Cheap night out or budget running low? Trippist found these cheap beer hang outs:

Café Krater (part of the University of Amsterdam)
Where: Roetersstraat 13

Eurocafe Menschen - all day beer for €1!!
Where: Amstel 202

Café de Gieter
Where: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 179

The Pirates
Where: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 129

Clubbing in Amsterdam is great fun when you know where the right parties are being held. As some (more exclusive) clubs can be kind of picky about who they let in and who not, I think Sinners in Heaven is quite a safe place to go to. This does not mean that it’s not a "hotspot" though, because the club is popular among students as well as hardcore clubbers. Every last Saturday of the month the club hosts the Soixante-Neuf & Friends party which is a great mix of all kinds of up tempo music guaranteeing a night full of dancing and fun. The DJ’s play all kinds of styles and really know how to mix and have it blend into one continuous flow. Last time I was there I heard one guy mixing Snoop Dogg's Drop It Like It’s Hot" with "Eye Of the Tiger" and mixing that with Nirvana’s "Smells Like Teen Spirit". The crowd went wild (duhh, who wouldn’t love to hear Snoop, Rocky and Kurt rockin' the house, right!?! ) and the atmosphere was really cool. Besides that, for the guys there were a sh*tload of hot girls and I guess the girls weren’t bored either. I give this party the good old "two thumbs up"!
Wagenstraat 3-7

On the Rembrandt Square (or Rembrandtplein) there are several bars and clubs that have a high density of students coming to party. Escape is one of the most popular destinations among students, especially on Thursdays (student night) when the club hosts Franchise. This party hosts some of the best DJ’s in Holland who make the crowd loose their minds. Being the broke student that I am I found out that if you show your student ID card you only pay 5 euros instead of the regular 10, a real bargain considering the fact that you get to enjoy good DJ’s and great tunes.. Drinks are average priced and the dress code is very casual. I saw people who dressed up, but also lots of folks with jeans and sneakers (I was one of them). Basically, you can wear whatever you feel like wearing and won’t have to worry about getting in. Thursdays at Escape: good stuff!
Rembrandtplein 11

Amsterdam tolerates the use of soft drugs in small quantities, but selling drugs is illegal in Holland. Soft drugs, however, are allowed in certain controlled areas. CityRag visited Amsterdam. Check out their story Like a kid in a candy store!

A few other interesting sites are:
Coffeeshops info - info for first time visitors to Amsterdam
Cannabis College – they have a garden!
Coffeeshop Guide - site with coffeeshop rating system
Smokersguide

(Photos: Cityrag)

There is something tempting about visiting a Maccie D’s… You know what you’re going to get (and you can read the menu!) and you’ll know you’ll like it. But being adventurous can be exciting and Amsterdam is not a bad place for taking a risk. I really enjoyed trying out some of the “local” cuisine…

Where: Bojo (Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 51)
Why: reasonably priced Indonesian restaurant with huge servings and late opening hours.

Where: Pannekoekhuis Upstairs (Grimburgwal 2)
Why: pancakes are part of the Dutch experience, the restaurant itself is located on the second floor of a very cute, old house

Where: Van Dobben (Korte Reguliersdwarsstraat 5)
Why: serving Amsterdam “kroketten” (deep-fried snack filled with beef ragout with a crispy outside) since 1945

Where: Nieuw Albina (Albert Cuypstraat 47-9)
Why: yummy Surinamese food, try the Moksi Meti

Where: Moeder’s Pot Eethuisje (Vinkenstraat 119)
Why: Dutch home cooking at bargain prices

Some friends told me to try out the deep-fried stuff at the FEBO. After practicing the pronunciation I asked a few locals and was pointed in the direction of a greasy smelling fast food outlet that serves deep-fried snacks for about one Euro. You can retrieve your choice of snack, like croquettes, French fries or cheese soufflé from small vending machine style compartments. I discovered these outlets all over the city. Verdict? Not your every day source of nutrition but it’s cheap and tasty and I love the Dutch mayonnaise…

After having had my fair share of Maccie D’s and FEBO (a Dutch low budget fast-food joint) I was looking for some quality food for a non-quality food price (living the student life to its fullest :p) so after a tip from this guy we met on Dam Square we headed out to this place called Bazar located on the Albert Cuyp market. It’s pretty cool when you enter the place. It’s a former mosque turned into a restaurant. The food is good and is mainly from Morocco and other North African countries. The prices range, but overall it’s inexpensive. For those of you who will go and check the place out, I’d recommend you try Bizar Bazar Vis. It’s an awesome seafood dish that will have you leaving the place with a smile, especially if you finish it off with the Oase-desert. Trust me on this one!
Albert Cuypstraat 182

Yesterday I found this awesome sneaker spot in the heart of Amsterdam where you can find the coolest sneakers out there. This place called PATTA kind of reminded me of Flight Club in New York where they have the most outrageous and original sneakers you can possibly think of. As one of the store owners told me “patta” is the Surinam word for shoe and it is now used as a slang-term among Amsterdam’s youth. Anyway, I figured it’s definitely worth mentioning for those of you who love to feast your eyes on a few good kicks and the latest in cool footwear.
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 142

