Next to Canada and the United States, Holland is the country I have spent the most time in. My mother was born there, so I suppose I keep coming back out of a sense of heritage, or something. Anyway, Holland is a really great country, and in my opinion has one of the most interesting- though often overlooked- cultures of anywhere in the western world.

After my most recent trip, in the Summer of '05, I figured I now finally know enough about Holland to put together a crude online guide. It won't be as in-depth as my Guide to Canada, obviously, but I hope you'll find it just as informative and interesting.

You'll notice that there are always photos on the right hand side of this guide. Unless otherwise noted, these are all photographs I have taken myself, on my various journeys through the country. If you click on them you can see them full-size, and if you hover your mouse over you can read my witty commentary.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Here are the sections. This guide is still a work in progress so they will appear at different times:

1 BASIC INFO
How many people live in Holland and what's the country's proper name? Here is where you can find all the basic introductory information.

2 SYMBOLS OF THE STATE
What does the Dutch flag look like and what kind of money do they use? This section explores the national symbols of Holland.

3 DUTCH CLICHÉS
Windmills, tulips, and other things you'll find on postcards. Learn the REAL DEAL behind them.

4 PLACES IN HOLLAND
Learn about cities ending in "dam" and Holland's version of Quebec.


5 DUTCH HISTORY
For such a small country Holland has done a lot. Here is the timeline of Holland's past.


6 THE DUTCH GOVERNMENT
It's not as boring as it sounds, I swear!


7 DUTCH FOOD
Cheese, fries, pancakes, and more. All about the Dutch diet.

8 DUTCH EVENTS
Why does the Dutch Santa Claus have black slaves? Find out inside!

9 DUTCH PEOPLE
A strange and peculiar race.