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diemkay's review
1.0
Someone American who’d lived in the Netherlands for two decades recommended this book to me when I moved. It’s a very short read but also dated, however “recent” the edition you have. It was a cringeworthy read.
Other than things that can’t change too fast, like houses and shape of toilet bowls, only a handful of remarks seemed to me to stand the test of time.
One, the suggestion that Dutch people are open to new trends and ideas, and that each generation brings with it something new. It’s for this reason the book editions date so fast: attitudes and behaviours move on fast, and diversity is a catalyst.
Two, the notion that the Netherlands is a self-regulatory society “not governed by speeches from above.” It’s (still) apparent once you make friends or work here that coercion isn’t part of the fabric, and you learn to understand the subtle difference between consent and consensus.
Oh and a bonus one: dogs still ride in bike baskets.
As of the 2020s there are probably better books and expat blogs out there to help you understand cultural differences, wherever you may be from.
Other than things that can’t change too fast, like houses and shape of toilet bowls, only a handful of remarks seemed to me to stand the test of time.
One, the suggestion that Dutch people are open to new trends and ideas, and that each generation brings with it something new. It’s for this reason the book editions date so fast: attitudes and behaviours move on fast, and diversity is a catalyst.
Two, the notion that the Netherlands is a self-regulatory society “not governed by speeches from above.” It’s (still) apparent once you make friends or work here that coercion isn’t part of the fabric, and you learn to understand the subtle difference between consent and consensus.
Oh and a bonus one: dogs still ride in bike baskets.
As of the 2020s there are probably better books and expat blogs out there to help you understand cultural differences, wherever you may be from.
starcrunch's review
2.0
Ugh. I read a really outdated version. Couldn't find a newer version for free, and didn't want to give these smug, sexist authors any money, so I just stopped reading it.
ali_str's review
2.0
Despite the new editions it is outdated and some of the humor is not that funny anymore.
smartipants8's review
5.0
If you have just moved to Holland, you must read this book just so you know how to flush the toilet when you go to a friends house. And to understand "the shelf"
bibliocyclist's review
3.0
What kind of tune will the book whistle? Is it a book showing all Dutch people walking on wooden shoes, making porno pictures of their children for selling in the USA?
The throats of the visitors should be lubricated with the goal to silence the mouth.
Wat heb ik nu aan mijn fiets hangen?
The throats of the visitors should be lubricated with the goal to silence the mouth.
Wat heb ik nu aan mijn fiets hangen?
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