What struck you about the Netherlands?

As a Brit, it was the directness of conversation. No footling about not saying what you mean as can happen in England due to people wanting to not offend. It was refreshing on the one hand, and I also took pride in becoming more direct myself. After a few years I actually managed to swear back at another cyclist without hesitancy! However, it was also hard sometimes because racism was more visible and on some occasions it felt like people didn't care, when I felt they should. For instance, commuting to work and rushing through Centraaal Station another commuter and I collided pretty violently, though unintentionally, it really hurt. Not a word of apology or 'are you ok', they just rushed on as if I was invisible and I was left feeling stupid at having apologised when it was a situation of equal blame. But those instances were few and far between, and I really see the value of the collaborative and direct manner of working when it comes to the workplace.