Explore Holland
 

I am Dutch girl studying tourism. What suprises me is that many visitors who are going to the Netherlands (Holland is only a province)go to Amsterdam get back to their own country and say: heh I've been to Holland ask me anything about it. Amsterdam is the capital but there are many differences between this city and other places in holland. (not only looking at drugs or redlight district!)It's like going to N.Y.C., if you go only there you won't know a lot about America. <BR>Concrete: VISIT ALSO OTHER PLACES! there are so many beautiful places to go!!Don't focus to much on Amsterdam, that's just the top of the icemountain as we say here!! <BR>Feel free to ask me anything.

Cindy, <BR>Bravo,young lady! Your country is absolutely delightful and far more fascinating than Amsterdam alone would indicate. I've roamed the Netherlands from Hulst to Groningen, from Maastricht to Den Helder and been repeatedly captivated by the uniqueness of your landscape and varied cultures and the hospitality of your peoples. My first trip occurred many years ago, before there was a Flevoland. It's been fascinating to see a country increase in size and area without encroachment on neighboring borders. Your country and its people are truly unique!

I second that motion, Wes! I love big cities, so I liked Amsterdam BUT I didn't spend my whole time there. Maastricht is wonderful - the word 'gentle' (as in "gentleman") - comes to mind. The Kroeller *** Museum (sorry, I can't spell in Dutch) set in that forest was incredible (happened to be there for a special Van Gogh exhibit). My overall impressions of the Dutch and their country: neat, tidy (but not obsessive-compulsive), happy (not as in "too dumb to know any better" but "smart enough to have figured it all out") and with a firm grip on reality. (I also loved that bicycles are an integral part of the culture, not a fasionable accessory!)

Cindy, We plan to cycle in the Netherlands soon. Can you tell me good places for information, maps and places to stay. We will have our bikes with us and we travel solo, no tour groups.

Richard <BR>If you want to have a truly fulfilling and enjoyable journey through the Netherlands, here's a couple of books that you should try to get your hands on: "Of Dutch Ways" by Helen Colijn a former resident who covers the entire spectrum from the Netherlands' mind-boggling political system to culture, sports (including cycling) and every day living. Particularly intriguing is "Of Dikes and Windmills" which in addition to retelling the story of the Netherlands numberous battles with the sea also gives a fascinating insight into the various types of windmills, their purpose, how to identify the various typpes and how to interpret the messages sent by the setting of their vanes. Water color illustrations and line drawings are superb. If you're interested in history, chase after Simon Schama's "An Embarassment of Riches" which deals with the Netherlands and the irony of a country that, while the wealthiest in Europe due to its maritime trade, led a severe, Spartan existence due to its Calvinist beliefs. <BR> <BR>Finally, look for the (brace yourself!) Vereniging voor Vreemdelingenverkeer signs in your travel. Three blue V's on a white triangle, they identify the local tourist office. Other than Bavaria, I've never seen so many tourist offices in so many places. It seems as if every little village has one. They do a great job in finding accommodations for travelers as well as providing a wealth of maps and local and regional information. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip and don't even think of coming home until and unless you can pronounce: <BR>"Vereniging voor Vremdelingenverkeer!

Richard, <BR>Forgive the typos and omissions in the preceding. I did spell VVV correctly in its entirety. Omitted the author and illustrator of "Of Dikes and Windmills". Peter Spier both wrote and illustrated the book; Doubleday published it.

Thanks for the message. I love The Netherlands and have visited twice. My son who is 17 wants to visit with a friend, but without his loving parents for two weeks before the rest of the family shows up to tour for a month down south. What do you think? Did you or your friends travel alone in Neth and France at around age 17? Is it save and acceptable?

Dear Chuck, <BR> <BR>Well, I don't think there is any problem when 2 boys of 17 are travelling in Holland. However, they should be aware that, though we seam free(drugs, alcohol...)there are limitiations. Remember only soft drugs is liberated(not even legal actually) you can't enter a pub with a joint. Causing trouble, urinating in public, it can cause you a fine. There is enough police (but for everyones security) <BR>Anyway, l don't want to make you doubt it is just some people think we are a second Sodom and Gomorra!!But as you look closer it's not. <BR>Yes, l travelled many times on my own or with 1 or more friends. Public transport are quite safe. <BR>So, all together, you should pay attention to certain things(isn't that in every countries?) but don't worry, they'll have a great time(even more if the weather co-operates) <BR> <BR>