I need advise for my Holland trip

[Bombero1956]

My wife and I are leaving for Holland 2 weeks from today. I planned on taking a leather jacket with me just in case it got cold or rained. She's of the opinion that because it's a Nascar jacket that it will easily identify me as an American and maybe cause unwanted attention from either a Dutch person or another foreigner who may cause a confrontation. The last time I went there in 1995 she made wear a London Fog overcoat and black suede shoes. I was walking down the jetway with her and I was stopped and questioned and she was allowed to board the plane. I think it happened because it looked like I was trying to appear like something I wasn't. So what do you folks think.

[bikebloke]

1. Holland is pretty tolerant.

But why advertise your from the Evil Empire. I haven't been there for a while, but with global warming (and the main culprit thumbing its nose at science) there may be some Dutch who might not look too kindly on yanks. Especially since they're on the front line with rising sea levels. If you're travelling in the backpacker/hostel style then flouting your residency will be frowned upon by other travellers. As a disident, I never had any problems.

[xchrom]

2. the dutch are not going to care what you wear --

and europeans are notorious huge race fans as well.

[trof]

3. Dress down if you don't want to stick out.

Where I can, I like to go incognito in foriegn lands. Especially if you'd rather be a people watcher than a person watched.
;-)
The Netherlands are likely to be cool and rainy this time of year.
I favored a Gore-tex anorak with a sweater for under when needed.
And a brolly, if you can still get one on the airplane.
If not, you can pick one up pretty cheaply after you land.

Jeans are "OK", but chinos or cords are better.
Will you be spending time in Amsterdam?

[Bombero1956]

6. yup

my wife's family is from Nijkerk and we'll be staying with them. I do plan a least one visit to Amsterdam because I never got a chance to go last time. My wife is the one who's concerned not me.

[trof]

12. Get out! Knee-Jerk?

Sorry.
Just popped into my head.
;-)
If you like Scotch whiskey, try and make it to The Whiskey Bar just off the Leidseplein in AMS.
Ask anybody.
About 100 varieties of single malts.

[smirkymonkey]

16. If your wife is from Holland, and she is concerned, then maybe

she has a point. After all, she probably has a better idea of how the Dutch will react that someone who isn't Dutch.

I would avoid drawing attention to yourself as an American, do you have another jacket or coat that is just kind of neutral?

[billyskank]

4. You'll be fine

There aren't gangs of anti-Americans prowling the streets or anything.

[XemaSab]

8. "boots and braces" types

looking for a brawl.

[rug]

5. If the dikes fail, don't call FEMA.

[bikebloke]

20. Don't worry.

They've got a kid with his finger in it.

[shanti]

7. one thing i've heard...

don't wear white sneakers! it will instantly peg you as an "ugly american".

[trof]

13. "Sportif shoes" I was denied entry to the casino in AMS

because of my footgear.

[Haole Girl]

9. Your wife is being cautious, which is the correct course of action..

..when traveling abroad these days. I hate to tell you, but she is right. Do not wear anything that will draw unnecessary attention to the fact that you are an American. Better safe, than sorry, they say! And, if you feel nervous- and like you're afraid they'll stop you in an airport- they probably will (no matter what you're wearing)! ;-)

[bridgit]

10. i need some Advil...

x(

[Arugula Latte]

11. I'd say: If you have an option other than a Nascar jacket, take it.

Just my gut reaction.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

14. yeah. i'd say so too.

even in america. lose that jacket lol. unless you are going undercover to a klan rally.

[Haole Girl]

18. Now I need an Advil

x(

[SlavesandBulldozers]

23. i'm sorry. it was a joke. it was inappropriate.

[Haole Girl]

24. Apology accepted

:hi:

[SlavesandBulldozers]

27. thanks!

:toast:

[MrScorpio]

15. This is me in Holland in 1997

BTW, I was mistaken for a Dutch person many a time

I loved blending in.

BTW, F1 racing is big in Europe, not NASCAR

Your biggest problem is feeling insecure about what you're wearing.

Piece of advice; wear some nice neutral clothes and nice shoes... You'll dovjust fine.

[jberryhill]

17. Here's what I wore last year....

I'm the one doing the Lynndie to the right...

http://www.johnberryhill.com/Benelux2005/photos/photo17.html

[pitohui]

19. they are super nice to americans

wear what you want to wear, they are not a judgmental people

these days, all americans have to answer questions at schipol, so you will not be singled out for questions, you'll all get questions, sometimes silly ones, don't sweat it

wear what you like

have fun!

i'm thinking of going myself, maybe not in two weeks, maybe in 3 weeks

[Bombero1956]

22. I got stopped

in Boston

[Rabrrrrrr]

21. You might, however, have a chance to sell it for a lot of money.

Sometimes it happens in foreign countries - someone will see it, realize it's american (or foreign, anyway, they might not specifically care that it's American, only that it's non-European) and therefore rare, and offer you a bunch of money for it so that they can wow their friends.

[Drum]

25. visit The Bulldog in Amsterdam!

(OK, my experience is maybe ten years out of date, but WOW!)

[trof]

26. Yep, you could get a pretty good buzz just walking by the front door.

;-)

[Love Bug]

28. Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear. Europeans can spot an American

yards away. I lived in Germany for a year and a half and they just know. Pack what you like and enjoy your trip! Just be prepared to apologise constantly for our (mal)administration.

[Eurobabe]

29. I live in Europe and I try to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb

I'd leave the jacket at home. Not that anyone would try to harm you, but I don't like inviting chance. JMHO.

[pauliedangerously]

30. Well, I'm not sure about Holland, BUT

I went to the UK several years ago and this one dude my partner and I struck up a conversation with couldn't talk about anything BUT NASCAR. I say, be yourself. I'll be watching for your report because I want to go there in November.