So, you’re telling your Dutch friend about your recent work status or vacation travels and you get hit with a “leuk!”
They say it with excitement, in an informal manner — but what does it mean? And what’s up with the Dutch using it in almost every context?
Leuk is a word you’ll either love to use or cringe every time you hear it, and it’s safe to say, you hear it all the time. Why? Because it can be used about as often as a Dutchie eats hagelslag on a boterham, a.k.a every day! Let’s dive into it.
What is it?
Similar to the word gezelligorlekker, leuk means nice or fun. Unlike English, the Dutch use the word leuk for everything.
Here are some examples where your eardrums will be tickled by this delightful Dutch word:
Oh, hoe leuk! – Oh, how fun!
Leuk man! – Nice man!
What en leuke jas! – What a nice coat!
Het is superleuk! – It is super nice!
Fun fact: The term leuk did not always mean “nice” but instead meant “lukewarm”’ or “tepid.” Dutch linguist Nicoline van der Sijs first recorded this term in her chronological dictionary in 1898.
In earlier times, the word leuk could have meant “serene” or “calm.”
So, how did we go from using the term leuk meaning “lukewarm” to “nice”? The students, of course! In the 19th century, leuk began to be used as the English word “cool”.’
The word can be applied to anything from the mundane to the amazing. You’ll hear this word being used among Dutch kids, teenagers, adults and even grandparents.
It’s a broad word used by all ages, and we’re all here for that!
“Leuk to see you guys!” Image: Freepik
The word can also be used to describe a person: leukmeisje (attractive girl) or leukejongen (nice boy). In this scenario, it has two meanings: attractive and aardig (nice, pleasant).
There’s also a romantic connotation to the word leuk. Perhaps the most Dutch way a person can confess their deep love for you is “Ik vind je leuk,” meaning “I like you.” 🥰
Why do they do it?
It’s like the adapter plug of words: easy to use, can express when you’re happy about something or someone, and it’s casual, so bonus points!
Don’t know how to respond when a Dutchie tells you something that you know they’re excited about but you have no interest in whatsoever? No problem — just grab the word leuk from your Dutch vocabulary.
While Dutch people can be direct, they can also be informal and who doesn’t love informality? 🙋
Why is it quirky?
While the word itself isn’t very odd or unconventional since English has a similar term, how the word is used makes it rare since leuk can be slipped into almost every scenario.
Talk about functionality!
Should you join in?
Yes! It’s the easiest way to integrate into Dutch culture. Since it’s a simple word used almost daily. You could even say that it might be leuk to join in! 😉
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands lies a charming town brimming with cheese, delightful walks, a jaw-dropping city centre, and heaps of things to do — Gouda!
An ideal spot for refuge from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, and an embarkation point for a foodie pilgrimage (including sampling the most authentic cheese at the market), Gouda will not disappoint.
The city even clinched a spot in the New York Times’s Best Places to Visit in 2022 list!
No time to waste? Jump to a Gouda activity below! 🪤
1. Follow your tastebuds and browse the Gouda Cheese Market
You’ve probably encountered Gouda cheese at your local market or your supermarket; everyone seems to want a “slice” of the glory Gouda has brought to the Netherlands.
Start your day in Gouda by stuffing your face with its famous dairy product. Image: Depositphotos
Go right to the source at the Gouda Cheese Market, where local makers and traders can tell you about the process (and provide a free sample)!
For hundreds of years, the people of Gouda have participated in the ritual of trading cheese. The modern market features costumed vendors and horse-drawn carriages to transport you back in time.
TIP: In Dutch, “Gouda” is pronounced “How-dah”. Make sure to put some guttural emphasis on the “h”; if it sounds like you are clearing your throat, you are doing it right.
💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: Thursday mornings (until 12:30 PM), April through August 📍 Location: Markt 35, 2801 JK Gouda
2. Take a tour and enjoy a siroopwafel at Kamphuisen Bakery
A little-known (but tasty!) fact about Gouda is that the syrup waffle originated here, and has evolved to become a Dutch dessert staple. Enjoy the original — with a Gouda twist — at Kamphuisen Bakery.
Here, you’ll learn about the history of this tasty treat, and how the original Gouda siroopwafel differs from its mass-produced cousin, the stroopwafel. You can be the judge with an included taste test.
Don’t bother asking the folks at Kampbuisen Bakery for the recipe for their famous treat — it’s been safely kept in a sealed envelope since 1810.
💰 Price: €11.50 for adults, free for children under 3, tickets include a guided tour of the factory and a taste test ⏰ Opening hours: 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM, Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays 📍 Location: Markt 69, 2801 JM Gouda
3. Admire the Old City Hall
Constructed in the mid-15th century, this historic city hall served as a meeting location and event space for hundreds of years. While city council meetings are no longer held here, this beautiful building can be booked for weddings and other private events.
We like to call this “Gouda Gothic” 😉. Image: Depositphotos
While you may be perfectly content to snap some pictures of its intricate Gothic architecture, tours are available to the public on most weekdays. With a tour, you’ll get access to the renovated interior, complete with furnishings and decor from the 17th and 18th centuries.
💰 Price: Tickets available at the city hall ⏰ Opening hours: 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM, Tuesday to Thursday 📍 Location: Markt 1, 2801 JG Gouda
4. Wander down Looierspoort
Dutch architecture is most recognised for its tall, narrow buildings, strategically placed alongside canals to maximise space.
