A Touch of Dutch

Just Beat My Advice in the Wind

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:25:25 PST

There may be one more blog entry before I go for a while, but I wanted to stop by for now to share this new Dutch commercial I saw recently on TV for Eneco [a Dutch energy company] featuring Dutch gezegdes or gezegden [English: sayings]. The tourist guide shares with them Dutch sayings somehow relating to wind, directly translated from Dutch to English. These, of course, make no sense to the tourists:

The gezegdes he uses:

"Legt geen windeieren." English: Not laid his/its wind eggs [the passengers understand wind eggs as Windex]. Means, in this case, the windmills have made some profit.
"Advies in de wind slaan." English: Beat my advice in the wind. Means to throw advice to the wind, or not follow the advice of someone. He suggests they eat a frikandel, but they don't have to listen to his advice.
"De wind van voren krijgen." English: He gets the wind from the front. Means someone is being lectured, and in this case the boy is being lectured by his mom.
"Stink een uur in de wind." English: They smell an hour in the wind. Means something really stinks, and in this case he thinks that they think the herring stinks.
"Je kan niet van de wind leven." English: From the wind we can not live. Means you can't live off of air alone, and in many cases said in Dutch when asking for a donation.

More to come when I return!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Countdown is Almost Over!

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:16:39 PST

Image © Holly Clark

Soon I'll be on my way to spend one of the nicest ways to end this great year: Going to see family and friends in different parts of America for a portion of the holidays. I won't be away for the whole holiday season, but I will celebrate holidays in both my home country in various cities in America, as well as in the Netherlands, enjoying what I like the most from each. Feeling a bit nostalgic lately, this will definitely be a very nice treat since I have not been to America during the holidays since 2005.

My favorites during the Christmas season in the Netherlands are:

Glühwein. You can buy or make it with or without alcohol. For the non-alcoholic recipe, click here.
Goodies from the gebakkraam.
Taai-taai and pepernoten or kruidnoten.
Kerstverlichting [English: Christmas lights] and kerstversiering [English: Christmas décor].
Christmas markets. They have them in the Netherlands, but I also enjoy those in Germany: Weihnachtsmarkt. This is where the sounds of music and smells of cloves and ginger seem to fill the air. The spirit of the season is really alive there. I love to see the crafts for sale and try something new to eat and drink each time I visit.
Christmas is, of course, celebrated in the Netherlands. But it seems to me that each year the decorating becomes more than the year before. After Sinterklaas pays the children a visit, the homes seem instantly decorated for the Kerstdagen [English: Two Christmas days; December 25 and 26]. Some before. Or maybe it's just in my neighborhood where I get the idea that the decorating seems to become more each year? How is it in your Dutch neighborhood? The neighbors on my street seem to add more décor to the outside of their homes each year. It's a slow progression: It went from the few homes with a front window only having lights, to now the bushes and trees in their front yards also decorated with lights, as well as a wreath on their front door. Same people, just something new each year. It's as if they are boldly daring each other to do more each year, and I get a kick out of it. I look forward to the day when they too have life-size Christmas characters by their front door.

In America, there is so much I want to see! And when I return, I will be sharing this all in photos and stories. What I most would like to do this holiday season in America:

Thanksgiving with my family. Priceless.
Seeing family members who are either no longer able to fly comfortably halfway around the world or who can't afford it. Priceless.
Sitting across the table, in the same room and also going shopping with my best friend. Also very priceless!
Eggnog!
Shopping. The U.S. dollar is unfortunately down to about ±67 euro cents, but this is a good thing in my situation. For every euro, I will get about $1.47, meaning the prices for goods, converted, will be lower. So Black Friday, here I come!
Christmas lights. I can see these in the Netherlands, of course. But then again, I feel there is a magic about it. And in America, some go wild when it comes to decorating with lights. Often, this is great to see. Even if some go over-the-top with larger-than-life versions of light-up Frosty the Snowman and Disney character carolers all over their front yard.
Taking the children of my family and friends to see Santa.
Eating dinner in a restaurant which has a view of the Pacific Ocean. . .

One of the areas in particular I'll be visiting is south of Los Angeles, along the Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach, Balboa and Laguna Beach, California. In that area, there are many places I will visit. These are just a few visual samples of where I will be visiting, and hopefully I'll get to see at least one sunset like this. . .

Image © Holly Clark

A So Cal surfer and sunset on the Pacific Ocean.
And, below, some pieces of Newport Beach and Balboa. . .

Image © Holly Clark

Have you ever been to Newport Beach, California? If so, what are you favorite places? I enjoy shopping at the Fashion Island Mall [and even up to Irvine to the Spectrum Center], going down to the pier at Newport Bay/Balboa and driving down the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at Ruby's Shake Shack at Crystal Cove along the way to Laguna Beach.

Newport Beach pier. . .

Top image © Holly Clark
Bottom image © Holly Clark

There is much more to do at Newport Beach and Balboa, but it will feel especially nice to take my time and enjoy what is around me, no rush. I think each of us expats have during a certain part of the year at least a few moments where we reflect back on the best of where we've lived and areas that we're familiar with and enjoyed. There is nothing wrong with this. I am comfortable in my life in the Netherlands, even though there have been sometimes when it was not always so easy, but it sure does feel good every once in a while to dream about places to go on vacation or about visiting family and friends. This is something I need to go do at least once a year, and I would suggest it to any expat: go on a vacation to a place in the world where you've never been or make a trip to see some family and friends. For me, this time around, it means going to gather with family and friends. . .

Top image © Holly Clark
Bottom image © Holly Clark

And then there's Laguna Beach!
Here are a few views. . .

Top image © Holly Clark
Bottom image © Holly Clark

About Laguna: When you turn off the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach to Broadway Street, you will find many shops. Some are art galleries, and every month on the first Thursday is ArtWalk. There are also several other art associated events in Laguna Beach. Some other shops in Laguna Beach are surfer-themed and shops with one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The last time I was there, I bought handmade sandals, and my mother-in-law bought all of her souvenirs for Dutch family and friends since many of the souvenirs seemed to be more original than the typical seen elsewhere. I don't remember where we ate, but there were a lot of places by the beach to choose from. Near the Laguna Art Museum is one restaurant I recall well, Las Brisas, where we had coffee and dessert. They sit directly on the beach, and they have an outdoor terrace with heating and beautiful ocean view, along with a nice pathway leading down to the beach. . .

Top image © Holly Clark
Bottom image © Holly Clark

When visiting Laguna Beach, do be aware during the summer months or weekends, especially when the weather is ideal, for an overload of tourists. The hills above Laguna Beach are filled with cliffside homes and parking can become limited. An option is to park on these residential streets, respecting the signage and the parking availability of residents. However, it's not always a guarantee you can park on these streets. It may be ideal to park somewhere further away and either take the bus, shuttle or tram, or plan on a walk. If it is summer, the shuttle is free. Either way, don't be discouraged because the area is really a worth the visit. It's just hard to predict ahead of time how busy it will become, but do be prepared.

The hills above Laguna Beach have had some recent natural disasters, but you probably wouldn't notice if you weren't told ahead of time because of how quickly and well the area is cared for. In 1993, the hillside was on fire [video], and in 1995 they had a flash flood [video].

You can learn more about Laguna Beach at this link.

Further on my upcoming visit: I'm not a big fast food fanatic. I can count on one hand how many times I eat fast food in a year, but of course I'm going to splurge while I'm over there on some favorites at least a few times. . .

Top image © Holly Clark
Bottom image © Holly Clark

Root beer floats, curly fries and In-n-Out! Naturally, I also have to pay a visit Taco Bell and Del Taco. . . And shopping galore, but of course!

Image © Holly Clark

And how could I not go shopping?
Target, you're first on my list!

Top image © Holly Clark
Bottom image © Holly Clark

Having said all of this, it should be an interesting Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday season! I'll update as much as possible while I'm away, but be prepared for a lot of my own photos when I return. And I wish for you all a very happy holiday season as well, no matter what you celebrate!

Special thanks to Holly Clark for allowing me to use her photos. All photos are all copyrighted and were used with the written permission of Holly Clark [click here to visit her page].

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Favorite Expat Blogs: Invading Holland

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:52:25 PST

In this ongoing series of my favorite Expat in NL blogs, this time it's the blog which inspired me to start my own!

Before I began to blog officially to the public, I had been reading Invader Stu, a blog featuring the adventures of a young British man who came to the Netherlands for his job. Details of his stories were not only nearly exact to many of my own experiences, but his view about the quirky sides of the culture also was almost always a precise match. Stu's blog also helps shed light on a few topics about the Dutch culture, and I feel this will be helpful to many others as well!

Stu took a break from blogging for a while, but now he's back! Each blog entry, beginning with an animation of himself in each of his current humorous Dutch predicaments, is bound to not only make you laugh, but it will certainly be of a help as well to any who are about to embark on building their life anew in the Netherlands.

Though it was difficult to narrow it down to just a few of his blog entries, here are my top 5 favorite Invader Stu blog entries!

Cultural Exchange - Part 1

I always like to find the positives within the negatives, and Stu's list of suggestions to the British Government on how to improve Briton by following some examples set by the Dutch is a hysterical example of this! Whether it be the thought of the UK reclaiming more land from the sea, like the Dutch have done, or teaching language and culture through popular television programming.

