Boats, Bicycles, Baptist Beginnings, and Belgium Fries: The Top 20 Things We Learned on Our Journey from Amsterdam to Antwerp

Our journey from Amsterdam to Antwerp was more than a vacation. It was educational and inspirational. Here are the top 20 things I learned along the way:

1. The Netherlands and Holland aren’t the same thing. Holland refers only to two provinces—North and South Holland—while the Netherlands includes 12 provinces in total.

2. The canals in Amsterdam rival those in Venice. They’re carefully engineered, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and every bit as picturesque.

3. Bicycles outnumber people in the Netherlands. With more than 23 million bikes for 17 million people, cycling is truly a way of life.

4. The first Baptist church was formed in Amsterdam in 1609. John Smyth and Thomas Helwys planted seeds of religious liberty here that still bear fruit today. (Actually, I knew this. However, I had forgotten the year.)

5. There are a large number of locks on the rivers and canals. These ingenious systems manage water levels in the Netherlands, keeping the country dry and navigable.

6. Windmills were used for more than grinding grain. They were also essential for pumping water out of polders to reclaim farmland.

7. The story of the “cat and the cradle” is a real Kinderdijk legend. A baby survived a flood, kept afloat in a cradle balanced by a clever cat.

8. Dordrecht is the oldest city in Holland. Its Grote Kerk and historic harbors resound with stories from the Middle Ages.

9. Rotterdam is a model of resilience.
Bombed in WWII, it rebuilt with bold, modern architecture and one of the busiest ports in the world.

10. Stroopwafels are favorite treat. Two thin waffles with caramel syrup inside—best eaten warm.

11. Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world. Its diamond district trades more than 80% of the world’s rough diamonds.

12. Belgian fries are not French fries. Thicker, crispier, and often double-fried, Belgian fries are traditionally served with mayonnaise.

13. Roosters stand atop the steeples of Protestant churches. It’s a reminder of Peter’s denial and a call to spiritual vigilance.

16. Tulips are grown year-round both organically and hydroponically. Tulips helped shape their economy in the 17th century—and sparked the first economic bubble.

17. Belgian waffles come in two styles. Brussels waffles are light and crisp; Liège waffles are dense and sweet with caramelized sugar.

18. The EU started in the Netherlands. The 1992 Maastricht Treaty formally created the European Union and paved the way for the euro.

19. Art is everywhere, often in unexpected places. From murals under bridges to sculptures in public squares, creativity is woven into everyday life.

20. One of the favorite statues in Brussels portrays a peeing boy.  When we visited, large crowds were lined up to have their photo made in front of the statue.

Our journey from “Holland to Belgium” wasn’t just about checking off destinations—it was about discovering layers of history, culture, faith, and joy. And while the trip may be over, the lessons (and the stories) will be etched in our collection of treasured memories.