Differences – DUTCH in the USA

From Biking to Driving: My American License Journey

When I moved from the Netherlands to the United States, one thing quickly became clear: in America, a car is not a luxury—it’s practically an extra family member. Back in the Netherlands, I had never really needed to drive. Dutch cities are built for bicycles, trains, buses, and the occasional brave soul on roller skates. […]

Why Dutch Curtains Stay Open and American Curtains Stay Closed?

Table of Contents Historical Influences on Dutch Curtain Habits Practical Reasons Behind Dutch Curtain Practices Cultural Narratives and Perceptions How Open Curtains Affect Neighborhood Interaction Historical Influences on Dutch Curtain Habits You’re not just looking at a window when you see open curtains in the Netherlands. You’re peering into a history of openness that stretches […]

Memorial Day vs. Dutch Remembrance: A Cultural Comparison

Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Timing and Observances: When and How Silence Is Observed 3. Public Ceremony Examples: The Main Events 4. Day After: Transition from Remembrance to Celebration 5. Civic and Social Practices: Public Transport, Businesses, and Daily Life 6. Historical Context: WWII, Liberation, and Beyond 7. Public Perception and Inclusivity: Who […]

The Great Recycling Showdown: USA vs. Netherlands

Ah, recycling. The noble act of giving your plastic bottles and cans a second chance at life. Who knew that something as simple as tossing an empty soda can into a bin could escalate into an international cultural comparison? Buckle up as we take a cheeky look at how recycling plastic bottles and cans differs […]

From American Classic to Dutch Enigma: Why Coleslaw Divides the Dinner Table (And Our Hearts)

Coleslaw. Just the word itself is a culinary Rorschach test, conjuring wildly different images and emotions depending on which side of the Atlantic you find yourself. For many Americans, it’s a beloved, creamy staple—a quintessential sidekick to barbecues, the loyal companion to a pulled pork sandwich, or nestled affectionately next to a crispy piece of […]

Being Dutch in America: Do You Blend In or Stand Out?

(Spoiler: Nee. Absolutely not.)** Living in America as a Dutch person is like being a walking IKEA manual: Everyone stares at you, nobody understands you, and yet somehow they still think you’re Swedish. Let’s break down the chaos. 🇳🇱 1. Your Accent: A Linguistic Mystery for Americans You say “water” like a normal human. Americans […]

From Miles to Meters: A Tale of Two Systems

I’ve come to accept that I live a dual life. Not the cool, secret-agent kind, but the mildly confusing, math-induced panic kind. You see, I split my existence between the United States and the Netherlands. And while adapting to the cultural differences—like the appropriate amount of directness (Dutch: extreme, American: sugar-coated) or acceptable daily cheese […]

Healthcare in the US vs Netherlands Explained Simply (and Slightly Traumatically)

Let me explain healthcare in the Netherlands vs the United States in the simplest way possible: In the Netherlands, you fall off your bike, break your arm, get treated, and complain about the weather. In the United States, you fall off your bike, break your arm… and first check if it’s financially worth having bones.

Why American Streets Are So Bad for Walking and Biking (Compared to the Netherlands)

Ever tried walking somewhere in the U.S. only to suddenly find yourself off the sidewalk, dodging a patch of gravel or a concrete curb that goes nowhere? Yeah — welcome to the wild, wacky world of American streets

Confessions of a Dutchman Watching Americans Eat

When I first moved to the United States, I expected culture shock. Bigger cars, bigger coffees, bigger everything. What I did not expect was to be emotionally ambushed… by dinner.

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