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Inauguration events in Amsterdam

A Love/Hate Relationship

As many American tourists and expats can attest, the Dutch have a love/hate relationship with America.

Actually, that is true of people throughout the world — but the Dutch, known for their directness (viewed by those not used to this expression of honesty as ‘rudeness’) — have no qualms sharing their views with their American guests.

For instance:

We love rock music (and know, of course, that it is not only made in America). We hate George Bush (who is considered a war criminal at best). We love blue jeans and lots of other American fashion icons. We hate America’s attempts at policing the world (particularly because the USA often takes a “do as we say, not as we do” approach. Over here, America is seen as one of the world’s foremost human rights violators).

We love Barack Obama (and just like many Americans, most of us can’t really say why). We don’t like the hype surrounding him (although just like many Americans, we are really, truly happy to say good riddance to his clueless idiot — who somehow got ‘voted’ in twice).

So anyway, we do congratulate our American friends on the inauguration of Barack Obama. With you we do hope that he lives up to everyone’s high expectations. And should you wish to get rid of George Bush, please send him over to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Inauguration Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s American expat community — about 4.000 strong — has several options to celebrate the event. One can, of course, follow it on live TV — via Holland’s official stations, CNN, the BBC, Sky News, or any of dozens of other stations.

The American Book Center organizes a toast at its Tree Houseoffsite, at which guests will watch the proceedings via live TV. Starts at 5pm, with limited space available.

Felix Meritus, the European Center for Art, Culture and Science, has a Yes We Watchoffsite event starting at 4pm.

The City of Amsterdam organizes a get-together for the American community at the official residence of Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen. The American consul will attend.

Comedy center Boom Chicago celebrates Obama’s Big Night At Boomoffsite with a final performance of Bye-Bye Bush.

The festivities can also be watched on the outdoor video screenoffsite at Zuidplein, next to the WTC.

Democrats Abroad Netherlands has organized a Hard Rock Inauguration Dayoffsite.

If you can’t make it to any of these events, simply follow along on your own TV.

Canadian Identity?

Courtesy notice to American tourists: With George Bush gone it’s safe again to let us know where you’re from. It is no longer necessary to pretend you’re from Canadaoffsite.

Anton and Janet Hein
Publisher at DutchAmsterdam | Website |  + posts

Anton and Janet Hein live and work in Amsterdam. We are the publishers of DutchAmsterdam.

Anton was born on a houseboat in the center of Amsterdam, right across from the iconic Westertoren and what later became the Anne Frank House museum. Having lived in nearly every district since then, he knows the city like his own back pocket.

Janet was born in England and raised in Ireland before moving to Amsterdam 42 years ago. Even to date she brings an expat’s perspective to the DutchAmsterdam website.

Category: News | Related to: ,

Last updated Sunday, September 25, 2011 CET (Central European Time)

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