This weekend is the Boekenfestijn (Book Festival), held at Jaarbeurs Utrecht. Running from September 2-5, the massive, mobile book store is free to get in, and offers discounted prices on books, games, some craft goods. If you enjoy books, it's probably a great way to spend a few hours browsing a variety of topics. The majority of books will be in Dutch, of course, but they do have a selection of English-language titles, as well. It moves around to other cities, so check the website to see where else it will be taking place.

If you can't make it to the Book Festival this weekend, or if you're looking for reasonable priced books in English and Dutch throughout the year, you should check out Antiquariaat, located at Voorstraat 55, in Utrecht. This used-book store has a very nice selection of books in both languages, and often offers extra discounts if you buy a few books at a time. They also buy books, but it's best to go on Tuesday afternoons when the store owner is there. The store isn't all cheap paperbacks; there are some quality, collectible books on offer as well. Either way, it's a nice place to browse and pick up some enjoyable reading material.

The Stedelijk has been a floating museum of modern art for a number of years now while its main building on the museumplein undergoes neverending renovation. By floating I mean moving around and announcing different exhibits in different parts of Amsterdam. One thing I can say is whatever they do, the Stedelijk always does things in style.

Which leads us to their latest temporary exhibits entitled "Taking Place" and "Monumentalisme". The former focuses on national culture in the Netherlands and the orgins from around the world. As the curator explains "This is not about tullips and wooden shoes." Taking Place, meanwhile, focuses on the history of the museum itself, getting people re-acquainted with the Stedelijk.

These two exhibitions will continue until January 2011 and are open to the public Tuesday thru Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Thursday night there are extended hours until 10pm. Regular entry is 10€.

While it is most known for its art collection, the Kröller-Müller museum also features occasional theater performances. These theater pieces feature art from the museum's vast collection.

From now until November, The Paintings (with Us in the Nature) 1971 by Gilbert & George, are on display and part of one of these performances. Active in the 60's and 70's, the artists are most known for being very formal as well as early in their career, "The Singing Sculpture".

Located in Otterloo, the Kröller-Müller is a must-see day trip from Amsterdam. If it isn't raining too hard you can also enjoy the wonderful park grounds which are also part of the museum. Entry is €15 for adults, €7.50 for kids.

The weather hasn't been the best the past couple of days, but things might be a little bit drier this weekend, so here's a quick run-down of some of the events taking place in Utrecht.

Tonight at 19:00, there's a free concert as part of the Oude Muziek (Old Music) festival. Arie Abbennes will be playing the carillon bells of the Domtoren for the enjoyment of all. The best place to listen is at the Domtoren itself, but if you're in the city center and outside, you're bound to hear a bit of the performance. There will also be a video screen at the Vredenburg Leidsche Rijn if you'd like to see more of the performance. Full details on the Oude Muziek festival can be found on the website, with information in Dutch and some English.

Saturday night, beginning at 20:00, the Impakt Open Air 2 film festival will be taking place at the Neude. Short films, including previews of the Re:visie program from this year's upcoming Nederland Film Festival, will be shown on a big screen outdoors at the Neude, with a BBQ (organic meat and vegetarian options included), cocktail bar, and DJs to keep things fun and festive. Entry is free, and if the weather happens to turn nasty, the event will be moved to Moira, Wolvenstraat 10.

Between the Giro D'Italia and the Tour De France, cycling has been even bigger here in the Netherlands this year. If you want to enjoy a bit more racing drama, head to the Maliebaan this Sunday, 29 August, for the 54th International Tour of Central Netherlands (Internationale Ronde van Midden-Nederland). The race starts at 12:30 and ends around 17:30, with the start and finish at the Maliebaan. Throughout the day, there will also be various related events in the area and at the Utrecht Archives.

You may have heard the news in your neck of the woods, but here in Holland it made the front page: Anne Frank's Celebrated Chestnut Tree fell under the force of heavy winds earlier this week.

It is referred to as Anne Frank's tree as in her writing she refers several times to the tree which was just outside her window behind the garden house where she and her family were hiding. The tree has long stood as a part of the Anne Frank museum and a beloved symbol. However over the past 3 years the tree had many problems with sicknesses, leading to a famous battle between those who wanted to cut it down and those who wanted to save it. The saving side won the battle, until this week when extreme winds arrived in Amsterdam.

