Are you a single international struggling to find the Dutch appel of your eye? Well, you’re not the only one — many internationals find it hard to date locals and this expert knows why. 👇
While dating is always hard, diving into the local dating pool as an international can be even harder, dating coach Marie-José Bosch-Kuiper explains on the BNR podcast Wereldspelers.
She outlines three key reasons why “going Dutch” tends to be a uphill battle:
1. The Dutch tend to be extremely independent
According to the liefdesexpert (love expert), a big reason why expats struggle to date locals here is thanks to the Dutchies’ independent attitude.
In Bosch-Kuiper’s words, the “Dutch woman” is fine with traditional dating rituals like having someone holding their door open… but “she decides which door”.
Essentially, the Dutch sense of independence might scare off people who are used to more traditional gender roles.
(Whatever happened to liking strong, independent women? 👀)
2. An avalanche of nonchalance often leaves internationals confused
Other traits that tend to confuse internationals include the Dutchies’ extreme nonchalance and their down-to-earth attitudes.
Dutch directness can be quite a mood-killer! Image: Depositphotos
Bosch-Kuiper states that the Dutch tendency to brush off issues with a sober, practical attitude might come off as being cold and distant or dismissive of the other person’s concerns.
Sounds familiar? That’s because this attitude is also one of the reasons many internationals struggle to make Dutch friends.
3. Cultural differences can be hard to bridge
“International dating requires explanation and communication, if you want to date someone from a different culture, you have to delve into it and communicate about the differences,” says Bosch-Kuiper.
According to the liefdesexpert, this results in internationals choosing to date other internationals instead — especially those from the same background.
Does this expert’s advice resonate with your experience dating in the Netherlands? Spill your hottest tea in the comments below.
For the first time since the Stone Age, you’ll be treated to the sight of the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet speeding its way across the Dutch night sky! ☄️
According to NASA’s Earth Observatory, the comet made its closest transit past the Sun on September 27 — for the first time in 80,000 years.
If you’re ready and raring to catch a glimpse of this ancient visitor, you’ll be glad to know that the comet will still be visible in the Northern Hemisphere over the next few days.
What’s the best place to spot the comet?
Speaking to RTL Nieuws, meteorologist Magdel Erasmus advises would-be comet-spotters to get out of the city.
The best viewing locations include open fields, beaches, dunes, and hills — provided they’re sufficiently far away from light pollution.
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) above the troposphere, half an hour time-lapse. Beside the magnificent dust tail, ‘Anti-tail’ is also clearly perceived even by naked eye.
Erasmus stresses that standing “with your back to any street lights” and looking “westwards, where the sun sets” is key to spotting the comet.
Pictures of the comet flood social media
Can’t catch a glimpse of the comet yourself? Maak je geen zorgen (don’t worry), because eagle-eyed stargazers from as far north as Leeuwarden and as far south as Nijmegen have already captured some stunning footage. 👇
Maastricht University probably thought it was doing the right thing when it wrote the instructions “do whatever feels good” on the doors to their meditation cabin.
However, students took this a little too literally.
The Mindfulnest, a small soundproof cabin that plays meditative music and exercises, has been sitting in the lounge of Maastricht’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS) since 2022.
However, according to the university newspaper Observant, students have been doing a little more than mindfulness exercises in there.
The below video demonstrates how the cabin should be used.
Feels unhygienic
The truth about the cabin, which was funded by the government to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus crisis, came out officially at a faculty meeting.
Student members confirmed that some people were using the cabin — fit with a bench and some pillows — to, well, release in other ways.
If you’ve come across the news that the Dutch city of Heerlen is converting an empty church building into a swimming pool, you might wonder what else former churches can be turned into. Here is the answer: pretty much everything you can imagine.
From gyms to breweries to dental clinics to god-knows-what else (pun intended), churches can become anything in the Netherlands.
There’s something appealing about the idea of spending a night or two in a once-sacred place, with stained-glass windows and other Instagram-worthy features.
