>>>Terry,
>>>
>>>>>I have read a great number of books that indicate the accomplishments of citizens of the United States during the 19th Century. Specifically in the areas of science and technology, anything that the United States did was inferior to the accomplishments of Europe. I am sure that such thoughts still persist.
>>>>>
>>>>>As I recall, the Netherlands was the first country to pay back the United States for its World War II debts. I know an American from my old neighborhood in San Francisco (three doors down from where I was raised) who moved to the Netherlands and truly enjoys the people and country.
>>>>>
>>>>>I have a niece who is a professor at the University of Rotterdam, who enjoys the Netherlands. Since I was a child I have had neighbors and acquaintances who are from the Netherlands, and they are a gracious and friendly people.
>>>>>
>>>>>Everyone is entitled to an opinion for whatever reason. One person does not speak for a country. In fact that person may change his/her mind at some point of life for better or worst – whatever that may be. :)
>>>>>
>>>>>Tom
>>>>
>>>>The only think about the Dutch - under-developed thigh muscles. They've got no hills to climb! :-)
>>>
>>>Therefore we ride the bike. I think there is no western country where so many people of all age do bike that much.
>>>
>>>
>>>Walter,
>>
>>I am pretty sure the danes beat you on biking.
>
>Either country - the reason is they have no hills, so biking is easy - so no thigh development. Where I live there are loads of bikes, and bike lanes around the city, but Brightom is built on 7 steep hills,

San Francisco (where I was born and raised) has 43 hills within its 49 square miles. If you want to get your legs and lungs developed fast or die trying, then I suggest you try our hills! :)