Since I’m on the subject I might as well go on and mention another cool sneaker spot on the other side of the city centre. The area known as De Pijp (which literally means The Pipe) has a lot of cool shops and the infamous Albert Cuyp market which is held daily, and offers a wide range of clothing, fabrics and food. Getting back on topic, at the end of the Albert Cuyp market I found a sneaker store called Seventyfive where they do not only sell awesome sneakers, but also have a small collection of cool t-shirts and bags and stuff. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.
Van Woustraat 14
Also: Nieuwe Hoogstraat 24 & Haarlemmerdijk 55c

Always wondered if something is going on on those islands across from Central Station. So when curiosity got the best of me I boarded the free ‘Java Ferry’ to discover the Java Island. Java Island is one of the 'new' islands in the Eastern Docklands/Harbor area. The modern architecture here is surprising and the ‘locals’ told me that in a short period of time the once unknown island is now becoming a must-see attraction for people who like design and architecture. The ferry takes you to the north of Java Island in approximately 10 minutes from Jetty 8. From here you can also go to KNSM Island, Sporenburg and Borneo Island.
There is also a free ferry ride across the IJ. The IJ separates downtown Amsterdam and Amsterdam-North. This is the oldest part of the Amsterdam harbor. It is a cove of the former Zuyderzee, now the IJsselmeer lake.

In search of a cool new pair of jeans (can’t live without them, right?) I was wandering around town trying to get me a decent pair as I stumbled on this shop called Spoiled. It looked funky as hell so I figured I’d go in and check the place out. In short: a cool assortment of jeans, hoodies, shirts and footwear and to finish the whole thing of they even have an in-store hairdresser who looks like he came straight out of a 1980’s punk rock band. Don’t let this image fool you though, coz he rocks (in a good way). So if you’re in need of jeans I’d recommend this place as a good starting point. Even if you can’t find anything, you’ll still enjoy the place and its cool appeal! Ow yeah, it’s on the Leidsestraat, number 27 (near Leidseplein).

For people like me who are not very good in keeping track of a travel budget here is how I spent my afternoon while in Amsterdam. I checked out the free lunchtime concerts for some cultural experience at the City Hall/Stopera Muziektheater and as that was pretty much packed I stopped by the Concertgebouw the next day. The guy at the counter told me that these concerts are rehearsals by orchestras performing “officially” that evening. I was lucky and actually saw the Royal Orchestra perform! If they are fully booked for the afternoon you can ask for their 27 and younger discount programs After the concert I walked over to Museum Square to hang out on the grass covered roof deck which overlooks the square. There is a supermarket called Albert Heijn located below the roof deck.

City Hall / Stopera Muziektheater (Amstel 3)
Free lunchtime concerts from 1230pm-1pm at the Boekmanzaal every Tuesday from October to June.

Concertgebouw (Concertgebouwplein 2-6)
Free concert every Wednesday from 1230pm-1pm.
(Photo: Cityrag)

On the cozy Leidseplein I found Boom Chicago. It’s a comedy club which is known for its improvisation-sessions. I figured it would be a cool spot to check out and man was I right. The best improvisation sketches I have seen so far! The concept is pretty cool. You can go to the club and have dinner and everything while enjoying some class-A comedy sketches. The food is good and the comedy shows are hilarious. Also the improvisations they did while displaying moments from the World Cup were the funniest thing ever. A few comedians pretended to be sports anchors and gave their own interpretations of what the players and the referees were thinking. Of course the Zidane-head butt was the highlight of the evening! The comments were awesome and as original as it gets. If you have the chance to visit this place, I highly recommend it, coz you’re guaranteed to have a blast! Besides that, the food menu is a good deal (student thinking, hehe).

Leidseplein 12

(Photo by mman89 on Flickr)

Visiting Amsterdam, I feel like I’m immersed in culture. Yeah of course Dutch culture, but I’m talking about high culture. There are so many museums–54 and counting–that the old adage “something for everyone” seems to be true. My personal favorite is The Stedelijk CS. Here’s the deal: The Stedelijk Museum, one of the world’s best for modern art, is closed for renovations, but in its place, they’ve opened up a temporary venue that’s totally worth a visit. Right now they have an exhibition called Airworld that looks at the history of air travel from a design point of view and I have to say it’s one of the cooler exhibitions I’ve ever seen. Multimedia, classic posters, some models, furniture; you name it. Cooler yet, much of the exhibition includes a Dutch tie-in making Airworld come off as hip AND local. Of course there are other exhibitions at the Stedelijk and I’d love to tell you about them but I spent all of my time at Airworld. I’ll have to go back next week and check them out.