One place to do this is this secret chapel, tucked in one of Amsterdam’s many narrow streets. Once a clandestine church in one of the smallest of Amsterdam’s courtyards, it is now a one-bedroom apartment with a kitschy altar boasting frolicking cherubs.
The most luxurious (and probably most expensive) old church to stay at is the 5-star Kruisherenhotel, housed in a 15th-century Gothic church and monastery in Maastricht.
2. Bars and breweries 🍻
If you haven’t considered a church a good place to grab a couple of drinks, it’s time to reconsider (after all, it was Jesus who turned water into wine). Why not start by paying a visit to the Jopenkerk in the charming centre of Haarlem?
This brewery is housed in a beautifully restored church that fell into disuse in 1975 and was nominated to be demolished. Luckily, it was turned into a great place to enjoy both the setting and a biertje or two.
Other churches-turned-breweries worth your attention are Naeckte Brouwers and Wispe Brouwerij, both near Amsterdam. The latter even offers an option to spend the night in a tower room right above the brewery. 😰
If you are more into Belgian beer (sorry, Heineken), check out the Belgian beer café Olivier in Utrecht. Although it may look like a residential building from the outside, its neo-Gothic entrance gives a hint of what waits for you inside.
(Spoiler: the historic organ from 1890 is still here, along with some other period features.)
3. Cafés and restaurants 🍝
Former churches in the Netherlands often turn into lovely places for a meal, with options beyond wine and bread.
For instance, the Blue Sakura restaurant in Zwolle offers Japanese cuisine. Just imagine enjoying a set of your favourite sushi in an atmospheric church building dating back to the 14th century!
Those on the fancier side and in the mood for fine dining can check out The Church in Arnhem, which offers 6-, 9-, and 12-course dinners. Staying overnight there is also possible, as this converted Lutheran church has several hotel rooms.
The same is also true for Bunk — a chain of two monumental churches in Amsterdam and Utrecht, turned into restaurants accompanied by hotel rooms and hostel pods.
4. Bookstores and libraries 📚
Although the Bible is the most popular and best-selling book of all time (at least according to Guinness World Records), some Dutch churches offer you many other exciting volumes to read.
But did you know that Zwolle also boasts a bookstore housed in an impressive church building? Van der Velde in de Broeren, where bookshelves coexist with a preserved church organ, is definitely not inferior to its Maastricht brother in beauty.
Another breathtaking place to browse bookshelves is DePetrus, a library and community centre in Vught, North Brabant. DePetrus also houses a museum and a reader’s café, where you can unwind and enjoy your coffee while reading the newspaper. ☕️
5. Museums and art centres 🖼️
You might have heard about know about Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, a former secret church now functioning as a museum, where you can find out how Dutch Catholics lived in a time when they couldn’t openly practice their faith.
However, museums housed in former churches don’t necessarily have any relation to religious practices. Museum Speelklok in Utrecht, for example, is filled with music boxes and centuries-old musical automata.
An even quirkier example is the Jheronimus Bosch Art Center, located in the former New St. James Church in Den Bosch and home to fantastic creatures and beasts from Bosch’s paintings.
If you are an art lover, consider heading to the Kunstkerk (literally “art church”) in Dordrecht, which houses exhibitions of contemporary Dutch artists and is quite a work of art in itself.
6. Theaters and concert venues 🎭
If you live in Amsterdam, it’s highly likely that you’ve at least once been to Paradiso, often referred to as the city’s ‘pop temple.’ This former church was converted into a music venue in the 1960s and has entertained Amsterdammers for over half a century.
But have you ever heard about theaterkerken (theater churches)?
Quite a few old churches in the Netherlands have been repurposed as theatres and cultural event venues. This phenomenon even has its own Wikipedia page (of course, exclusively in Dutch)!
