Tue, 29 May 2012
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Australian Steve has his theories on why the Dutch are so tall, and encourages expats to "complain as much as possible" for better service.Name: Steve White
Nationality: Australian
City of residence: Bussum
Date of birth: 17-2-68
Civil status: Single
Occupation: IT consultant
Reason for moving to the Netherlands: Insanity
Lived in the Netherlands for: 10 years
What was your first impression of the Netherlands?
I arrived around Christmas 1999, a cold winter, and stayed a week in the urban desert of Lelystad and then a week in a holiday unit that clings bravely to the sands of Zandvoort by the North Sea. It was cold, stormy, wet and windy, and felt like the end of the earth.
What do you think of the food?
Mostly it’s highly processed and standardised in every ethnic category – Chinese takeaway from Groningen to Maastricht will have the same fried rice with a fried egg and a triangular slice of ham on top in the plastic container, satay sticks and peanut sauce. Indian will be fairly insipid.
I tried an ‘Egyptian’ restaurant last week that had no baba gannoush, no hummous, tahini or kibby; just the standard Dutch ribs with garlic mayo.
I haven’t found any really good places to eat that I would recommend. Most places are let down in one or another area – price, quality, cleanliness, ambience, service. Nan Tin is quite nice for yum cha, but nowhere near the quality of numerous places in Melbourne.
Argentinean ribs are usually a big serve and taste good.
What do you think of the shopping in the Netherlands?
Shopping is acceptable once you know where to go, but there are no big malls and it’s overpriced compared to neighbouring countries, so it’s common to shop in Belgium or Germany.
What do you appreciate about living in the Netherlands?
I like to focus on the positive, so I have compiled a list of positives over the decade. I’m up to six:
Joining Expat Voices
If you would like to share your perspective about life in the Netherlands, please send an email to editorNL@expatica.com with 'Please send me an Expat Voices questionnaire' in the subject line.
Ok, so after all these criticisms we're left with the obvious question: if Holland is like a third world country compared to Australia, what stops you to go back?
Good question. Have a guess Dan.
I have to say that I agree completely with this article. Sure, there are some nice things about Holland, but in general life is MUCH harder here than it has to be. Glad to be going back to my home country!!!
I can fully understand that you feel the need to shop outsider The Netherlands.............nowhere in The Netherlands would sell a hat like that!!
No accounting for some peoples (bad) taste.
There's a certain amount of truth in Steve's vision of Australia. The bureaucracy, the control, the 'ambtenaarishness' (officialdom) drive me crazy. And I presume Steve's here because there's no work for him in Australia.
If the photo of him in Berlin is anything to go by, I'm not surprised he's single.
...but the Dutch were famous for being a nation of short people, back in the Golden Age. Rembrandt and van Gogh were tiny men. So how come they are tall now? Steve's explanation doesn't hold up.
I think it is because of modern farming techniques, where all the dairy produce is infused with growth hormone, which make the cows grow larger and produce more milk.
...and he's still in this third world country, apparently after 10 years! Time to move on, pal. You give the rest of us Australians a bad name as a bunch of boring whingers. I can only assume your consulting rate is set so high that you find it hard to go elsewhere, in which case you should have listed "extremely lucrative IT contracting opportunities" as an addition to your 6 postives.
How refreshing to read a report of reality instead of the insipid accounts from other expats. Things are x100 harder here - products are v.v. expensive, customer service is just awful, trying to find decent food products is practically impossible, unless you don't work and have a week to travel from one place to another. It's a country run by rules and regulations, which is fine for a place like China with their huge population, but in a tiny country like Holland it's suffocating. I'm here because of marriage, no other reason.
I am an expat in my own country, having lived abroad for the better part of my life. I agree with Steve on a number of issues, but I beg to differ on Food. Obviously, Steve has not found the right places. The quality has been improving considerably over the past decade. There are many excellent restaurants now, though they are not always around the corner and tend to be more expensive than their peers in France or Austria. There is much attention for Slow Food. Lots of places sell traditional and biodynamically grown food. Speaking of my own peculiar little sin, there is a number of chocolatiers and patissiers who are in no way inferior to what Paris and Vienna have to offer. I used to drive to Monsieur Linxhe in the rue François 1er for chocolates, or to Sweertvaegher in Antwerp, or stock up at Rajsigl when I passed by Innsbruck en route to Bozen. I still do, but I have that quality at my doorstep now, which is a godsend if one has reached 65.