Bicycle Dangers

If you have ever ridden a bicycle in the Netherlands on a crowded city street, you will understand this blog entry. If you haven't, you should read it. However if you have ever ridden a bicycle in the Netherlands on a crowded city street without any clue as to what the markings and signage around you meant, you will understand this blog entry even more. And you'll laugh!

Koninginnedag

Every year in the Netherlands, Queen's Day is always interesting. People come from far and wide to partake in the festivities. Orange clothing and décor for as far as the eye can see, and nights filled with celebrations. More than once on his blog, Stu gives a few great takes from his personal experiences from this must-see event!

Post-Koninginnedag

Ever wonder what it must feel like on the day after Queen's Day? Stu shares his take on it! His coat & the pink wig stories are probably something very similar to the hilarious experiences anyone else has had on a Queen's Day celebration with their gang of friends. Have you ever been to Amsterdam for Queen's Day? If so, what is your most hilarious story?

Hiding from Sinterklaas

In case you have never heard of and/or experienced the whole Sinterklaas and Zwarte Pieten tradition, get prepared because it's about to begin again. Already I have seen the candies, chocolate letters and kruidnoten in the stores, but soon you will begin to see more. The songs sung by the children are unfamiliar to anyone who did not grow up in these parts.

Stu's version of this Sinterklaas celebration is a laugh, and another great version is the comical interpretation by David Sedaris [click here for audio] called "Six to Eight Black Men."

In other news: I've found on an old back up hard drive of mine some blog entries I once created for friends and family, in the days before I blogged publicly. Once I get some time, I will spiffy them up and share them here. Should be fun to reminisce! But first, I'll be sharing gradually of my trip to family and friends this year for the holidays and other favorite Expat in NL blogs of mine.

Have a great week!

[All images are copyright to Invader_Stu, used with written permission.]
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Iets Moois in Nederland

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:04:02 PST

The title of this blog entry is Dutch for something beautiful in the Netherlands. I'm still quite busy and unable to do as much blogging as I would love to, but at least now I have now over 20 blog posts piling up in my mind + many more to quickly follow, so there will be much soon to share. While I take breaks from working and catching up with all around the house, I have been thinking again about what is most a treat to my eyes and my spirit while living here in the Netherlands. This crosses my mind while I relax lately because it offers so much inspiration and also it's a feeling of comfort. Similar to what I love and loved most in my upbringing in America, I have many new favorites as well, which change from season to season. I'm able to combine my favorites from America with the autumn season, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year celebrations together with the many festivities and seasonal gewoontes [English: customs; traditions] from this time of the year in the Netherlands. So I want to share a compilation of my current Nederland-favorites, as seen through my own eyes and the eyes of others in photographs.*

It gets dark earlier as the autumn progresses into the winter season; therefore a home needs to have more light and feel warm inside. In the Netherlands, it's typical to see lots of lights or candles lit in home, giving off a warm sfeer [English: ambiance], which is a part of what the Dutch call gezelligheid [English: coziness]. And it is great to warm yourself up inside as well with tasty treats. These treats are typical in the Netherlands at this time of the year. . .

A cup of warme Chocomel met slagroom [with whipped cream], one very delicious Dutch version of hot chocolate. Photo: © Mats Hage Eikemo

Snert or erwtensoep [English: pea soup] is a hearty and warm meal to come home to after a long trip home in the cold. I've written about erwtensoep before on my blog [here]. If the spoon stands up straight in it, as pictured here, it is considered to be at its best, according to many of the Dutch who have shared about this soup with me. Photo: © Coanri

The gebakkraam! It's the Dutch version of a donut stand, well-lit enough to see from a block away. Photo: © Akbar Simonse

Vers van de bakker [fresh from the baker], this gebak [English: pastry] is great year-round. You can pick up a variety of freshly made everyday at any local bakery in the Netherlands. Photo: © Karen Cicco

Kruidnoten. I've written about these before [here]. These make their yearly appearance in the Netherlands in the stores from sometime in September through December. They are sold in many varieties, and often in stores by the cash register they will have a cup filled for you to take a few, mixed with marzipan candies. This mixture is called strooigoed and goes hand-in-hand with the Sinterklaas festivities [here].

And outdoors there is also much to enjoy. While walking through the city centers throughout the Netherlands, whether day or night, there is much to take in. . .

The canals by day. . .

And the canals by night. Photos: © Karen Cicco

And while enjoying the autumn colors on the trees or enjoying a cup of cappuccino on a terrace, you may hear music. . .

The accordeon [English: accordion] being played by a cheery woman on the streets of Den Bosch or Hertogenbosch. Photo: © Akbar Simonse

And it's also time to go shopping for gifts, and here are a few adorable klompen [English: clogs; wooden shoes] souvenir ideas. . .

A pair of red wooden shoe heels, as seen at the Wooden Shoe Museum in Zaanse Schans. Photo: © Kalmanzita

A wooden shoe as a rolschaats [English: rollerskate], as seen in Zaanse Schans. Photo: © Kalmanzita

A nice, colorful variety of miniature wooden shoe choices. Photo: © Tovje

Nijntje, of course! Nijntje is also known as Miffy in English-speaking countries. This little pair of wooden shoes is a refrigerator magnet. Photo: © Kalmanzita

After these colder months of the year, we are rewarded with other favorites in het voorjaar [English: springtime], such as these:

In the early spring, the bloembollen [English: flower bulbs] planted between September and December all begin to grow and bloom. Photo: © Milen@

And the bloembakken [English: flower boxes] below the windows are filled with color again. On the Amsterdam Singel. . . Photo: © Tovje

And though the bloemenmarkt [English: flower market] is full of flowers year round, this seems to be the season when the fresh, colorful flowers are their most magical. Photo: © Kalmanzita

What are your favorites about this time of the year?

* Thank you to the photographers who have allowed me to use their photos in this blog entry. To anyone interested in these photos, these photos shared here are not to be used without first having the permission of the photographer. Click each photo to visit the origin of each photo to see the rights which they've given for the usage of their photos. Each photo I have used with the specific written permission of the photographer.

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Dutch For Dummies

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:24:04 PDT

I bought for a friend a book to help her learn Dutch. She's currently really working hard on learning, but she doesn't live in the Netherlands, so I wanted to help her with some basics. I already know from personal experience how the For Dummies books are really helpful in many ways, so this Dutch For Dummies book by Margreet Kwakernaak should also be a help for my friend. I have a few For Dummies books for other uses and they seem to really help break something down to make a program or topic seem easier to use or understand, but it doesn't mean someone is a “dummy” because they need to use the book.

I don't want to give much about the book away. . . Except to reveal how I noticed, as I skimmed through the book, there is a lot in the book which is to-the-point & covered well-enough for a beginner of Dutch, with a touch about the modern Dutch culture. But this book also brought to my mind a few words, not mentioned about in the book, which I know my friend could eventually come to. Similar to what can be found in The UnDutchables book, with their Appendix B portion of the book, I am referring to Dutch words which sound similar to words in English [in this case American English], but the meaning is completely different. Here are a few of the sounds-like I've heard recently in Dutch conversation, on TV and on the radio:

· Elf. In Dutch, this is the number eleven. In America, this is a small, magical fairytale character. [Note: Elf is also Dutch for the small fairytale creature.]

· Vier. In Dutch, this is the number four. In America, sounds similar to “fear,” this describes the state of being frightened or feeling dread.

· Slim. In Dutch, this means smart or clever. In America, out of a few other terms, this is how one would describe someone who has a small figure. This one is listed in The UnDutchables book.

· Kort. In Dutch, this means short. In America, sounds like “court.” Means to romantically persue someone, but this word is rarely used for that anymore in America. Now “court” will lead the listener to automatically think about a basketball or tennis court, or going to court to pay a fine, or simply Judge Judy's court room.

· Heet. In Dutch, means something is hot. But it also describes when someone is “turned on,” so use caution when using this word! In America, sounds like “hate” and describes the feeling someone has towards something they strongly disapprove of or dislike. In The UnDutchables book, they list “heet” as well, but they use the form of “heten,” which means to be named or to be called: “Ik heet Jaap” means “My name is Jaap.”

· Heel. In Dutch, this means quite or whole. In America, this is the beginning and end of a loaf of bread, what a woman calls her high heel shoes, or the back of a person's foot. Or, spelled “heal,” this is what a wound does with proper treatment and care.

· Stickie. In Dutch, this is a slang term for a marijuana cigarette. In America, out of a few terms and spelled “sticky,” this describes something which attaches with some form of adhesive.

· Lol. In Dutch, this means a laugh, in fun. In America, written, it's an acronym for “laughing outloud,” used often in chat or text messages to emphasize the person is “laughing outloud” as they type or read. I've never heard someone say it outloud, so I don't know how it would be pronounced. I've always imagine it could sound similar to the Dutch version.

· Lul. In Dutch, to call someone a “lul” is like calling them a jerk, but worse. It also means, for example, when drawing straws, the one who draws the shortest has to do the task: “Hij is de lul” or “He is it.” In America, comparing this as spelled-out “lull,” it is nearly close in sound but depends on accent. It means to calm or soothe, like a lullaby does for a baby. This is also listed in The UnDutchables book.