Check out the theatre-church in Bemmel, Gelderland! Image: Wikimedia Commons/Cultureel Gelderland/CC0
One of the most famous venues can be found in the Gelderland town of Bemmel. Housed in a former Catholic Church building, Theaterkerk Bemmel boasts an eye-catching giant chandelier with 65 bulbs, as well as a diverse agenda.
7. Gyms and sports facilities 🏋️
Have you ever imagined yourself doing push-ups and burpees under a pointed arched ceiling surrounded by beautiful stained-glass windows? You can try it out at B-Trained in Deurne or at the very special Basic-Fit location in Maastricht, to name a few.
Are you more into dancing? Head to Amsterdam’s Chassékerk in de Baarsjes, currently used as a dance studio. Fancy playing padel? You can do it at Holy Padel in Arnhem.
Gambling might be one of the most unexpected yet not impossible purposes for a former religious building. One of the best examples is the Holland Casino in Breda, one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful casinos.
Technically, the building is not a church but a monastery (or, more precisely, a nunnery).
Another interesting spot can be found in Leiden. Hidden on the top floor of a former church, Poolcafé The Church houses 4 pool tables, as well as several speelautomaten (slot machines).
Of course, you can also enjoy some beer, play darts, and watch major sports events on a big screen.
9. Dental clinics and medical centres 🦷
Don’t know how to calm your dental anxiety? Try visiting a dental practice housed in a beautiful church building. This unique spot in Weesp is equally stunning from both the outside and inside.
One of the most prominent interior details is a historic organ made in the late 18th century (luckily, treatment methods and techniques used there are way more modern).
In Helmond, you can find another health-related spot in a former worship building. The stunning St. Leonard’s Church was converted into a health centre with a number of different specialists, from general practitioners to psychologists to speech therapists.
Interestingly, the modern medical centre is in fact housed in a more or less freestanding building placed within the church’s skin to keep the church interior as untouched as possible.
10. Schools and academies 🏫
Churches can be the right place to learn about religion, which is what the School Church project is all about. The medieval church of Garmerwolde was turned into an exhibition and educational space, offering teaching programs focusing on traditions and celebrations in Christianity and Islam.
Regular schools in the Netherlands can also be housed in former churches, as is the case with Dalton IKC Plechelmus, a primary school in Hengelo.
As for adults, you can study something as far removed from religion as data science in the former monastery Mariënburg in Den Bosch, which turned into Jheronimus Academy of Data Science.
What a blessed place to get your degree, right?
Do you know of any more examples of churches-turned-secular buildings? Share them in the comments!
If you’re a parent, you know all about the challenges of travelling with kids: endless car rides, the chorus of “Are we there yet?” and the struggle to keep everyone entertained. But all this can be avoided by choosing a destination that’s nearby and packed with fun activities for the whole fam, like Mechelen.
Nestled between Brussels and Antwerp, Mechelen is a charming Flemish town that often flies under the radar of many travellers. Yet, this picturesque town offers a great mix of history, culture, and fun-filled activities, making it also a perfect destination for families.
We recently visited the town as a family of four; so let’s talk about how it went.
What to see and do in Mechelen
Of course, the town of Mechelen (not the larger region!) is like many of the famous Flanders cities, rich with culture and history. You just know that you’re in for pretty sights, historic squares, great beers and delicious waffles and shrimp croquettes.
But what makes Mechelen so great for a visit with kids?
🧸 Explore the Toy Museum (Speelgoedmuseum)
When I told the little ones that we were going to visit a toy museum, they responded with a “Finally!” But honestly, for this grown kid, it was just as much of a blast.
Housed in a charming old factory building, this museum features an extensive collection of toys from different eras and cultures.
Obelix made out of Lego? Now we’re talking! Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen
From antique dolls and vintage train sets to modern action figures and board games, the exhibits offer a nostalgic journey through the world of play. I never had so many “Oh, I remember that”-moments before in life (For reference, I’m 40).
Children will be thrilled to see toys they’ve read about or seen in movies, while parents and grandparents can reminisce about their own childhood favourites.