With a squish and a squeeze, you can enjoy Gouda’s incredible narrow street. Image: Jan Dijkstra/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
On Looierspoort Street, you’ll not only find the famous narrow buildings, but narrow streets to match. Once designated as housing for the city’s leather tanners during the industrial period, this street in Gouda is famous for being the narrowest in the Netherlands, with some places only as wide as an adult arm span.
Take your camera and duck into Loorierspoort to snap a few photos to show what makes Gouda a special Dutch city.
💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: Open to the public all day, every day 📍 Location: Looierspoort, 2801 LT Gouda
5. Watch your weight at Goudse Waag
Watching over the Gouda Cheese Market stands the Goudse Waag building. Built in the 15th century, the Goudse Waag served as a location for farmers and cheese vendors to weigh their cheese before selling their wares at the market.
If you attend the cheese market on a Thursday, you’ll get to see this process in action! Don’t worry if your trip doesn’t coincide with the market schedule — it’s open to the public on most weekdays.
The Goudse Waag is just a LITTLE old. Image: Depositphotos
The museum also features clog-making and candle-making demonstrations, in addition to wine and cheese tastings.
💰 Price: €7.50 for a guided tour, free for children under 5 ⏰ Opening hours: Varies depending on the time of year 📍 Location: Markt 35, 2801 JK Gouda
6. Learn the anatomy of a windmill at the Roode Leeuw
Get your grind on at the Red Lion Windmill, one of the country’s oldest windmills that is still in service. Visitors can watch this artisanal grain grinding process in action, unchanged for hundreds of years.
By harnessing the power of the wind, an expert miller can grind, crush, and sieve grains into fine flour, which is then sold to bakeries in the area (this is still done today!).
Perched by the water, this is a classic Dutch icon that can’t be missed on a trip to Gouda! Image: Depositphotos
Feeling inspired to get your hands dirty in your own kitchen? Take a bag of artisanal flour home with you when you visit the shop.
💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: Thursday from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 📍 Location: Vest 65, 2801 VE Gouda
7. Marvel at Sint Jan Church
Watch the history of the Netherlands unfold as you gaze through the stained-glass windows at St. John’s Church, which hosts the biggest collection of original windows in the Netherlands.
This historical Gouda church is a feast for the eyes. Image: Depositphotos
Recounting the religious history of the Netherlands, the windows tell the story of the country’s Protestant past, and its Catholic connections with Spain. Trace how the techniques evolve from the medieval style to the refined style of the Dutch Golden Age.
While it’s the stained-glass windows that may put Sint Jan on the map, the church also boasts a beautiful organ and has a special tour available for organ amateurs for an hourly fee.
💰 Price: €11.00 for adults, family rates available, free entry with Museumkaart ⏰ Opening hours: Open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM from November – March) 📍 Location: Achter de Kerk 2, 2801 JW Gouda
8. Check out the fish market at Visbanken
Visbanken translates to “fish banks” in Dutch and is where fish markets and trading typically take place. Gouda’s Visbanken was established in 1588, and the structures are still standing today on either side of Gouda’s main canal.
With all that old-world beauty in Gouda, you can almost smell the fish! Image: M.H.Top/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
While the original fish market may be long gone, the stone pillars are a reminder of Gouda’s rich trading history. Take a stroll across the bridge, and you’ll find plaques explaining the historical and cultural importance of the site.
TIP: Grab a table at a nearby café and imagine the hustle and bustle of the fish market in its glory days.
💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: Open to the public all day, every day 📍 Location: Lage Gouwe 1, 2801 MA Gouda
9. Become a cheese connoisseur at the Gouda Cheese Experience
If simply tasting all of the free cheese samples at the Gouda Cheese Market isn’t enough to appease your cheese cravings, take a deep dive into the cheese-making process with the Gouda Cheese Experience.
On your tour, you will learn how Gouda cheese is made: from what the cow eats, to milking, to ageing, to the recognisable and delicious product you consume today.
💰 Price: €16 for adults, €14.50 for children aged 5-15, and free for children under 4 ⏰ Opening hours: 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday (last tour starts at 16:30) 📍 Location: Agnietenstraat 21, Gouda
10. Take a walk through history at the Gouda Museum
With a variety of rotating collections and several permanent installations, there is something to pique everyone’s interest at the Gouda Museum.
The museum hosts classic religious works of the Middle Ages, modern impressionists, and Dutch pottery, all located within a historic building that dates back to the 14th century. Make it a family outing and attend a workshop or book an interactive children’s “mini-tour”.
💰 Price: €14.50 for adults (€10 with CJP > 18), free for children under 17, free entry with Museumkaart ⏰ Opening hours: 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday 📍 Location: Achter de Kerk 14, 2801 JX Gouda
11. Support the fair trade market at Lange and Korte Groenendaal
You won’t find any chain stores here, making this area in Gouda a unique shopping experience. This shopping centre is located just off the beaten path in Gouda, and is the first shopping street in the Netherlands to be designated as a “fair trade street.”
Lange and Korte Groenendaal hosts several shops owned by a diverse group of small entrepreneurs that specialise in fair trade.
Fairtrade products are handmade or artisan items that are sourced, created, and shipped sustainably. Shops include boutique clothing stores, wooden toy shops, and florists.