Yeh yeh Didi I didn.t buy that hat, just tried it on!
Ray I´ve heard the growth hormone theory, but the food you eat would not change your genes and hence make your kids taller - it seems a genetic disposition. Growth hormones are more restricted now they say.
So we.ll see, as the latest crop of Dutchlings grow up.
John, no, lower rate than in Aus actually.
i also think some of these complaints are refreshing to read.i have alot of the same.i'm from seattle in the states
Also nice to read some complaints for a change. This column is usually painfully positive. I'm guessing the relaxed laws relating to drugs/sex are the reason you're still here. Given the long list of complaints, short list of positives and the fact that you're single I'm not sure what else it could be. I'm guessing your theories on dutch tallness are a joke? They haven't been tall for that long. I must say I have been to Australia so in terms of the nature, open space and climate must agree that NL doesn't come close! But in terms of history and culture, NL wins hands down. As for the small houses and gardens and one bathroom only- they just don't have the space here that they have in Oz. I had to laugh at the horrified reactions of some colleagues when another colleague revealed he was going to have 2 bathrooms in his new-build house. Such an extravagance! Food-wise I agree that, unless you want to pay alot, the food in restaurants in rubbish when compared to most other countries in Europe. But if you want to cook at home you can get some great produce. As for trying to change things by complaining - I tried that strategy for 10 years. It didn't work. It just made me angry and miserable. A good friend of mine - she's been here forever- suggested smiling when people say no and asking again. That seems to work much better.
I'm actually not all that single Jenny, and yes it's extended family keeps me here mainly. I'm not THAT heavily into drugs... :)
It is remarkable about the obligatory 'no' response - I went to Blokker the other day and asked 5 assistants for those cocktail toothpick thingies and they said 'No' very definitely, and then asked for metal oven trays - same response, then big bowls, and again a firm No!
I replied 'OK so you don't know, I'll look myself' and sure enough found all of them.
Maybe "no" means "don't know" here.
So what's your theory on why they're the tallest race on Earth?
I don't know where you people eat out and I can't comment about Bussum or Lelystad but I never have any problem finding scores of really good not-so-expensive-restaurants in Amsterdam where the service is excellent. Maybe you're all students or something. I've eaten crap food here but I've also eaten crap, expensive (and rotten) food in France, crap food in Belgium, crap food in Italy and tonnes of crap food in Australia. I've eaten crap food in countries besides these. I could also recite a long list of bad service experiences I've had in the wide brown land as well.
I'd be one of the last people to say that Albert Heijn offers a fabulous shopping experience but at least I can obtain some decent steak there that doesn't seem to have come from a beast that'd been flogged through the scrub over a period of 20 years.
The mention of "order and control" here is amusing given that Australia is Nanny State Numero Uno. Most things that are banned or made compulsory in other western countries are banned or made compulsory there first: smoking bans, alcohol bans, fireworks bans, compulsory seatbelts, junkfood bans, government proposals to censor internet content; video game bans; traffic enforcement like you wouldn't believe (probably a good idea given that they can't drive at all well); Mexican wave at sporting event bans; dog bans, and the compulsory strapping of stupid lumps of plastic to your head when riding a bicycle. This last one seems to have really been taken to heart by the public, because if you dare to venture onto even a quiet street without your lump of plastic, some passing yob motorist in an ugly car will hurl abuse at you before speeding off. They take it upon themselves to act as some sort of proxy do-gooding police force. I had more than 30 years experience living there. I like to return for holidays occasionally as its physically a beautiful country but there are many things about the place that I don't like. Rather than whine about it on a website, I moved.
You get the best of both worlds John, you moved AND you're whining on a website!
If you can recommend any decent eateries in Amsterdam, pass them on please. I could name 20 in Melbourne (and great coffee places), but 'passable' is about the best I've had here.
It's certainly true about the aggressive violent yobs in Australia.
The Dutch behave much better - maybe due to their school kanjer training.