What’s more, the museum also features hands-on play areas where kids can interact with various toys and games, making it a perfect blend of learning and fun. The museum plans to move in 2024, so be sure to double-check the address if you’re planning to visit.
One of Mechelen’s most iconic landmarks is the St. Rumbold’s Tower (Rombouts Tower). This Gothic masterpiece offers an exciting climb and a stunning reward at the top: panoramic views of the town and its surrounding countryside.
The climb consists of 538 steps, but there are several stopping points along the way where you can catch your breath and learn about the tower’s history and construction. (The kids whinged quite a bit but were heel proud when they made it up).
At the top, the breathtaking vistas are a perfect backdrop for family photos. On clear days, you can even see the spires of Brussels and Antwerp in the distance.
The tower is 97 metres high. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen
Ascending the winding staircases is an adventure no less. If you’re lucky, you can enjoy the tolling of the ginormous bells and a symphony or two. Mightily impressive!
Tip: On Saturdays, there’s an enchanting street market near the Rombouts Tower. We thoroughly recommend visiting that!
The perfect place to find a unique souvenir. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen
For a day filled with wildlife and adventure, head to Planckendael Zoo, located just a short drive from the centre of Mechelen.
This expansive zoo is home to a diverse array of animals from around the world, including elephants, giraffes, and penguins.
The kids loved this place — and I can see why. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen
One of the highlights for families is the lemur island, where these playful primates roam freely and can be observed up close.
The zoo’s layout comfortably lets you explore the different continents and their respective fauna, making it both fun and educational for kids of all ages.
The Tivoli Park is a bit out of the centre but it’s such a nice park that it’s definitely worth the journey.
Anyone want to move here with me? Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen
It has a castle, a playground and plenty of little gems to discover in its forests and fields. But the most noteworthy thing there was the Tivoli petting zoo, just the best and cutest kinderboerderij we’ve ever visited.
Let’s be real: eating out with children can be stressful, to say the least.
Luckily, Mechelen offers plenty of family-friendly dining options. Of course, don’t miss trying some local Flemish specialties like waffles, fries, and delicious Belgian chocolates.
There are two places though, that stand out if you’re with kids (and you know how they can be in a restaurant).
🍴 De Vleeshalle
This monumental hall, which would have been the classic meat market centuries ago, has been transformed into a true culinary hotspot in the city centre.
Dozens of little stands are ready to serve you the tastiest dishes from all over the world. We had a little assortment of mini-croquettes — just what you want on a Belgian holiday.
Reservations are not necessary at De Vleeshalle. There are plenty of seats throughout the hall where everyone can order to their liking. There are also cocktails and a playroom, so both parents and kids are happy.
Ready for your adventure? Almost — you’ll just need to know how to get there. 😉
🚆 By Train
If you’re travelling by train, your journey starts at Amsterdam Central Station, where you can board a Eurostar or Intercity train to Brussels.
From there, it’s a quick transfer to a local train that takes you directly to Mechelen. The entire trip usually takes about two and a half to three hours. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful Dutch and Belgian countryside along the way.
🚗 By Car
For those who prefer the flexibility of driving, reaching Mechelen from Amsterdam is pretty straightforward. The drive is approximately 200 kilometres and takes about two and a half hours, depending on traffic (there’s always traffic near Antwerp, FYI).
Mechelen is conveniently located just off the E19, making it an easy and enjoyable road trip and also a good point to stop over if you’re en route with the fam for a vacation.
Mechelen may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to family-friendly attractions and activities. And, of course, there is plenty of fun stuff to do if you’re not travelling with children.
For example, we haven’t even talked about going on a boat ride through Mechelen (also great with kids!) or visiting more grown-up places, such as the Museum van Hof van Busleyden or the enchanting Wintergardens of Ursulinen.
To learn more about Mechelen, visit Visit Mechelen or read our old article on Mechelen, which covers some of these suggestions.
