Invader Stu: Summer rain

To say that Holland’s summer has been slightly unconventional this year would be putting it mildly.

In fact, saying that Holland has experienced "a bit of rain" would be like saying "Australia sometimes gets a bit sunny and sunscreen is advised," or "Canada gets a bit chilly and occasionally experiences snow fall." Neither of these statements do the reality justice.

What would be more realistic would be to say "Holland has had enough rainfall this last weeks to fill every canal in the country twice over (with more rain forecasted on the way)."

There have been a lot of disappointed-looking tourists arriving all over the country the last few days because they forgot to pack their umbrella and a snorkel. I’ve had a strong desire to run up to each and every one of them screaming: "It’s not usually like this! I promise!"

But I don’t do this for two very good reasons:
› It wouldn’t work. They wouldn’t believe me.
› They would think I was a crazy person for randomly shouting out a weather forecast at them in the middle of the street.

To print your own Invading Holland postcard:
- Postcard front
- Postcard back

If the weather in the Netherlands continues this way, the Dutch tourist board is going to have to give some serious thought to rebranding.

Come and enjoy the many sights and attractions Holland has to offer:
› Why not take a canal trip on one of Holland’s many flooded canals?
› Experience historic Holland as it was thousands of years ago: below sea level
› Re-enact scenes from the "Singing in the rain" with your friends
› Enjoy a brisk swim in Dam square
› Stag party? Don’t miss the Amsterdam Red Light District wet t-shirt contest
› For hay fever suffers: enjoy an extremely low pollen count
› And finally… Why not remember your visit with a collection of souvenir umbrellas for you and the entire family?

Invader Stu is an accident prone Englishman who has been suffering from Dutch culture shock for the last ten years. Enjoy his stories, more of which can be found on Invading Holland.