Oosterdokskade 5

If you’re having trouble scoring a dinner invite to a local home but you still wanna meet some locals (isn’t that why we travel?) try to head for one of the city’s growing number of “huiskamer” restaurants. Huiskamer means “livingroom” in English and huiskamer restaurants recreate the cozy-friendly vibe of a Dutch dinner party by hosting meals in actual living rooms or street level mock-ups. My favorite, Saskia’s Huiskamer, dishes out very affordable three-course meals that are delicious as the reservations are tough to come by, and you can’t help but make some locals friends as all 24 guests sit shoulder to shoulder at a single communal table. Perhaps best of all, Saskia is a well connected foodie who’s always willing to dish out the goods on Amsterdam’s newest–and yummiest–destinations.

Albert Cuypstraat 203 C (street level)
Reservations: +31 6 28629839

So, I already told you to go to the Post CS building to check out the The Stedelijk Museum but here’s a bit more motivation to drop by; the Post CS building’s top floor and roof are taken up 11 an industrial-hip spot with the city’s best harbor view. You can drop in for lunches–mostly soups, sandwiches and the like–drinks on the rooftop terrace, or a three-course set-menu dinner which is the preferred option since come late night, 11 the dinner spot morphs into 11 the dance scene. Sure the view is a big draw, but factor in the decent deejays, cool videos shown on massive screens, and a reliably busy dance floor and 11 is a one-stop destination of the–literally–highest order.

Oosterdokskade 3-5

If you live in Amsterdam, or are even just visiting, it is essential to obtain a spirit of adventure. And much like exercise, diet, or studying, discovering new places is often more fun – and successful – with an enthusiastic buddy.

Lucky for me, I have a friend who is frequently willing to get out the map and discover a new culinary delight. We often meet for brunch or lunch and almost always in a new place. Recently, it was Village Bagels, on Stromarkt 2 (corner Singel). A stone's throw from the Central Station, this eatery manages to capture all the glory of Amsterdam – a canal view, a beautiful terrace, constant yet muted traffic – and yet still boasts a convenient location.

True to the name, the bagels looked delicious, but I was in the mood for something different. I marched through a covered seating area reminiscent of a Minnesota cabin porch and from the counter, ordered a café latte and a biological yogurt with muesli (biologische yoghurt; muesli met appel en rozijnen). They arrived promptly, in separate containers. I mixed, sipped my coffee and enjoyed the final days of summer in Amsterdam.

Since I was a wee schoolchild, I’ve always had bad luck with public transportation. Running towards a departing tram has continued to haunt me in Amsterdam, but when I do manage to catch one, it’s usually a pleasant experience.

A few rules of thumb for a successful tram trip:

-Don’t pay on the tram, as that’s the most expensive way to ride. Instead, pick up a “strippenkaart” at most corner stores, an Albert Heijn or at the GVB Tickets & Info desk across from the Central Station.

-Make sure you know how many zones your trip will take you through: Getting caught in zone two with a stamp only for zone one is punished just as harshly as not paying at all.

-Try to hop on one of the newer versions of Amsterdam tram. Not only are they roomier and stroller and suitcase-friendly, but they have computerized systems telling you about the upcoming stops, and televisions filled with entertaining information. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get an enthusiastic tram conductor, who will announce all tourist sites and relevant landmarks.

Looking for the perfect gift that will make you a hit at any party, make your colleagues love you, even possibly get you a date with the aloof object of your desire? Just pick up a box of Puccini Bomboni chocolates.

A visit to one of Amsterdam’s Puccini stores is the first delightful step. The stores have delectable sweets stacked in grand, symmetrical arrangements. Even if your diet forbids any indulgences, simply the smell should satisfy your sweet tooth. How’s that? Well, the chocolates are handmade in the stores.

There’s something for everyone: gin or amaretto flavored, white, dark or chocolate. You can pick what you want, and watch the chosen treats as they are neatly placed in a golden box. Bars of chocolate are also available, and they even have a fancy version of the famous Dutch hagelslag. Without exaggeration, Puccini boasts every chocolate temptation imaginable to satisfy even the most bizarre type of chocolate lover.

You can find a little taste of heaven at Staalstraat 17 or Singel 184.

Throughout the year, Amsterdam is host to many captivating film festivals. Currently, the must-see event is the Africa in the Picture film festival, being held 7-16 September in cities around the Netherlands, but primarily in Amsterdam locations, such as Rialto and Bitterzoet.

This year’s theme is “Reframing Tradition.” You still have a few days left to check it out, and you’ll be glad you did!

Amsterdam has been very good to me. This is the third week I am spending in the city and I could not have asked for a better time. I am an international student studying at the UvA. I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and I have a junior status at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. If you want a change of pace from the slightly monotonous college life(especially the college life of Champaign), then Amsterdam is the place for you. This city has something for everyone.

When I first chose the program many thought that it was because of Amsterdam's drug policy. If you think that it would be cool to study abroad here just for the drugs, then maybe you should rethink your choice. Yes you can smoke pot here. No, it should not be the sole reason you come here. If that is all you want to do there is a good chance you may miss many of the wonderful things this city has to offer. On the other hand, if you hate pot, then you may want to rethink coming here as well. I would say that many people in international programs will smoke while here, so just be aware of that. There is definately a smoking culture in Amsterdam, but from what I can tell, it is mostly that of tourists and international students, getting stoned.