But to get back to our initial question of whether Mechelen is the best place for a family vacation from the Netherlands, I’d say it’s definitely up there! Whether your family is interested in climbing towers, exploring zoos, or just enjoying that good Burgundian lifestyle that comes with a Belgian town; Mechelen has something for everyone.
So pack your bags, gather the kids, and set out on an adventure to this delightful Flemish town!
Have you ever been to Mechelen? Share your experience in the comments!
The first thing that struck me was the clean, modern design. The chair’s sleek look, with its soft, neutral colours, fits seamlessly into my office.
As a millennial and someone infected by Dutch design inspiration, I chose beige, but it’s also available in grey, orange-brown, or moss green.
The chair has become a gravitational spot in our apartment. Image: Samantha Dixon
I love how it adds a touch of elegance without screaming for attention. The minimalist design and luxurious feel made it an instant hit with me — it’s not just a chair, but a piece of furniture that elevates the whole space.
There’s a wide pocket on the side for books, magazines, or even an iPad or laptop, which is handy, although not necessary for me.
Comfort and adjustability
When it comes to comfort, I was seriously impressed. The ergonomic design really delivers — I could immediately tell that the lumbar support was spot-on.
The names takes it’s inspiration from the sitting area’s shape, a lotus design that spreads out. Trust me: You can sit on this normally, cross-legged, curled up, or even laying down. We even fit two people on it (although it was a little cosy.
We had a bit of a renovation site happening, but I couldn’t resist trying this out right after putting it together. Image: Samantha Dixon
The chair features a 360-degree swivel base and an adjustable backrest, so I was able to recline easily and find the perfect angle for both reading, relaxing, or even using my laptop for work.
The best part? The built-in footrest. I found myself using it way more than I thought I would — it’s super easy to pull out and makes it ideal for stretching out after a long workday.
The chair is available in a manual version (the XC6 that I chose) and an electric version (the XR6). The electric version features a button to recline, while the manual version has a handle that swings the legrest out.
Build quality and assembly
In terms of build quality, the sturdy steel frame reassured me that this chair is made to last. The upholstery is soft to the touch but also feels durable enough to handle daily use.
The only hiccup I encountered was with the assembly instructions. They were a bit hard to follow and took me longer to figure out than expected.
That said, the chair wasn’t overly complicated to put together — once I got going, I managed to set it up without much trouble.
Final thoughts
Overall, I’m really happy with this piece. It’s been a game-changer for my comfort after a long day and looks great in my space.
The FlexiSpot Swivel-Based Recliner Lotus XC6 is available at Flexispot. Use code FSXC6 for 22% off the XC6 or 17% off the XR6 — or get get 10% off all products using the code OKT10!
When you think of Amsterdam, do you think of overpriced oat milk lattes? Pricey public transport? And expensive Michelin-star restaurants? Well, it might be time to rethink that image.
As it turns out, the Dutch capital is actually one of the best cities in Europe for low-cost adventures.
At least that’s the result of research done by Holidu, a British booking portal for holiday homes. They analysed the 50 most popular city destinations in Europe to see what they offer for free.
To do so, they compared the number of free museums, tourist attractions, events and guided tours in each city. And the results are in. 👇
Amsterdam takes seventh place 👑
The Dutch love a good ol’ gratis uitje (free outing), and that’s reflected in their capital.
In Amsterdam, visitors can enjoy 18 free museums, attend 721 free events, and try out 49 free city tours.
On top of that, the city is also very walkable (or bikeable!), making it easy to skip public transport. Fancy some food? Why not ditch the upscale restaurants and grab a bite at one of the many street food markets?
There are many ways to see Amsterdam on a budget; you just have to know where to look. 🤓
Europe’s budget-friendly top 10
Curious to see what other cities in Europe are good for a low-cost adventure? They might surprise you.
