It was a housesit that finally brought us to the Netherlands – a country we had both wanted to visit, but for one reason or another always got scratched from our itinerary. Our 2-month housesit was in the eastern part of the country, so we arrived early to spend a day in Amsterdam. The city is both historic and progressive with its classic canals, gabled houses, cannabis coffeeshops and neon-glowing Red Light District.
The house (and dog) we were housesitting was on the outskirts of the city of Nijmegen in a small village, Beek, which is practically on the border with Germany. As it was Christmastime, we were able to visit several Christmas markets in the region.
We again made our way to Holland for an Amsterdam to Budapest cruise and stayed in the beautiful town of Haarlem before sailing away. Most recently, it was another housesit for the holidays the brought us back to Amsterdam, and we discovered more of the lovely neighborhoods beyond the touristic center.
Netherlands Facts:
Capital City: Amsterdam
Country Population: 17.5 Million
Language: Dutch
Useful Words and Phrases: Hello - Halo | Thank You – Dank u wel
Currency: Euro (EUR) | Current Value
Netherlands Guides:
Get Inspired for Your Trip to the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a land of windmills and canals…and so much more. Steeped in history, the country boasts a plethora of museums, a fantastic music scene, glorious cheese and a very liberal policy on pot and prostitutes. So, now that you are inspired to travel there, watch a few movies, read a few books and get a taste of the cuisine!
Movies Set in The Netherlands
Ocean’s 12 and Diamonds are Forever are two famous movies that feature scenes filmed in Amsterdam. Both feature identifiable film locations (however, neither story is about the Netherlands, per se).
The Girl with a Pearl Earring, on the other hand, is a period film drama set in Delft, Holland in the 17th century (but was mostly filmed in Amsterdam). The story is a fictional account of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer and his maid, Griet. The movie was adapted from a book of the same name.
Books Set in The Netherlands
One of the most poignant and moving stories about the Holocaust is The Diary of Anne Frank. The book was the published diary of the young Jewish girl who was hiding in an Amsterdam house during World War II. The famous book has been made into a movie and a play, too. In fact, visitors can still visit the house - but it's best to buy tickets in advance, as they often sell out.
Food From The Netherlands
A simple way to explore the Netherlands before your arrival is through your taste buds with cheese! Gouda, Edam, Maasdam and Boerenkaas are exemplary Dutch cheeses that all provide travel inspirations to the country.
That said, there are a number of Dutch meals that can be made in your own kitchen. Two of our favorite easy-to-make meals are Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) and Stamppot.
Netherlands Drinks
The Netherlands is well-known as one of the best beer producers in the world. Heineken, which has been brewed in the Netherlands since 1873, is sold around the world. (There is much better beer brewing in the Netherlands – specifically Amsterdam craft beer, but sadly it is not widely available outside of the country).
Jenever is a juniper liquor that hails from the Netherlands – and can be distilled as either a Young or Old Jenever. Brands, like Bols Genever, are available in some markets around the world.
Start Planning Tour Netherlands Trip:
For more information, travel tips and advice, jump over to our Travel Planning Page.
