<<The history of the Netherlands is so complicated I can't quite keep it straight whether they wanted to remain with Spain or run their own show (and I realize there's probably no clear answer)>>

If you are thinking of the modern Netherlands, there certainly is a clear answer. Have you never heard of the Dutch Revolt, aka the Eighty-Years' War (1568-1648), to rid the United Provinces of the hated Spanish rule? I don't think the Dutch were at all ambivalent about their Spanish overlords.

From Rotterdam, Belgium is also very accessible: Antwerp and Brussels. And Paris is 2.5 hours by train: we often do it on a day trip. If you liked Berlin, you'll also like Rotterdam, its vibe is quite berlinesque and unlike that of other Dutch cities.

<The history of the Netherlands is so complicated I can't quite keep it straight whether they wanted to remain with Spain or run their own show (and I realize there's probably no clear answer), but visiting Spain actually made me a lot more curious about the history of the Netherlands -- and vice versa -- and a lot of that history is played out in the art and architecture of both countries.>

Google "the dutch revolt" and you'll have your clear answer. The Dutch "geuzen" were the IS terrorists of the 16th century, and the Dutch, protestant republic a terrorist stronghold that briefly became a world power, founded on piracy and the slave trade.

It's also interesting to compare Brussels and Antwerp, that remained under Spanish rule and stayed catholic. Part of Amsterdam's success in the 16th century came from an influx of refugees from Antwerp.

When my daughters were young, we lived for a year in the Netherlands, and they attended a Dutch elementary school. During that year, we took a week's holiday in Spain, where we visited a number of museums. They were surprised to learn that the tyrant Koning Filip, villain of the Dutch war of independence, was the admirable Re Felipe, hero of Spain's Golden Age. It was quite an education for them.

@ bvlenci: What an eye-opening experience for your daughters! Thanks for sharing that story.

It was quite an education for them.>

Or 're-education' like in some countries.

Easy to forget Lowlands were a colony of Spain for a few centuries!