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Malaysian Chinese are familiar with Holland, what The Netherlands used to be called.The Dutch were, after all, once conquerors and rulers of Malacca.

We called the earliest fizzy drink or aerated water, sold by Fraser and Neave (F & N), Holland-sooi. Why? It seems to have nothing to do with Holland! Maybe, it’s due to F & N’s link with a Dutch firm, Heineken. In 1931, Fraser & Neave and Heineken formed a joint venture and went into the brewing business. The brewery, Malayan Breweries Limited produced Tiger Beer, and later, Anchor Beer. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraser_and_Neave).

When we cursed someone, we often said, “Fan Holland!” (return to Holland), which means “go and die!” There was the dutchwife (bolster) and Holland pai (cards used fpor gambling.)

In recent years, a very good and long time friend maarried a Dutchman, and she lives there with him in The Netherlands.

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It’s a condo, a market, and an inspiration for Toronto: http://trib.al/tiTy3BQ 

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