IMPORTANT NOTICE!
WELCOME, You are in the old website section up to 2011, please click HOME to view the website in the new 2012 design and system. THANK YOU!
LISE STEYN in Amsterdam
Published Date
06 March 2009
Home Town in SA
Riebeeckstad, Vrystaat
Now Living in
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Occupation
Student
Image
Best Thing About the Country?
The thing I enjoy most is how informed everyone is. The average person on the street is articulate, well read and highly educated.
Biggest Cultural Difference?
The economic and cultural well-being of the country.
Top Things to Do or See?
The Kröhler-Müller Museum.
Amsterdam (spend a day walking the streets).
Enkhuizen (open air museum).
Wikipedia Page
Life in Amsterdam is a culture shock! I am currently doing my Masters Degree in Art Restoration at the University of Amsterdam and I am confronted daily with issues and thoughts that are completely foreign to me. What have I learned so far? Well…
Be direct. It really confuses people when you are polite.
The Dutch don’t take compliments well; they think you are being insincere. If you compliment something, also state its negative points.
Don’t be too enthusiastic! Don’t say you had a wonderful day, or say the wine or food is great – tone it down. When a Dutch person says something is good, they mean super-fantastic.
Lucifer’s are matches.
The Dutch use illnesses as swear words
“Leuk” (lekker) and “gezellig” are the most important words you need to know. You can have a full conversation by just repeating them over and over and changing your tone of voice and facial expression.
The Dutch think South Africa is ‘leuk’!
Images (1)
Prev
Next
