable to and shared with other countries (like Singapore), who also deal with rising water levels due to climate change.
The Delta Works were initiated after a disastrous flood in Zeeland, the South-West part of the country in 1953. This gigantic project stretching 40 years protects several provinces from the sea and expanded the land area. It consists of dams, locks, sluices and storm barriers. This is really impressive, for foreign tourists and locals alike.
The most important and most visible parts are:
a) the “Afsluitdijk”, a long dam that turned the inland sea (“Zuiderzee”) into a lake (“Ijsselmeer”)
b) a new province called “Flevoland” established completely on reclaimed land after the sea-water subsided
c) the “Oosterscheldekering”, a huge storm-surge barriers that can open and close in Zeeland (an official Wonder of the Technical World).
Other places to visit
North of Amsterdam you will find Volendam, Edam and Monnickendam. These are 3 villages with traditional houses. They used to be seaside ports, but after the sea became a lake this no longer applies. You can take a nice picture here where you and your family wear traditional clothing with wooden shoes.
You can find windmills around the country, but the Zaanse Schans (near Amsterdam) and Kinderdijk (near Rotterdam) are the best known and best suited for tourists. Here you can see how they protect the land from the water, and how the wind-strength is used to pulverise grains and make bread. Wooden shoe makers and women in tradition farmer dresses could also be present.
The Netherlands are known for their flowers, especially Tulips. In spring you can find tulips in abundance in large meadows near Lisse and Hillegom, between Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam. The exposition Keukenhof is usually open from March till May and filled with colours. The Dutch are the largest exporters of cut flowers in the world! Tulips, roses and other flowers are grown in glass-houses and sold/shipped from the flower auction in Aalsmeer year-round. This auction house is gigantic and accessible to tourists. Recommended.
Gorinchem (aka Gorcum) is a historic, 1000 year old, city in the Rhine and Maas delta connecting to a smaller river, the Linge. Thanks to its location, it served as protection of the waterway (including canons). The old city still features a large wall and very old buildings. The city harbour and old city square are very picturesque, a great place for a beer and “bitterballen”. This is the place where I grew up, my home town in The Netherlands.
Special Dutch Food to try and enjoy
The Dutch have food, that they like and buy, but not everyone agrees with.
“Pannekoeken” (Pancakes) are usually big and filling (not like the McDonalds). They can be sweet or savoury. Toppings include apple, raisins, bacon, berries, pineapple, ice cream, whipped cream, “stroop” (a thick black syrup) or anything you like. Recommended.
“Poffertjes” are small pancakes and very Dutch. You may get 12 or so in a single portion. Usually they are served with powder sugar, a bit of real butter and some whipped cream. Recommended.
“Bitterballen” are small, round, fried croquettes with a filling of ragout and pieces of meat. You can have them anywhere, for example on a historic square (with a Heineken or a Belgium beer), a market or at home. Recommended.
“Drop” is the Dutch name for liquorice. There are many types and you can find them in all super markets and even in specialty stores. Whether you like hard or soft, sweet or salty, black or with colour. It exists. Recommended.
“Haring” or “Hollandse Nieuwe” is the Dutch term for raw herring. Yes, raw fish is a specialty that can be found here. Traditionally you buy it at a fish market and eat it there on the spot: hold the fish by its tail, dip it in onions and enjoy! Scheveningen near The Hague is famous for it, but it can be found everywhere. Recommended.
“Stroopwafels” are thin, sweet syrup waffles, originally from Gouda. They can also be found on street markets and in supermarkets and are best eaten warm with a cup of tea or coffee. Recommended.
“Advocaat met slagroom” is thick egg cognac with (again) whipped cream and eaten slowly with a small spoon. Some people say it is only for old people, but so many younger folks also enjoy it. Buy a bottle in the same supermarket as the other goodies, try at home. Recommended.