Dutch Neck Of The Woods

When you are from the States and will be visiting The Netherlands you will notice a major difference in landscape. The hilliest part is due south and for the rest the land is mainly flat.

One of the major differences that were quite amazing to me is the vast wooded areas here in the States; they just don't seem to end. The size of the woods in the Netherlands would probably make you laugh. Those are designated areas and often protected by the Department of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and there are not that many.

That is not a big surprise when you consider there are 16.292.000 people living in a total area of 25.790 square miles of which 21.005 is land and 4.785 is water. Land below sea level is 26 % and National parks are 2.8 % of the total area.

There are not many desolated areas. When you take a drive, expect to see cities, towns, or at least several houses or industrial areas lurking behind the next curve, but forget about the miles and miles of woods and undeveloped country side which you may be used to.

Maybe you would enjoy the vast fields of flowers that are grown in the Netherlands for national and international export. The prices of flowers in the Netherlands are extremely cheap compared to the outrageous prices here. A big bunch of tulips or narcissus would cost not much more then $2 and for around $10 you can buy a beautiful bouquet.

Should you come across woods or open fields, keep in mind not to wander off in them; they are mostly private property and not open to the public. The ones that are will clearly state so and if you are not sure, simply ask.

Don't worry, most of the Dutch speak English; it is taught already in elementary school. :-)