I’ve been writing about De Heksenwaag in Oudewater. For centuries, women from across Europe who were accused of being witches, could be weighed here and receive a document proving they were not a witch.
Photo shows Queen Juliana being weighed (credit:anpfoto)

I’ve been writing about Loeki de Leeuw, a lion puppet who has served as a continuity announcer between TV commercials for decades. He features in very brief clips, sometimes with friends, in which he encounters unexpected situations to which he often responds,sotto voce, with: ‘asjemnou!’

I’ve written about the Wadden Eilanden, the group of Islands that runs along the northern coasts of Groningen and Friesland. Very popular holiday destination for generations. Also, the Rolls Royce of sheepbreeds comes from the island of Texel. Baah! #texel #waddeneilanden #vakantie #schaap #sheep

I’ve written about the Eise Eisenga Planetarium in Friesland. An insane orrery (mechanical model of the solar system), built in the 18th century in someone’s living room. You have to see it to believe it! #planets #solarsystem #friesland

I’ve been writing about Loeki de Leeuw, a lion puppet who has served as a continuity announcer between TV commercials for decades. He features in very brief clips, sometimes with friends, in which he encounters unexpected situations to which he often responds,sotto voce, with: ‘asjemnou!’

I’ve written about the Wadden Eilanden, the group of Islands that runs along the northern coasts of Groningen and Friesland. Very popular holiday destination for generations. Also, the Rolls Royce of sheepbreeds comes from the island of Texel. Baah! #texel #waddeneilanden #vakantie #schaap #sheep

I’ve written about the Eise Eisenga Planetarium in Friesland. An insane orrery (mechanical model of the solar system), built in the 18th century in someone’s living room. You have to see it to believe it! #planets #solarsystem #friesland

I’ve written about Zwarte Cross, an annual motocross/music/beer festival in De Achterhoek. I love this photo, I might try to use it in the book. “Make Schik, Not War” is pretty funny. It means something like “Have Fun, not War”. #zwartecross #achterhoek #bier

I’ve done about 120 entries so far, they’ll need TLC and editing. Entries will be alphabetical, with a subject index in the back. This is conducive to serendipitous learning rather than searching for topics you’re interested in. It’s all interesting, weetjewel! #holland #nederland #boek #dutch

The book has about 220 entries, 350 words per entry. An image for each entry. The idea is that, taken in its entirety, it will give a comprehensive understanding of Dutch society and Dutch people

The book is about half way. I’ve written several other books on very different topics. They’re bestsellers in their field. “Write about what you know”, they say, so this is what I have been doing.

For the last 2 years or so I have been writing a book, that explains Hollland to non-Dutch people. I’m Dutch myself but have lived abroad for over 20 years and have lost count of the times I have had to explain Dutch behaviour, culture etc