FACTS

NEWS

BEHAVIOUR

RULES

FOREIGNERS

IMPRESSIONS

BOOKS

INTERNET

Despite considering themselves to be open, accessible and tolerant, the Dutch are apparently difficult to deal with. Foreigners are not alone, however: a small library could be filled with books written to help them.

The Holland Handbook
By various authors. Handsome book for a very mixed group of readers: professionals, expatriates' partners and also foreign students. Scriptum publishers Schiedam, 25 guilders. Also available: The X-pat Journal, a quarterly magazine (in English) with up-to-date information about leisure, legal affairs and expatriate management. (070) 306 33 10.

Dealing with the Dutch Living and working in other cultures
By Jacob Vossestein. Dutch author places emphasis on doing business with the Dutch. Enriched by many quotes from foreigners who have already done so. Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), Amsterdam 1998, 25 guilders.

The Low Sky. Understanding the Dutch
By Han van der Horst. Dutch historian digs a little deeper, manages to stay clear of clichés and tries to find solid explanations for Dutch behaviour. Interesting and informative. Scriptum Books Schiedam/Nuffic Den Haag 1996, 39,90 guilders.

The UnDutchables
By Colin White & Laurie Boucke. The most popular of all the 'Life in Holland' books. A sometimes funny account by Englishman White and American Boucke who have observed the Dutch (painfully) well. White Boucke, 1999, 29,95 guilders. Nijgh & Van Ditmar, Amsterdam 1996. 22,50 guilders.

Dutch Cooking
By Heleen A.M. Halverhout. A Dutch cookbook with many recipes for typical dishes, from thick pancakes with bacon to oliebollen. Publisher: De Driehoek. 26 guilders. By the same author: The Netherlands Cookbook.

Culture shock Netherlands, A guide to customs and etiquette
By Hunt Janin. As the subtitle suggests, an introduction course on life in The Netherlands. Janin is an American living in France. Kuperard 1998, 35,90 guilders.

Here's Holland
Practical guide for tourists and expats alike to explore Holland by Sheila Gazaleh-Weevers. ISBN 90-801255-2-0.