Blog – Page 2 – DUTCH in the USA

Sleepover Diplomacy: Pajamas, Politeness… and Political Amnesia

Next month, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will dine and spend the night as guests of Donald Trump. Because apparently, in international diplomacy, if someone once slept well at your palace, you are now contractually obligated to return the favor. Sleep well, dine well, ignore the existential dread—rules are rule

A Dutch-American’s Guide to the Art of Partying: Bigger, Better, and More Showers!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from living between two cultures, it’s that Americans really know how to throw a party. And when I say party, I don’t mean your average “let’s have some cake and call it a day” kind of gathering. No, no. I’m talking about all-out, break-the-bank, second-mortgage-worthy celebrations that make Dutch birthdays look like a cozy book club meeting. Never understood why Dutch people sit in a circle when celebrating a Birthday. Oh well.

How a Flat Country Became a Winter Olympics Superpower (and Other Dutch Mysteries)

If you’ve ever looked at a map of the Netherlands, you might notice something strange: it’s flatter than a pancake that’s been run over by a bike. No mountains. No ski resorts. Not even a dramatic hill unless someone left their suitcase on the sidewalk.

My Life in a USA Prepared for World War III….

Recently, the idea of the United States acquiring Greenland has sparked heated debates across the globe. This Arctic island, an autonomous territory of Denmark and member of the NATO, holds immense strategic importance due to its vast natural resources and geopolitical positioning. The notion gained significant attention when former President Dot is January 2026, and the world feels like it is tilting on its axis. As someone who watches the news from both sides of the Atlantic, the current headlines about Greenland aren’t just “geopolitical updates”—they feel like a direct threat to the stability of the world my parents fought to rebuild after WWII.

Decoding the Tulip Talk: Holland or the Netherlands?

Are you confused about whether to call it Holland or the Netherlands? You’re not alone! Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they actually refer to different geographical and cultural concepts. In this blog post, we’ll unravel the mystery behind these names, explore their origins, and clarify the difference once and for all. Let’s dive in!

The Curious Case of the Cookie Formerly Known as Speculaas

Every once in a while, while wandering the sacred aisles of an American grocery store—somewhere between the “International Foods” shelf and the questionable cheese section—I experience a small miracle. There it is. Speculaas. Or… wait. Is it? No. Of course not.

Credit Card Showdown: When Uncle Sam Swipes and Dutch Thrifty Folks Save

Dive into the hilarious world of credit card culture, exploring the stark differences between American swiping habits and Dutch financial prudence. A witty journey through plastic money and cultural spending philosophies.

The Dutch: Inventing the World While Pretending It Was No Big Deal

Somehow, a country the size of a large parking lot, mostly underwater, managed to invent finance, modern tech, and orange vegetables — all before lunch.

Tipping in the USA vs the Netherlands: A Cultural Shock in Percentages

If you ever want to instantly spot a Dutch person in an American restaurant, don’t listen for the accent — watch the bill. In the Netherlands, tipping is a gesture. In the United States, tipping is a moral obligation, social contract, and silent performance review all rolled into one.

The Most Important Company You’ve Never Had to Explain at a Birthday Party: ASML

If you think AI chips come from Silicon Valley magic or Elon Musk tweets, think again. Behind every smart chatbot, self-driving car, and “this email was written by AI” message stands one very Dutch company: ASML.