The country of the big sky, where 26% of the land is below sea level !
From the first few miles into Holland there is a feeling that its a different place, yes the big sky is always there along with the flat horizon, but its the recent newness of much of the road network.........well it seemed that way. Amsterdam has always been a favourite from the Jazz bars of Rembrandt Plein to the museums at the edge of Vondelpark. The food scene has blossomed since I first visited decades ago, and the tram and cycle networks make even more sense in todays "climate change" world. Forward thinking seems to be their way, in 2016 they were about to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars....... you have to take it seriously if you're the modern " King Canute " .
Perhaps its the liberal ways that are most noted.
There is such a relaxed way to life in Amsterdam, in the winter it becomes more of a "locals" town and live music rings from the jazz bars as the musicians play for their pints. The trees are without leaf and the view of the architecture along the canals is amazing, as are the bars and cafes where you can enjoy a pint and smoked eel .
If its spring then the place to be is Keukenhof !
Even a "non gardener" can delight in the beauty of the Dutch doing what they do best. Every inch of the gardens are manicured to the highest standards. Colours and scents abound. For the few weeks that Tulips are at their best the gardens are open to the public and if you watch the internet reports, time your visit to the best days and book to avoid disappointment, you will be rewarded well.
There are so many things to see in Holland, the roads are so good I love to ferry over and drive. A few days in France and Belgium on the way. Perhaps the most typical scene in fact captures both the history and the spirit of the Dutch. There was a lot of water to remove and dykes to build in days long before modern science and engineering. So in true style they devised and improvised, building a knowhow that has been called on to reclaim the Somerset levels from the recent floods.
Donald J Trump
The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non competative
