Some thoughts on the Dutch...

Things I love about the Dutch:

1. If you ever don't know what to wear, just put on everything you own and off you go. You'll fit right in in Amsterdam. Matt likes to call this the "barbarian" look. It's a subtle variation on the "derelicte" look.

2. On a bike, you rule the city. You can go anywhere, cut through any intersection, not follow road signs, ride on the sidewalk and terrorize pedestrians. As long as you ding your bell, they have to obey you.

3. No one messes with your "holidays". As an American, you may get flack from other American expats that are not under the Dutch employment system, so still get their standard American vacation days, instead of the typical Dutch 6 weeks. When you're "on holiday" no one will call or bug you or make you feel guilty about it.

4. It's perfectly fine to go to a small restaurant that only has 5 tables and can't possibly make ends meet by just seating you at that table all night, and stay there until the place closes. No one will kick you out or even care.

5. If you bump into someone or accidentally step on their shoe or something, no one will try to fight you. This certainly is not Hoboken. Consequently, you should be prepared to accept it if someone bumps you or steps on your shoe too.

Things I hate about the Dutch:

1. They have the most ridiculous idea of what is healthy and what is not. One lady had the gumption to say to me that tomatoes are "very bad for you" while eating a bagel with egg and bacon AND a cheeseburger. Another "healthy" Dutch favorite is a slab of white bread layered with butter and chocolate sprinkles. Adults will happily eat this for lunch.

2. Just try to get them to work. I dare you.

3. They'll debate with you on just about anything, even things they have no clue about.

4. They will blow their cigarette smoke right in your face.

5. Chivalry is dead here. Guys don't hold doors for you, they don't give up their seats for women (even pregnant ones!) on the tram, and they will never allow you to get in and out of an elevator before them.