TIP: Conclude a day of shopping with a meal at one of many restaurants in the shopping district. Enjoy diverse cuisines from a range of cultures and regions.
💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: Varies by shop 📍 Location: Lange Groenendaal
12. Grab a pint at a local brewery
While you may have heard of wine and cheese, beer and cheese are also a match made in food heaven!
The Dutch are famous for loving beer, and Gouda is no exception. Image: Depositphotos
Take inventory of your fresh cheese purchases at a local brewery, and pair it with a flight of flagship beer at a local Gouda brewery.
Feel like a bite to eat on the side? Bunnik’s BierBrouwerij has standard classics and “beers of the moment” on offer just outside the city centre.
Water goes up, and the ground goes down! The Netherlands has been sinking for a while, but Gouda is a place you can really see it.
See the bricks on the side of the canal starting to cave in? No one in Gouda is safe (unless you’re on another street). Image: Samantha Dixon
Annually, the soil in Gouda drops by three millimetres — and in this 700+-year-old city, that makes a big impact.
Take a stroll along the Turfmarkt and watch where the once-contained canal water snaps at the heels of passersby. But that doesn’t stop locals parking their cars on the teetering banks!
Stand-up paddleboarding (or SUP) is a unique way to navigate Gouda’s classic canals, and is great exercise! You can rent one for the day (or by the hour) from a SUP shop during the summer.
Young people paddleboarding through the canals of Gouda, Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
Take your time leisurely paddling the canals, pause for lunch and a drink, and enjoy your unique perspective on the historical city.
Swapping bikes for boards, Dutchies just love a mode of transport that shows off their balanceability! 🧘♂️
Looking for a way to spend a day in Gouda cheese country? Look no further than a bike tour through Cheese Valley, lovingly dubbed “the Green Heart of the Netherlands.”
Cruise by happy cows munching on sweet grass, enjoy views of the lake, and check out historic city centres on your journey.
Looking for a guided bike tour? Keep an eye on Green Cow Bike Tours, which include an English, Dutch, or German guide to explain important facts about each town (Gouda and Woerden) — sadly they aren’t running for the 2024 season, but they promise to be back soon!
In the meantime, check out this great self-led Cheese Valley bike tour, with pitstops for much-needed rest, picture opportunities and significant points of interest, including a cheese warehouse. 🚲
💰 Price: The route map is free to download ⏰ Opening hours: This one’s up to you! 📍 Location: Depart from Stationsweg, 3441 EN Woerden
16. Take the quickest cruise of your life to Gouda’s ex-industrial side
All aboard Pontje Gein! This 1930s ferry spends its weekends chugging across Gouda’s Hollandsche IJssel to the ex-industrial site GOUDasfalt and will cost you a mere €1 (okay, €2 if you also want to get back).
Once you’re on the other side, take a walk among the industrial wilderness in the process of urban reclamation.
You’ll find breweries, shops filled with quirky antiques, local artists and crafters, laser tag, and even a city beach where you can wiggle your toes in the sand.
💰 Price: €2 return for the ferry (you can pay by pin or cash) ⏰ Opening hours: Varies 📍 Location:Gouderaksedijk 32, 2808 NG Gouda
17. Get outside with a self-guided walking tour
If you are looking for some leisure time on your trip to Gouda, consider an organised self-guided walking tour. With a unique route, who knows where some individual exploration will lead you?
A wander through the streets of Gouda is always a delight. Image: Depositphotos
Self-guided walking tours are organised by theme, emphasising specific points to fulfil a variety of interests, including historical routes, maritime and harbour routes, children’s routes — even local flora and fauna!
💰 Price: €5 for the map at the tourist office (or download online for free) ⏰ Opening hours: For the tourist office, 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM daily (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM November – March) 📍 Location: VVV Gouda, Markt 35, 2801 JK Gouda
And there you have it — 17 things to do in Gouda in 2026! Gouda has so many more dimensions than “just cheese” (although delicious)! Find something for the entire family in gorgeous Gouda!
What is your favourite activity to enjoy on a day trip to Gouda? Tell us in the comments below!
What did they decide? It’s time to introduce cat stairs; a surprisingly adorable Dutch invention that’s saving paws, one soggy rescue at a time.
How does it work?
The cat stairs aren’t exactly spiral staircases or IKEA masterpieces, think more along the lines of wooden or metal planks fixed to the water’s edge, sometimes with mesh for grip.
Sure, they’re not much to look at, but if you’re a flailing furball in a canal, it’s basically a luxury ladder to safety.
Kattentrappen geplaatst om verdrinkingsdood katten en andere dieren te voorkomen: [AMERSFOORT] Gemeente Amersfoort plaatst dit jaar langs kades en grachten zo'n driehonderd kattentrappen. Deze trappen moeten katten, egels en andere dieren redden van… https://t.co/7kpG4yTfth
— DeStadAmersfoort.nl (@StadAmersfoort) June 13, 2025
The stairs have been installed with one goal in mind: giving cats and other small critters a fighting chance when gravity, curiosity and canals collide.
300 stairs and counting
The municipality isn’t messing around. They’re aiming to install around 300 of these cat stairs all across the city; from the charming Vathorst to the bustling centre.
So wherever a kitty might take an accidental dip, there’s a little ramp ready to help it bounce back.