Mate, sounds like you need to head back "down under".
Sometimes it's not all about "you" and you have to make compromises for the sake of one's family. Sounds as if he had to make a choice between a relationship with his family or warm sunny weather thousands of kilometres away. Looks like he chose the former. Good on him!
"I have only found one good coffee place in Holland, called Coffeelovers in Maastricht, where the coffee is comparable to that of Melbourne or Milan."
That had me chuckling over my Douwe
I knew this would get a rash of criticism. The guy has a right to give his honest opinion after being here 10 years. I thought that the Dutch liked direct-ness. ? ;-) He doesn't have to love everything about being here and he sure doesn't need to go back to his own land. He has a right to complain. It's observations from an expat point of view. FFS.
I can relate to a LOT of this. There are positives and negatives to every place you live. I'm sure he could drum up some about his native Oz, too.
I read this with humor. I like the list of positives over 10 years comes to a total of 6. LMAO!
Enjoyable read.
Spot on Steve!
I’d drink an overpriced beer served by a nose picking, inattentive, know-it-all Dutch server with you any day mate.
Of course Steve is not "all that single",Steve have had me. :)
He had me too.... ;-)
Steve has had me too. :) x
He had me too :-) hehehehe joking of course,
But i tend to like Holland and plan to stay. I dont know what australia is like so i cant comment on the comparisons made except yes its very expensive.
I agree with a number of points, particularly the extremely poor service that's so rampant here in NL. I've never had trouble finding decent restaurants but they are all way overpriced for the quality you get.
I'm also pleased to hear you mention the way the Dutch seem to deliberately get in the way, doorway, pathway...I used to work in restaurants and later in offices and instead of saying 'excuse me', I'd give a look and say 'people working' to my colleagues. Their klompen-clad feet are stuck in mud and they cannot tolerate the presence of an unoccupied open space...have you ever noticed how quick you have to be in the supermarket before someone stretches an arm in front of your nose or stands directly in front of you? Peasant behavior that only accepts rudeness when it is not directed to them.
Men who wear socks with emblems and Disney characters plastered on their ankles (borrowed from the kids?) and eternally retro wardrobes that are second-hand (to the Nth exponent)...I'd rather shop at K-mart then in NL.
Dishing the Dutch is an ex-pat's favorite pastime, but we all have the option of leaving. As some other respondents mentioned, there are too many of these interviews with unrealistic positive comments. Who in the world believes that type of hype anymore??? My Dutch friends are still in my life because they say these same things about NL. You gain much more credibility when you portray a balanced picture of a place.
There are apparently quite a lot of crazy people in this country. Maybe the relaxed drug laws are a factor. :-)
I agree with Steve on almost everything. Yes, also on the food issue. Once my husband was dining out with his colleagues at a Chinese restaurant for the first time. Instead of picking off the menu card, they decided to leave the decision to the chef. In the end, the chef came out with dishes with 'familiar' tastes. Everyone said it was a wonderful dinner. But the thing is, my husband said, the chef just knows his Dutch customers well. As long as he makes similar tasting food to what the Dutch are used to, it will be fine. So as long as the taste is familiar to the Dutch, you can have many varieties of food here like the Mexican, Korean, etc... My husband is Dutch by the way.
The hygiene part is so absolutely true. I was shocked the first time I saw people using their bare hands to prepare food for me. But my problem is, my husband does not see that this is a problem! He said, we need to be dirty in order for the immune system to be strong.
I understand that holland isn't perfect, but to whine about just about everything is a bit too much!!
About the hygiene issue, Australians are not exactly clean, actually they are quite grotty in my opinion, and how many snackbars and restaurant have been closed down due to unhygienic practices, plenty!!
I don't understand that people want to stay in a country they don't like, maybe you should go back to australia, they still live in the dark ages, perhaps you like that better!!
well.Marga,you misunderstood him who just expressed the truth about living in Holland.If you understand holland isn't perfect then why don't you face the truth,but excluding outsiders?
