Geert Mak : A Short History about Amsterdam Posted by sarah on Feb 21, 2010
Geert Mak is a Dutch author and historian who writes mostly about the history of the Netherlands, though has also written quite extensively on European history. One of the reasons I really like Geert Mak as an author is that his use of language is superb. His writing is thoughtful and also thought provoking. …
Fietsen : Cycling in the Netherlands Posted by sarah on Feb 19, 2010
In the Netherlands, cycling is not just something fun to do on the weekends, but it is a way of life. For the Dutch, cycling is like breathing: you just do it. But what you may not know is that in the urban centers, cycling can become a real mess if you aren’t sure of…
Why are the Dutch so tall? Posted by noortje on Feb 17, 2010
As a Dutch woman traveling over the world, one thing always stands out: my height. Although I am not extremely tall in Holland (1.75m), in every other country I am always the giant between the midgets. About 150 years ago the Dutch were one of the smallest people in the world, but now the average…
Hoe Laat is Het? : What Time is it in Dutch? Posted by sarah on Feb 15, 2010
Telling time in Dutch can be very confusing. I’ll try to keep this straightforward and hope that it helps. At some point a light bulb went off for me and I magically “got it” but it took a bit of practice to get there. Hoe laat is het? -What time is it? Weet je hoe…
Words of Love : How to Say I Love You in Dutch Posted by sarah on Feb 13, 2010
I don’t think Valentine’s Day (Valentijnsdag) is traditionally a big deal in the Netherlands, but since we live in a world that has close contact with other cultures via the media, internet, television, etc., it’s not uncommon to do something small and special for your loved one here too. Although Dutch may not be known…
How to use a Kaasschaaf Posted by sarah on Feb 11, 2010
We all know that the Dutch provide us with plenty of cheese for our enjoyment. All kinds of cheese, from all over the country, absolutely delicious. But how does one go about slicing these cheeses, especially when they are purchased as a triangular block? This is why the Dutch have a kaasschaaf, a special kitchen…
Dutch Sayings about the Wind Posted by noortje on Feb 9, 2010
With windmills as one of the main icons of Holland, sayings about this main source of energy couldn’t be left out. Below some of the most famous sayings that all have to do with wind, with their literal translation and with what it really means. Laughing is allowed! Dat legt geen windeieren: That doesn’t lay…