Hi there! We're Bill and LeBrie. You're receiving this email because you signed up for Dutch Treat, our twice-monthly newsletter of discoveries while we are living in Amsterdam. If you enjoy the newsletter, forward it to a friend. And if this email was forwarded to you, get your own. 📫

A Collection of Hands

During our last trip to Amsterdam in 2019 Bill began photographing details of hands in paintings. He's continued that as an ongoing project. These are from from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague.

Some Amsterdam Facts and Figures

Last week we went to a free community meeting called Introduction to Dutch Culture, Language and Lifestyle. About 30 newcomers to Amsterdam attended. We were one of only 3 people from the Americas - the other was a Canadian. There was a person each from France, England, Spain, and Portugal. The remainder were from West Africa and Eastern Europe (including several from Ukraine). The 3 presentations lasted about 2 hours. There were snacks and beverages including wine and beer, and we each received a hardcover book with information about Dutch culture at the end.

Here are statistics about Amsterdam from the book:

• 895,000 Bicycles
• 883,000 Residents
• 9,000 Concerts and performances per year
• 8,863 16th, 17th, and 18th century buildings
• 6,150 Shops
• 2,500 Houseboats
• 2,300 Restaurants
• 1,280 Bridges
• 165 Canals
• 141 Art galleries
• 44 Museums
• 32 Outdoor markets
• 8 Windmills

The Language

Most everyone speaks nearly perfect English in Amsterdam and most cities in the Netherlands (Nederland). If you try to speak Dutch the person whom you are speaking to will in most cases start speaking English once they have heard your accent. They often say, "It's just easier" or tell you, "Dutch is very difficult, why bother?"

None the less we are determined to learn what we can so as to show respect and feel we are part of the community. We have each done a number of online courses and have learned a couple hundred vocabulary words. It is the speaking and listening that is difficult.

So, beginning next week we will start taking classes at a community center. Wish us luck!

Important Dutch Vocabulary Lesson: Peanut butter in Dutch is "pindakaas" (peanut cheese).

Until next time,
Bill and LeBrie