Within all the reports of the tree's death, one question did surface: what to do with the wood? No decision has been made yet. But there are already several saplings from the tree being grown in different parts of the world, including in California.

Next time you find yourself in the Anne Frank museum you will unfortunately not see that trusty old chestnut tree. Maybe they will leave a photo as a reminder...

Sail2010 has officially ended, as quickly as they sailed into the Ij harbor, the tall ships and vessels of every kind have said goodbye. The 4 day event was bigger and brighter then ever, providing memories that the millions in attendance will enjoy for along time to come. I myself watched the ships come in, and navigated my own boat into the heart of Sail2010. Here are some moments in video from my wonderful experience:

In only a few hours Sail2010 will begin with the fantastic Sail Parade, the arrival of a huge array of Dutch and International ships in the Ij harbor. The opening will stretch from 10am to 3pm, which is a big window of time for everyone to catch a glimpse. Starting at 10am tomorrow there will also be activities for children at Pirate Island (thematically renamed section of Java Island). There will also be an area for MINI-SAIL which is apparently where miniature boats will be featured.

The entire Sail event is not widely known outside of the Netherlands but make no mistake, this event, which takes place every 5 years, is right up there among this city's biggest and most fun events.

Naturally for full information, including what is happening at what time on each day, as well as full descriptions of featured ships, consult their website. I'll also be keeping an eye on SAIL2010's twitter account for details as to what is going on throughout the long weekend.

File this one under strange but cool places to stay while traveling around the Netherlands; a former East German airplane turned luxury hotel suite.

The "hotel" is called the Vliegtuigsuite or "the plane suite", yet it is anything put plain. Decked out with super smooth and modern features from the bedroom to the bathroom and everything in between, this old flying machine looks like the future on the inside. The only part of the vessel that actually remains original is the cockpit, everything else is set up as a super cool living space.

I have yet to see it in person, but it has come up in conversations and news reports as one of the most creative hotel ideas the country has to offer. Located between Appeldoorn and Deventer, the price per night is listed as €350 for 2 people. Certainly not a cheap sleeping option, but if it is a unique stay that you seek, the Vliegtuigsuite is just what the doctor ordered. And yes, you can bring the kids, but leave your pets at home.

No, Summer Darkness doesn't refer to the overcast weather we've had recently here in Utrecht. It's the annual dark underground lifestyle weekend held in Utrecht every year. This alternative festival is a mix of fashion shows, shopping, music, dance and more. Not surprisingly many of the events take place in the shadow of the Gothic Domtoren.

One of the major features of the event is the music, which includes gothrock, retro-wave, gothic-metal, avant-garde, darkambient, medieval, neo-folk, darkwave, industrialrock, and neo-classical. The musical acts booked for this year come from a variety of countries and include: And One, DAF, Brendan Perry, Leatherstrip, Project Pitchfork, Clan of Xymox, Grendel, Faith & The Muse, Aesthetic Perfection, and many many more.

Along with the music, DJs and dance parties, there are markets set up on the Domplein, for all your shopping needs, from clothing and wigs, to CDs and home decorations, all with a dark spin, of course. There are also fashion shows and musical performances going on in the Domplein throughout the weekend. The events here are free and open to the public and are great for the more casual weekend attendee. They're also great for photographers, as many of the people attending are dressed to impress and are often more than happy to serve as an impromptu model.

The event takes place August 13-15 at various locations around Utrecht. Tickets can be bought for the whole event at €65, or can be purchased for individual days for €37, and single tickets for individual events are sometimes available, starting at €15. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketservice or at the cash desk of Tivoli Oudegracht during office hours, and at Plato record store. Full ticket info is available on the official website (in English), as is the full program with all the locations, times and individual events.

Down in Martin Luther King Park, along the Amstel river, the Parade is currently going on in Amsterdam. The only way I can think to describe Parade is a 2+ week long theater festival although there is always more going on than theater.

My favorite theater group in Amsterdam is back this year performing at Parade. They are called Pips:lab and they are arguably the most innovative crew in the country.

Here is my favorite of their street performances:

More on the Parade coming this week. Follow the links for more details.