Baking in the Netherlands

This little article pretty much reflects everything I've determined thus far about my attempts to "bake" here (using the microwave or making vegan versions of pancakes).

http://canuckgoingdutch.wordpress.com/2011/08/26/baking-in-the-netherlands/

To summarize:

• Sugar, cocoa, flour, etc. are all in different aisles, mostly because Dutch people don't really bake and use these ingredients for different purposes.  
• The actual "baking section" in the grocery store is reeeeaallllyyy tiny, and mostly has pre-made mixes for pancakes and expensive nuts.  
• Baking soda is nowhere to be found.
• Baking powder here contains aluminum, which is debatably okay for human consumption. 
• Bulk items do not exist.
• Brown sugar is called "basterd sugar."

Luckily,  I've been able to make a brownie in the microwave, french toast on the stove, and cinnamon sugar toast with soy butter!