Locals have been helping pinpoint the best spots to install the stairs, especially in places where cats like to roam.
Since not all canal edges are public property, residents are even being encouraged to install their own little cat-friendly ramps.
Want even more wholesome news? The municipality of Amersfoort isn’t the only one thinking about cats; Leiden is also hoping to install cat stairs within the next five years.
Would your cat use the stairs or just scream until someone helped? Tell us below in the comments.
After yesterday’s heat, today cools things down with clouds, showers, and some gusty wind, but don’t worry, amazing summer weather is just days away.
So yes, Thursday’s a bit of a grump, but your weekend plans? They’re looking like pure sunshine and bliss, and early next week? Even hotter. Let’s break it down. 👇
Thursday grumpy skies and feisty winds
Today’s weather is Dutch fashion advice: dress in layers and carry hope and an umbrella.🌂
According to RTL Nieuws, the weather is noticeably cooler, with heavy cloud cover, patchy showers, and even a chance of thunder in the southeast.
Temperatures will rise to around 19°C in the north and 22°C in the southeast by late morning, but the real drama is the wind, blowing strong from the southwest, especially along the coast with wind force 4 to 6 expected. 💨
This afternoon, grey skies will stick around with occasional sun peeks. A stray shower might appear in the east, but most spots will dry out. Unless your hair has trust issues, inland highs reach a mild 23°C — manageable. 💁♀️
By evening, however, showers will ease off. Temperatures will cool down to about 16°C, and that restless wind will finally take a breather.
Friday flips the switch and the weekend goes full summer mode
Here comes the part we’ve all been waiting for: the sweet return of summer. Think terrace drinks, breezy bike rides, or claiming your spot at the nearest beach. 🍹
On Friday, the temperatures will feel just right: 20°C in the north and a sunny 25°C in the south, perfect for slowly easing back into your summer wardrobe.
Then comes the weekend, and it’s full-on summer vibes. Saturday brings clear skies and warmth, with temperatures sitting between 22°C and 25°C.
Next week it’s sunscreen, fans, and possible regret
Starting next week, things heat up…fast. Monday sets the tone with temperatures climbing above 30°C in many parts of the country. But that’s just the start of it. 🔥
As Weer.nl reports, very warm air from Spain will move into the Benelux right around the turn of the month, pushing temperatures even higher. For a day or two, we’re talking highs of up to 36°C.
Yep, your Dutch summer dream is finally coming true, but don’t count on the nights to cool you down. Tropical temps mean the evenings could stay above 20°C.
So, with a soggy Thursday behind us and a scorcher of a week ahead — how are you planning to make the most of it? Beach getaway? Or hiding indoors with ice cream and a fan on full blast? Let us know! 🍦
The large-scale herring fishing in the Netherlands started during the Golden Age. Since then, Dutch herring and the ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’ have become a delicacy with culinary fans all over the world. 🐟
The herring fleets of the 15th century also gave birth to the all-powerful Dutch merchant navy.
To the Dutch, herring had become an indispensable source of proteins and nutrients, thanks to which the population could grow (really, really tall).
Herring in the Netherlands: the basics
Eating herring in the Netherlands is a Dutch tradition. Lots of tourists find it exciting to buy herring for the first time, grab the whole fish by its tail, and let it slide down their throats in typical Dutch fashion.
The Netherlands and herring are inextricably linked, and no fish is more Dutch than the popular so-called Hollandse Nieuwe!
A herring is a small, slender, silvery fish. About a quarter of its body weight can consist of fat. Herrings can become eight to ten years old.
After two to three years, the herring is mature and about twenty centimetres long. For a while, the herring was heavily overfished and almost on the brink of extinction.
Thankfully, the species is thriving again due to global quotas restricting the number of herring fishermen are allowed to harvest at a time.
Where exactly does the herring come from?
Herring comes from the eastern part of the North Sea, and most herring can be found in the waters around Norway and Denmark.
Some can also be found a little bit to the eastern part of the North Sea, near Scotland.
Hold up — does that mean my herring ain’t Dutch?? 😳 Image: Depositphotos
Almost all the herring eaten in the Netherlands is caught by Danish and Norwegian companies, while Dutch companies with factories in Skagen, Denmark, prepare them and bring them back to the Netherlands to sell.
The opening of the herring season in the Netherlands
The traditional auction of the first keg of herring takes place in Scheveningen every year, with proceeds going to charity. In 2009, a record revenue of more than €66,000 was gained from the auction.
A day after the auction, the herring season officially starts, and the following Saturday is called Flags Day.
Traditionally, the auction only involves the sale of Dutch herring called Hollandse Nieuwe. 👇
What is Hollandse Nieuwe Herring?
The name can sometimes be confusing. It raises the question: when is a herring both Dutch (Hollandse) and new (Nieuwe)?
Well, herring may only be called Hollandse Nieuwe if it has a certain percentage of fat — at least 16% — and has been cleaned the right way.
It is typically caught between May and September and can be quite scarce in the winter months.
The name maatje or maatjes herring is derived from virgin herring. This means that the herring caught does not yet contain a roe and may not be ready for the Hollandse Nieuwe name.
Vlaggetjesdag (Flags Day) in the Netherlands
Vlaggetjesdag (Flags Day) has a long and interesting history, though it has only had its name since 1947.
