March’s country isn’t one I’ve visited, but many of us are likely to recognize the things for which its known.
So instead of things its famous for, let’s see if you can guess the country based upon little known facts. While these are still striking, they may be as unfamiliar to you as many of them were to me.
The country is really, really flat.
Even more surprisingly, 40% actually lies below sea-level.
Much of it is built on artificial land.
It’s had many official names over the years.
However, one of the names you may refer to it as is wrong.
One of its famous exports isn’t native to the land.
In 2000, it became the 1st country to legalize same sex marriage.
Any guesses as to which country we’re reading next? How about if I add in some of the names its been known by since the 16th century?
Seventeen Provinces
Batavian Republic
Batavian Commonwealth
So what country are we reading?
If I note what name you shouldn’t be referring to it as, I think you’ll recognize it & may be surprised: Holland. That’s right, we’re reading the Netherlands next & Holland isn’t its correct name. As Culture Trip notes: “This common misconception likely stems from the fact that the 3 largest cities in the Netherlands are located in what was once known as Holland, but has since been divided into two provinces called Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland. To put this into perspective, it’s worth mentioning that there are 10 other provinces in the Netherlands.”
And that famous export that isn’t native to the Netherlands? Tulips! They actually came from the Middle East during the 16th Century.
It likely now clear why I couldn’t mention the things it is known for as they are instantly recognizable: Aside from tulips, there’s windmills, wooden shoes, world-famous earthenware Delft Blue, exquisite painters (both the Old Masters & modern day), bicycles, beer (e.g., Heineken), licorice, & cheese.
Speaking of Dutch food, if you’ve been with the club for a while, you know I’m often familiar with at least some of the dishes from the country we’re reading. However, this time when Ivor picked the country, I realized I’d never had a Dutch dish. I’ve adored the country’s salty black licorice & aged Gouda, but never tried the cuisine. So I set about finding some great cookbooks & here’s the one I loved the best written by someone that married into a Dutch family.
As the description notes, this cookbook includes a “modern interpretation of traditional Dutch cuisine, including unconventional (but familiar) and economical (but indulgent) recipes.”
The highlights for me were:
Ontbijtkoek, a breakfast bread made with rye flour. It’s not too sweet & as the author notes, “perfect for the morning with a big mug of coffee”
Bitterballen (crispy fritters) served with grainy Dutch mustard
Blote Billetjes In Het Groen (aka Bums in the Grass because this white bean dish looks like naked bums frolicking in fields lol)
Tomato Paprika Soup, a comfort dish made with roasted red peppers
Cranberry & Persimmon Pastechi, an empanada-like treat made in the Dutch Caribbean
Decadent Dutch Caribbean macaroons
HAVE ANY BOOK SUGGESTIONS?
Just let us know your Dutch suggestions by Thurs., Feb. 13 11PM ET. (That’s NYC time! See it converted to your time below.)
We'll use 2 suggestions from book club members, 2 suggestions from Ivor (the moderator), 1 suggestion from Mia (the book club co-admin), & 1 of my suggestions to compile a list of 6 books on which book club members will provide their thoughts. The book judged as best from the list will then be read.
Please note - We're specific in our books, they must:
Largely occur in the location specified unless the world described is an alternate reality
Be written by an author born there who has spent a good portion of their life there
Exist in paperback & ebook available on both Amazon & Kindle at least in the US & hopefully elsewhere