Amsterdam has so many sights and attractions, yet it is small enough so as not to be overwhelming. Everyone speaks english here so getting around and asking questions is not a problem. Transportation is easy and affordable. Food is cheap and tasty if you go to the right places.

DO NOT, under any circumstances, go to Febo for cheap food. Okay, maybe you can go once to Febo, just to try it, but really I would stay away from that place. All the food is in tiny vending-machine slots. This means that you go up to a very large vending machine and receive your lunch from it, gross. If you want a light a quick lunch, just go to Albert Hein To-Go and get something freshly made for very cheap. You can then take your food to any park (Vondel Park seems to be most peoples favorite) and sit outside and eat. The city in September is prefect weather. It still isn't cold enough or rainy enough to stay indoors or even take the bus/tram places.

Get a bike. If you are going to be an international student here, biking is the easiest and most affordable way to get around. I am someone who has not ridden a bike since the 4th grade and even I am very much enjoying the biking here in Amsterdam. Figuring out the routes and places you can/can't ride bikes is a little confusing, but I am getting the hang of it one day at a time.

Join in on the International Student Network's (ISN) gatherings. The ISN hosts weekly events for international students, which is awesome because in Amsterdam you meet people from all over Europe and the UK. I now know people from Holland, England, France and Germany. It is so wonderful for an American student and easy as well because everyone speaks english. I'm trying hard to broaden my horizons here in Amsterdam and the ISN makes it easy for me to do that.

Right now I have to get work done for some of my classes, so I will have to blog later on.

-Bess Van Asselt

Amsterdam taxi drivers aren’t exactly known for their kind, generous spirit. I’ve had drivers refuse to give me a ride or angrily remove my luggage when they decided that my destination wasn’t far (read: expensive) enough for them. Other drivers that did agree to take me proceeded to drive in circles until the meter had reached a satisfactory level.

Of course, if you are going far enough – say, to or from the airport – they can be surprisingly pleasant. Full of witty, self-deprecating jokes about himself and other Dutch people, one guy joked his way through the taxi trip I took with my parents, just in from Minnesota on a visit and wary of the train. He even pointed out sights of interest on the way into the city.

My advice? Unless you’ve got money to spend and are extremely thick-skinned, ride your bike. It’s cheaper, more fun, and you can wiz by the taxis stuck in traffic jams, waving goodbye as your two wheels propel you towards your destination.

Students as well as many others are always happy to find a cheap place to eat. Amsterdam boasts hundreds of restaurants, and many are actually quite affordable, if you know where to look. If you’re finishing up with a few hours of shopping on the Haarlemmerstraat, have a look at Dulac, located at Haarlemmerstraat 118. If you present your student card, you get a 50% discount on all meals. Heading back into the center for a night out? If you want a tasty cocktail, you can get two for one at Coco’s Outback at Rembrandtsplein/Thorbeckeplein between 10-11pm.

Amsterdam is a great city for exploiting your student status. Use it to your advantage while it lasts!

Studying abroad means trying out new things. Most of my friends' experiences while travelling included a trip to a tattoo parlor or a piercing place. I, for one, am serisouly considering getting something done here, but my very brave friend decided that today was her day for a piercing in Amsterdam.

After coffee at Coffee Company (the Amsterdam version of Starbucks) my friend decided to go next door to Dare 2 Wear piercing/tattoo parlor. The woman in the parlor was very helpful as well as very adventurous herself. There was barely a space on her body that was not tattooed. The set up was kind of scary looking, though. There was a hospital bed looking thing in the back that you sat/laid on to get a piercing.

Being the adventurous person that I am I watched as my friend got her nipple pierced. I'm not sure how to describe it, but it was definitely very surreal. Everything was sterile and such but man, that did not look like it felt all too good. They take good care of you, though and explain washing and they want you to come back after two weeks to make sure its healing correctly. So, if you happen to be thinking about getting a piercing in Amsterdam Dare 2 Wear may just be the place to go to.

I had just left a coffee-guzzling date with a girlfriend and was strolling towards the Central Station. Then I paused and cursed myself for my stupidity. Caught up in an affectionate goodbye, I had forgotten to use the toilet at the delightful venue we had just exited. I now found myself stuck between two miserable choices: Either use the disgusting, smelly (but free) toilet on the train, or pay 50 Euro cents for the most-likely-just-as-crappy WC in the station.

I opted for the second option, as I was a bit ahead of schedule for my appointed train. I searched for the appropriate coin, paid and entered through a turnstile, already holding my breath in anticipation of the filth that was sure to follow.