Oh Oh Oh steve
dont act like a wombat 'big and empty"
Follow the aussies own advice on the bumper stickers
" if you dont like it here then piss off to your own country'
If australia is so wonderful why does it have one of the highest suicide rates in the world not to mention teenage pregnancies ? If the food is so great why are the aussies known to be very obese? Safety is also an issue ,think of the countless backpacker murders,the bikie gangs ,
Have you seen the poor housing in redfern,guildford, etc
Etc etc etc but as usual the aussies like to dish it but cant take it.
Get rid of your tall poppy syndrome .
Woops...Please don't tell me this is western Civilization.Be civilized everyone!!!?
Hey,nadia,you know what if he don't like holland but for some reasons who have to stay over there,Obviously,I could understand steve if he don't like Holland where he has lived for 10 years long.
Cece, what you're saying is that Steve HAS to live in Holland, but does not like it here? Then he should remember he is a guest in our wonderfull country and guests do not bag the hosts. Unless Steve is locked up in the Bijlmermeer, I am sure he is free to go. I'll even drive him to the airport, just to make sure. Good riddance!!
Yo yo Tony,Obviously you even couldn't how to suppose something sometimes.Cece told us "IF",you know?That's hypothesis.And obviously I'm sure you even haven't read the whole article from steve,
Well,I don't deny you've got good imagination.But you know what as you think you're the host and steve is the guest,then would you do the honours and serve better.focus on your under improving service,I'm sure then your country would be more wonderful.:)
good on you Tony.
Ice are you really cece?
I think you are.
Keep up the good work Tony.
How about you go home too ice or cece or who ever you are.
I lived in australia for 27 years and am so very happy to be back in holland .
I was often told go back to where you came from and i did and have never regretted it.
Hi Nadia,I'm sorry to hear that.I guess 27 years wishing going back to your own country is not so easy for you.I could totally understand how hard for you,because now I have no idea how long I'll have to stay in your fantastic country.And of cause why people should regret for anything,things just happened.
I am moving from Melbourne to Eindhoven for a Philips job ... any thoughts/advice/suggestions?
I love Melbourne,I would like to stay in Melbourne and work there.
Take good care there!!!:)
The Netherlands "third world country"! I would say small, but tidy. US, Australia are crappy (look at roads, most of the neighbourhoods). That's what I call third world country.
Yes maybe not 3rd world, it is neat here, and generally decent roads considering it's sand underneath everywhere.
What countries are 2nd world by the way??
There are a lot of great things in Holland, for example much more civilised people than Australia, much safer, the water is better, the flowers, birds, the location is great for visiting so many European countries, but the standard of living is generally better in Australia, or it was when I was there 10 years ago, maybe not now with house prices having gone up 3 times.
Hi Edward how's the Eindhoven job?
Saunas are nice here, different to Melbourne as you'll discover, and a good way to warm up in the endless winter here.
Maastricht is a nice old town, not far from Eindhoven.
And you can drive to the Rhine Valley easily from there - aim for Bacharach.
Monschau is also nice, past Aachen.
I am also planning to start blogging on some topic but I am confused what to write about. Actually I am a teacher of Accounting, but I don't know how to create a cool blog like this which may be beneficial for my students.
You can try Google blogger.com, it's easy.
Ok, so after all these criticisms we're left with the obvious question: if Holland is like a third world country compared to Australia, what stops you to go back?
Good question. Have a guess Dan.
I have to say that I agree completely with this article. Sure, there are some nice things about Holland, but in general life is MUCH harder here than it has to be. Glad to be going back to my home country!!!
I can fully understand that you feel the need to shop outsider The Netherlands.............nowhere in The Netherlands would sell a hat like that!!
No accounting for some peoples (bad) taste.
There's a certain amount of truth in Steve's vision of Australia. The bureaucracy, the control, the 'ambtenaarishness' (officialdom) drive me crazy. And I presume Steve's here because there's no work for him in Australia.
If the photo of him in Berlin is anything to go by, I'm not surprised he's single.
...but the Dutch were famous for being a nation of short people, back in the Golden Age. Rembrandt and van Gogh were tiny men. So how come they are tall now? Steve's explanation doesn't hold up.
I think it is because of modern farming techniques, where all the dairy produce is infused with growth hormone, which make the cows grow larger and produce more milk.
