More observations and tips on traveling in the Netherlands. And photos.

 The Dutch want your money. They are very good at making money, too.

 

IT is very international. You will hear lots of languages and see lots of ethnicities.

 

Study the geography first. I thought it was next to France and South of Belgium. No. It doesn’t even share a border with France. Duh. It is closer to England than France is; its channel on the North Sea is narrower than the English Channel. (so a lot of English are here).

 

There are more bicycles than you can ever imagine. I am not exaggerating. The bicycles take some getting used to. Think of yourself trying to cross the street during the Tour de France, plus bikes and scooters and even scoot-mobiles, as they are called (scooters for disabled or elderly people).  Then think of this as constant, and you are the one who is in the way. Pedestrians are not privileged. You will not see very many cars in comparison.  

 

In the cities, almost everything is in English. Everyone in the service industry speaks English, at least enough. If you know German, you can figure out some of the signs. Outside of the big cities, the signs will not be in English but the people will generally know how to talk to you.The Dutch are relatively friendly. I did not feel snubbed by anyone.  They are not as open as southern Americans though. I can understand how they founded New York.

Photos mostly of Palace het Loo in Appeldorn, two hours outside of Amsterdam. It was the summer palace of William of Orange. (That was their family name.)

Got to do one selfie! The background is the point, though. 

Threw this one in for fun--In a JUMBO grocery store. It claims this is how Americans like their marshmallows. YUCK>

Crowns embedded in the street. They still have royalty; their royal family is very attractive.

The church photos are of a monstery chapel in den Haag.