I was out eating Holland’s best ribs with some friends who happened to have someone visiting from the US. Before she came she asked what three things she must know about Holland before she actually visited. His perceptions were right on, and I thought I’d share them with the world, just in case you are visiting The Netherlands in the near future. Here we go:
1) Don’t ever compare the Dutch to Germans. Don’t compare the language, the people, the vicinity, etc. The Dutch do not like being compared to Germans. P.E.R.I.O.D.
2) The observation shelf (pictured above). Know it, love it. The observation shelf located in the Dutch toilet is a little oddity that you get used to soon after moving here. I have no idea what use it serves, and honestly I really don’t want to know. But I did learn a great cleaning tip during the discussion, so I’m happy.
3) Always carry small change. You pay between 20 euro cents and 1 euro to go to the toilet in this country. Sounds weird, but its true.
There they are. But honestly there are so many little quirks that you cannot sum it up in 3. So we’ll just keep a little running list, shall we?