Trifter

Unlike their Germanic neighbors,  the Netherlands is a quiet contrast.  Splendid canals, beautiful architecture and amiable people.  Yet next to this old world charm is the new world alarm of life in big city.  Amsterdam is probably world renown but what ever possessed them to legalize marijuana and accept prostitution?

At a glance, that may seem very appealing to the restlessness of youth, but it comes at a price.  Normally, the Dutch are quiet, friendly people who respect themselves and others.  It is nothing less than story book charm to meet a local who is enthusiastic about sharing his country or city with a newcomer; and thus takes it upon himself to give you a guided tour.  Most locals are approachable, as long as tourist are friendly and non-imposing.  Yet they are readily turned off at the slightest display of anxiety or negative emotions.  The Dutch are generally loyal to friends and relationships with a failure rate of marriage simular to the US.  Few will be enthralled by color or ethnic diversity and rarely will anyone elude to such in an offensive manner. 

A trip to Amsterdam’s club district was reminiscent of the red light district of your favorite city.  At daybreak, I thought I had step onto skid row, USA with graffiti walls, littered streets and souvenir syringes on the street.  My heart sank to see what has become of what was once an Enchanted Land.  But like everything in this world, only time will tell what becomes of this famous city. 

I stayed long enough to try and learn the language, but only served to frustrate my teacher and give myself headaches.  It is rather pricey to live in the cities and unfortunately the EU rules make it difficult for Americans.  Other places that are more impressive are Utrecht,  South Holland and den Haag (the Hague) maybe I did actually learn something! 

To defrey the expense of a long term stay, it is possible to free lance or if you are really good, find a job working for an international firm amoung which may be the US governement!  Yes, Uncle Sam has its stake there too.  Most of it is military related such as USAFE and AAFES but these are in joint with the Belgium and Luxenbourge areas which I won’t be addressing separately.  So it may be a sort of displacement into the BENELUX, headquarters in Chievres rather than staying put in the Netherlands.

Overall, I would rate the Netherlands and Benelux 9 for a visit and 8 for long term.   It takes some doing, but it is a wonderful place to do it in!