Ranking
City
Free museums
Free events
Free guided city tours
1
London 🇬🇧
96
1,222
79
2
Paris 🇫🇷
30
685
94
3
Madrid 🇪🇸
31
227
176
4
Rome 🇮🇹
33
82
80
5
Barcelona 🇪🇸
14
205
164
6
Milan 🇮🇹
17
670
34
7
Amsterdam 🇳🇱
18
721
49
8
Prague 🇨🇿
15
59
134
9
Lisbon 🇵🇹
15
81
140
10
Berlin 🇩🇪
35
419
28
What’s your favourite destination for a budget trip? Share your tips in the comments!
It’s not just all about Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans, but these are the places everyone flocks to in the Netherlands. So the question may be keeping you awake at night — which one of these two is the best windmill site in the Netherlands?
Well, we’ve been to both. In case you’re stuck trying to choose which one to visit, here’s a little windmill review.
Best windmill site in the Netherlands: Kinderdijk
Up first, we have the beautiful Kinderdijk in South Holland!
📍Where is it?
Kinderdijk is a village that sits between Rotterdam and Dordrecht. Due to its location, it’s not possible to take the train there, so the best way to go is by bus from the Rotterdam region.
🌬️What’s the windmill situation like?
Kinderdijk houses a unique collection of 18th to 19th-century windmills that are neatly aligned along the Dijk. It has three pumping stations and reservoirs that control all the flooding in the area.
What makes these windmills unique is that people still live in them! There is no privacy for these poor residents, as their laundry airs out for the world to see. Luckily, the windmills are separated by water, so you can’t just go knocking on people’s doors.
🚶♀️Ability to walk, cycle, or drive
There are footpaths, cycle paths, and waterways running along the windmills. It’s a beautiful walk, and if you take it at a steady pace, it will take you a while to get to the end and back.
Thinking of cycling through Kinderdijk? It’s very possible, but it’s just not ideal in busy periods as you will be dodging pedestrians who don’t know the difference between a footpath and a cycle path.
You can even take a boat trip at Kinderdijk to see the windmills! Image: Emma Brown/Supplied
When you first arrive at Kinderdijk, you are met with a car park, toilets (so no worries on that front), a visitors centre, and a museum.
The price for parking in the car park is only €7.50 per car (and all proceeds go to the upkeep of the area).
Our top tip: If you’re feeling particularly stingy, there is a car park a 10-minute walk away in an industrial estate (IHC Holland B.V – on your GPS), where it is completely free to park all weekend.
🎟️ Ticketed attractions
The museum at the entrance is free. It’s small but tells you all you need to know about the windmill site.
For those willing to spend a little extra, there is a cool option to pay a bit more and see a special Kinderdijk film in the museum.
It’s also possible to pay to go inside two of the windmills at Kinderdijk to see how the windmills work!
You can also buy a boat trip ticket that will drive you past the windmills — so you can get up close and personal and shoot some amazing pictures.
✅Pros of visiting Kinderdijk
Although it can get busy, it’s not as busy as other tourist attractions (if you go early or late in the day, it’s actually pretty peaceful)
You can park free and easily (if you follow our tip from above)
Attractions aren’t expensive (and it’s totally possible not to spend any money too)
It’s very natural (not overly commercialised)
🤷♀️Cons of visiting Kinderdijk
It’s difficult to cycle there when it gets really busy
You can’t get there by train — not ideal if that’s what you’re after.
If you’re not wanting to stray too far from Amsterdam, then it’s not particularly close.
It’s not big enough to fill an entire day unless you’re looking to visit every single museum and attraction
Best windmill site in the Netherlands: Zaanse Schans
And another contender for the best windmill site: Zaanse Schans!
Is this the Zaanse Schans the best windmill site in Holland? Image: Depositphotos
📍Where is it?
Zaanse Schans is in a Dutch neighbourhood in Zaandam, located just north of Amsterdam and only 30 minutes away by car. It’s easy to get to via almost all forms of transport.
🌬️What’s the windmill situation looking like?
Zaanse Schans is the most popular windmill site, but is it the best windmill site in Holland? Well, there is lots to do and see there. It showcases a range of historic windmills.