According to history books, there was a ban on catching too many herrings from the sea in the 18th century. Due to the ban, fishermen had to focus on other species such as the flatfish.
Only a limited number of fishermen were allowed to sail out to catch the herring — usually, only about 10 boats were allowed to leave every day.
Lekker! Dutch Minister Gerrit Braks eating herring at Flags Day in 1983. Image: Rob Croes/Wikimedia Commons/CC0 1.0
The first herring caught by any of the 10 boats was traditionally awarded to a high-ranking person (like a mayor, or even stadtholder). The tradition started because Stadtholder Willem V was present on a regular basis to check the departure of the boats.
The fishermen enjoyed the statesman’s official presence and decorated their villages with flags to welcome him (hence Flags Day!).
An official Vlaggetjesdag Committee was established in 1950 and has been in charge of all the festivities surrounding Flags Day ever since.
Preparing herring or ‘gibbing’
Gibbing is the process of preparing salt herring, which en-tail-s (get it 😉) the removal of the gills and part of the gullet with a specially designed knife.
However, the liver and pancreas remain untouched because they release enzymes essential for flavour.
Gibbing also involves the removal of the heart and the intestines, after which the fish is stored in a wooden barrel with salt. In this way, the herring can be stored for long periods and transported more easily.
Cleaning a herring is a fine craft. Image: Takeaway/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0
Haringhappen in the Netherlands
Haringhappen is a Dutch tradition that was borrowed from the Catholic faith. During Lent, Catholics are prohibited from eating meat so Dutch Catholics ate herring to usher in the fasting period after the carnival.
The Wednesday after carnival is officially called Ash Wednesday and has traditionally been a Catholic event where Christians get an ash cross on their forehead — as a sign of penance and a moment of contemplation.
After getting their ash crosses, Dutch locals usually tuck into some herring at home. Thus began the tradition of eating herring on Ash Wednesday and also during Lent.
How to eat herring in the Netherlands
For tourists coming to the Netherlands, especially for the first time, eating herring is something that must be done the right way to avoid judgmental looks from Dutch locals.
So without further ado: it’s customary to grab a salty herring by the tail and then let it slide down your throat.
Often this is done with onions to somewhat neutralise the strong taste of the herring. Tourists usually find it a disgusting way of eating fish, and there are lots of Dutch folks who don’t like it either.
But you don’t necessarily have to eat herring raw. It can also be eaten fried or smoked.
Eating herring in the Netherlands: You either love it or hate it. Image: DutchReview
Some fun facts about the Dutch herring
About 50 billion herring swim in the North Sea every year.
At a certain point during the Dutch Golden Age, the Netherlands had 80% of the herring market and made so much money from the herring trade that they were easily among the top three richest countries in Europe.
You can use your phone to judge how fresh your herring is. The app “How fresh is your fish?” can be used to determine and judge the freshness of 15 fish species, herring included. The app is free to download for iPhone and Android phones.
The closing of the North Sea to herring fishing in 1977 forced Dutch fishermen and herring buyers to move to some Scandinavian countries permanently. Denmark turned out to be the most suitable place for them.
More than 80% of the herring eaten in the Netherlands isn’t caught here. Only two ships in the Netherlands are actively catching herring in Scheveningen.
You can only eat herring during the herring season and in the Netherlands, the season starts in the month of June. In Scandinavia, that is usually in the period from May to July.
Eating herring is healthy because it’s a fatty fish. Herring contains omega-3 fatty acids, which act as protection against heart diseases.
So whether you live in the Netherlands or you’re just visiting, don’t forget to take part in the popular Haringhappen.
But whatever you do, please don’t eat herring with cutlery. Pick it up by the tail and slide it down your throat like a true Dutchie!
Have you ever tried eating herring in the Netherlands? Did you like it? Tell us in the comments!
Rutte can breathe a sigh of relief and drop the word “Daddy” from his vocabulary for the foreseeable future. It looks like all that flattery paid off, with many reporting the NATO Summit a huge success.
But what exactly happened? Who’s the “Daddy?” Let’s break down the outcome of the NATO Summit.
There was A LOT of flattery and fanfare
It looks like a large part of Mark Rutte’s role as NATO chief included flattering Donald Trump wherever possible.
Day one of the summit began with a congratulatory text sent to Trump as he made his way to the Netherlands. This was then followed by a special shoutout to Trump by both Rutte (shocker) and the King himself.
A certain Trump lookalike also managed to get a word in with the president, snapping a selfie that will haunt us all.
Thank you so much Mr President @realDonaldTrump for the excellent meeting we just had and our discussion about the need for tougher immigration laws!
Following a successful sleepover at the King and Queen’s, it was time to see whether all that flattery worked.
And it certainly did
A very important talking point for Trump was defence spending, with the president of the US calling on NATO members to increase their defence spending to 5% of their countries’ GDP.
Rutte was able to negotiate this down to something more feasible for NATO’s members, while also appeasing Trump.
According to RTL Nieuws, all 32 NATO member states have agreed to spend 3.5% of their GDP on defence, plus a further 1.5% on “supporting matters.” The members will have until 2035 to achieve this.
With a plan of action and a flattered US president, the summit even managed to touch on the topic of Ukraine.
