ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club)
The ANWB (Algemene Nederlandse Wielrijders-Bond) began 125 years ago as an organization to assist cyclists and is now headquartered in Den Haag. Today motorist with a membership card can reap the benefits of 24-hour breakdown assistance on Dutch roads, coupled with a monthly magazine in their mailbox, and the enjoyment of shopping in one of their retail stores which sells everything from Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to their own clothing line called Human Nature.
Boterham (Dutch sandwich)
A boterham consists of one slice of bread with a topping of some sort, the most common being, of course, cheese. Normal homemade Dutch sandwiches are modest compared to a sandwich one would buy in another country. Yet with a glass of 'karnemilk' or buttermilk, it is often the main staple of the Dutch `walking' lunch, another typical Dutch tradition. The relevance of the Dutch sandwich can be illustrated by the number of expressions which include this word, for instance: `Een dikke boterham verdienen,' which means to earn a decent salary.
Chipknip (smart card)
At most banks, you can upload your smart card with virtual cash to pay for small items and parking meters. Handy to have in the big cities in the Netherlands, this card lets you not fumble around with small change, avoiding possible incidents of pick pocketing.
Duinen (sand dunes)
With its reputation for being below sea level, the Netherlands relies on its sand dunes as a natural barrier against flooding from the sea. Not only do the dunes provide the public with areas of recreation and nature conservation, but also drinking water. In the past, the Dutch maintained the dunes with stones and mud, leading to the creation of the all important dikes. The `Waddenzee' region is famous for its dune islands and tidal area which acts as a natural nursery for the habitat of the North Sea.
Europesezomerhit (European summer hit):
Set the volume on your radio on 10! The new European summer hit is about to be born. A good candidate to become the summer hit 2009 is the `The Boy Does Nothing' by artist Alesha Dixon. Another strong contender is `The Kid Billy' fresh out of Rotterdam, a raw hiphop beat combined with a catchy refrain that moves you into the summer sphere with ease.
Frankrijk (France):
C'est bon in France. The Dutch have a love affair with their southern neighbors, so much so that every year on average three million Dutch tourists flock to the French countryside to experience the French `joie de vivre.' Filling the camping sites and crowding the roadways in route to their favorite vacation destination, the Dutch inhabit the regions of the Ardeche, Côte d Àzur, Provence and the Dordogne.
Grolsch (local brewery)
The salient, age-old brewery Grolsch, dating back to 1615, is positioned along the highway and guides you into Enschede. Its green glow reflects as a lighthouse in the night, welcoming the weary traveler to the east. Open for daily tours at an entrance price of €10 to €12.50, depending on the time of day. Their brand new Cranberry Rosé beer can be tasted on location and also in the city center at one of the Old Market cafés. Also refreshing for summertime are: Weizen, Lentebok and Lemon beer (low-alcohol) or just a normal Grolsch Premium fresh from tap. Cheersch!
Hagelslag (sprinkles)
So named due to its resemblance to the downpour of hail, hagelslag is a popular topping for sandwiches. It comes in different flavors, shapes and colors, and has a special place in the heart of the Dutch. In fact, many a Dutch take it so seriously that they meticulously pack it in their suitcases to enjoy it everywhere in the world.
Ijsjes (ice cream)
Whether it's sorbet, dairy, fruit, water-based, dipped in chocolate, imported or local, the Dutch love them all. It's normal in the warmer months to see the local population congregated around a popular ice cream haunt. The award winning Van der Poel Ijssalon in Hengelo and Enschede is one such shop. On a warm day, its roadside is littered with abandoned cars and bicycles while the Dutch take a long moment to relish in their chosen frozen.
Jeugdherberg (youth hostel)
A popular place where backpackers stay in the Netherlands, youth hostels were originally a place for young travelers to stay overnight on vacation. However, now these inexpensive hostels accept guests of all ages. Though a stay overnight doesn't fit everyone's liking, it is a great opportunity for those who do want to meet people from all over the world.
Kipcaravan (chicken caravan)
What did you say, a `chicken caravan?' That's right, back in 1934, Jan Kip established in the city of Hoogeveen a company to manufacturer a `wagon and trailer,' building his own stylized caravan to accommodate a sleep-over stop on his way to visit a long-distance girlfriend. A classic Dutch icon, the kip caravan recreational vehicle has toted the ingredients for a happy `home away from home,' resplendent with stroofwafels, hagelslaag, bread and plenty of licorice. All a `must have' for the Dutch when traveling abroad on vacation.
Luchtballon (hot air balloon)
On many a still evening clusters of balloons fill the sky with color. Often they will drop low enough for you to hear the gas burners while their baskets skirt the chimney tops. With festivals occurring across the country, a trip in a hot air balloon is considered an affordable experience of a lifetime. Twente Ballooning is holding their 18th festival at the Hulsbeek from August 26 to the 29, providing the public with a range of spectacles, including the nightglow event and the opportunity to take a ride.
Madurodam (miniature city)
The small city with a smile, this is a miniature city containing landmarks and all things typical of the Netherlands. Everything is constructed on a scale of 1:25, including even moving miniature replicas of transportation vechicles such as cars and buses. Hundreds of thousands visit this famous Dutch tourist attraction each year located between Den Haag and Scheveningen.
