We, the Dutch, almost forgot about winter.

With so few cold winters and little snow in the recent past, local governments shortened their stack of salt for the roads over the years. But now, because of the continuing snowfall, they are confronted with shortage of salt to keep the roads clear from snow and ice. Many local streets, sidewalks and bike tracks are not treated with salt to save some, obviously leading to slippery situations.

Our scarce knowledge of dealing with winter conditions became even more evident when our Prime-Minister summoned us in a press conference to take responsibility and shovel our sidewalks for the sake of our neighbours. (NB: There used to be a law in NL to keep the sidewalk in front of your house clear during frosty periods, but this has been abolished years ago.)

One town is very happy, though. Etten-Leur bought 18 tons of rejected bath salt, enough for at least one ‘treatment’ of the main roads.

I bet it smells lovely in Etten-Leur.

(about the number in the title)