· Dik. In Dutch, this means thick or fat. In America, out of a few terms, spelled “dick,” it is not a word you would want to shout in, say, a church, but it is also one of the short names for Richard. It is also a rude slang term for what a guy is called when he's being impolite, but I am not suggesting you try the word for fun because it also has bears the same meaning as “lul” in Dutch, listed above. Or Dutch “pik,” which sounds like “pig.” Also covered in The UnDutchables, one version of the word “pik” also refers to a “lul.”

· Niet. In Dutch, out of a few terms, it means not. In America, out of a few terms and spelled “neat,” this describes something pleasing or tidy.

· Zoon. In Dutch, this is a son. In America, spelled “zone,” means a region or area. But you can also use it as “zone out,” which means to lose concentration, or that you were “in the zone,” meaning your performance was enhanced because your energy was focused.

· Ster. In Dutch, this means “star.” In America, this sounds like “stare,” which means to look at something for a long time.

· Saai. In Dutch, this means boring. In America, sounding like “sigh,” it is coincedentally what one does when something is boring or when they become bothered.

· Taai. In Dutch, this describes something tough. In America, out of a few terms, this is sounds similar to “tie” and, out of a few terms, means a way to fasten something.

· Licht. In Dutch, this means light. In America, out of a few terms, sounds close to “licked” and describes a tongue touching or running over a surface. For example: “The dog licked his face.”

· Zit. In Dutch, it means sit, a form of the verb “zitten” and means to sit; being somewhere or sitting: “Ik zit in Haarlem” means “I am in Haarlem.” In America, a zit is a pimple.

Have you all got any you'd like to share?

More to come soon!

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What's This: Eindelijk Herfst!

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:56:31 PDT

[Click on the image to see it larger, in a new window.]

The title says "Finally Autumn!" And it is truly and finally the fall season here in the Netherlands. Today was the first day we needed to scrap the ice from the windshield of the car, and the leaves around us everywhere are quickly turning crisp and warm colors. This is absolutely a favorite of mine to see the leaves turning color. . .

[Click on the image to see it larger, in a new window.]

For some who move to the Netherlands, this may be their very first time to witness for themselves the changing of the leaves. Where I am from, the climate was roughly the same and the leaves turned color each fall before they fell off the trees, but for those who come from tropical climates or dry climate, this is brand new!

[Click on the image to see it larger, in a new window.]

So here I wished to share some recent sightings I've spied for myself of the leaves changing in the Netherlands to warm shades of yellow, golden brown, orange and red.

I've been busy, but there is a lot more to come soon.
Have a good week!

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A Little This, A Little That

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:18:37 PDT

The image above is a Dutch flag with a German flag, and it says in Dutch “a little bit this” and in German “a little bit that.” I've been busy and everywhere lately in both the Netherlands and Germany for work and during my pastime, and also I've been busy getting prepared for my upcoming trip to America. I look forward to sharing all about that upcoming trip because I especially have a few fun things planned to share about here, and I ought to have plenty of time to edit photos and share before we all ring in 2010.

Lately it appears that, while I'm out and about, I have captured some interesting and random things, and I'd love to share those here! First, here are a few things I spied while shopping lately in both the Netherlands and Germany [you can also click the image to view it larger, in a new window]:

First image, top, some wooden shoes for sale at a market. I needed to stock up on wooden shoes to bring to friends and family in America who don't yet have their own pair. A few love the idea of hanging them on the fence in their backyard for use as a hanging planter. Click here to see a wonderful image example!

Second image from the top are some skunk purses [?], seen at Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam. I hope they are not real skunk. . . In addition, I don't know if I would ever want to carry about with me a skunk purse, fake or real.

Third image are New York Yankees baseball logos on PSP cases at a Dutch electronics store. You may notice Yankees logos often here on hats and jackets, but never Red Sox or Dodgers. Nothing against it, but I guess it's more fashionable?. . .

And last, the bottom image, at Karstadt in Germany there was a selection of American foods with common import prices [costs converted to current U.S. dollar]: One can of Pam cooking spray = $9.70; Crisco in a 16 oz can = $7.15; Off-brand pancake syrup, 24 oz = $9.00; Hershey's chocolate syrup = $8.60; Poptarts, per box = $9.30; Campbell's Clam Chowder, per can = $5.70. Thankfully I can live without these items!

And this next collage below shows some sights I spied from the comfort of the car [you can click the image to see it larger, in a new window]:

First image, top left, is a home in the Netherlands in a town called Vriezenveen. They have here a collection of garden gnomes [Dutch: tuinkabouters] here with some other garden decor. It just so happened we were driving down the wrong road when we passed this, so we made a u-turn to drive by again. . . And again. On the third drive past, there was another car parked nearby where another woman was taking a photo of the same, so I decided we should stop too! There is a windmill also in Vriezenveen, the Leemansmolen. Click here for the location.

Second photo in the above, top right, is near Hengelo in the Netherlands. They are riding on their scootmobielen, with beautiful scenery around them on a gorgeous early autumn day. I joked about how one day if I have one, I would like mine to be an opgepimpte scootmobiel [English: pimped-out mobility scooter], like those one seen here or here.

Third photo in the above, bottom left, is found in Hengelo. It's seen at a parking garage by an Albert Heijn, and it really caught my eye. Looks sharp.

Fourth photo in the above, bottom right, was in Bad Bentheim, Germany. The irony of it all, they are Hollandia beer cans, and as far as I can recall there was no other litter to be seen anywhere near the castle Burg Bentheim. At least not where I was looking. I saw nothing “Bad” in Bad Bentheim but this.

More to come soon. Have a great weekend, everyone!

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Bad Bentheim: A Castle and More!

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:25:25 PDT

Been quite busy, but I finally found some time to edit up some photos I took not so long ago on a day trip to a town called Bad Bentheim, which is not so far outside of the Netherlands across the border in Germany. And whether it be in the Netherlands or anywhere in the world, whenever I visit a different place I always do some research to learn some history about the place. Most fascinating in Europe is how old everything is, comparing to my hometown in America which settlers did not begin to come to until the mid-to-late 1800s. I once lived there in an apartment building built in 1927, and I thought that was old.

Bad Bentheim is a town with first mention in 1050 as Binithem, and it has held town rights since 1865 and called Bad Bentheim since 1979. According to Answers.com, it is also a state-recognized thermal brine and sulphur spa town, hence the designation Bad [“Bath”]. Bad Bentheim's emblem, pictured above, is the castle Burg Bentheim. The castle was first mentioned in a document in 1116 and sits high above the town. It is open for tours from 1 March - 31 October from 10 AM - 6 PM, with the last tour beginning at 5:15 PM.

The Schloßpark [English: castle park] is directly to the north of the Burg Bentheim castle with garden, fountain and a small lake. Click the photo below to view larger:

A lake in German is See and Meer in German is the sea. Meer in Dutch is a lake and zee is the sea.

Which reminds me of this song that I fell in love with over the summer. I have to finally mention it because it was on my mind all summer long! It was popular on some radio stations in the Netherlands during the summer, a German song by Peter Fox “Haus am See” [House at the Lake]:

Lyrics translated to English at this link.

Bad Bentheim sandstone, also known as “Bentheimer Gold,” is also used in the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. The sandstone is also rumored to be the stones used in the base of the Statue of Liberty. Whether this is true or not, I couldn't find it to be fact online, as many other cities in Germany claim to be the true source of the stones used. However, it is an interesting thought to keep in mind while walking around the castle, which is built of this sandstone.

This statue “Kuhlkerl” looks up at the castle on the entrance side [south]. It's in rememberance of the men who worked in the Bentheim sandstone quarries.

Further down the same side of the castle is the Löwen-Denkmal [Lion monument] for the local soldiers fallen in the first World War, 1914-1918.

There is an inscription [not pictured] written below the lion, with names of the fallen.

Near the castle, to the west, is this restaurant Fürstenhof.

There was outdoor seating, Biergarten-style, perfect for the beautiful weather on that day to enjoy a beer [König Pilsner]. Click here for the location on a map.

I noticed in the window [small yellow sign] by the entrance the restaurant also was a “Wahllokal,” which is a polling place or station where one can vote on election day. Upcoming at the time for 27 September was elections in Germany, and here were some of the election posters seen around the city:

Quite similar to what we'd see in America before an election. Seen in the top photo, on the left, is the current Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel. The sign with her image says: “We have the strength.”

Other suggestions for visiting Bad Bentheim include the Sandstone museum. Website is only in German and Dutch.

Click image to view larger.

Something else to try, according to Answers.com:

A popular activity in the town is the “Nachtwächterrundgänge,” or Night Watchman’s Walks. These take place Monday, Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 9 PM. The meeting point is the lower castle gate at the Burg Bentheim. These walking tours are staged by the town travel office and are free. On these nighttime tours through Bad Bentheim visitors are treated to stories and legends about the town and the castle as well as historical data and facts, making for an interesting insight into the town’s history.

Click image to view larger.

The town is about a two hour drive from Amsterdam, or a 30 minute drive from the nearest Dutch city, Enschede [click here for castle parking location]. You can also take the train from Amsterdam or from other points throughout the Netherlands. Just check NS Hispeed's website to plan your trip.

For more information about Bad Bentheim, check their website [website is only available in German or Dutch].

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Link Love

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:44:52 PDT

I've got a busy week, but also so much I wish to share! When I get some extra time, there are especially some photos I need to edit as well to share soon from a recent day-away.

