• Windmills that grace the landscape like a painting out of time past

• "God Ducks" that walk on the frozen canals

• Swans that roam the countryside like its no big deal that they are swans

• The 3 C's, Castles, Canals and Churchs, all 3 offer postcard settings

• The quaint small store shopping atmosphere, ie. the butcher the baker the candlestick maker!

• Learning another language (besides "immigrant" language which is mostly cursing)

• Major crime is a minor occurrence

• The sky seems to be bluer with no smog

• Flowers are abundant and very affordable

• Going on baby animal searches in the Spring...whole fields of lammetjes (baby lambs) and they are soooo adorable!

• The canals are very romantic

• History abounds everywhere

• On average the Dutch are very eager to assist you if you are confused or lost

• Beautiful leaded glass in many of the old homes

• Legal views regarding relationships allow for partners besides marriage

• The overall country is very pro-family while still allowing a woman to make a decision for herself

• Family activities seem to be abundant, creative and enjoyable

• Arts, Music and cultural experiences are strongly encouraged and supported

• The three K's, Kaas, Koffeetijd and Koeien (tasty, ritualistic and huge in that order)

• Many neighboring countries are a few hours drive or an hour or 2 by plane

• Oh god did I mention the many baked goods?

• If you love french fries you have come to the land of french fry worship

• McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Ben & Jerry's and KFC exist here for those momentary lapses into nostalgia

• Working hours are set up to provide people with a home life too! What a concept!

• Touching on the above, most stores are closed on Sundays and open later on Mondays

• For the truly needy, Amsterdam centrum is open all the time so shopping fixes are possible

• People with disabilities seem to be more accepted but also more prevalent...I wonder which came first

• Driving along the canals at Sunset in Summer (which is like around 10pm)

• The parts of the freeways that are made of that cool stuff that lets the rain drain through (minimal splash back)

• The houses with the cool moss thatch roofs, green stuff just growing on the housetop!

• The bike trails through the farmlands (going to go for those when I get a good bike!)

• There is a man here who stole my heart and touched my soul and gently wraps me in his arms daily

• Paying for water or getting stares when trying to ask for "tap water" unbottled water...fricking damn water

• Paying for the privilege of using public restrooms

• Paying for condiments like catsup/frit sauce at McDonald's and other food establishments

• Paying for every single thing you drink...no free refills on coffee, tea, water, fluids...

• Pauses in the middle of the movies...directors and producers must DIE seeing their films here!

• Smoking seems to be a bodily function appropriate for anyone, anywhere by any means available

• The cobblestone roads while poetic cause shoes to wear and my feet to suffer

• People don't wear sensible shoes here...I get stares of shock when I wear my white walking sports shoes

• This country boasts the tallest population in the world...I am 5'0 tall..you figure it out

• On the above note, they do not have clothing stores for short women

• Books and CD's are very expensive, even if produced or published here

• Clothing is also very expensive and often of poor quality or bizarre material

• Television shows purchased from the US for general consumption include Jerry Springer and soap operas

• On average, tv shows and movies are 3 months to a year behind

• Humid and swarming with Mosquitoes in the warmer months

• My family and buds from the US aren't here

• Products are often labeled "American" yet I have never seen them on that Continent

• The culture doesn't include casual smiling and saying hello to strangers on the street

• People let their dogs crap anywhere and don't pick it up

• People throw their trash anywhere including gum which is a sore sight on cobblestone walkways

• The graffiti on the windmills and museums - Don't people know how special some old buildings are?

• The language is difficult and written English is not always easy to find for some things

• Public transportation is expensive unless you are a student, elderly person or handicapped

• The average Dutch persons understanding of the US comes from Hollywood and Jerry Springer

• Cereal comes in these small boxes made for like 3 servings!

• Refrigerators require you to literally bend over to see what's in them as they are so small here.

• When you rent a place you provide your appliances, carpet, fixtures, curtains, flooring....

• Honest to goodness, authentic Mexican food!

• Courteous, efficient service in stores and restaurants

• Radio stations that know the difference between the 70's and 80's and what is played today

• Being able to jump in the car and dash off to the store, any store when I want to

• Just chatting it up in English with my girlfriends

• Good prices, quality sales and knowing what the good products really are

• Stores like Target and Costco/Price Club

• Grocery stores with selection that would shock most Europeans

• California Cheese...yes damn it, it IS the cheese!

• My California coastline back dropped against hills and mountains.....sigh....

• Sushi (although I did find a killer place in Amstelveen)

• My Cali Sunshine

• Hawks on the telephone poles

• Friendly, cheery people

• Clothing and shoe stores for people other than narrow, tall people

• El Torito's Carnitas and Mexican Caesar Salad

• My parents back yard

• My grand piano

• The pets I left behind with the ex, who gave the cats away....taking the dog to Dog Beach

• Did I mention sunshine?

• La Victoria Medium or Hot Taco Sauce

• Real Canadian Maple Syrup - Nothing tastes better on Dutch pancakes!

• Velvetta Cheese - cause some recipes just need a good melting cheese

• Q-Tips brand Q tips

• Big bottle of Extra Strength Aspirin - costs a lot here

• 8 1/2 X 11 paper as some of my programs don't have A4 sizing options

• Rubbing Alcohol (sold there in tiny weeny bottles for lots of money)

• American Flour - (It's become more available in International markets)

• Dawn liquid detergent - good for my hands and the dishes

• SELF magazine, PEOPLE magazine...things in American English!

• Reynolds Wrap/Saran Wrap - Real foil that actually works and Saran that tears and clings!

• Cold and Flu remedies as the stuff here is very mild/herbal

• Hot Tamales, Tootsie Rolls, Milk Dudes - typical American Candy for those comfort food moments!

• Playtex Tampons - just happen to like the brand I am used to - no selection here
   

  Things I Miss from Holland now I am back in California
  
  The pajama club girls nights with Caroline, Grace, Cindy and Renee
  Believe it or not - but Honingdrop!
  Speaking Dutch - I guess I just liked using another language after all
  The slower pace
  The amazing amount of vacation time everyone gets
  Easy travel to other countries
  Poffertjes!
  Seeing pheasants casually walking along the sides of the freeways
  The Oudegracht during a gentle rain or a sunny day
  Visiting Mark and Donnie on the Keizergracht
  Friday family nights with my Dutch in-laws
  Making friends with people from all over the world
  Living next door to Muslims and a Mosque and having it be no big deal!
  The unique bond with others that comes from expatriate/love immigrant living
  The Blues Festivals, Jazz Festivals, Art Festivals, that were all FREE!
  The Catholic church in IJsselstein
  Late night walks along the cobblestone roads on a deserted Sunday night in the
  Utrecht old town centre (and feeling totally safe doing it)
   

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