The 2009-2010 winter in the Netherlands has been incredible. In all the years I've lived here, I've only seen snow once or twice, and it disappeared in a day or two. Now, it falls regularly, and sticks around.

Sure, it's nice to look at, but beware: the Dutch seem to approach snowfall with an attitude of denial. That means they don't clean up after it - because it's not really there, you see?

My advice? Admire away, but be careful as you walk down sidewalks and paths. No salt or sand has been put down, and you may find yourself horizontal on the ground. It's a far cry from the professional snow removal I'm used to as a Minnesotan. But then again, we never got used to decades without it.