You know you’ve been in The Netherlands for too long when…

On July 15, 2011, In Living in The Netherlands, The Netherlands, By admin
1/ You have a bike
2/ You even know how to brake using retropedaling
3/ Walking from your faculty to the cafeteria has become unimaginable. You take your bike, even if it’s for 50meters
4/ Eating 7 slides of bread for lunch doesn’t scare you anymore
5/ By the way, you stopped eating warm lunch. You just eat bread
6/ You know what a kroket is, and you learned to avoid the orange ones
7/ It doesn’t surprise you anymore to eat at 18:30
8/ You drink beer
9/ You got used to trance and electro music
10/ You don’t cheat on the train, because controllers are EVERYWHERE
11/ When the cafeteria is crowed, you line up neately with the others
12/ You used to use cash all the time, but now you have a pin card
13/ You think ducks are cute
14/ As soon as the sun pops out, you make a barbecue, even if it’s 10°C outside
15/ You think 15°C is warm
16/ You know winter stops in May, and not March as everywhere else
17/ You don’t remember what a moutain looks like
18/ You still don’t know how to speak Dutch. But your English has improved
19/ You know what Surinam is. And where it is
20/ You never go out without your bike lights
21/ You think butter in a bottle is normal
22/ You know that all the guys are in Delft. And the girls, everywhere else, especially Leiden
23/ You go to Leiden on Saturday
24/ You’ve been to a flower park, and thought it was cool
25/ You’re ok with having only one flavour of ice cream (the white ones)
26/ You don’t even bother to ask “do you speak English?”, you just speak English right away
27/ When you go to the cinema, you are ok with being told where to sit
28/ And you wouldn’t dare sit anywhere else
29/ You have finally accepted the fact that Gouda is cheese
30/ Paying 6€ for a meal in the cafeteria seems normal
31/ You know how to repair a bike
32/ You eat potatoes at least once a day
33/ You always check the weather before leaving home
34/ You know what it is being late and having to wait for a boat to cross the bridge
35/ You can drink milk at any time of the day
36/ Sometimes, you only drink milk as lunch
37/ You have tried karnemelk at least once
38/ You start liking dropjes
39/ For you something sweet means straubwaffels
40/ Spring means flowers blooming and construction sites opening up all over the place
41/ Being tall gets a new meaning
42/ Blonde is back to being a hair-color, not a concept
43/ You have 4 seasons in one day
44/ You can start a mail to your teacher who happens to be a doctor by “yo, wassup doc” (exaggeration can get the message through)
45/ You think that paying to use the toilets is normal
46/ You know that kapsalon is not a typical turkish dish, but a hairdresser
47/ You start to think that the strange position of the hole in the WC is not that disgusting
48/ You find it easier to find a good joint that a good coffee
49/ You have the AH bonus card
50/ Your windows have no curtains, and you don’t care
51/ If your windows have curtains, you don’t use them, and just don’t care who might be looking at you
52/ For you, light rain is not rain
53/ Professors write a “well done” comment in your assignment and still grade you with a 6
54/ You can drink beer in the cinema (good)
55/ 10°C is warm enough to wear a short or mini skirt
56/ You can ride your bike in the rain, wind and even snow
57/ Guys are very cute
58/ You can ride your bike wearing skirt (if you’re a girl), a suit or even high heels (if you’re a girl)
59/ When you start having strong opinion even if you vaguely know the topic
60/ When you “wash” the dishes with soap without rincing them
61/ “Alstublieft and dank u wel” are the only dutch words you know
62/ You aren’t surprised anymore that the disco closes at 4 (but it still pisses you off)
63/ You learn to bike without using your hands on the handle
64/ You go to the market and you only buy the stuffs that fit in your bike
65/ Riding a bike and driking coffee/smoking/eating lunch at the same time is not a problem any more
66/ You reformulate the saying “if you drink, don’t drive” by “if you drink, don’t ride”
67/ You’ve been asked where the coffeeshop is
68/ You start wearing orange during soccer events, even when you’re not Dutch
69/ You get used not to use napkins when eating. You just eat dirtily.
70/ You know what GVD stands for
71/ You can never predict the weather and can not believe the weather forecast anymore
72/ You wait for the light to go green before crossing the street, even if there is no car
73/ You sometimes eat only with a spoon
74/ You tried fried fish from the caravans at least once
75/ You clap the lecturer (just because he’s been speaking for 2 hours)
76/ You run to Albert Heijn at 21.55 to get some beer for the party that night
77/ Trees planted in straight rows/ aka the forest/ seems normal
78/ You think you understand why they don’t serve coffee at coffeeshops (but you’re not sure yet)
79/ You steal a bike at the station because the night before someone stole yours
80/ You think it is okay to eat multicoloured sprinkels on bread for breakfast
81/ You use 9292ov.nl to go to the supermarket
82/ You know that the wind blows in your face regardless of the direction in which you are biking
83/ You don’t even try to park in an unauthorised area just to ‘pick something up in 5min’, because you know you will get a ticket in 30 seconds
84/ When you move out of your rental apartment, you know you might have to take the floors with you
85/ Stepping in doggiepoo on the sidewalk becomes almost a daily thing
86/ You end up eating super greasy food at 5am at FEBO or ALEV (Delft)
Dutch Junk Food