I've had very little time to catch up with reading all of the blogs I follow and tried to today, but when I get free time each day this week I will finally be stopping by many of the blogs I enjoy following. It's always a lot of fun to read what us expats all have to share about our adapting and new lives in the Netherlands, so I want to share five links I came across just recently for you all who also are interested in NL Expat life.

First of all, Anita at Greetings from Holland shares lovely photos of the Elephants in Amsterdam!

And second, a blogger who has made a return! His blog was the first I read in the Netherlands, and here is one of his latest: Invader Stu talks about the Elephants in Amsterdam.

Third: Four huge tables stacked on top of each other? That's more roadside art in the Netherlands, and Tunahan at Dutchistan blog has shared a fun find here!

4th: Alison at A Flamingo in Utrecht has taught me about the Netherlands Film Festival! Even after quite some time already living in the Netherlands, up until now I had not yet heard of it!

And Prinsjesdag hats. . . 24 Oranges shares usually the latest and most interesting news from a land which already has made an interesting mark on the map, and these hats each year are interesting! I was so busy on Prinsjesdag, last week, that I didn't even watch. . . I usually watch anything involving the Dutch royal family, and this was my first Prinsjesdag not tuned-in.

Each of these blogs I will also later highlight more about, plus many other NL expat blogs. I wish you all a great week!

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In Random-Style: The Latest!

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:46:07 PDT

This blog entry will be a mishmash. I have a lot of updates, all expat and NL-related in some fashion. And everything is great news!

While I was kept pinned down into my home with a mystery sinus-infection-bug, I also got my airfare booked to go visit my family and friends, making a slight tour of the west coast of America for the holidays! Because I will be so busy with the traveling and non-stop visiting, I may not have time to blog during that time. . . But I certainly will post up many photos and share about the adventures when I can! I'm excited because I will be seeing family members who I haven't seen in years, and I also will be seeing friends who I haven't seen in a very long time. One friend in particular, although we keep in touch often via email and speak on the phone, I haven't seen her in person in 10 years. Living abroad, unfortunately it is not always possible for everyone to come visit, so this will be a great reunion with everyone! And I have not spent a part of the holiday season in the United States since 2005, so I am really looking forward to this!

Also I am signed up to begin more Dutch language classes very soon to help me further with learning. This will be my third time in lessons, but this time I would like help especially with my sentence building! Often I can talk & talk & talk in Dutch for a long period of time [and must with my head boss and mother-in-law], but often I wonder if what I'm saying is correct. I don't know how exactly my brain is processing it all. . . I know it must be something like this:

1. As I begin to speak Dutch, it seems as though my brain has a back-up dictionary for each word I need to use. As if the English language has been extended with an added group of Dutch words for each in the memory banks of my mind. For instance, a plate can also be called a dish in English, and then the Dutch word 'bord' automatically follows in my vocabulary. Note: Sometimes while speaking English, on some occasions the English word will not come first; instead the Dutch word[s] first come to mind. Anyone else have this?

2. It must also be my brain first thinks of how I want to say everything in a sentence in English, and then the Dutch words are put replaced while the words form in my mouth. . .

3. Most of the Dutch I have learned hands-on came from trying to communicate with my mother-in-law, who speaks no English. Doing things with her almost daily, I had to learn quickly how to tell her I liked something, ask if she would like some help with something, and whatever other random conversation. Therefore, I learned quickly an oven is an oven and a microwave is a magnetron. Coffee is koffie. A shopping cart is a winkelwagen. An earring is an oorbel. Lekker can mean almost anything enjoyed which is delicious, pleasing or comforting. Mooi means something is beautiful, agreeable or lovely. And almost every woman's favorite: chocolate is chocolade.

4. Most of the phrases I learned came from listening to her and relating what she said to daily use. "Het bevalt me wel" is one, for instance. It means, "I'm comfortable with it/within it." Often I would sometimes mimic what she would say. But with time, I was able to find my own favorite sayings and think up my own ways to express myself with much practice because sometimes phrases can't be directly translated word-for-word from English to Dutch.

My issue is within some grammar, but mostly sentence building. I have an idea of how to build sentences, but sometimes I may form a sentence in Dutch the same way a sentence is built in English. Usually it's after I become tired from speaking and thinking in Dutch, but also if it's a long sentence after I begin to grow tired from thinking and speaking Dutch. The other, grammar, I am sometimes unsure of past tense of verbs, and unless I already know from memory, I may make up my own form of a verb in past tense. Lopen is Dutch for walking/to walk. Ik loop is "I walk." But if I want to say "I walked". . . I may make a guess. Thankfully I know this one: "Ik liep." But if I didn't already know, I may have guessed something similar to "Ik loopde." So a teacher helping me will be excellent!

Are you in Dutch language classes or have you already completed? If so and have something you'd like to share about for others who are about to take the step, please feel free to do so in the comments!

And while work is going well and keeping me busy, I also have been keeping up with reading The UnDutchables®. I will be sharing more about my thoughts and what I find humorous soon without giving too much about the book away!

Also I have to mention about how Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima were in New York City for the NY400, which was the 400th anniversary of when the ship Half Moon, led by Captain Henry Hudson, approached the shores of what is today New York City. NY400 celebrated the ongoing friendship between the Netherlands and the United States. Amongst many events, on September 11th theyalso paid their respects to the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks at the West End Collegiate Church in New York City. You can read more about it here. Later that day, they met with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. On September 8, Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima lit the Empire State Building orange, launching the NY400 week.

News story about the topic from RTL Nieuws:

After Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima lit up the Empire State Building orange, here is what a few New Yorkers had to say:

"Why is it orange tonight? I have no idea."
"I think it's an early Halloween."

While typically white, the Empire State Building alternates the colors on their floodlights to coordinate with special occasions or holidays. Therefore different colored light highlighting the top of the building is not a strange sight for New Yorkers, and it's no wonder they may not even realize after some time why one evening it's purple and the next evening it's green. Click here to learn more about the color varieties and some famous lighting events, something which has been done at the Empire State Building since 1964. And here is the tower's upcoming lighting schedule, if you are curious. I think it's cool!

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Favorite Expat Blogs: Life Abroad

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:50:11 PDT

About a year ago, I was contacted by a fellow blogger whose blog I had not yet heard of: Life Abroad. She introduced her blog to me, I clicked on her link and immediately I was pulled in!

The crisp and positive view of life in Amsterdam and the Netherlands shared on Life Abroad is a great step for anyone who is either interested in seeing the Netherlands through the eyes of a foreigner, or for those who plan on eventually living abroad. Experiences are best captured via her own excellent photos, and she shares as well about other areas where she visits, keeping the blog definitely worth a weekly look-see for the latest in her adventures.

And what's this?

A palm tree in Holland?

No. . . But yes! In honor of Heather's Life Abroad blog today, I want to share some photos I took at a Dutch garden center [Dutch: tuincentrum] of some very pleasant and positive things seen gracing the gardens found in the Netherlands and/or symbolic of the Netherlands. The gardens found in the Netherlands ranks amongst the highest of my favorite things to see.

Click on the photos to see them larger in a new window, and click here to visit Life Abroad.

The garden center featured in these photographs were taken at Jan Boomkamp, located not far off the A-1 in Borne in the province Overijssel near Hengelo. Jan Boomkamp sells everything a garden needs, and they also have an on-site clog maker, miniature golf, a restaurant, a tour of model garden [with admission charge], and there is also an on-site wedding location [Dutch: trouwlocatie].

Two different dogs.
[Dutch: Twee verschillende honden.]

All sorts of different stones.
[Dutch: Allerlei verschillende stenen.]

Seen here are millstones and a wagon with wagon wheel.
[Dutch: Molenstenen en een boerenwagen met karre[n]wiel.]

And wooden shoes?
They also have those!

The clog factory/shop].
[Dutch: Een klompenmakerij.]

And a U.S. Army Jeep and a Dutch Army DAF.

Until we see you again!

*I follow nearly 200 expat blogs and the number is growing. I am trying to cover about as many of these blogs as possible.

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Favorite Expat Blogs: One Year in Amsterdam

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:30:38 PDT

A new series, I'd like to share about some of my favorite expat blogs. I hope I can touch down on each of them, but I follow nearly 200 blogs. . . I'll give it my best shot.

One of my favorite blogs is One Year in Amsterdam. Each day a new photo of one random spot is featured and I like the concept. It's simple and fun. So today, in honor of Torrey's blog, I have four photos of random spots in the Netherlands to share.

You can click on each photo to see it larger in a new window.

1. In Almere: Grace Kellystraat [English: Grace Kelly Street] in the Filmwijk. Each street in this wijk [English: borough; quarter; neighborhood] of Almere bears either the name of a movie star or relation to movies. For instance Hollywoodlaan [English: Hollywood Lane] or Oscarlaan [English: Oscar Lane]. A few of the notable names found here in this movie neighborhood are Ingrid Bergmanstraat, James Stewartstraat, Bette Davisstraat, Audrey Hepburnstraat, Natalie Woodpad and Hitchcocklaan.

And note: Like us expats, Grace Kelly was also a foreigner living abroad. She was an American Oscar-winning Hollywood actress in the 1950s who married Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Click here to learn more about Grace Kelly, also known as Princess Grace.

And click here for a website about the Filmwijk in Almere [in Dutch].

2. BAM! On this round sticker is Prince Bernhard. BAM stands for Bern Art & Music Festival. Get it? Bern Art. Bernhard. Click here for the website.