According to Rutte, NATO members will continue to support Ukraine, with the NATO chief saying “We call on Russia to put an end to its aggression against Ukraine.”
Ok, but “Daddy!?”
While Rutte has managed to achieve much over the past few days, perhaps the moment that will be burned into all our minds for the coming years is him referring to Trump as “Daddy.”
Speaking with the press following the summit, Trump and Rutte addressed the US president’s use of a certain expletive when talking about Iran and Israel.
Rutte jumped in to explain for Trump, saying “Daddy has to sometimes use strong language.”
The use of “Daddy” did not go unnoticed with headlines across the world referring to it.
And if Rutte thought this would all blow over by the morning, he can think again.
Even the White House has decided to get in on the meme, using Usher’s song “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)” to create a sort of promo video about the president’s visit to the Netherlands.
Moving and living in a new country isn’t without its challenges, but perhaps the hardest challenge is leaving behind the life you created for yourself back “home.” Becoming an expat in the Netherlands is no less challenging.
Despite living in the Netherlands for almost five years and not having lived in my hometown full-time since 2010, Plymouth will always be “home” for me.
It’s where I was born, where I learned to ride a bike (not well, obviously, and no one taught me how to simultaneously ride a bike whilst chatting on the phone after a few wines), where I bought my first house, and where almost all of my family lives.
And I am not alone. It’s estimated that 26.2% of the Netherlands’ population has a non-Dutch background.
So, what have I learned since becoming an expat in the Netherlands, and what advice would I give to myself five years ago?
1. Life goes on
Without fail, I visit my place of birth every Christmas, summer, and most school holidays in between, yet it surprises me every time something changes.
Could almost be the Netherlands, right?! Image: Bex Ross/Wikimedia Commons/CC 2.0
A new restaurant has opened, the lanes on the roundabout have been switched, and that favourite nightclub has changed its name again, etc.
It’s almost as if I expect the city to stay exactly as it was when I left.
The same goes for people; just because their best friend, sister, or school friend has moved away to another country doesn’t mean that there aren’t big changes happening in their lives.
Life goes on. No one hits the pause button when you move away. People meet new friends, lovers, have children, and get married. And you might end up missing it all.
Social media may get a lot of bad press, but for expats, it can be that link to friends and family. Being able to witness (through a screen) all the greatest moments of your friends and family members’ lives can make you feel less alone, though beware of the curse of FOMO!
2. You will lose friends
Of course, this isn’t true for every friendship — if you put in the effort, those who genuinely want to be a part of your life will remain so. Even so, it’s still challenging at times. You may have families to raise, 40-hour workweeks to contend with, and elderly parents to care for.
An old saying says you will have friends for a season, a reason, or a lifetime. And when you become an expat in a foreign country, that reason to remain in contact isn’t there anymore for some friends.
But friendships have been proven to be good for your health, so it’s definitely worth the effort. I couldn’t imagine my life without all the amazing friends I’ve made, both in the Netherlands and in the UK.
3. Friends here become your family
If you just became an expat in the Netherlands and don’t have a ready-made support network, then the people you meet will become your village.
Friends are the ones who go on your child’s “in case of emergency” school contact form.
When push comes to shove, you can count on your Dutch friends to be your support network! Image: Freepik
They pick you up from the garage when your car needs its APK. They are the ones you ring to babysit your other children when one is rushed to the hospital.
The Dutch sometimes have a stereotype of being unapproachable and abrupt, but don’t mistake that for “unhelpfulness.” However, when you need them, they will be there. (Normally bearing bottles of wine! 🍷)
And for those of us Brits who have been raised not to always say what we mean, out of fear of offending someone, it can be quite a culture shock.
When my husband first moved to the UK, his directness was often misinterpreted as arrogance, but he was being honest.
Though, perhaps, we Brits could learn a little from this Dutch character trait! Think of how quickly we’d have moved along with Brexit if Theresa had told Donald Trump what she thought of him!
However, there is a fine line between being honest and being unkind. Most Dutch people toe the line quite nicely, and it is we sensitive, polite expats who get too easily offended.
And not tiptoeing around a subject means there are no disillusions or misunderstandings, everyone knows where they stand with the Dutch!
5. Circle parties are the bane of your existence
Okay, so a slight exaggeration, but does anyone enjoy them?! An explanation might be in order if you are uninitiated to circle parties.
Unlike birthday parties in other cultures, where the host and guests mingle around to talk to one another, Dutch circle parties involve sitting in a giant circle and conversing with the people on either side of you.
You greet the host (three kisses, of course) and then go and find the birthday boy/girl to congratulate them. Then you need to congratulate their spouse, then their children, then their parents, brothers, and sisters, and finally any friends.
And then out comes the taart (pie), which you eat with tea or coffee.
Small talk continues with an aunty you’ve not seen since the last circle party until the sausage, cheese and crisps are brought out, along with something fris (fresh) to drink.
And when that clock strikes 7 PM, you are outta there like a shot, with the relief that you won’t have to suffer through another one until the next birthday.
6. Learning a new language is hard
I never thought I would ever have to learn another language again when I finished GCSE French.
Despite being fairly bright, languages were just never my thing. And then I fell in love with a Dutchie, and we moved to the Netherlands, and I HAD to learn a new language. Dutch — bloody Dutch, with its guttural G’s and rolling R’s, and verbs at the end of the sentence.