These were transported here by lowboy trailers and were used to preserve the old buildings from Zaanstreek. A museum was also placed there in 1994.
Today, there are now seven museums in the area! This means that you can actually go inside some of the windmills — some of which are still currently in use.
The best windmill site in Holland? The area is pretty cute too. Image: Emma Brown/Supplied
🚶♀️Ability to walk, cycle, train, or drive
Zaanse Schans is great for tourists, as it is quick to get to and from Amsterdam Centraal. It takes just 17 mins from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk — Zaanse Schans station by train.
There are also frequent buses to the area. You can easily cycle to and around (some parts) of Zaanse Schans. You can even take a ferry! This is one of the main reasons why it’s so popular.
You can also drive easily to the Zaanse Schans. The parking in the main car park is pretty expensive though — it’s between €11 and €15 for the day depending on the season.
🎟️Ticketed attractions
It’s free to walk around the area, and you can check out a lot of the buildings for free.
You can watch a traditional cheesemaker prepare cheese and also watch how clogs are made. In this part, there is also a small museum showing a variety of clogs over the years. Both locally-made products are also on sale, meaning you can bring them home!
Ah, the elegant and humble wooden toothpick, what is it exactly? 🤔
Believe it or not, toothpicks are actually the oldest invention used for dental care, even predating toothbrushes, floss, and mouth rinse.
They’ve become such a natural part of oral hygiene that no one really thinks about the humble toothpick anymore. A nasty bit of food stuck between two teeth? The toothpick is the way to go.
But for the Dutch, it’s not just a ritual — it’s a way of life!
Ordinary dental floss? It’s a ‘no’ for Dutch dentists. Image: Depositphotos
Why do they do it?
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve come across tandenstokers (toothpicks) hiding in the least likely places of my Dutch family’s home.
On the dinner table, the kitchen top counter, and in every side pocket of my mother’s handbag — you’re bound to find toothpicks at some point in time.
Dutch people are obsessed with them to the point that tandartsen (dentists) will even prescribe you wooden toothpicks instead of the plastic, dental-approved ones more commonly used in other countries.
But why does the fine Dutch populace use toothpicks as much as they do?
We don’t really have a logical answer, except for Dutchies will be Dutchies, amirite? 😉
Why is it quirky?
Toothpick hanging from the corner of the mouth? It’s just not it. Image: Depositphotos
Well, it’s just that we don’t really get it? Toothpicks are not THAT great after all. For one, they always break. (Especially the ones Dutch dentists recommend.)
And what’s worse, many even think of reusing toothpicks! Hey, if you’re going to use them as often as you do, it’s definitely better for the environment — but still, yuck? 🤢
Also, remember those hunky scenes from the old classic films, where gangsters or grandfathers would casually let toothpicks hang from the corners of their mouths?
Well, this has apparently resonated powerfully with the Dutch, to the point that you’ll probably find one or two Dutchies on the street (we’re looking at you, guys 👀) who just keep that thing dangling in their mouth the whole day.
Are you Chris Hemsworth? Yes? Then hot. No? Then we’re probably neutral about it. 😛
Should you join in?
It’s certainly hygienic, and your dentist will probably be happy if you use them as often as the Dutch do.
Sometimes it can help to be living in a land full of toothpick junkies.
Especially if you’ve got a wad of dastardly spinach stuck between your teeth, you can just ask a Dutchie for a toothpick! 😌
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
Windmills are one of the most quintessential and stereotypical accents to the Netherlands (alongside clogs, smoking weed, stroopwafels, and unrivalled architecture of course!).
While there are about a thousand of them in all of the Netherlands, one of the best places to see windmills is undoubtedly the Zaanse Schans.
The Zaanse Schans is a neighbourhood in Zaandam, a quiet Dutch city near Amsterdam that boasts some of the most picturesque windmills in the Netherlands. The town attracts over one million visitors a year — and you’re about to see why. 📷