3. Hengelo is a city in the Dutch province Overijssel. Click here to learn more about Hengelo. I will write more about Hengelo sometime in the near future.

4. Last, but not least, a windmill! This is 'De Hoop,' found on the way to Nijkerk on the N301 [between Appel and Driedorp] in the Dutch province Gelderland. It's listed as an 8-sided stellingmolen/korenmolen [English: tower mill/flour mill] from 1888. Click here for more information [Dutch], and click here to view the location via Google Maps.

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Amsterdam: Evil?

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 08:00:31 PDT

While I was away on vacation, a friend emailed me this link and I wanted to share it here with you all while I have a few extra moments today. It was also shared recently on Expatica [including O'Reilly's reaction, click here]. It was via Dutch Cowgirls at this link. The maker of the video says:

"Most people know that the Fox channel isn't the most objective news source on American TV. But in a pretty recent broadcast Amsterdam is so falsely portrayed as a city of crime, drugs and anarchy, that I had to show the facts."

Corruption? Via Answers.com, in this case, corrupt means: Marked by immorality and perversion; depraved. OK, I'm not naïve and realize every city in the world has some form of corruption and crime. Even Amsterdam has some.

Unless someone goes looking for trouble, I think the average person also won't even notice there is corruption. To help show this, in between my writing here in this blog entry, I'll include some very 'corrupt' images of what you see through my eyes in Amsterdam. For instance, this:

Corrupt bicycles.

Perhaps this is a bit sarcastic. . . But I can't help it. I've never encountered this corruptness they're discussing because I don't wander through or dwell in those areas. When I first began this blog entry, I believed this discussion was posed on the O'Reilly Factor on December 8, 2008 due to recent talks in America about the possibilities revolving around legalizing marijuana [if for whatever economically helpful reasons], but I could be wrong. I especially don't and can't watch FOX News from over here, so I hadn't even a clue this topic was being discussed in the first place. Most video streamed online in the United States can't be viewed outside of the U.S.A. for the average person. It's hard enough fumbling through the video bits on MSNBC [I still need to look into getting Slingbox set up]. . . So please don't quote me on this because I haven't been following closely much about this topic otherwise on the news stateside. It only caught my attention once when I read not so long ago a financial news story on MSN.com about the topic [click here for that news story].

A corrupt bargain at the Albert Cuyp Market! I couldn't resist the temptation!

Something related and which may be what they are referring to: According to NOS Journaal [click for the article here, in Dutch], in Amsterdam dozens of coffeeshops must close down because they are too close to elementary schools. According to the rules, coffeeshops must be at least 250 meters away from where an elementary school stands. Further in the article, it says:

"On November 21, 2008, the so-called wiettop was held in Almere [wiettop would be a high-level organization of mayors for the control relating to marijuana and its legalization and control; click here for a better English definition of this]. They spoke about the future of coffeeshop policies. Mayor Cohen of Amsterdam and many of his colleagues [other mayors] agree that marijuana should be legalized. He's very concerned about the possible influence of the organized crime in the marijuana production. He feels the justice department must do some research [about the organized crime]."

Corrupt flowers. Danger: don't smell the flowers because they're possibly contaminated from the numerous druggies who've walked past.

I've heard of the organized crime behind the scenes from a few native Dutch and in a few scarce news articles over these last few years. It seems I hear more about the crime of those visitors trying to take it out of the country or some growing it illegally. All in all, I hear less about crime revolving around it in the Netherlands [or in Europe] than I hear or have heard about the crimes revolving around it in America.

Click here and here for information about the law revolving around marijuana in the Netherlands. Though this does not normally come up in my personal conversations, it can be interesting to talk with friends and family in the States about this topic. Especially with those who have never been to the Netherlands. Though the perception of what life is like over here is mostly misunderstood by those who have never visited, I do notice it is also depending on the opinions or beliefs of the person in the first place. If they have a mindset to look for the evil, they will find the evil.

Help! The dangerously corrupt, yet beautiful, architecture is staring down at me!

What do you think of all of this? Anything you have to add to this, please feel welcome to do so in the comments.

My thoughts:

· I don't and have no reason to go into coffeeshops, and I'm not interested in smoking pot.
· In every city within or influenced by western culture, you can also unfortunately find prostitution and drugs. In Amsterdam, these just happen to be in a more 'controlled' environment.
· Though some do, I know personally zero Dutch who have ever smoked marijuana. Most are not interested in it because it is not 'forbidden.' Therefore, they are not curious enough to bother with it because they know already what the effects are if smoked.
· In addition, I know no foreigners who have come here to be a part of the corrupt drug/prostitution world. This percentage who have, out of the nearly 17,000,000 people who live in the Netherlands is probably .000000031%, but this is just my guess.
· Those who I notice going in and out of coffeeshops in Amsterdam are mostly tourists.
· I only visit areas of a city where I know trouble is less likely to occur.
· I've never have heard of a drive-by shooting in the Netherlands.
· Though there is crime in the Netherlands, I hear less about crimes committed locally on the news than I did in my own American hometown.
· I know where Amsterdam's Red Light District is, but I don't have any reason to go into that area of Amsterdam.
· In addition, I notice the Red Light District stays in the Red Light District. In some areas of Nevada, prostitution is legal. [Also in Rhode Island.] Though it's not legal within Las Vegas, while walking down the strip in Vegas you can be reminded constantly as they hand out pamphlets to pedestrians advertising 'escort' services. Or you can be reminded with billboards or in newspaper vending machines. At Dam Square in Amsterdam, I see nothing about the Red Light District and no one mentions it to me. I instead feel more inclined to buy a hot dog from the stand at the Square or take out my camera like a tourist to snap photos of the buildings.
· Similar to those who I know in America, most Dutch who I know are religious.
· All of the Dutch who I know are highly family-oriented and morally conscious. Family seems to be the largest focus for families in the Netherlands. It's not so different from what I saw while I was growing up in America, but it is one of the first things I noticed in the Netherlands because it stood out very much. Dutch parents focus on their child[ren] and the education and activities. Parents work [sometimes both parents must], but their main focus is their family. So at least one parent isn't working while their child[ren] will be at home. At least one parent takes free from work when the child[ren] will be free from school. I notice this on Wednesdays in my neighborhood. Children have a half day on Wednesdays, typically, and I especially always notice there is one parent at home when the children are free from school on this day. And I rarely hear of anyone putting their child[ren] in an after school daycare. You will see outside of a school at the end of the school day a large group of adults waiting. It is always at least one of the two parents waiting for their child, to pick them up and bring them home.
· Amsterdam also should not be compared to the rest of the Netherlands. Amsterdam actually is quite different from Small Town, NL.
· Similar for any vacation destination, tourists can feel confident asking at their hotel which area of Amsterdam to avoid.
· There are no strip clubs [Dutch: striptents] along the main streets in my Dutch town. Nor in the next town or the next town. . . There are over a dozen in my hometown in the United States, lining the major thoroughfares.

Evil Crocs in Dutch colors.

If for any reason you can't see the video above, you can also view it at this link.

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More Pieces of Apeldoorn & Busy Days

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:51:26 PDT

While I share the latest, here are some sights I saw recently in Apeldoorn, a lovely city in the heart of the Netherlands. You can click the images to view them larger in a new window.

Autumn is just around the corner! A new season and another new beginning. Lately I've been enjoying work. I've been very busy, and it looks as though this will be the pattern for at least another few weeks until I get a rhythm. Only flaw is I am falling behind on my blogging and reading other blogs. I'll catch up soon!

But it feels great to work. Finally I am feeling even more integrated because of this!

But I also recently received a surprise in the mail. A letter from the gemeentehuis [English: city hall], inviting me for. . .

Inburgeringscursus.

I've already completed over two years ago my inburgering [the Dutch integration and language program]. So I went in to talk to them about it. They pulled up my information on the computer and voilà! I was indeed complete.

But what was wrong? It was a flaw. But I certainly would not mind having more free Dutch language courses! And I will find out if it is possible in a few weeks.

In the first set of photos above:
· Shoelicious.
· Painting on side of Bazar [it's a coffeeshop].
· 't Frietje.

Second set:
· Looking up on Van Kinsbergenstraat.
· Across from Central Park café are a few collages of Queen Juliana.
· Oranjerie is an indoor shopping mall.

Third set:
· Wij je een biertje?
· De Pelikaan.
· Hoops!

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What's This: Roadside Art

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:12:29 PDT

Wherever I go in the Netherlands, I see art on the side of the road. Today I want to share just a few of those. Often the photos don't turn out as fantastic as I would hope because the driver can't slow down, or I see the roadside art and have my camera ready too late. Here are a few photos I have been able to capture. You can click on the images to view them larger in a new window.

In Apeldoorn, a telephone [Dutch: telefoon]. . .

Garden trowels [Dutch: tuinschepjes] in Apeldoorn. . .

In Zwolle, an. . . I'm not sure what this is. And on the N35 between Zwolle and Nijverdal, a few things [Dutch: dingen]. . .

And also somewhere between Nijkerk and Almere, I spied a butterfly [Dutch: vlinder] to the right of these flags. And colorful logs [Dutch: houtblokken] in Apeldoorn near an intersection. . .

A large Lego-like piece in Apeldoorn. . .

A sphere [Dutch: bol] in Nijkerk, and a screwdriver [Dutch: schroevendraaier] near or in Nijkerk. . .