...and he's still in this third world country, apparently after 10 years! Time to move on, pal. You give the rest of us Australians a bad name as a bunch of boring whingers. I can only assume your consulting rate is set so high that you find it hard to go elsewhere, in which case you should have listed "extremely lucrative IT contracting opportunities" as an addition to your 6 postives.
How refreshing to read a report of reality instead of the insipid accounts from other expats. Things are x100 harder here - products are v.v. expensive, customer service is just awful, trying to find decent food products is practically impossible, unless you don't work and have a week to travel from one place to another. It's a country run by rules and regulations, which is fine for a place like China with their huge population, but in a tiny country like Holland it's suffocating. I'm here because of marriage, no other reason.
I am an expat in my own country, having lived abroad for the better part of my life. I agree with Steve on a number of issues, but I beg to differ on Food. Obviously, Steve has not found the right places. The quality has been improving considerably over the past decade. There are many excellent restaurants now, though they are not always around the corner and tend to be more expensive than their peers in France or Austria. There is much attention for Slow Food. Lots of places sell traditional and biodynamically grown food. Speaking of my own peculiar little sin, there is a number of chocolatiers and patissiers who are in no way inferior to what Paris and Vienna have to offer. I used to drive to Monsieur Linxhe in the rue François 1er for chocolates, or to Sweertvaegher in Antwerp, or stock up at Rajsigl when I passed by Innsbruck en route to Bozen. I still do, but I have that quality at my doorstep now, which is a godsend if one has reached 65.
Yeh yeh Didi I didn.t buy that hat, just tried it on!
Ray I´ve heard the growth hormone theory, but the food you eat would not change your genes and hence make your kids taller - it seems a genetic disposition. Growth hormones are more restricted now they say.
So we.ll see, as the latest crop of Dutchlings grow up.
John, no, lower rate than in Aus actually.
i also think some of these complaints are refreshing to read.i have alot of the same.i'm from seattle in the states
Also nice to read some complaints for a change. This column is usually painfully positive. I'm guessing the relaxed laws relating to drugs/sex are the reason you're still here. Given the long list of complaints, short list of positives and the fact that you're single I'm not sure what else it could be. I'm guessing your theories on dutch tallness are a joke? They haven't been tall for that long. I must say I have been to Australia so in terms of the nature, open space and climate must agree that NL doesn't come close! But in terms of history and culture, NL wins hands down. As for the small houses and gardens and one bathroom only- they just don't have the space here that they have in Oz. I had to laugh at the horrified reactions of some colleagues when another colleague revealed he was going to have 2 bathrooms in his new-build house. Such an extravagance! Food-wise I agree that, unless you want to pay alot, the food in restaurants in rubbish when compared to most other countries in Europe. But if you want to cook at home you can get some great produce. As for trying to change things by complaining - I tried that strategy for 10 years. It didn't work. It just made me angry and miserable. A good friend of mine - she's been here forever- suggested smiling when people say no and asking again. That seems to work much better.
I'm actually not all that single Jenny, and yes it's extended family keeps me here mainly. I'm not THAT heavily into drugs... :)
It is remarkable about the obligatory 'no' response - I went to Blokker the other day and asked 5 assistants for those cocktail toothpick thingies and they said 'No' very definitely, and then asked for metal oven trays - same response, then big bowls, and again a firm No!
I replied 'OK so you don't know, I'll look myself' and sure enough found all of them.
Maybe "no" means "don't know" here.
So what's your theory on why they're the tallest race on Earth?
I don't know where you people eat out and I can't comment about Bussum or Lelystad but I never have any problem finding scores of really good not-so-expensive-restaurants in Amsterdam where the service is excellent. Maybe you're all students or something. I've eaten crap food here but I've also eaten crap, expensive (and rotten) food in France, crap food in Belgium, crap food in Italy and tonnes of crap food in Australia. I've eaten crap food in countries besides these. I could also recite a long list of bad service experiences I've had in the wide brown land as well.
I'd be one of the last people to say that Albert Heijn offers a fabulous shopping experience but at least I can obtain some decent steak there that doesn't seem to have come from a beast that'd been flogged through the scrub over a period of 20 years.
