Instead of any thoughtful commentary following astute observation of Dutch society, I can offer comments on the weather. Of course, this is of paramount importance to me and Susan. We knew in July that we would pay the price for the glorious summer days, when the windows were open 24 hours per day and it was light when you went to bed and when you go up. Now we have dark, cloudy, rainy, misty, and occasionally glimpses of direct sunshine.  We just passed the winter solstice, and we have survived. The Nederlanders seem to cope without a hiccup.  The bikers still bike. The builders still build. The scooters still suck. I admire moms and dads who cycle to work and carry their toddlers on their bikes when it is drizzling rain.  

Rijksmuseum and SkatingMuseumplein skating, December 2017

Above the "e" in Amsterdam, you can see the tunnel that goes under the Rijksmuseum.  It is ode to geometry and a view that I love, with the line of columns, lights, and vaulted sections.  The best part is no cars here, only the pedestrians, bikes, and scooters.  

Rijksmuseum Tunnel

Amsterdam is banning the gas-powered scooter in favor of electric scooters. The rules are being phased in. And the scooters are being banned from the bike paths because of the number of accidents.  Yesterday, a scooter went by me that was so noisy and I could smell it after it passed.  The city will be so much nicer  after these changes are fully implemented. The government here can do things like that and they are accepted. Isn't that interesting?