Dutch Junk Food

87/ And after that, you manage to bike home still completely wasted and go to class at 8:45
88/ You need an appointement to talk with your friends. Or your mother
89/ You enjoy making tourists jump off the bike path
90/ You paid more for the lock of your bike than for the bike itself
91/ Real bread? You’ve made your peace with it. It doesn’t exist
92/ You know that the Netherlands doesn’t have a special dish. They just fry everything
93/ You know getting a couch will be difficult because it doesn’t fit through the door. Windows maybe?
94/ You’re ok spending Queen’s Day in the train because people are walking on the rails
95/ Jaap, Joost and Jeroen are the names of most of the Dutch guys you know
96/ When the sun pops up all your Dutch friends are wearing beach flip flops
97/ Dutch people ask you why don’t you speak Dutch?
98/ You still don’t speak Dutch but watch silly Dutch TV shows like Take me out and Single
99/ You have been in a relationship with at least one Dutch person
100/ You are used to people bumping into you abruptly on the street, yet never saying sorry
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Amsterdam Shopping Markets

On April 8, 2011, In Living in Amsterdam, Living in The Netherlands, The Netherlands, By admin

Amsterdam has some worth-visiting markets which can be a nice alternative for the standard shopping rituals. These atmospheric markets offer the best way to pick up some bargains for you or your friends. They offer a taste in the local life and give visitors a other view of Amsterdam. Some of these markets open daily, others open on certain days. Here’s an overview of some of the best markets:

Bloemen market – Famous flower market

This is Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market, the only one of its kind in the world. The stalls are indeed “floating” on houseboats, but they are semi-permanent fixtures now. It caters to tourists, who flock to see thousands of blooms of every color and buy Dutch bulbs to take home. Location: Singel, between Koningsplein and Muntplein. Open: Year-round, Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Waterlooplein Flea Market – Amsterdam’s best Flea and Antiques market

Amsterdam’s largest flea market is like 200 garage sales going on at once and the “neighborhood” is home to the posh and the tacky. It’s easy to browse for hours in the maze of second-hand clothes, African drums, tie-dye shirts, antique rugs and furniture and bric-a-brac of all kinds. Unlike most markets in Amsterdam, bargaining isn’t necessarily frowned upon here. Location: Waterlooplein. Open: Year-round, Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Albert Cuyp market – Amsterdam’s famous market in the Pijp

This experience is a must for Amsterdam visitors who love bustling markets. The 100-year-old, open-air street market (the city’s largest) features nearly 300 vendors selling everything from fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, spices, chocolate, cheese, flowers and plants to clothes, jewelry, shoes, bike accessories, bedding, fabrics and cosmetics – basically everything. Prices are dirt-cheap, but product quality often reflects this, so beware. Flowers are less expensive here than at the famous Bloemenmarkt. Location: Albert Cuypstraat. Open: Year-round, Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Spui Book Market

Bibliophiles will marvel at the endless tables and tents of this used and antique book market. Dealer collections run the gamut from biography, literature, poetry and fantasy-fiction to art, history, psychology and geography. While most books are from the Netherlands, some English and international titles are for sale, as well as antique maps, prints and records. Location: Spui. Open: Year-round, Fridays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Spui Art Market

Also known as “Art Plein Spui,” this favorite Amsterdam market in the heart of the city showcases the work of up to 25 professional artists from a rotating group of 60, whose media include everything from oil, acrylic, watercolor and etching to photography, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry. Location: Spui. Open: March – December, Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thorbeckeplein Modern Art Market

Paintings are the features of this Eastern Canal Belt market, which caters to those who prefer an abstract or modern look. Location: Thorbeckeplein. Open: Mid-March – October, Sundays 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Noordermarkt Flea Market

