"Holland" is the name of only two of the twelve provinces of The Netherlands, and of a historic region that was a bit smaller than their current expanse. Properly, only the rich and powerful North Holland and South Holland are so called. The casual use of the technically-incorrect word is a bit of an affront to the people of the rest of the nation. But it's not only the loutish anglophone calling the whole country by that name, which derives from the complications of military-political history. And, after all, who shouts "hup hup Holland?*"

Alstublieft "Alstublieft," is a good Dutch word. I miss it, outside of Holland.... "Gedogen," Dutch tolerance ...But tolerance is passive. Gedogen is active.... Holland can be exasperating I think this is what they call "culture shock." ... Dutch "coffeeshops" A "coffeeshop" in Holland sells cannabis products.... Following and pacing Dutch people walking in public.... Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie A historical military floodplain...

Holland is safe .. But if you neglect yourself, you might not be able to sue anybody... Bombing of Nijmegen Allied air forces mistakenly destroyed "the Jewel of The Netherlands" ... Giving away your bicycle If you leave your bike unlocked.... Oudste stad Nijmegen is the oldest city in The Netherlands.... With an asterisk. ... Talking to a stranger In Holland, small-talk is not necessary, and it is not customary....

Papal visit gone wrong Pope John Paul II's visit to the Netherlands in 1985 was the worst in his papacy.... New Spelling The "Nieuwe Spelling" in Holland refers to an orthography that became official in 1996.... Cursing in Holland It's not really acceptable.... Dutch bureaucracy I tried to get a tax number when I was living in Amsterdam.... Polders Life below sea-level...

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* "Hup hup Holland" is a traditional shout in favor of the national soccer team. Voetbal, that is — Football.