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The Dutch are known to foreigners to be a very kind and appreciative audience when it comes to concerts, theatre and such.
Why? Well, anyone will get a standing ovation!
Most audiences in the world will applaud politely or even enthusiastically when a show has ended. Only rarely do people stand up.
But in The Netherlands it is custom to always give a standing ovation.
Artists from abroad like to start their world tours in The Netherlands. We won't let anyone down.
There you have it. Our way of applauding, with the standing ovation has devaluated the whole thing! Leave a Comment
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Congratulations! You are invited to a Dutch home. So what should you expect?
Depending on the type of invitation:
for morning coffee: arrive at 10-10.30 at the latest and leave at 12:30 at the latest. You will probably not be invited to lunch. Take coffee literally: usually 2 cups of coffee and some cake or biscuits (only because you are there as a visitor, usually the cake will be left out).
for afternoon tea: arrive at around 15.00 hrs and leave at 17 hrs at the latest because you will probably not be invited for dinner. Tea will consist of just that: a few cups of tea and some biscuits. Don't expect a lavish meal!
for dinner: make sure you know which time to arrive. Normal family dinner time is around 18.00 hrs but for a small dinner party 19-19:30 hrs is usual. Make sure you bring a small gift like flowers or chocolates or a bottle of wine.
You don't need to bring anything if you're invited for coffee or tea unless there is a celebratory reason to do so.
Why should you not stay too long? The Dutch usually cook dinner with the exact amount of food they expect to need. Five members in a family? Then 5 meatballs or pork chops. Get the drift?
The Dutch are not unhospitable. In fact, the customs I describe above are changing slowly, thank heavens. It just doesn't enter their minds to make a visit into a lavish occassion.
For example, I often invited friends for tea and would insist they stay for dinner too. But often this was rejected because my visitors were so afraid they'd overstay their welcome.
The fact that I usually have a lot of food in the house (just in case) is more a peculiarity than usual. Leave a Comment
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The expression Dutch Treat is well known. It refers to the proverbial scringyness of the Dutch which in a way is true. We seem to have a lot of savings bank accounts. But the Dutch also give a lot to charity. Partly through their taxes but also through the many charities to support national and international causes.
The Dutch give 1.2% of their bruto year income to charity. If you are a member of a church, the rule of thumb is that you donate 2% of your bruto income to the church. In addition probably to whatever you give to other charities.
Charity is even a scientific study in The Netherlands. At the Universities of Amsterdam and Tilburg there the Social Science faculties run a special programme. Very interesting stuff.
What if you don't have money to donate?
Do voluntary work. Even with a government that takes care of so many social causes, there are still many, even locally, that are dependent on gifts and voluntary work.
My first voluntary job I had at age 14, pouring coffee in an old people's home and helping out with the handicrafts therapy. I've had lots of satisfaction working with the elderly, sick or with young people. And the last 10 years raising funds for projects overseas.
For an English summary of the donational behaviour of the Dutch, go to:
http://filantropie.scw.vu.nl/gin/summary.pdf
(Adobe needed). Leave a Comment
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the little village of Volendam is a nice place indeed, fishermans village with a very nice harbour, and tiny streets packed with all kinds of stores etc, and quite a lot of the photoshops has an atelier upstairs, or in the back, where they "trick" tourists into dressing up in traditional Volendam clothings ( old fashion ones that is )
walk pass the photoshops:)
take a snack, or a drink at the bayside restaurant:) Leave a Comment
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 TULIPS FOR THE HOSTESS by ATLC
Wine or flowers or chocolates if you're invited for dinner.
Don't be surprised if the Dutch say that you shouldn't have brought something. It's politeness because if you hadn't, it would sure be talked about once you left.
If you bring flowers, don't limit yourself to a mere bunch of tulips. Bring a proper bouquet and have it giftwrapped.
The Dutch splash out on flowers. Many families buy fresh bouquets every week to brighten their homes.
Of course you can let your imagination go and and bring something else. Especially if you know your hosts, they'd also be happy with a gift that is typical of your country.
If you're invited to dinner and want to bring wine, then it isn't unusual to ring and ask if white or red would be appreciated. Leave a Comment
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 NETHERLANDS 5 EURO COIN by ATLC
To be honest it's not the best designed coin I saw but it is a collector's item. Only 100.000 made.
It's silver 925/1000
The alternative is the ordinary 5 euro banknote.
You can order this coin (if still available) at www.knm.nl (Royal Dutch Mint) Leave a Comment
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 by silve64
During the hiding period Anne Frank kept a diary. In it she described daily life in the back anexe, the isolation and the fear of discovery. Anne's diary survived the war: after the betrayal it was found by Miep Gies, one of the helpers. When it was confirmed that Anne would not be returning, Miep gave the manuscripts to Otto Frank. In 1947 the first Dutch edition appeared. Since then the diary has been published in more then 55 languages.
Opening Hours
Daily: from 9 AM to 7 PM
From March 29th to September 1st: 9 AM to 9 PM
On May 4th: 9 AM to 7 PM
On December 31st: 9 AM to 5 PM
On January 1st and December 25th: 12 Noon to 7 PM
Last admittance: 30 minutes prior to closing
Closed on Yom Kippur
Because of the steep stairway, the museum is not accessible to people with walking difficulties. Leave a Comment
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I don't know why tourists still get lured to go to this place. Ignorance maybe? Of course it's an easy way to see something else than Amsterdam, but surely there are many much better choices available. Volendam is McTourism, it's quick and easy and it may even have some ' taste', but with just a little effort you'll find something far superior. If you really want to get to know this country there's absolutely nothing to see and nothing to do here. But if you're interested in people who put on so-called traditional dress for you, or if you want to have an expensive picture made of yourself wearing that stuff, this is the place to go. If you really want to see a more authentic side of this country you will have to do some homework. It's worth it! If you want it the easy way; walk on to Edam. It's next to Volendam and far more interesting. Leave a Comment
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When people from abroad come to stay at my house and if they are remotely interested in language, it has struck me that the word "Lekker" is especially interesting to my guests. It's an easy word to say and very distinguisable from other words as it is often used on its own. They work out quickly that it has to do with food. But then they become confused. Because I would exclaim "Lekker" not relating to food but for example having a nice sit-down or commenting about the weather.
It's a typical Dutch stop word.
You'll hear this word a lot in NL.
Lekker = tasty or nice as in:
Lekker eten = having nice food
Lekker wandelen = having a nice walk
Slaap lekker = sleep well Leave a Comment
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Dutch people usually eat at about 5.30- 6 pm.
It is good practice to leave around that time as it isn't very usual to be invited to dinner.
Restaurant kitchens mostly close at 9 or 10 pm so if you make a reservation, don't be much later than 8 pm. Leave a Comment
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