But perseverance, a language course three times a week, and daily viewing of Jeugdjournaal won, though. Now, when my friends fill me in on the latest gossip, I don’t have to sit like a mute in the corner: I can actually join in!
And what a joy it is to be able to communicate with people in Nederlands and not have them immediately revert to English when they detect an accent.
That being said, it is a lot harder than I’d imagined, and even though I can’t ever imagine feeling that I’m 100% fluent, Ik doe mijn best (I do my best).
7. Becoming an expat in the Netherlands may not be the life you’d planned
And you know what, that’s not a bad thing. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that living an unplanned life is the best one. Like an animal in the wild learning to adapt to its new surroundings, you’ve proved just how resilient you are.
Give yourself a huge pat on the back for making this leap, moving to the Netherlands, learning a new language, and immersing yourself in a whole new culture.
And learning how to bike in the Netherlands? That’s a skill all on its own! Image: Depositphotos
Not many people could do it — some people may have thought you’d fail and be back within three months.
But even with the dutch directness and hell that are circle parties, life in the Netherlands is pretty good.
Becoming an expat in the Netherlands wasn’t such a bad choice after all. While you will always have a little piece of you back in your place of birth, home is really where the heart is. And my heart is in the Netherlands.
What are some of the challenges you faced when you decided to become an expat in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments!
Trump is in The Hague — and it’s all about him. Before the US president even stepped off the plane, the red carpet was rolled out (though it nearly flew away in the Dutch wind).
From royal dinners to gushy texts and speeches from Rutte, the Dutch are going all in to please him.
Let’s break down the five-star welcome the US president is getting.
Rutte’s message to Trump: if flattery was a sport, he’d take gold
NATO’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte, isn’t holding back on the compliments. In fact, he began sending them mid-flight.
Trump gleefully shared a screenshot of Rutte’s congratulatory message on Truth Social from his plane. And let’s say: subtlety did not make the passenger list.
🧵 3/3
Rutte appeared unconcerned that Trump aired his message: "I have absolutely no trouble or problem with that because there's nothing in it which had to stay secret." Here's what his note to the US president said:
Congratulations and thank you for your decisive action in Iran,” wrote Rutte in his message to Trump. He added, “You are now flying to another great success in The Hague tonight.”
But the real kicker? “Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your success!” That sound you hear is a thousand eyebrows hitting the ceiling.
Rutte also gave a special shoutout to Trump during his speech at dinner last night.
“Let me salute President Trump’s longstanding leadership in calling for NATO to increase defence spending… Mr President, dear Donald, that is thanks to you pushing us.”
The King thanks everyone, but Trump gets a special mention
King Willem-Alexander kept things royal, but let’s be honest, the flattery didn’t stop there.
During his dinner speech at Paleis Huis ten Bosch, the King thanked world leaders: “I wish you wisdom in your upcoming discussions, and I am confident that they will lead to a NATO that is stronger than ever.”
🇬🇧 ‘It was a great pleasure to receive you this evening at Huis Ten Bosch Palace. I wish you wisdom in your deliberations tomorrow and I have every confidence that they will result in a NATO that is stronger than ever.’ – King Willem-Alexander pic.twitter.com/ff6AeWdyZ7
But when it came to Trump? Oh, the flattery dial turned up: “Mr. President, it means a great deal to us to welcome you to our home tonight. We cherish the bonds of friendship that will always unite our countries.”
At this rate, everything from NATO to the napkins seems to be lining up to charm Trump.
Because this visit is all about him
As if the royal toast wasn’t enough, Trump wasn’t just dining — he spent the night. Instead of the usual guest spot at the Dam Palace, he was invited to stay at Paleis Huis ten Bosch, the King’s actual home.
According to NOS, royal expert Josine Droogendijk called the overnight stay “very special,” noting that it doesn’t happen anymore.
Naturally, Trump posted a glowing thank-you on Truth Social this morning:
“Thank you to Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Netherlands for the tremendous honor of hosting me at their beautiful home tonight. The U.S.A. appreciates your gracious hospitality!”
At this point, between the flattery, the palace, and the perfectly worded speeches, The Hague has become a very formal fan club.
Train troubles are back at Schiphol this morning, and if you’re thinking “here we go again,” you’re absolutely right — except you’re not going anywhere for the time being.
According to the NOS, a signal failure is causing major disruptions between Schiphol and Amsterdam Zuid, with the NS expecting problems to last at least the entire morning.
Multiple routes disrupted
If you’re trying to get to the airport today, brace yourself.
This morning, far fewer trains are running between Schiphol, Amsterdam Zuid, Leiden, Rotterdam, and Bijlmer Arena, while defective overhead lines are also wreaking havoc on routes between Utrecht and The Hague, and between Utrecht and Rotterdam.
Much like yesterday, the NS advises travellers to use different Amsterdam stations to reach the airport, with the metro system between Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Lelylaan, and Amsterdam Zuid as your best alternative.
The timing couldn’t be more frustrating — train services resumed last night at around 10:15 PM after yesterday’s massive cable fire knocked out certain routes for nearly an entire day.
Now, just hours later, we’re back to square one. 🫠
Police suspect criminal sabotage
Here’s where things get seriously concerning: Dutch police are actively investigating whether yesterday’s devastating power outage was caused by a crime.
