The Netherlands from a foreigners’ point of view

Aki Kunikoshi (國越晶 )

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SourcesThe Xenophobes Guide to the Dutch (Ovalbooks)

Travel guide books (in Japanese)

100 sentences "you know that you have been in the NL for too long when“ (from Gerwin)… and several websites

Interviews with people that have visited or are living in the Netherlands(American, Belgium, Chinese, French, Iranian, Japanese)

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1. Below sea level Fear at Schiphol Rivers are sometimes higher than you

You have to wait for bridges to open

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Earthquakes are disaster (by Japanese)

2. When is summer?

Dutch think 10°C is warm As soon as the sun pops out, Dutch wear a short skirt and shirts,

and go to make a BBQ4

3. Dropjes

Dropsmaak only exists in The Netherlands

The highest per capita consumption of licorice in the world(almost 4 1/2 pounds per person per year)

Dutch use the pin card all-the-time and everywhere!(Jammer, tourists!)

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4. HeightThe Dutch are the world’s tallest people

I(Belgium) am 180cm but in the Netherlands, I am small… Difficult to find small sized wedding dress…

In TU Delft, I cannot see myself in the mirror… I cannot take a paper cup by myself…

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5. Equality

Dogs and human

Professors and students

Service staffs and customers When you enter a shop, you will say “hello”. Forgetting to send you your document is “often happens” When a waitress brings you wrong menu, you will just receive her smile.

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6. Bike (1/2)

Bikes in Beijing Making a bike lane in Tokyo! (2011)

Bike lanes are everywhere in NL Get in a train with your bike9

Advanced bike country

6. Bikes (2/2)

Some bikes have pedal brakes The Dutch know how to repair bikes

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133.78 km/h (WR)

Variety

7. Open culture

Advertisement

Open curtains Grading in front of the student

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8. DiscussionJa, maar…

Sex Toilet related words Family relationship War topics Political topics …

Lekker!

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9. Gestures

Lekker! Ik verveel me!

Mag ik iets zeggen?

Hij is gek/ Jij bent gek

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10. Meal (1/2)

The Netherlands

China Korea Japan

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Dutch breakfast is sweet & dry

“What kind of meal do you want to cook?”

10. Meal (2/2)No meal is considered complete without meat

Erwtensoep (pea soup)

Potatoes are the base ingredient

Often mashed… Dutch wash the dishes with soap without rincing them 15

Avondeten (= warme maaltijd)

Words that include Holland

Dutch wife

荷兰豆 (Holland pea)

オランダせんべい (Dutch cookie)

荷兰猪 (Holland pig)

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Please join us!

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