rabidpotatochip

I had fun for the most part. I learned a new game while scuba-diving, it was called “let’s swallow the ocean”. Obviously that wasn’t the fun part, but the rest of the trip was great.

Bonus points if you speak Dutch as most of the locals do too.

I’m sure I just missed all the fun stuff, but this country really didn’t do much for me. It wasn’t a bad experience, it was just very blah. I’m still going to give it a chance in the future.

One important thing to note, though, is that the country has a couple of languages. Dutch, German, and French. If you don’t speak French in the French part, don’t even bother speaking at all. In all three cases, it’s a slightly different dialect than the originating country, but if you speak any of these languages you shouldn’t have trouble communicating.

If you go to the Eiffel Tower, make sure to pay for a lift pass to the top. You do have the option of taking the stairs, but it’s an open metal staircase with a little over 1,000 steps.

Coffee here is stronger than in North America; you’re supposed to add cream to even it out. Hilariously, the cream is also strong.

If you speak ANY French at all, try to use it before jumping straight into English. I’m not sure whether it’s out of appreciation for your efforts or whether they can’t stand you butchering their language, but this will loosen up some locals enough that they’ll attempt English.

Lastly, in Paris walk or take the metro if you value your life. Traffic in Paris is frightening at best and there’s no need to drive with the transit system they have.

We drove to Monschau, a small village worth checking out, from the Netherlands a few times when I was still a single digit age; I made the trip again two years ago.

The countryside is beautiful, but I never realized till last time how it’s also very sad. In some of the fields along the road there are old bunkers and rows upon rows of large blocks of cement used to stop tanks from crossing. I can’t imagine living through all that and I hope I never have to.

Anyway, this is a country worth visiting. It has a rich history and a lot of people with interesting stories. The beer is also delicious if you’re over 16. ;)

Most of my family is from here, so I’ve been through the country a few times now. Most of the locals speak English fairly well, so there’s not much to worry about. As with any country, it’s always a compliment if you learn at least some of the language.

If you’re checking out the Red Light District in Amsterdam be sure to stick to the populated areas, otherwise you might find yourself in an unpleasant situation. You’ll know you’re in the bad/worse section when there’s almost literally no one and you’re surrounded by dull grey buildings rather than the flashy sex shops and Chinese restaurants. It’s also imperative that you don’t take photos of the prostitutes on that stretch because you will have at least your camera broken.

Some other fun (local) places to visit are the market in Emeloord, the northern part of Giethoorn (it has no roads, just canals), and the Efteling even if you’re not with kids.

Also, be sure to stop at a local restaurant to try krokets and pannenkoeken (pancakes, but yummier than their North American counterparts).