But to my great surprise, the facility was clean, bright, even…pleasing to the eye. How was it possible? Earth-toned tiled walls and light wooden doors gave the room an almost spa-like atmosphere. The stall itself boasted a tiled shelf perfect for a mid-sized bag and even two coat hangers. From the door, a male attendant cheerfully announced the tariff to inquiring tourists and even provided change to a desperate client.

Well, that settles it. From now on, when I’m in the vicinity of the Central Station, I know where to stop in my hour of need.

Year round in Amsterdam, the Dutch are busy improving or tearing down existing structures, or building new ones. Although building betterment is fun, safety is not always the number one priority. In the U.S., walking under scaffolding (such as that covering the lovely Westerkerk, pictured here) is not allowed at all or severely restricted. Here in the Netherlands, however, such precautions are minimal and residents and tourists alike are allowed to wander beneath such construction, oblivious to the fact that at any moment they may be hit in the head with falling debris.

Enjoy scaffolding for what it represents, for when it comes down, the building that it concealed is sure to be even more beautiful than before. But watch your head as you stroll along the sidewalk.

I recently just got back from taking a trip to Antwerp. I took the train there, which took about two hours and was not the most comfortable, but overall it was just fine. It was pretty cheap, only about 30 euros and Belgium was definately an experience.

The city is incredibly small, you can walk it within maybe an hour max. We stayed at a hostel called the Boomerang and for a first time hostel sleeper, I can say, it was not that bad. My very favorite part of the city was its museum of Flemmish Art. They had an awesome collection and the set up was easy to follow. This museum is not just a whole bunch of art smashed together in a gallery. You can easily follow the progression of Flemmish art and see its tranformation from very flat to very realistic.

If you go to Antwerp you may want to club in a church! They have an old gutted out church turned club with smoke machines and a huge industrial sized fan.

The Flemmish are not as nice as the Dutch. They don't speak as much english and they seem not to like tourists at all, which is funny cause I really saw nothing but tourists. They also enjoy cat-calling, so be aware of that. Other than that, the trip to Antwerp was well worth it.

Amsterdam boasts a huge array of movie theaters, some catering to the mainstream and others totally alternative. I visited Pathé ArenA for the first time last Friday evening. The place was packed. Lines extended out the door for ticket purchases and another queue formed for those with the munchies. But the place is so spectacular that it’s worth a few extra minutes of waiting.

I saw WTC, which started at 21:45. A word to the wise: If the theater looks like a party before the tape rolls, then it’s guaranteed to continue after the movie is progressing. Late arrivals whisper loudly about where they can sit, mobile phones ring followed by even louder “sshhhhhing.” If you prefer a quieter screening, shoot for the morning viewings.

It’s easy to get to Pathé ArenA. Just take the metro to station Bijlmer, and it’s literally right outside the (under heavy construction) station. Or bike it, if you’re up for an adventure.

If you’re looking to try something new, go no further: Bikram yoga is your answer. Just imagine yoga, only in a room heated to a reported 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celcius). Now imagine the influence of that heat, namely the fact that all participants are close to being naked, given that intense sweating starts within seconds of entering the studio.

Now be prepared for an onslaught of enlightenment. Or at least the sensation of almost passing out (does that count?). My experience consisted of 90 minutes of near exhaustion and what seemed like a liter of sweat leaving my body, but I was also rather proud of the strange contortions I had accomplished, apparently because of the heat.

Go try it. I dare you.

Make sure to pick up some free tickets to attend Expatica’s I AM NOT A TOURIST: The Expo for the International Community in the Netherlands. It’s being held on October 22, 2006, from 11 am to 5 pm at the Beurs Van Berlage in Amsterdam.

They’ll feature tons of exhibitions, workshops, wine-tastings, live entertainment, and even a mini version of their infamous Speed Dating.

Did I mention that tickets are free? No excuse to miss this one.

Extravagant hotels can sometimes be amazing places to hang out, even if you’re not a guest. Once you get over the intimidation of walking into their heavily guarded entrances, you’re often bound to find yourself surrounded by luxury. I had the pleasure of discovering the lobby of the Hotel De l’Europe a few nights ago. It’s a stone’s throw from the university I’ve attended for several years, but I never had the nerve to walk in. Until now.

We headed for the bar but it was full of Americans smoking cigars. In order to save our freshly washed hair and clothes (not to mention our lungs), we requested our drinks be brought to the lobby. And there we sat, with a delicious glass of wine and an eyebrow raising assortment of goodies to complement the cup of tea, enjoying the quiet, lavish surroundings. It's the perfect way to end (or begin) a special evening.

Being queer in Amsterdam is great. There are all sorts of opportunities for you to check out the gay and lesbian scene as well as never feel ashamed about it.

If you are a gay man you are probably going to have an easier time. There are plenty of bars that are predominately male and they are packed most nights. Exit, Arc and April are a few that are very fun for women and probably tons more fun for gay men.