The mention of "order and control" here is amusing given that Australia is Nanny State Numero Uno. Most things that are banned or made compulsory in other western countries are banned or made compulsory there first: smoking bans, alcohol bans, fireworks bans, compulsory seatbelts, junkfood bans, government proposals to censor internet content; video game bans; traffic enforcement like you wouldn't believe (probably a good idea given that they can't drive at all well); Mexican wave at sporting event bans; dog bans, and the compulsory strapping of stupid lumps of plastic to your head when riding a bicycle. This last one seems to have really been taken to heart by the public, because if you dare to venture onto even a quiet street without your lump of plastic, some passing yob motorist in an ugly car will hurl abuse at you before speeding off. They take it upon themselves to act as some sort of proxy do-gooding police force. I had more than 30 years experience living there. I like to return for holidays occasionally as its physically a beautiful country but there are many things about the place that I don't like. Rather than whine about it on a website, I moved.
You get the best of both worlds John, you moved AND you're whining on a website!
If you can recommend any decent eateries in Amsterdam, pass them on please. I could name 20 in Melbourne (and great coffee places), but 'passable' is about the best I've had here.
It's certainly true about the aggressive violent yobs in Australia.
The Dutch behave much better - maybe due to their school kanjer training.
Mate, sounds like you need to head back "down under".
Sometimes it's not all about "you" and you have to make compromises for the sake of one's family. Sounds as if he had to make a choice between a relationship with his family or warm sunny weather thousands of kilometres away. Looks like he chose the former. Good on him!
"I have only found one good coffee place in Holland, called Coffeelovers in Maastricht, where the coffee is comparable to that of Melbourne or Milan."
That had me chuckling over my Douwe
I knew this would get a rash of criticism. The guy has a right to give his honest opinion after being here 10 years. I thought that the Dutch liked direct-ness. ? ;-) He doesn't have to love everything about being here and he sure doesn't need to go back to his own land. He has a right to complain. It's observations from an expat point of view. FFS.
I can relate to a LOT of this. There are positives and negatives to every place you live. I'm sure he could drum up some about his native Oz, too.
I read this with humor. I like the list of positives over 10 years comes to a total of 6. LMAO!
Enjoyable read.
Spot on Steve!
I’d drink an overpriced beer served by a nose picking, inattentive, know-it-all Dutch server with you any day mate.
Of course Steve is not "all that single",Steve have had me. :)
He had me too.... ;-)
Steve has had me too. :) x
He had me too :-) hehehehe joking of course,
But i tend to like Holland and plan to stay. I dont know what australia is like so i cant comment on the comparisons made except yes its very expensive.
I agree with a number of points, particularly the extremely poor service that's so rampant here in NL. I've never had trouble finding decent restaurants but they are all way overpriced for the quality you get.
I'm also pleased to hear you mention the way the Dutch seem to deliberately get in the way, doorway, pathway...I used to work in restaurants and later in offices and instead of saying 'excuse me', I'd give a look and say 'people working' to my colleagues. Their klompen-clad feet are stuck in mud and they cannot tolerate the presence of an unoccupied open space...have you ever noticed how quick you have to be in the supermarket before someone stretches an arm in front of your nose or stands directly in front of you? Peasant behavior that only accepts rudeness when it is not directed to them.
Men who wear socks with emblems and Disney characters plastered on their ankles (borrowed from the kids?) and eternally retro wardrobes that are second-hand (to the Nth exponent)...I'd rather shop at K-mart then in NL.
Dishing the Dutch is an ex-pat's favorite pastime, but we all have the option of leaving. As some other respondents mentioned, there are too many of these interviews with unrealistic positive comments. Who in the world believes that type of hype anymore??? My Dutch friends are still in my life because they say these same things about NL. You gain much more credibility when you portray a balanced picture of a place.
There are apparently quite a lot of crazy people in this country. Maybe the relaxed drug laws are a factor. :-)
I agree with Steve on almost everything. Yes, also on the food issue. Once my husband was dining out with his colleagues at a Chinese restaurant for the first time. Instead of picking off the menu card, they decided to leave the decision to the chef. In the end, the chef came out with dishes with 'familiar' tastes. Everyone said it was a wonderful dinner. But the thing is, my husband said, the chef just knows his Dutch customers well. As long as he makes similar tasting food to what the Dutch are used to, it will be fine. So as long as the taste is familiar to the Dutch, you can have many varieties of food here like the Mexican, Korean, etc... My husband is Dutch by the way.
