From my original archive
Netherlands
Destination overview
About this destination
The Netherlands lies in northwestern Europe beside the North Sea. Amsterdam is the capital, while the government is based in The Hague. Much of the country has been shaped by water management.
Dikes, polders and canals form part of both its landscape and engineering history. Rotterdam developed into a major maritime trading centre. Dutch is the principal language.
Historic towns, museums and cycling routes provide familiar cultural reference points. Flat agricultural land and densely connected cities show how geography, trade and infrastructure have influenced daily life in a country with a long relationship with water.
My connection
In 2017, I undertook offshore-safety training in the Netherlands. This stay formed part of my technical preparation for work in the offshore oil and gas environment.
Original archive notes and photographs
My original travel notes
- Netherlands is a country in Western Europe, bordered by Germany, Belgium and the North Sea. It is also known as Holland, although this name technically refers to only two of its twelve provinces. It is a founding member of the European Union, NATO, the eurozone and the Schengen Area. It has a population of about 17.5 million people and its capital is Amsterdam. It is famous for its tulips, windmills, cheese and bicycles.
Personal memories
I have travelled through the Netherlands several times for both work and pleasure. One of my best memories goes back to when I was sixteen and playing junior rugby. We went to ’s-Hertogenbosch for friendly matches with Dutch, British and Irish teams.
We had a great time, and at that age we were even allowed to visit the red-light district.