Dutch characteristics, and social customs in The Netherlands (Holland)

The Netherlands

Bits of Dutch history

.

.

Dutch customs and characteristics

• Gedogen — active tolerance...

• Having coffee in the Netherlands...

• "Alstublieft" — A hyper-polite social custom...

• Drinking in Holland...

• Bicycles...

• Some Nijmegen graffiti...

• Dutch gestures (gebaren) ...

• Dutch culture is strangely traditional....

• Holland is safe — civilized....

• John Paul II in the Netherlands — a misadventure...

• "Polder politics" — a taste for concensus...

• The Dutch language is notoriously difficult....

• "Nieuwe spelling," 1996...

• Cursing in Holland...

• Dutch toilets...

• Asking the Dutch "how are you doing" ....

• Peperduur — "as expensive as pepper" ...

• Gratuitous conversation with strangers is not customary....

• "Afgesloten" — "road closed" in downtown Amsterdam. Go back or wait....

• The "coffeeshop," or hash bar...

• Holland can be exasperating, it's true....

• "Eet smakelijk" — the Dutch version of the pervasive Continental "bon apetit." ...

• Following and pacing: on walking in public...