I know these all have a meaning and a purpose, but unfortunately I can't gather the information as we are driving past. Any of you who know more, please feel free to leave a comment!

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Driving in the Netherlands: Part Two

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:41:53 PDT

It's been a while since I last wrote about driving in the Netherlands. That would be because of a few factors. . . I had the put the idea on halt. One, being we have not enough money. Second, not enough money. Not for this. And not now. In other words, it isn't affordable at this time for me to get my driver's license in the Netherlands.

Let me put it this way: To get my driver's license in the Netherlands, doing everything the most correct way, it will cost me roughly €1000,00 for everything in total. This is about $1,400.00 in American money. [Insert raised eyebrows here.] You can also check pages 31 and 32 in The UnDutchables® for more about this. For some people, the entire process of obtaining your license will cost more, but it depends on whether you've driven yet or not. And before I go further, anyone who wishes to get their driver's license in the Netherlands, should first take a look at this link [in English]. No matter where you are from in the world, the link provides the correct and current information.

I'm busy at the moment trying to find ways to cut corners on what to do, even though I have already an American driver's license with a good, clean driving record. Having my driver's license by this summer was my goal, so I'd like to speed it up and get it done. For now, I still don't mind riding the public transportation or my bicycle when needed to get to and from work or elsewhere. Recently I renewed my American driver's license for about $30 and decided in the Netherlands, for now, to continue my studying while I save €uros for the license here. I believe another way I can cut corners is by not taking so many driving lessons, but I want to take at least a few lessons to assure I feel completely confident in some situations here. I'd especially like to do so because of the comfort ratio for me to feel confident driving vs. many bicyclists on the often narrow roads. Some signs still catch me off guard as well. I pay close attention while I ride as a passenger, to see if I know what the sign means.

If you're in the same situation as I am, here are a few of my personal suggestions:

· You can buy or order online this book from American Book Center in either Amsterdam or Den Haag [ABC.nl]. It's called Traffic Manual : Driving License B : Complete Theory For Driving License B. It's by C.G.C.P. Verstappen [ISBN: 9789058621627]. It shares everything you will need to know about the rules of the road. The roundabouts in the Netherlands which remind me of a blender? It also covers about this and other topics in the book with helpful photos and illustrations.

According to the American Book Center website:

"This book contains the Dutch rules of traffic, insight into traffic situations and danger recognition [hazard perception]. This up to date theory book is designed for those wishing to study the rules of the road. It is a direct translation of the Dutch books and gives all the information you need for the theory-exam given by the CBR." [source]

More information about this book, and other related books [including in Arabic], here. In addition, there is also available a pre-exam book which covers the questions. Or you can buy the two books together in one package, all available here.

But I am slightly confused about why we must buy the book? In America, traffic manuals are free at the Department of Motor Vehicles. And if you can't make it to a DMV office, free PDF files of the manuals are usually available to download from the internet. . .

So I did a little extra research:
I found the book via the public library in Amsterdam [click here]. Contact your local Dutch libary [bibliotheek] for more information.

· Owning a car in the Netherlands is also not cheap. I won't go into it today, but I've grown to see it more as a luxury to own a car in this country. But if you need a car, you should have a car. Otherwise if you don't need one, don't get one. Public transportation is very simple and convenient, depending on whether or not you live near or within city limits. And getting around via bicycle is made extremely simple here in the Netherlands.

· Assess your personal circumstances before you begin taking the lessons and/or tests for a driver's license in the Netherlands. If you don't fall under the category of those who can exchange their license or as an American under the 30% ruling, I suggest you think about whether or not you need lessons. Learn the different signage and assure you can understand the Dutch written on signs [example: detour = omleiding in Dutch]. If you feel not very confident about the first steps, taking at least one or two lessons may help ease the process.

· For the road traffic signs and regulations in the Netherlands, click here for a PDF file.

· If you are able to, take advantage of the first half year you are in the Netherlands. With your valid driver's license, you can drive in the Netherlands for the first 180 days. I missed this opportunity. Because I had not had any reason to drive, I didn't know my American driver's license was a worthless piece of plastic to the Dutch government/justice system until I had been here for over a year.

Any tips or stories tricks you wish to share, please feel free to do so in the comments.

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Would You Like Fries With That?

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:41:10 PDT

This blog entry is a mixture of a few blog entries I've been meaning to post, but have kept on the back burner. I was inspired to finally combine them up because I'm in the middle of reading The UnDutchables®.

Before I go further, a majority of my blog entries are scheduled to post. So in case you ever see a 3 AM'er, know that I am not actually up at 3 AM typing a blog entry. I have prepared ahead of time most of my blog entries, giving it a few days before they post so that I can think it through. Something I learned to do while I was going through culture shock nearly all of last year.

After I travel back to America, I come back to the Netherlands with a few mixed-thoughts about my own culture and this new one I live amongst. Most of it is due to the fact that I have been living abroad for so long. My 'hometown' becomes often a vacation destination, and those things which were normal I now see these locations now through different eyes. The streets where I learned as a child to ride a bicycle without training wheels or where I drew hopscotch squares as a child have changed. Even if slightly, it's enough that I notice.

The UnDutchables® certainly has stirred up a lot of thoughts and new observations for me, but in a helpful way. I am glad it worked out so that I would finally get a chance to read it thoroughly after having lived here in the Netherlands for some time. I am personally glad I did not read it before coming over here because there is much I think I wouldn't completely understand, not already having experience living amongst the Dutch. Though they cover topics really well in the book, I have now my own experiences and understand truly what is being talked about. In addition, I can laugh outloud while I visualize and compare. Overall, I see it so far as a great book of observations. It's like Jeff Foxworthy-isms for the Dutch!

"You know you're Dutch when. . ."

But, just like the The UnDutchables® book, keep in mind that my intentions while comparing between the Dutch and Americans are never to disgrace or put anyone down. I don't dislike the Dutch, and I have found my ways to enjoy living here. Learning Dutch has helped, even though I am still not fluent. I find too that I am more patriotic about being American now as well, living abroad. I could write a whole blog entry about this! But usually I'm still trying to figure some things out, to get a feel of where I can fit in over here. It's like sometimes I'm personally in a limbo between the two cultures, while I try to find my own common ground. Keep this in mind, if you plan on coming over here to live. I have had my strong days and my weak days. Best strategy was to find the ways to help keep myself busy during the weaker times, like taking advantage of free time to enjoy hobbies. I tried to remain positive, and I still have my days. It's different for everyone. You will catch yourself a few times getting highly excited when you see foods from your own culture, or you may become upset when you find something to be less sufficient in the Netherlands. This is completely normal to feel like this.

And imagine one day, when I go back to America for good [will be for retirement], I'll be transformed perhaps enough into this Dutch culture that I won't feel like I completely fit in anymore with my own upbringing.

In an essense, I feel I have now a mix of two cultures in one, along with a broader perspective due to seeing things from the outside and how things work elsewhere. And though I have not become some major philanthropist as a result, I do understand better now why one way of doing things works, what helps or could help, and why some things are better left alone. This can be a positive or negative thing. It was positive for me during my inburgeringscursus in the Netherlands, when I was surrounded in classrooms by others from all over the world, together learning the Dutch language and about the culture. And also about each other, which was great!

A few of the things which I notice now, more than ever before:
First example of differences I notice between America and the Netherlands comes from some time ago, when a friend in America shared a link on her Facebook page about a man in America suing a dry cleaner for losing his pants [news story here]. So he filed a lawsuit against the dry cleaner for $67 million. Sixty-seven million U.S. dollars. . . All because someone made a mistake. If you're curious about how this case ended, click here for the result of the dry cleaner case.

But then I thought about it. . . Would someone do this in the Netherlands? I had to think for a few moments. I realized I'd never heard of any frivolous lawsuits in the Netherlands. Yet. I've never heard of anyone Dutch suing because a fast food restaurant served their coffee too hot to a drive-thru customer [about that lawsuit here].

In America, some cases are valid, while some are questionably valid. Thankfully not all Americans get a thrill from pressing lawsuits. But could the Dutch go to this extent? The Dutch have a saying for those who make a mistake and try to put the blame on others:

"Eigen schuld, dikke bult."

English: "[Ones] own fault, thick bump [bruise]." This basically means "you did it yourself, so it's your own fault." In other words, you could of course go to court in the Netherlands about something like these cases above, but you also may become the laughing-stock.

My second example is customer service in America. I've received some great customer service in the Netherlands, but it's done differently. When it happens, it's authentic-feeling. While in America, my mother-in-law [Dutch] points out the excellent service she receives everywhere. It's a great thing in my opinion too because we're paying for services and/or making purchases, and I hope to be treated with some respect. But on that note, I want to share what I know about some of the customer service you are receiving in America.

· In stores most employees are giving customers good service because they either like doing so and/or enjoy the products they are selling, but many are giving some friendly form of customer service because they are trained to do so. Many companies train their employees with a keywords symbolizing their general rules. In order to keep their job, employees must comply to these rules of customer satisfaction. They commonly are trained with words like these: smile, greet, please, service, quality and satisfy. Some shop employees make commission on high-end products like cameras or cell phones, but not all do. Because some companies employ 'secret shoppers,' some employees can lose their job if they are caught not following company policy.

