Lekker Direct: Surviving the Netherlands One Awkward Moment at a Time

What happens when blunt meets gezelligheid?

Armed with good intentions and a broken bike, Dimitrios and Eleni — a Greek couple new to the Netherlands — and many of their expat friends stumble through kringverjaardags (circle of death!?), Kingsday chaos, and the soul-crushing reality of bringing your own birthday cake to work.

From the “circle of death” at birthday parties to the trauma of scalding bitterballen, Lekker Direct is a hilarious and painfully accurate guide to Dutch culture — as told by the expats just trying to survive it.

With a cast of international characters (an Italian couple who dare to arrive late to a social event, an American terrified of Dutch Sinterklaas poems, and a Portuguese woman stalked by curtainless windows), this book explores:

• What to do when your birthday gift lands... poorly

• How to join a Dutch secret underground mustard society

• Why even toddlers will outpace you at the supermarket Grand Prix

• What it really means when a monkey crawls out of a sleeve

• And much more...

Based on absurd (or is it mostly?) true stories, baffling traditions, and brutal honesty wrapped in gezelligheid, Lekker Direct is the guidebook you never knew you needed — and the therapy session you definitely do.

Whether you’re an expat, a Dutch native with a sense of humor, or a confused tourist — you’ll laugh, cringe, and maybe (finally) understand what the hell “lekker direct” means.

Look Inside

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<p>★★★★★</p>

<p><strong>Fun and relaxing read</strong><br>
"Attracted by the title and this is a surprisingly fun and relaxing read! The writer uses real life examples to explain some of the quirks in Dutch culture. Very relatable for newcomers."</p>

<p><strong>Awesome book</strong><br>
"Book is great. I had a lot of fun but it's all and only truth."</p>

<p><strong>Lekker bezig, lekker direct!</strong><br>
"Having lived in the Netherlands for years, I thought I understood Dutch culture. This book captures thos