Noord Holland

AMSTERDAM, THE DUTCHNETHERHOLLAND—Well, my Heathrow Terminal 5 karma is apparently good. No problems with the baggage as I arrived in Holland. All is well.

Thanks to Jenna for clearing up the naming issues w/r/t The Netherlands/Holland. But I still can't suss out why they can't settle on a capital. I mean, really. Also thanks to Jenna for hosting me in Lieden tonight, even though it is a Tuesday and a school night and she has to fight City Hall tomorrow (stick it to The Man!). Lieden's a lovely town, and I had a great introduction to the Dutch life—we rode bicycles to eat and drink. Passed a windmill, I think. There weren't tulips, but they were mentioned, and so present in spirit. Throw in some clogs and we're in business with the Dutch stereotypes.

Speaking of which, there really are bicycles freaking everywhere here. I mean, everywhere, and plenty of bike paths in the city. Good on them; it's the best way to go.

I realised upon arrival in The Netherlands that I have no concept of the language, and have not prepared. My general philosophy on that is if you know the basics ("please", "thank you", "hello", "can I have another beer") you're pretty much golden, but I didn't do my homework. Not to worry, it turns out—it wasn't until I got to passport control, after walking at least three football fields' length in shops and signage, that I encountered actual Dutch usage. Everything was in English. Simply everyone speaks it here, I am learning, so it's not a problem.

Still a bit weird, though. Kind of takes one away from the effect a little bit. Whatever, it might make hitting on girls in bars easier, or at least less awkward, if that's possible (re-enter the magic mushrooms).

I see from back home that my main man Barack Obama pretty much has the nomination locked up, which may have been actual news back in February, to those of us who pay attention and don't give a shit about selling more ad space, but it's good to know the traditional media are catching on. He got all of John Edwards' pledged delegates, and Democratic elder statesman and former president Jimmy Carter, a superdelegate, is set to endorse the Illinois senator once polls close in the two remaining primaries later today, US time. This leaves Senator Obama with a whopping 16.5 delegates to go until fat-lady time. That should happen once Montana and South Dakota have their say in a few hours' time.

Bring it. I can't wait to bring this shit to John McCain. He doesn't know what he's in for.

Speaking of Obama, I must say that the Europeans I've encountered are fully on board the Obamarama. Especially the French. (Hey, they were right about the Iraq war, too, so it shouldn't be a surprise.) It's neater to see, especially outside Australia, where people have no concept or real appreciation for the situation in America. Europe is closer to America, and more in tune with the political mise en scène, so they tend to look at this more on its face than try to read into it (I haven't once got the bullshit question, "Is America really ready to elect a black man president?"). But yeah, Paris especially love them some Barack Obama, as well they should. (BTW, I'm sure Republicans would love to make some hay out of this, but that French-hating stuff is so 2004, and Barry O ain't John Kerry, bitches. The swift boat has sunk.)

Let's just hope America has some sense left come November.

Well, I'm tired. For some reason, I didn't sleep well last night, so I'm turning in. A demain, tout le monde, when I go on a quest to find out what, exactly, is Dutch cuisine—if there is such a thing.