It’s reported that a fire broke out in power cables around 3:45 AM yesterday. However, police are now beginning to suspect this wasn’t just an unfortunate accident but a crime.
Forensic teams have secured evidence at the fire scene and are reviewing surveillance footage from the area.
The investigation was initially delayed until power lines could be safely disconnected, but officers are now treating the incident as potential arson.
Timing is suspicious
Justice and Security Minister David van Weel confirmed during the NATO summit in The Hague that sabotage is one possibility under investigation, saying:
“That is one of the things we are investigating. It could be an activist group, another country — anything is possible”.
The timing is particularly suspicious given that The Hague is hosting the NATO summit.
Police are investigating whether the sabotage was linked to the summit. However, another possibility being examined is copper theft, though ProRail has declined to speculate further on the cause.
Regardless of the cause, the result is simple: trains will be chaotic yet again. For now, keep your travel plans flexible, check the NS app constantly, and perhaps be extra nice to your friends who own a car. 👀
History can be used and abused for many things, which is why it’s useful to understand it. That’s why we tell these stories about Dutch history that we consider true.
However, the truth is not always handed to us, and sometimes, history can be intentionally misrepresented for heinous reasons. 👀
Ever since the 2016 OnsOnderwijs2032 report, which discussed the future of Dutch education, accurate portrayals of Dutch history have taken a backseat.
The report suggested that there will no longer be a separate history class in Dutch schools and that history lessons should be implemented in other classes. Is that good? Probably not. But can we do anything about it? Probably not.
That’s why we’ve taken it into our own hands to critically examine three principles or myths that may have influenced Dutch society’s view on history. 👇
The Polder Model
The Polder Model is a term that was invented in the 1990s. It describes a process of decision-making based on consensus and dialogue, with every party having an equal say. It is defined by the lifelong struggle of the Dutch with the element of water in a land that lies partly below sea level.
The Dutch turned their stubbornness into strategy, and the polder model is the result! Image: Depositphotos
The enthusiasm for the polder model was initiated abroad. In 1994, several articles were written in the USA, in which the Americans admired the Dutch combination of unemployment care and job creation.
It was only in the second half of the 1990s that the term was also embraced by the Dutch. It included not only the successes of our consensus economy but also the way we addressed our problems with drugs, the environment, and sex education.
Although the term suggests that there was a polder model in our early modern country because we had to keep our feet dry, the reality was a whole different story. In most of the polders and water boards, there was no harmony, consensus, or equal meetings.
The only way they worked together was that the polders came into being due to the contribution of joint capital and united cooperation. However, the decisions were mainly one-sided by board members with an aristocratic background.
The early modern world was a class society in which people from the higher classes had little interest in what the farmers wanted or in giving them any kind of vote.
The notables made all the decisions; they dominated the water boards, and their word was law. There were barely any exceptions to this rule.
Dutch tolerance
Tolerance is something that the Dutch talk about all the time.
Politicians often see it as one of the moral highlights of Dutch society. They try to sell this moral concept abroad and tell us that Dutch tolerance is under pressure because of the refugees that ‘flood’ our country.
After all, we are the land of Spinoza and other free-thinking intellectuals persecuted elsewhere. We are the land where soft drugs can be used freely and where the sexual preference of someone is a non-issue.
In between, some moderate protestant rulers eventually drew the longer straw. But that didn’t mean they implemented a religious program that we would have considered tolerant in the 21st century.
There were several restrictions on the freedom of religion, there was discrimination, and mixed marriages were rare.
Spinoza confessed that he was afraid to publish several articles because of possible repercussions. Overall, however, there was relative peace in which our economic, cultural, and colonial expansion would prosper as never before.
Bronze statue of Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos
Tolerance isn’t even a positive term when it means that you “allow someone to be different, even though you’re actually against it.” That can be pretty passive-aggressive, so why do we even want it to be a cornerstone of the Dutch identity? Get rid of it. Erase it from our collective memory.
The Netherlands got rich off colonial trade
The image of our trading spirit has its roots in the Golden Age of Dutch history, the 17th century.
The East India Company (VOC) and West India Company (WIC) were world-famous for dominating the world market in certain Asian spices and temporarily monopolizing the slave trade in the West Indies, the so-called asiento.
In addition, it was the Calvinist spirit that made us even richer than we already were.
Because the ethos of Calvinism was that you shouldn’t be too showy with your luxuries, doe maar normaal dan doe je al gek genoeg (act normal, then you act crazy enough), they invested their profits back into companies such as the VOC and the WIC, which made them even richer.
Although the history of the VOC and the WIC contributed heavily to the image of our trading spirit, we weren’t getting rich from this international trade. Most of the wealth we generated was mainly earned through inter-European trade, rather than extra-European trade.
However, the VOC and WIC were pioneers in financing the enterprises through public enrolment by stakeholders.
Therefore, you could call them the first joint-stock companies (N.V. in Dutch) the world ever had, although they had privileges, such as the monopoly on warfare in the Indies, that few N.V.’s in the Netherlands have nowadays.
With a little historical knowledge, it’s easy to see that most of the supposed principles of Dutch identity are less true than most politicians make them out to be.
The only way to avoid future abuses of misrepresented historical knowledge is to keep accurate and reflective history as a vital part of the Dutch education system.
What do you think aboutthese myths about Dutch history? Do you think they’re true? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
