Posted on 07 January 2010 by joost
As a sea-faring nation, there are many, many, many boats in Holland. As it happens, there is also a lot of water. It follows that our waters are teaming with boats, especially in summer. It seems everyone and their uncle has a boat–and to an extent that’s true. Even yours truly once owned a boat. Granted it was small, but definitely sailed.
Posted on 14 August 2008 by joost
A variation of the bakfiets, the crate bike is a phenomenon that’s mainly observed in Amsterdam. Ingredients: one bike plus one crate, preferably an old bakery or produce crate. You tie it to the front of your bike, using nothing more than a few ty-raps. Useful for transporation of just about anything.
Posted on 01 August 2008 by joost
Ah, that quintessential footwear of the low countries. The wooden shoe, or as we say, klomp (clog) has been going out of style since the 1500s. Yet it is still worn today, albeit only by provincial folk and tourist entertainers.
Posted on 27 July 2008 by joost
Taxis are a sufficiently global phenomenon that I won’t go in detail here. You get in, state your destination, pay and get out: simple enough. But there are some twists in .nl. We have regulations you see. Or no, we don’t. Wait, yes, yes we do.
Posted on 22 July 2008 by joost
Disposal of trash in Nederland is highly dependent on the gemeente (municipality). In general: the smaller the city, the less frequent trash pickup is, and the more likely you’ll have a container in front of your house. In cities, people put the trash bags on the street. Recyclebles are almost never collected, but the gemeente has containers for those on the streets.
Posted on 05 June 2008 by joost
You have heard this before: the Dutch love to ride their bikes. And it’s true. We don’t so much love it, it is just the de facto mode of transportation for everyone. I have a bike, you have a bike, we all have bikes! How did this bicycle madness come to be? I don’t know. Bikes have always been around, and children as young as two learn how to ride one. Bikes are cheap and reasonably efficient; two qualities adored by the Dutch.
Posted on 29 May 2008 by joost
When it comes to money, the Dutch are on top of their game. It really doesn’t matter how you present your valuables, a Nederlander will find a way to monetize it. And make a nice profit in the process. Read the rest of this entry »
