I’m going to offer my observations regarding the greatest and worst things about living in the Netherlands because there are many reasons to love it and some reasons to hate it.
I love the Dutch people
The kindest and politeest people I’ve ever encountered are definitely the Dutch. They always welcome you with a smile and a quick exchange of words before switching to English when they realize you don’t speak Dutch. Since everyone in the Netherlands speaks English fluently, including older generations, it is one of the best non-native English-speaking nations in Europe. It can be a little humiliating to learn that the store cashier speaks English better than you do.
People are tolerant and incredibly nice here, so you always feel at home. No matter how you appear, nobody will make fun of you or hold it against you. Due to this, there is a huge variety in how people are dressed, acting, and accessorizing. The weird characters you occasionally run into—like an extremely elderly man in a nightclub or a woman with grass and leaves in her hair—make life more colorful and give you a sense of genuine freedom of expression.
There are many things I didn’t know about the Dutch before arriving here. Did you know, for instance, that Dutch people are the tallest in the world? neither do I. When you go on a date, it is customary to split the bill evenly, and the phrase “Let’s go Dutch” is genuinely used all over the world.
Dutch people have a reputation for being complacent. They wouldn’t yell or act impolitely if they didn’t enjoy the service at the restaurant; instead, they would write a complaint afterward. Concerning anything, they protest in writing! Additionally, if you are making noise in the evening, your neighbor will ring your bell after 5 minutes to warn you to call the police. However, a pleasant conversation would ensue after you decide to calm down. No hostility or unfavorable feelings. I adore it.
The other quality I adore about Dutch folks is how helpful they are. They would go over and beyond to assist you if you needed something and asked for assistance. You might hear the phrase “I will check it for you” quite frequently if they don’t yet know the answer. And they do, in fact!
Enjoy Biking
In all seasons, a bike is a must in the Netherlands. Everyone rides bikes here. Seriously, everyone – young people, old people, students, inebriated people, rich and poor, women in high heels and gorgeous outfits, and guys in suits. You can cycle securely in cities and between cities because bike roads are just as important as vehicle roads. There is a bike path that will take you across the entire nation.
Various types of bikes are used here. Some of them, in my opinion, are older than the passengers. People here decorate bikes with flowers, bells, and baskets because they see them as accessories rather than just a mode of transportation. People enjoy experimenting with color; as a result, you frequently see bikes in the most surprising hues, such as vibrant blue, pink, or yellow. White bicycles are also well-liked.
There are several bike parking spaces in the city center, as well as in front of the businesses or university. Since they are legitimate users of the road, cyclists must abide by the regulations. There are signs specifically for bikes, and disobeying them could result in financial penalties because police are very tough about it (my friend got a fine 45 euros for going in forbidden direction).
Cycling is a wonderful habit! Biking is cheap, quick, healthful, and environmentally beneficial because public transportation is so expensive in this area. By resolving your daily problems in the town, you workout a lot every day without even realizing it.
Adore national holidays
The Dutch way of life strikes me as distinct and not overly affected by globalization. I appreciate that they do not adhere to traditions that are unrelated to their historical heritage (as Lithuanians do with Halloween). There are a number of Dutch national holidays that are well worth attending.
The first of these is the carnival, or “Vastenavond” as it is known in Dutch. North Brabant and Limburg are two of the southern Dutch provinces where it is primarily observed. Since Maastricht is the regional capital of Limburg, I had a fantastic opportunity to see the carnival festivities. Here, people participate in a unique form of carnival known as the “Rijnlandsche Carnival,” which combines Venetian and South American customs.
The week before Ash Wednesday, from Sunday to Tuesday at the end of February, is when it happens. Everybody and everything stops working during the carnival. People rejoice! No matter if you are a tourist or a native, having a costume for the Carnival is a MUST.
You can select whether you want to be a police officer, sexy pig, or demon from enormous stores that sell just carnival-related accessories. When discussing the Carnival outfit, no one counts their money. You won’t recognize the city on Carnival day since it will be overrun with exotic animals and all types of people.
Everywhere you turn, there is music and good times, and this continues on for a few days. The carnival’s princess and prince are chosen as the culmination. It is the most fitting title available here.
A King’s Day is the second must-see event. Everybody wears something orange on this day, which is the national color of the Netherlands, whether they are Dutch or not. People bring whatever they could sell outside, and every city turns into a large flea market. There, you can discover the most bizarre stuff ever. Of course, there will be a ton of parties, alcohol, and music everywhere!
I Love The location of the Netherlands
The geographic center of Europe is in Lithuania (26 kilometers north of Vilnius), but this is also where it is in all other respects. The Netherlands are in the area represented by the dot on the map, near to almost all of the European nations. Due to its borders with Germany and Belgium, you have the option of getting around by train or even on a bicycle.
Since the country is small, there are many nearby airports that provide inexpensive flights.
In addition to the location, you can sense the pulse of Europe here thanks to the European institutions. Some institutions are situated in the Netherlands as well because it is close to Brussels, which is the political hub of Europe. The Maastricht treaty was signed here, making Den Haag the epicenter of European law. Since there are several official meetings and visits, the European institutions appear to be much closer and more real than they do from living in Lithuania. Institutions occasionally offer open days when anyone can visit and take a tour. By chance, I was able to spend an afternoon at the European Parliament looking around, interacting with people, and learning how one of Europe’s largest governing organizations is organized.
Enjoy shopping
Maastricht is SOOOOOOO amazing for shopping, however I’m not sure if it holds true throughout the Netherlands. Despite being a small town, Maastricht has a large number of stores (three H&M locations, a New Yorker location, two floors of ZARA, Bershka, etc.), all of which frequently offer discounts.
I truly do mean ALWAYS! Every time I go into the store, there is a fantastic item on sale. But it’s even more spectacular when the BIG SALES begin! Then you may purchase exquisite dresses for seven euros, skirts, and shirts for five and three euros. It is ideal for both shoes and accessories. This is a good place to spend money, whether you have any or not.
I Hate Weather conditions in the Netherlands
Come to the Netherlands if you want to experience the worst weather ever. Continuous rain, erratic wind, and sun mingling with the elements of cold and warmth. There are no seasons in this place; it is always autumn. I’m now having the worst summer of my life. Both days and nights are cloudy and rainy. Never being exposed to the sun prevents tanning. Do not be overly delighted if a miracle occurs and the sun appears because rain will follow in a short period of time. However, if the sun continues to shine, you can bet that all parks will be full with people sprawled out like vegetables on the grass, hoping to catch even a small amount of sunlight.
Dutch weather has a remarkable knack for making you happy. Exam week will always be sunny, allowing you to enjoy the sun via the library window. Just as you leave the house, it will be sunny, but two minutes later, as you are driving, it will begin to rain, ruining your hair and getting the dress wet. It has the ability to frighten and enrage you!
Top Famous Festivals In The Netherlands You Should Know
