As far back as the 17th century, Holland's cleanliness was a source of wonder to visitors from the rest of Europe. Even members of Cromwell's puritan regime were impressed by the sparkling streets and the gleam of Dutch door hinges. A certain looseness may have crept into Amsterdam in recent years, but the rest of the nation remains impressively spotless. The morning after a night of disturbances in central Maastricht, a friend went down to see the extent of the damage. He found nothing.
Cafes proliferate in both nations.
As a result, the per capita ratio of cafes is roughly three times higher there. Belgian prices are generally lower too, which explains the string of bars and drink warehouses that line the border like a licenced version of the Maginot Line. The Dutch also lag behind when it comes to variety of beers they make, though their nation's merchant past has helped them promote the ones they do produce, such as Heineken, very successfully to the world at large. Belgian brewers are relentlessly inventive, spicing their ales with everything from coriander to woodruff. In most cafes you will find at least two dozen to choose from.