· Gentlemen, if you visit a Hooters® restaurant in America, the waitress probably isn't touching your shoulder and calling you 'Hon' [short for 'honey'] when she asks if you would like a refill because she thinks you're cute. In the average chain T.G.I. Friday's®-style restaurants, they usually greet you and will treat you like you are welcome. Free refills on beverages [except for alcoholic beverages] and large plates of food served with a smile. Waiters and waitresses typically extend more charm to their customers because they only get paid a base wage. Hopefully you will tip them [Dutch: fooi] for their good service because this is mainly why they are being so friendly, apart from being asked to do so by their boss. And it's typically not by force because often the 'happy' person serving you is also doing it because they enjoy working in this hospitality-environment.

The normal amount to tip a waiter/waitress is roughly 15% of the total on your bill [Dutch: rekening].

By the way, did you know there are also Hooters® in Germany? I was recently tipped by a friend about this. Here are their locations worldwide. This is not necessarily exciting news in my book, but I thought it would be nice to share.

Applebee's® was in the Netherlands, but the concept didn't work. Click here for the story [in Dutch]. Chili's® is also in Germany.

Some customer service in America depends on where you visit. In touristy locations or cities, you may experience it where it feels fabricated. In suburban areas of cities, you will experience a more authentic hospitality. I wish more tourists saw more often the authentic-version. I've made sure to take my mother-in-law to places in America where she will experience what it is really meant to be like.

I also have a few questions for you:

Whether you live in the Netherlands or a different European country, how do you think this lawsuit-frenzy would fare where you live?
Have you been to America? What is the strangest/worst customer service you've experienced?
Are you American and have recently visited America after living abroad for some time? If so, feel free to share something about differences you've experienced here in the comments.

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Pieces of Apeldoorn: American Theme

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:08:26 PDT

Today a blog post of American theme in the wonderful Dutch city of Apeldoorn. Anything I saw which featured something to do about America, I snapped a photo.

An American Restaurant. . .

Click here for the website of the Spicebrush American restaurant in Apeldoorn.

Clothes. . .

American Base clothing store. Click here for their website.

Central Park. . .

I discussed this in a previous blog entry about Apeldoorn, but here is another shot of the adorable coffee café shop in Apeldoorn called Central Park, where they also sell Lily's Cupcakes.

Harley. . .

In the etalage [English: window display] of De Slegte bookstore.
Like Route 66 and Elvis Presley, Harley-Davidson is synonymous to American culture.

About Harley-Davidson:

Hollywood. . .

Hollywood, a café, in Apeldoorn. Click here for their location.

New York. . .

New York / Apeldoorn / Beermann.
Beermann is a clothing store. Click here for their website.

Steak, anyone?

A steakhouse in Apeldoorn called Farmer's Steakhouse. Click here for their website.

And Texas too. . .

A clothing store on Hoofdstraat.

I've covered also a small amount about Apeldoorn in my last blog entry and also in a blog entry about my visit to Paleis Het Loo. Click here for other blog entries I've written about Apeldoorn.

And there's more from Apeldoorn to come! Stay tuned. . .

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On My Last Stop: Part Two

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:28:13 PDT

I also have here some photos to share from the last trip I made to America. Like I shared in my last blog entry, I visited the "Rose City." I edited these photos today while enjoying the sunshine out on the back patio. Such beautiful weather today to enjoy such nostalgic moments!

I'd been before, but I had to visit again to the Oregon coast. This last trip, I only visited a few stops, but I made sure to stop by my favorites. If you've never been to the Oregon coast in your life, but you do get the chance, I suggest you try to go.

[Click images to view larger]

Where to go for a day trip:
· Tillamook.
· Cannon Beach.
· Short Sands Beach.
· Seaside.

Tip: Avoid Seaside during 'spring break' season. Hotels, motels and campgrounds are loaded with teens and young adults who party 24/7. Unless, of course, this doesn't bother you. . .

If you have the extra time, try also Astoria, Lincoln Beach or Newport. It takes about 1½ hours to drive from Portland to Cannon Beach [click here for map]. In Cannon Beach, walk along the beach near Haystack Rock. Seaside is just slightly north on U.S. Highway 101 of Cannon Beach. Tillamook is about an hour south of Cannon Beach, also via U.S. Highway 101. In Tillamook, you can visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory.

Where to eat:
· Mo's: Casual. Affordable. Good clam chowder, if you've never tried clam chowder before.
· Newmans at 988: A bit more fancy, but delicious. Italian/French cuisine. The place does tend to get packed, so be prepared.
· Pig 'n Pancake: I suggest the Cannon Beach location over the Seaside location. Just my opinion, but they are both good. If you expect class, it's not for you. It's diner-style. But it's affordable, and if you don't mind a laidback atmosphere, give it a try. They offer a lot of pancake choices, of course, but they also serve other foods.
· Lazy Susan Cafe: The reviews say the breakfast is great, which makes me want to go back to try their breakfast! I had a mid-afternoon lunch here and enjoyed it. It is an old house turned into a café.

And now more photos:

These are my personal images and are copyrighted to me.
Please ask permission if you wish to use.

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On My Last Stop...

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:36:43 PDT

Here is where I went on my last trip to the United States. Can you guess where it is?

I have a few family members who live there. Namely my uncle, who lives in a southeast section of the city in an area called the Hawthorne District. Haven't guessed yet? It's Portland, Oregon. I've been several times and would love to share here so much about it.

Before I begin, my family lives all over the west coast of the United States. Some live in the Los Angeles-area, some in the San Francisco-area [including a few in/near the city I was born in, Napa], and a few in Bellingham, Washington near the Canadian border. A few others are spread around, but then there is my uncle. He's by far my favorite! He's a hippie and an artist. For my personal privacy, I don't want to reveal much more about him, but overall take my word for it: He's the best uncle anyone could ever have!

When I visit him, we always go to the Cup & Saucer and Rimsky-Korsakoffee House. In the evenings, we can catch a movie at the Bagdad, enjoying pizza and a Terminator Stout or Bagdad Ale.

Seen in the above collage, a few places I visited:
Click each listed below to learn more about the location.

→ Cup & Saucer.
→ MAX light rail.
→ Multnomah Falls.
→ Portland Saturday Market.
→ SE Belmont Street.
→ Tillamook cheese.
→ Japanese Gardens.
→ Bagdad Theater.

A few of my best memories of the Portland-area:

When it snows, even just an inch, almost the whole city seems to shut down. Apart from the 'storm' news story, which features reporters live at locations throughout the city, school closures are the top local morning news story while you drink your coffee.
No rain + two weeks = drought.
Portland is like a small town living inside of a large city. Nestled between San Francisco, California and the Seattle/Tacoma-area in Washington state, it is the largest populated city found in between those two major cities.
Portland rests in a valley and is surrounded by mountains. The hills are green, covered with fir trees. When it's not raining, the air is very clean.
Peacock Lane Christmas lights!
Overhearing an older Dutch couple at Trader Joe's wondering outloud to each other where they could find the stroopwafels, I couldn't help but to say something to them!
I've seen many people bicycling. Even in the rain. Déjà vu?

A few of my favorite restaurants in the Portland-area:
Click each to learn more.

· Poor Richard's: Good steaks. Affordable.
· Montage: Cajun is delicious!
· Laurelhurst Market: Steaks and seafoods.
· Ringside Steakhouse: Expensive, but it's worth it!
· Corbett Fish House: Try the classic halibut taco. It's delicious!
· Rheinlander: Hilarious, now that I've eaten dinner several times in Germany.
· Burgerville: Think McDonald's, but better. Considering it's fast food.

My next trip to the U.S.A. will be to the Los Angeles, California-area, and I'll share about afterwards, but I realized I have never written about the San Francisco-area. I'll do that soon!

Have you ever been to Portland? What are you favorite memories of the city?

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Vacations

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:04:57 PDT

Pieces of locations where I have visited from 2007 to 2009.

I'm back after having a very relaxing time away. Thankfully I will have another opportunity before the end of the year to go visit my family and friends in America. Overall, it felt good to rejuvenate and recharge, especially before starting my jobs again soon.

Recently I was talking with some friends of mine about my living here in the Netherlands. Where have I traveled and what are my favorite places, they wondered? After all, I live close enough to drive to places like Italy and France. But they were curious about why I haven't yet visited those places. First of all, money. Unfortunately, not much of it is growing lately on my €uro tree in the backyard. Also, those desired locations on the European continent are not as close as one might assume. It takes anywhere from 12 to 18 hours to drive to most. But I can always also take the train, which one day I plan on doing as well.

But do you see a pattern in the photos above? The photos are a few of my favorite places I've visited over the last two years. I had to laugh when I thought about it! Notice only a few are outside of the United States. Outside of the Netherlands, I have visited some places in Europe, but I have yet to see the places which have always been on my top Europe list. And those will come eventually.

No matter which way we all enjoy time away to relax and unwind, and time away has become more enjoyable to me in places where I am around things familiar. Like I've said before, I understand I will always have one foot in America, no matter where I live in the world. And me coming to places which are familiar I think comes from living abroad and sometimes a need to feel settled. Familiarity, like knowing automatically what to do and where to go, brings some form of comfort. And, for me, going away and finding familiarity doesn't always have to mean boarding an airplane. Sometimes it can even simply be taking a day off and working in my own garden or taking a weekend trip to a favorite location in another country nearby, like Germany. When I'm away, high up on my list is my hometown. When I go to see family and friends, most especially those who can't afford to come see me, and it's also fun to see how much my once familiar surroundings have changed. When I visit, I feel I need to explore it. As if it's a new addition to my daily wardrobe, I want to try it out.

