Yearly Archive: 2011

Surviving Pakjesavond 21

Surviving Pakjesavond

Pakjesavond. 11:47pm. Friesland. As I was handed the mysterious and brightly wrapped Sinterklaas gift I knew something was up. The giggling and sniggers my family-in-law were unsuccessfully trying to contain were a dead giveaway....

New Leadership: Update 9

New Leadership: Update

It’s been a week since I announced myself as the new leader of Holland and so far there have been no ‘official’ complaints. I take this as a sign that the Dutch government is...

Declaring Myself As The New Dutch King 33

Declaring Myself As The New Dutch King

People of Holland! Upon this day I, Stuart, would like to officially announce my successful invasion of Holland and the installation of myself as your new leader and ruler. Do not be afraid. Although...

The English Guide To Being English 8

The English Guide To Being English

Over the years I’ve written a lot about the Dutch and their funny little habits and traditions but I’ve never really written about my equally weird fellow Englishman. This seems somehow unfair since (as...

Questions About Sinterklaas 22

Questions About Sinterklaas

The arrival of Sinterklaas can be a very confusing time for expats in Holland. It’s a tradition that raises a lot of questions for those who are unfamiliar with it. Who is he and...

Speculoos Smuggler 22

Speculoos Smuggler

I am a speculoos addict. I have been hopelessly hooked on its sweet delicious taste ever since I tried my first sample. Since that day I have tried all different kinds of speculoos products;...