The hygiene part is so absolutely true. I was shocked the first time I saw people using their bare hands to prepare food for me. But my problem is, my husband does not see that this is a problem! He said, we need to be dirty in order for the immune system to be strong.
I understand that holland isn't perfect, but to whine about just about everything is a bit too much!!
About the hygiene issue, Australians are not exactly clean, actually they are quite grotty in my opinion, and how many snackbars and restaurant have been closed down due to unhygienic practices, plenty!!
I don't understand that people want to stay in a country they don't like, maybe you should go back to australia, they still live in the dark ages, perhaps you like that better!!
well.Marga,you misunderstood him who just expressed the truth about living in Holland.If you understand holland isn't perfect then why don't you face the truth,but excluding outsiders?
Oh Oh Oh steve
dont act like a wombat 'big and empty"
Follow the aussies own advice on the bumper stickers
" if you dont like it here then piss off to your own country'
If australia is so wonderful why does it have one of the highest suicide rates in the world not to mention teenage pregnancies ? If the food is so great why are the aussies known to be very obese? Safety is also an issue ,think of the countless backpacker murders,the bikie gangs ,
Have you seen the poor housing in redfern,guildford, etc
Etc etc etc but as usual the aussies like to dish it but cant take it.
Get rid of your tall poppy syndrome .
Woops...Please don't tell me this is western Civilization.Be civilized everyone!!!?
Hey,nadia,you know what if he don't like holland but for some reasons who have to stay over there,Obviously,I could understand steve if he don't like Holland where he has lived for 10 years long.
Cece, what you're saying is that Steve HAS to live in Holland, but does not like it here? Then he should remember he is a guest in our wonderfull country and guests do not bag the hosts. Unless Steve is locked up in the Bijlmermeer, I am sure he is free to go. I'll even drive him to the airport, just to make sure. Good riddance!!
Yo yo Tony,Obviously you even couldn't how to suppose something sometimes.Cece told us "IF",you know?That's hypothesis.And obviously I'm sure you even haven't read the whole article from steve,
Well,I don't deny you've got good imagination.But you know what as you think you're the host and steve is the guest,then would you do the honours and serve better.focus on your under improving service,I'm sure then your country would be more wonderful.:)
good on you Tony.
Ice are you really cece?
I think you are.
Keep up the good work Tony.
How about you go home too ice or cece or who ever you are.
I lived in australia for 27 years and am so very happy to be back in holland .
I was often told go back to where you came from and i did and have never regretted it.
Hi Nadia,I'm sorry to hear that.I guess 27 years wishing going back to your own country is not so easy for you.I could totally understand how hard for you,because now I have no idea how long I'll have to stay in your fantastic country.And of cause why people should regret for anything,things just happened.
I am moving from Melbourne to Eindhoven for a Philips job ... any thoughts/advice/suggestions?
I love Melbourne,I would like to stay in Melbourne and work there.
Take good care there!!!:)
The Netherlands "third world country"! I would say small, but tidy. US, Australia are crappy (look at roads, most of the neighbourhoods). That's what I call third world country.
Yes maybe not 3rd world, it is neat here, and generally decent roads considering it's sand underneath everywhere.
What countries are 2nd world by the way??
There are a lot of great things in Holland, for example much more civilised people than Australia, much safer, the water is better, the flowers, birds, the location is great for visiting so many European countries, but the standard of living is generally better in Australia, or it was when I was there 10 years ago, maybe not now with house prices having gone up 3 times.
Hi Edward how's the Eindhoven job?
Saunas are nice here, different to Melbourne as you'll discover, and a good way to warm up in the endless winter here.
Maastricht is a nice old town, not far from Eindhoven.
And you can drive to the Rhine Valley easily from there - aim for Bacharach.
Monschau is also nice, past Aachen.
I am also planning to start blogging on some topic but I am confused what to write about. Actually I am a teacher of Accounting, but I don't know how to create a cool blog like this which may be beneficial for my students.
You can try Google blogger.com, it's easy.
A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.
Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2012.
Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour of life in the modern Netherlands.
The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.
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