But I do love how close other cultures are to the Netherlands. Do I have a travel bug? Yes, and I'll visit those dreamed-about places like Italy, Greece and the French Riviera one day. But if I have to choose between traveling through Europe or visiting family and friends in America, I currently more often prefer the family/friends option. As a matter of fact, most of the money I earn I set aside for the airfare to go visit them.

I'll be visiting America again soon around the holidays and again sometime in mid-2010. I'd like to visit America twice each year.

What is seen in the collage above:
· Prometheus statue at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
· A classic car in America.
· Frauenkirche in Dresden, Germany.
· Laguna Beach, California.
· Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland .
· Duke´s Malibu restaurant in Malibu, California.
· Grand Canyon West sign in Arizona.
· Peace Arch at the Canadian-United States border.
· Napa Valley, California.
· Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco, Calfornia.
· Crater Lake in southern Oregon.
· San Diego seen from Coronado Island in California.

[View from plane ride. I spotted another airplane just above the horizon outside of my window.]

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Back in Two Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 01:17:53 PDT

I'll be back on/around August 16. It's time for me to take a few weeks off, but I will stop in whenever I can to check on comments.

For now, here are a few fun things I spied in Apeldoorn not so long ago.

Found in an adorable coffee café shop in Apeldoorn called Central Park, they also sell Lily's Cupcakes. Sure you can make them at home from the dozens of other recipes found online, but a cupcake in a café is a new thing for me. These cupcakes are a nice treat! I had a Sparkling Vanilla. Lily's Cupcakes are found in Apeldoorn, Arnhem, Den Haag, Haarlem, Rotterdam and Voorburg.

· For the Lily's Cupcakes website, click here.

On the Kapelstraat, I looked up and saw these shoes. It reminds me a lot of a shoe tree I once heard about [click here]. . .

And this cool knight in a suit of armor.

Hoping you all enjoy these next few weeks!

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The Mysterious Egg. . .

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:21:15 PDT

Have you ever noticed the roadside art in the Netherlands? Often, and especially at a roundabout [Dutch: rotonde], out of the blue there will be a large sculpture. Some designs are made of steel or some other sturdy material. Sometimes unrecognizable what it may be, but many times unmistakable. Take this large golden egg above, for example. It is seen on the A-1 near Barneveld and Terschuur. Click here for the location via Google Maps. If you look towards the north on the A-1 at this location, you will see this golden egg in the distance, behind a pasture often dotted with grazing cows.

We decided finally one day to go off the A-1 to find out what the golden egg was all about. I've discussed Barneveld before, a place with many chicken statues in their city center. Barneveld is known for poultry farming and egg production.

So we drove off the A-1 and drove near the egg. Soon after, we found ourselves face-to-face with this other large egg. . .

It's the original stand for Het Ei van Barneveld [English: The Egg of Barneveld], a chicken restaurant. Behind is the current restaurant, and they have both indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of parking. Their menu has chicken burgers, hot wings, fried chicken. . . You get the idea. We sat down to a small portion of fried chicken and a chicken burger. The chicken burger [kipburger] had all of the fixings and it was delicious. The fried chicken seemed similar in standard fried chicken taste and affordable, like what you can get at KFC, but slightly better and without the sporks.

And do I normally eat fried chicken? No. Once or twice a year, if that. The fried chicken from Het Ei I've compared it to KFC, but that is because I have never had fried chicken elsewhere in the Netherlands. Also I prefer spicy fried chicken and only know a few ordinary fried chicken examples to compare with Het Ei. Yes, Het Ei does have hot wings, but I am talking rather about the larger pieces of chicken coated and cooked, soaking in the spices. On that note, I want to share with you some fried chicken places I've been to/heard of in the United States which beats KFC. If fried chicken is your thing and you travel to the United States, you ought to try these places:

Prince's Hot Chicken in Nashville, Tennessee. Click here for a video, and click here for more information.
Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles in Los Angeles, California. It may sound unappetizing, but it's really good! I love the hot water cornbread. Click here for their website.
New Caporal in New York City. It is similar to Cuban fried chicken. A little spicy, which I love! Read the reviews at this link before going to get a good idea of what to expect! I went and enjoyed because I wanted to try something different. Click here to read a great blog entry about New Caporal.

And about Het Ei in the Netherlands:

· Addresss: Rijksweg 85a in Terschuur [location]
· Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM
· Website: Click here

Have you tried already Het Ei's chicken menu? Or do you have any favorite fried chicken restaurants you wish to share about? Please do feel free to share in the comments!

Café Bloemers

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:41:03 PDT

While visiting a friend who lives in Amsterdam, we were exploring around her neighborhood in Oud-Zuid. When we became suddenly famished, we stumbled upon Café Bloemers. The café was just like an oasis; so inviting and a welcome sight to see. With our timing, there was plenty enough outdoor seating to choose from, which included also wooden porch swings used as a bench with some tables.

The weather was too nice to sit indoors, but I did happen to catch a few glimpses of the interior. In typical bruin café-style, it was decorated with old and very interesting features. It looked like a warm and cozy place to enjoy lunch on the colder days. I've found online a few photos of Bloemers indoors here, and also click here to see a 360° virtual tour of their indoors. Helps you get a better idea of just how cozy and quaint.

Whether you are alone or with company, this spot seemed to me to be an ideal place to sit and relax and read the newspaper or chat over coffee. They are open 7 days a week with very ideal hours. From 10 AM - 1 AM Sundays to Thursdays and 10 AM - 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. The menu has a large selection and is available in both English and Dutch. The staff who were on location could also speak English well. Their service was very fast and friendly, and we were never ignored. We never had an empty cup. In addition, we never felt rushed to leave.

I had the Salade Bloemers with a glass of wine and it was delicious.

Views of the menu in the afternoon:

· Address: Hemonystraat 70, on the corner of Ceintuurbaan
· Telephone: (020) 400 40 24
· Website: Click here for the English version

To get there, take tram 3 or 12. They are located on the corner of Hemony Straat and Ceintuurbaan. Click here for the location via Google Street View.

For further information, here is an additional bit of feedback about the café from another patron, in English.

Pieces of Amsterdam: Part Five

noreply@blogger.com (A Touch of Dutch) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 03:20:37 PDT

I've been very sick since Monday evening and little by little putting this blog entry together. I've just not had enough energy until today, so hopefully tonight it will go up! I am not sure if it's due to the strange weather we're having, or a combination of the weather and how busy I've been. . .

Also, during my down time, I've just completed reading The UnDutchables! I will be writing a review about this here soon.

My last blog entry about Pieces of Amsterdam, I chose to go alphabetical order. First, the photo above was taken on the corner of Stadhouderskade and Spiegelgracht [click here for the location] in Amsterdam. In the last blog entry, I left off on the letter L, so now onto. . .

M is for market [Dutch: markt].

This is at the Albert Cuyp market. Click here to learn more about this must-see in Amsterdam's Oud-Zuid/De Pijp-area. If you visit the Albert Cuyp market, you must try from there a fresh-made stroopwafel.

N is for De Negen Straatjes [English: the nine streets].

From Answers.com:

"Another shopping area [in Amsterdam] is the Negen Straatjes: nine narrow streets within the Grachtengordel, the concentric canal system of Amsterdam. The Negen Straatjes differ from other shopping districts with the presence of a large diversity of privately owned shops." [Source/Bron]

The shops offer antiques and unique gifts. Click here for more information.

O is for old [Dutch: oud].

Amsterdam became a city in either 1300 or 1306. Which of these two years is not clear. According to Amsterdam's official website. Click here for the source [in Dutch].

P is for parking [Dutch: parkeren].

From the Europarking [Q-Park] garage in Amsterdam.
Click here for this location.

And, since this is a parking garage, the Dutch word for parking garage is parkeergarage.

Q is for quaint [Dutch: schilderachtig].

That says it all!
Click here for this location.

R is for red [Dutch: rood].

A red door with a clear statement. I don't know many places in America where you could possibly find a message on a door like this.

Click here for the location of this door, on the Korte Leidsedwarsstraat.

S is for small [Dutch: klein].

Small bicycles see in the windows at a location between Molenpad and Runstraat on Prinsengracht. I didn't make note of the name of the place, but it was apparent to me the place was special for bicycle storage. Anyone have any information on this place?

T is for terrace [Dutch: terras].

There are a lot of these in Amsterdam!

U is for us [Dutch: ons].

Bistro Bij Ons, a restaurant with food from the Dutch kitchen. I haven't eaten there, but the outside of the café seemed appealing enough for me to add it to my list.

V is for view [Dutch: uitzicht].

My view some time ago from the terrace at Café 't Smalle, looking down the Egelantiersgracht. I wrote some about Café 't Smalle recently here.

W is for windows [Dutch: ramen].

Looking up at a home on the Egelantiersgracht, I saw this.

X is for. . . those ×'s I wrote about recently, here, seen all over Amsterdam.

Y is for yes [Dutch: ja].

This is the Beurs van Berlage. On 2-2-2002, the civil ceremony of the wedding of Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima took place here.

More information here.

Z is for zitbank [English: bench].

There are many benches around Amsterdam, and this bench is located right here.

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