Wares at this popular market range from tote bags made from old World War II army gear to fine Asian antiques. Die-hard flea-market shoppers get here quite early, especially on Mondays. Location: Noordermarkt, Jordaan. Open: Year-round, Mondays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Boerenmarkt on Noordermarkt – Amsterdam’s organic market

Alongside the popular flea market on Noordermarkt is one of Amsterdam’s biggest organic farmers’ markets. Local and regional growers sell fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, while organic bakers offer all-natural breads, cookies and pastries. There are even stalls dedicated to organic olive oils, whole grains and various spice pestos. All these ingredients make for a beautiful, bustling display of color and smells. It’s a must if you’re in the Jordaan on a Saturday. Location: Noordermarkt, Jordaan. Open: Year-round, Saturdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

While you visit these markets, of course keep an eye on your personal belongings. Markets tend to attract pickpockets, and Amsterdam is no exception. Be warned! If you’re planning a visit to Amsterdam, check these short-stay apartments. For longer stays, look into these long-stay apartments in Amsterdam.

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Life in The Netherlands – a primer

On March 29, 2010, In Living in The Netherlands, The Netherlands, By admin

Life in The Netherlands

This is hardly a definitive guide on life in The Netherlands but if you’ve never heard of the place…

The country

The Netherlands is a small but well-formed country with a limited internal market. Consequently the Dutch look across their borders with German-made, high-power binoculars for additional markets to do business with.

According the CIA World Factbook:

The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999.

Dutch Society

  • Sixteen million Dutch folk live here (more or less) and they are really packed in.
  • The Netherlands is the fourth most densely populated country on the planet.
  • It’s a democracy – tolerant and open – at least according to the brochure.
  • While quite religious centuries ago, 70% no longer attend church although Calvinism still has a hold on values and beliefs.
  • It is said that the Dutch are stingy – but, in reality, they are simply very careful with pretty much everything from food, to money, to expressions of wealth and comfort.
  • There are many rules and people are worryingly well-informed. This sometimes contrasts with the Dutch in a social setting where they are friendly and approachable.

An Egalitarian People

  • The Netherlands has an egalitarian society.
  • You must earn status and respect (not abuse family ties).
  • We are all equal here – this may be difficult to understand if you are not Dutch.
  • In general, the Dutch are not risk takers. They like to consider consequences well in advance.
  • People are willing to take responsibility where things go wrong or credit for success.

Who the client is

  • The Dutch work hard although mostly for 36-40 hours a week.
  • Service is often regarded as poor by visitors to The Netherlands. This is particularly true of Amsterdam.
  • Due to its egalitarian roots, sales persons feel themselves totally free to disagree with and criticize their customers.

Consensus

  • Consensus is king (and can be really annoying)
  • The Dutch spend hours a week listening to colleagues who have a ‘right’ to express an opinion on something even where they have no knowledge or background
  • Change is a lengthy process involving patience, stamina and aging.

Directness

  • Dutch people say what they mean. “Do you like my new shoes?” Answer – “No.” The concept of a white-lie does not exist or has been banned by law.
  • Dutch directness is often mistaken by foreigners as rudeness. However, you may not actually be mistaken. Some Dutch people really are rude.
  • The Dutch are suspicious of very courteous dialogue, afraid that an unpleasant message may be cunningly hidden which they are unable to detect.
  • Politeness can cause annoyance as it is considered a waste of time.

Loss of face

  • The Dutch expect others to be open and direct like them. They will tell you what they think of you and criticise your work indifferent of your status if you are a superior or a subordinate.
  • They expect you to criticise their work in return, honestly and directly. If you detect mistakes in their work and you do not inform them about these mistakes, they will be extremely disappointed with you.
  • The Dutch do not feel ashamed when you inform them of a mistake. On the contrary, they feel that you give them the opportunity to correct and thus improve themselves. The Dutch feel that in the end, one learns from his mistakes.
  • Loss of face is a rather unknown concept in Dutch society when compared to other cultures.
  • Everyone involved needs to be heard. In the end a compromise will be reached in which every one agrees. Once agreed upon the work can progress steadily. Therefore, changes are usually lengthy processes.

Imports – partners

  • Germany 17.7%, China 10.5%, Belgium 9.3%, US 7.3%, UK 5.8%, Russia 5.1%, France 4.4% (2007)
  • Agriculture – products:
  • Grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables; livestock

Industries

  • Agro-industries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction, microelectronics, fishing.
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