Nudistencamping (nude camping)
With about 15 percent of the Dutch population as regular visitors to nude beaches, camping areas or saunas, it's fair to say that many Dutch are comfortable in the nude. Although most people are naked most of the time, within a naturalist area, the only steadfast rule is: no swimsuits allowed. Weather permitting, of course. Nude camping resorts are frequented by the Dutch across Europe. Much closer to home, is the recreation park, the Rutbeek, where local naturalists can make the most of the opportunity to achieve the perfect suntan on a private beach.
Ozone laag (ozone layer)
At this year's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, it was forecast that around the year 2050, emissions of chemicals known as HFCs or hydrofluocarbons, could be heating the atmosphere at the same level as seven or eight billion tons a year of carbon dioxide. For the climate conscious, it may not be bad to skip flying, act Dutch, and hop on your bike for vacation.
Pretpark (theme park)
The Netherlands have various theme parks, but the best known is the Efteling in Kaatsheuvel. With a balanced mix between action and relaxation, this park is also enchanting for the old and young with the Sprookjesbos (Fairy Tale Forest). For more dare-devil types, Walibi World in the village of Biddinghuizen offers five roller coasters and loads of fun. The newest roller coaster of the Netherlands is Duinrell located in Wassenaar, which also has an indoor pool (Tikibad) with several thrilling water slides.
Quiz
Quizzing is popular in many parts of the world and is not quintessentially Dutch. Quiz contests are generally conducted with academic diligence. However, there is a variant that is a lot less serious and beer plays a vital role in it: it's the pub quiz. No prizes for guessing which variant of quizzing is popular in the Netherlands!
Rembrandt
A leading figure in European art, the name Rembrandt will ring an instant bell in the minds of not just art aficionados, but anyone who is remotely interested in painting. A Dutch Master, Rembrandt's contribution to `the Dutch Golden Age' is immense. Take a day to stroll through his collection of oil paintings and view his most famous work, the Night Watch, at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
Schiphol (airport)
The name refers to the Netherlands main airport located 9.1 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam. Where the airport stands today, there was previously a large lake with shallow waters, where ships had been lost during bad weather and the lake was reclaimed and renamed Schiphol, which when translated in English means `ship hole,' a reference to lost ships. Nowadays Schiphol is a gateway to various travel destinations and the world's third largest airport in terms of passenger traffic- a far cry away from its humble origins as a military base in the First World War.
Toertocht (tour biking)
When the sun shows its first rays of the year, Dutch people get their bikes and ride around the country in the various `toertochten' until it's late autumn. You can get route information and learn where to hire bikes from local tourist information centers (VVV) located in nearly every city center, or just plan your own tour! Detailed maps can be bought at the ANWB at the Kuypersdijk in Enschede.
Uitgaan (going out)
Whether during the day for a trip to the park or a museum with the family, or in the evening for a cup of coffee or a beer on a terrace in the city center with your friends, `going out' is something everyone enjoys. Summer in the Netherlands is the perfect time to do so!
Veluwe (Dutch national park)
This large area situated in the province of Gelderland draws thousands of visitors each year. It is speckled with camping sites and bungalow parks, is densely forested and rich in wildlife. Barely five percent of the entire Veluwe is taken up by The National Park De Hoge Veluwe. Here a visitor can tour the park's 50 square kilometers on one of the park's famous white bicycles. You can take a wander round the museum, sit quietly in one of the hides, and it's even possible to purchase some game to take home for a barbecue.
Waddeneilanden (Mud flat islands)
Situated in Holland's northwestern sea coast lies the bounty of a small chain of idyllic islands, five to be exact, each providing tourists white beaches and pristine nature reserves. The name `waddenzee' stems from the space between the islands and the mainland. Over eight thousand permanent residents dwell on the archipelago and on two of the islands, Schiermonnikoog and Vlieland, it is forbidden for automobilists to drive, but `natuurlijk' you can always get around the sand dunes on a rental bike or bring your own on the ferry.
Xenofoob (xenophobic)
The Dutch word `xenofoob' describes someone who has a strong dislike of foreigners. This month in the French newspaper Le Figaro, the Dutch politician Geert Wilders was referred to as a `populist xenophobic' after the strong win of the PVV in the recent EU elections. The article characterizes Wilders as a charismatic speaker who polarizes and his `anti-Muslim rhetoric' continues to increase.
Yoga
As in most countries in the Western world, Yoga is quite popular, as well in the Netherlands. It is not uncommon to find a Yoga center or two even in smaller cities. Whether it is by meditation, stretching, rhythmic breathing or Power Yoga, this ancient art keeps many a Dutch fit as a fiddle, also in the lazy `cucumber-time.'
Zee (sea)
Whether you enjoy relaxing in the sun on the beach, fishing, flying a kite or even kite surfing, there is much to do seaside in the Netherlands. As a matter of fact, the entire west coast touches the North Sea, so the opportunity to visit the sea is almost unavoidable.
Contributers: Amy Williams, Anindita Ganguly, Ashok Shridhar, Audrey Rhodes, Henriëtte van Dorp and Robbin Engels
