During our first visit to Amsterdam, at breakfast, I asked our waitress what the difference was between the Netherlands and Holland, and why the people here are called Dutch. She smiled at my American ignorance and slowly explained in perfect English that the Netherlands was the whole country and Holland referred to 2 of its 17 provinces, North and South Holland. The Netherlands literally means “Low Lands” as most of the country sits below sea level.
This next part stretched my American brain. The word “Dutch” comes from the Old Germanic word “Deutsch,” which means “of the people.” Back in the day (way back), English speakers used “Dutch” to refer to all Germanic peoples. Over many years, it narrowed down to mean the people from the Netherlands. She said that it is now acceptable to use Holland, The Netherlands, or Dutch. Confused, I now just refer to people from here as “you guys.”
The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, with a population of 18.4 million. This parliamentary constitutional monarchy uses the Euro, and its capital is Amsterdam.
This trip was in July 2008
I didn’t know this lady, but I couldn’t find Glenna, so she said I could take her picture in the Amsterdam sign.
Narrow crowded streets downtown
Dam Square in the center of Amsterdam
Each canal had its own personality. Some are busy and wild, some are quiet and charming
The view from our hotel. We weren’t staying at the Ritz
Canals crisscrossed the city
Shops, businesses and homes along one of the canals