If you are lesbian, though, the best places to go are Sappho on friday nights, Vivelavie and You II. Sappho is more lowkey and on weeknights they have singer/songwriters and open mics. You are going to be able to meet more people there and probably have better conversations with them. Vivelavie is much different. It is very loud music and everyone dances and has a great time. It is a great community of lesbian women and there really aren't any men there. You II is the place to go after your first bar. This club stays open until about 5 am and has great music. The dance floor is a bit crowded, but still a lot of fun. It is the perfect place for gay and lesbians alike, most people there are college age as well.

Amsterdam has a very liberal perspective as far as gays and lesbians go. So, if you are queer, Amsterdam may just be the place for you.

Shoegazers of the globe come find me, that is if you can tear your gaze from the ground. I do not know if it is a sign of the beginning of the end of young age or a spontaneous transition in perspective from a 'pure aesthetic' (an infatuation with the essence of art) to the ánti-Kantian disposition (an unpretentious cafe with cheap coffee, unloud music, and an affirmation of a slightly smelly bathroom stall - the art of essence), but these days (or rather TO-day) my infatuation rests with the ground, or rather the things that fall there. This is urban archeaology, and it is composed at any moment of everything accidentally dropped, left and fallen, lost and found.

To put all of this another way. Sure you went to the bar and drank there and had a good time for your part, but the stray polaroid from 1997 of a chain smoker & Santa's little helper you found on the ground just outside the Oude Kerk along the way...now THAT is forever. And the fat bag of dope that just happened to be under your chair when you got there...that will last another few days at least.

Everywhere I find things. That is what shoegazers do, and it is what we gain once the novelty of architecture has dissolved in a coctail of breeze and beer. It is time, shoegazers, to put our archeaological expertise to good effect and help the others, so satisfied with drink and sky, to add to their satisfaction the treasures of the earth.

1. Fridays are the best days to find the things 'worth finding'. I do not know why this is the case, but I suspect it has something to do with a spike in coffeeshop 'take out' purchases as visitors and locals exchange cash for stash.

2. Medium sized establishments with medium traffic flow where locals and students regularly mix yield, in my experience, a higher proportion of lost treasure than places that really 'pack in a crowd'. While it is true that more people = more things potentially dropped, it is also true that the more ground visible and accessible = greater chances of spotting the object and being able to retrieve the object spotted.

In addition to this free advice I will take it upon myself (and other shoegazers are more than welcome to join me) to keep a record of notable finds so that other collectors know where serendipity tends to reside in this metropole. Moreover, I shall store significant non-consumables (except stray notes and pictures which will be hung in my home and ridiculed accordingly) in the computer bag crammed in my wardrobe just in case any of you, visitor or native, simply want it or desperately want it back.

Were you on the Prins Hendrikkade today? Did you lose your blue earring not far from the Scheepvaartmuseum? I'm thinking of you!

Viva la Amsterdam Lost and Found! Viva la Revolution!!
-M.S. Glennon

The weather in Amsterdam yesterday reminded me of one important thing: Never leave the house without an umbrella. Even if the day is sunny and beautiful, the weather can change in a heartbeat.

Sometimes it's nice to think of using the umbrella as an act of defiance. The rain pounds down around you; the wind whips moisture into your shoes and soaks your jeans, but your head stays deliciously dry. Take that, rain!

Better to buy one at Hema than to wait until the super-expensive ones go on sale on the street in a time of great need. And enjoy the satisfaction of being prepared for anything.

I got to take a trip to the northern netherlands and experience a much smaller, dutch, college community. The city of Groningen is kind of like most college communities back in the states. It has a strip of bars on a specific street and all the college students come out at about midnight and stay out until early morning. You can't really go out anytime before then because, well, everything is pretty calm still and the party hasn't started. Apparently, Groningen houses what in the states would be considered, "frat boys," which is interesting, I guess.

The coolest activity that I was able to do there was walk through the Groninger Museum. The building itself is pretty amazing. They had contemporary exhibits as well as older paintings. They have really cultured a fine place for art admirers. I found that walking through the museum by myself allowed me to be contemplative and gave me some time away from my very close group of freinds that I travelled with.

One major difference I have noticed between the U.S. and the Netherlands is in the snacks supplied in gas stations. Of course, both countries have their share of junk: chips, candy and soda abound. But where the Dutch version thrives is in its delicious-looking deli-made sandwiches, its fresh juices, and its unsalted nuts. The U.S. version fails to meet such a healthy standard, instead supplied pre-processed, sugar or salt-laden versions of similar products.

Where the gas station used to be an opportunity to indulge one’s most unhealthy food fantasies, now it can even present an opportunity for health. What a treat.

