There is a saying, "God made the earth but the Dutch made Holland" ( Rick Steves' France, Belgium and the Netherlands 2001). Mr. Steves coined this saying since the ingenious Dutch drained this marshland to create Europe's most densely populated country. Through the use of windmills, which drained the marshlands, and dikes, that diverted waterways, the Dutch managed to reclaim this land from Mother Nature and build a country which two thirds lies below sea level. They also created on of Europe's most prosperous countries.

   The Netherlands (Often called Holland after its two largest provinces: North and South Holland) made its fortunes on trade during the age of discovery. They traded cloth. They traded diamonds. They traded spices from India. They traded coffee and tea from Indonesia. As a result of this trade and the wealth generated from it, the Netherlands is full of beautiful 17th century buildings with ornate artistry.

  Aside from being the most densely populated country in Europe, I found it to be one of the most culturally diverse countries. I am not sure the reason for it (perhaps people came from the former colonies to the Netherlands) but I was pleasantly surprised to walk down streets in Amsterdam and find a very diverse mix of people. The Netherlands is also the most liberal country I have ever visited. Clean urinals on street corners. Coffee shops that sell soft drugs. And the infamous red-light districts that lace her towns. These facets most likely date back to trying to attract sailors to spend their money in port.

  During my quick trip to the Netherlands, I spent two days in Amsterdam, one of the most amazing cities in the world. Great art, great atmosphere, high on culture. Then, I went to Harlem, a cool little Danish town that too is high on ambiance. Both towns I highly recommend visiting.