There are many countries big and small that we Saudis know little about. The Netherlands, or Holland as we all call it, is one of them.
I had the privilege a few months ago to visit Amsterdam and The Hague. It was an exciting and informative trip for one busy week.
I note the most attractive yet symbolic thing that I saw which was the long, yet not curtained, clear windows that seemed to be part of their culture, and I compared them to the transparency and straightforward honest attitude that the people have. I was an immediate fan of this green country.
April 30 is the Netherlands’ Queen Day... and from the middle of the April 29, the evergreen landscape with its colorful tulips starts celebrating — both ordinary people and royalty.
Prinsengracht and Rembrandtplein are two of the most famous streets which on that special day are buzzing with celebration, music, markets and people wearing Holland’s favorite color, orange. You will be amazed to see people go the extra mile wearing orange clothes, and also using it as hair color or face paint, just for that festive day.
Vondelpark is popular for families, children and games, and this is also the one day when anybody can sell anything on that day, April 30, and many people have a holiday from work. With all the spring colors, people go out with their families to the streets and gardens and it is an absolute must to see — no one stays home.
The poem “Het Wilhemus” written in 1574 A.D. describes the life of William of Orange (William the Silent) and his fight for the Dutch people. Many people recite or sing the poem that day and it is not surprising at all to see the royal family join the people in their festivities that day and, in many cases, join also the performers around local historic places.
The Netherlands, is in many ways a country of history and strength and this history and the spirit of the people still bonds them to their green and colorful land. And to me it is the country with the tall, transparent windows and straightforward people.