Customer Reviews

Here's Holland

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a "must have" book for visitors to Holland I only wish I had owned this book from day one, or even before I came to Holland. Its format is very clear and easy to follow and I can imagine I shall be dipping in and out of it for a long time to come. Part I, the main section, is dedicated to sightseeing, museums and amusement centres. Each of the twelve provinces is given a separate chapter. At the beginning of each there is a small useful map showing main towns, major roads and the borders of the provinces. These do help the geographically challenged (like me) to become more familiar with the layout of this relatively small country.

An introduction to the history and folklore of each province makes interesting reading. Every chapter, with its extensive coverage of museums, galleries, historic sites, cities, towns, villages and picturesque countryside, definitely gets the message across that there is more to Holland than Amsterdam.

Part II, entitled "Living in Holland" provides a wealth of information, advice and contact addresses. It covers the culture, gives an insight into "the system", education, sports and entertainment. It also includes a useful calendar of yearly special events. This section provides the newcomer not only with a vast array of specific information, but also presents it in a very practical manner, clearly written by someone with a close understanding of Dutch life. It is without a doubt an excellent aid to the newcomer, to help them settle quickly into this unique little country.

This is a detailed guidebook, almost too detailed for someone trying to get a country overview for initial trip planning. Providing good coverage of even smaller towns and issues such as pregnancy or education, it is most helpful for those living in or spending an extended time in the Netherlands. Try another book to get your bearings, then use this one for helpful and detailed information about places, museums, and interesting cultural facts.

My 7th trip to the Netherlands is coming up in 2 months. I've learned more from this book in a few weeks than all of the others I have combined. And I thought I was becoming a Nederphile until I got this book! This tells you about the spots you want to know about, how to get there, hours of operation and all of the pertinent particulars you will need to have a safe, enjoyable time. Must of the information contained here will take you incalculable hours to research on the web. That's not mentioning the emails you will send in hopes of getting more info or the directions you would normally search out via a map site.

I wish I had this on my first trip in 99. My trip would have been far more enjoyable and less stressful. I would have spent more time having fun than trying to figure out where to have fun at or how to get there.

This is the best investment for any trip to the Netherlands if you are planning on seeing the sites. It's differently the best money I've spent regarding any trip I've taken!