FILM
Amsterdam Film Experience brings 55 visions from all corners of the world together for one weekend at the Ketelhuis. Artists with different backgrounds (visual, theatre, performance and music) have made short films to tell their stories. Screenings, improvisation and after parties will complete the weekend.
Ketelhuis Westergasfabriekterrein - Haarlemmerweg 8-10
Tickets Het Ketelhuis: +31 (0)20 6840090
October 6-8. 10 Euro day pass, 25 Euro weekend passepartout (20% discount for students)

Today sees the premiere of the documentary Kroonjuwelen, which tells the story of the graffiti scene in Amsterdam. It shows the crews that inspired the whole country. It shows the ups and downs of the scene. From punk to hip hop, from illegal work to spraying a metro with the city council's permission.
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
Phone: +31 (0)20 6264521
9pm. 7,50 Euro

MUSIC
An eclectic mix of warm, cosy jazz and the drive and energy of modern-day dance music, that’s what you can expect at the Wicked Jazz Sound nights. Take a futuristic journey through jazz, hip hop, soul, funk, broken-beat, house, drum & bass and far beyond. Tonight’s live music is provided by Illicit, a Utrecht-based hip hop formation. Their soulful tunes and raw beats already shook many venues and festivals, including North Sea Jazz & Brussels Jazzmarathon.
Sugar Factory - Lijnbaansgracht 238
9pm-11pm. 8,50 Euro

EXHIBITION
Something fake opens tonight at Platform 21. Although you’ll get to see products, photos, flowers, food and people that look like other products, photos, flowers, food and people, there’s no guarantee that what you see is actually real. It is only a reality check, it's ‘Something fake.’ The exhibition’s opening night sees a discussion with high-end designers, trend watchers and media experts including socially-conscious designer Bea Correa, trend forecaster Annemarie Commandeur, and designer Björn Franke.
Platform 21 - Prinses Irenestraat 19
Until October 27, Thurs-Sun 12pm-6pm (opening night: 8pm). Free (opening night 8 Euro)

Who would have thought that a pinch of saurkraut could taste so good? Stuffed in a pita overloaded with falafel and all sorts of other savory bits: tomato, onion, hummus, that eggplant stuff (baba ganoush?), and of course the single dark olive that somehow magically did not come from a can - this is Bagel Nash, whose slogan might be 'falafel as big as your head' were it located in the heart of Chicago.

But this is not Chicago, it is Amsterdam, and so the slogan is different. In fact, there is no slogan at all, because it is a modest family owned spot in A'dam's Oud Zuid just off the Olympiaplein stop (that's tram 24 or an awesome bicycle ride through Vondelpark coming from the center).

And to those who say, 'But that is far away?!', I neigh say you with the following falsifiable facts:

1. You should be using a bicycle anyway (unless it totally sucks outside like it does today).

2. You should cycle through the Vondel park anyway (unless it totally sucks outside like it does today) if only to pay witness to the Ent that lives there of whom I might tell more in the future).

3. The first main exit out of the park after the Ent takes you south; which leads you to the following potentially novel experiences:

A. The two mysterious stairways that lead to the dungeon underneath Emmapark. How do I know a dungeon is under there you ask? Where else are the adventurers going to congregate when they get to the heart of the villain's empire?

B. The bicycle path that goes, quite literally, through a school. If you had time to go to Kitsch Kitchen and buy a pack of fake moustaches (about the only thing in the store even remotely close to not being overpriced) you can wear one to entertain the kids milling about outside - "Kijk, het snor!!!" one of them will shout.

C. Past Dutch people playing soccer and on to a skate park. No half-pipe (that's on the Mueseumplein yo) but all sorts of dips and ramps and bar things for skaters to go nuts, and they do.

D. And across the street...falafels as big as your head! (or all sorts of tasty and overloaded broodjes on bagel or pita)...Bagel Nash! What is this? Only 4,50 euro for this insanity of a treat? My god!

E. If it's a nice day you can take your giant falafels and cycle the three extra minutes to the Beatrixpark. Rather more scenic, quiet, and quaint than the bustling Vondel, one can picnic on the lawn along the canal; watch dutch people boat by in a practiced rhythm, and wonder who lives in that house guarded by the police observation post anyway?

Oh, and if it's Saturday, don't bother. For Saturday is the sabbath for some folk, and on this sabbath Bagel Nash is closed.

A friend of mine told me about a place she's renting with 3 friends for 40 Euros a night each. They are getting a fully furnished apartment with private kitchen, but they also have private rooms at the main location with a toilet/shower from 20 Euros per night. Might be a nice alternative from a hostel or budget hotel. Amsterdam Cribs is smokers' friendly and located downtown near Dam Square.

It was my birthday a few weeks back and because turning 21 in Amsterdam is not like turning 21 in the states I opted for a more laid back evening. Right down the street from my residence is a little movie theater cleverly called, The Movies. They have a whole bunch of films playing there and are currently showcasing Woody Allen films. My friends and I decided to see the movie Brick.

It is an adorable theater inside. There is a bar right as you enter so you can get a drink and relax before the show. The Woody Allen series is in a much bigger theater and the smaller theaters are saved for the other movies they play. You definately do not need a jacket or sweater in these theaters, they are very very warm. There is no air conditioning issues in Amsterdam, that is what I have decided. The movie was 8 euros, which is a little expensive but if it is the only thing you decide to do for the night, then it is much cheaper than going out to the bars.

For a quiet lunch, a lively dinner, or a large, loud drinking party, Kapitein Zeppos has it all. Hard to find but well worth the discovery, this intimate-yet-huge restaurant is nestled close to the campus of the University of Amsterdam. The sandwiches are delicious, the staff friendly, and it’s even possible to seat large groups of people for special occasions.

Visit quickly before winter sweeps in and renders the beautiful outdoor seating area useless.

Mark your calendars; the 2006 ING Amsterdam Marathon is almost here. This Sunday, October 15, thousands of runners will take on a huge challenge. The route meanders through Amsterdam's city center, and is a great spectator sport as well as an athletic challenge for those participating.

Runners can choose to run the full marathon, a half marathon, or a 10 kilometer run. There's even a 2.5 kilometer youth run. Yours truly will be attempting the half marathon, for the first time.

It is even possible to register up to the day of the race. So if you're up to it, move quickly! More information can be found here.

Although walking through the Red Light District is not a common weekend activity, after years living in this city I still have toured through it many times, often with tourist friends. The women-for-hire strike a pose and maintain eye contact in order to lure potential customers; men nervously scout their prospects and become bolder with increased alcohol consumption. As the night wears on, the level of testosterone increases to the point where some streets – and bars – feel almost unbearable to enter.

Every time I’m in this strange district, I find myself searching the faces of these women who, voluntarily or not, have opted to make their living selling their bodies. Are they empowered with their legal status, or they are exploited because despite the policy, many are still forced into this line of work?

Visit, and ponder. But don’t take photographs, or you will learn a harsh lesson in privacy.

Drum and Bass is something that I was not all too familiar with in the states but I have become quite fond of it during my stay here in Amsterdam. My friend tells me that Drum and Bass is biggest in London and much better there, but that Amsterdam's scene is pretty awesome as well.

I went to Cheeky Mondays yesterday night and had an amazing time. I am pretty sure it was a bunch of international people and a few Dutch people. The music was pretty awesome and the dance floor, lights and stage were a lot of fun. You have to be willing to try out some new dance moves, though, expecially if you are used to the regular, "bumpin' and grindin.'" It's much more bohemian and free spirited in the club and no one really cares if you can't actually dance but are simply moving to the music instead. I personally like dancing to regular pop music better, but this was definately a nice escape from any other night at a bar dancing. You can smoke weed inside the club and a good amount of people do. The beer is around 2 euros, but cover is 6 euros.

Monday nights in Amsterdam can be pretty lame, but if you go to Cheeky Mondays the scene is hopping and the party doesn't stop until the early am. Be wary, though, of walking home. Two of my friends and I walked back home together and at that time of night cat calls are, very unfortunately, to be expected.

In Amsterdam, just like in any major city, you need to know where to look if you want to have a scrumptious meal. Being well-educated or not can mean the difference between culinary heaven and hell. You’ve been warned; now choose wisely.

A great place to start your search for digestive bliss is the internet. Have a look at SpecialBite, a funky site with hip reviews for restaurants all over the Netherlands, of course including Amsterdam. They’ve got unique recommendations for breakfast, for smoke-free eating experiences, and even for restaurants that you can stay over in (well, close to, anyway).

Happy surfing and eet smakelijk, as the Dutch would say.

MUSIC
The Rapture (New York) - Pieces Of The People We Love.
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
Tickets: +31 (0)20 5318181
October 18. 15 Euro

THEATRE
Hustlin’ Shakespeare, a new play by Theaterworks Amsterdam, leaves your favorite Shakespeare characters looking for love in all the wrong places. Classical texts mixed with contemporary music and dance in non-traditional surroundings.
Nachttheater Sugar Factory - Lijnbaansgracht 238
Until October 15. 12,50 Euro

FILM
Rocketcinema Film Festival featuring djs and musicians with new soundtracks to classic movies.
October 18-22 @ different venues including Paradiso, Rialto and Sugar Factory
10-15 Euro

Culture shock comes in all shapes and sizes, but one aspect that I have remained conscious of in the Netherlands is the Dutch concept of personal space. As a general rule, in Minnesota people stay far away from each other. This can be attributed to the fact that everything is large and very spread out, so mindful distance keeping is possible. If a collision – or even a close call – does occur, it is usually met with a gasp and an “I’m so sorry!” or “Please excuse me!”

But in Dutch society, where millions of people are crammed together into buses, supermarkets and streets, such formalities do not exist. Honestly, it wouldn’t make sense, and wouldn’t be the least bit practical, given the frequency of bodily contact with strangers. Still, it’s a bit of a shock to smash together with an unfamiliar person, gasp an apology, and have them either ignore you completely or look mystified at your reaction.

Now, when I find myself back in Minnesota, I’m the one wrinkling my brow at someone’s exaggerated apology. Who cares? Let’s just move on. No extra communication necessary.

It’s Friday the 13th – the perfect night to melt your fears away with some comedy. Why not head to CREA, located at Turfdraagsterpad 17 (right next to the UvA buildings, in case you haven’t already been there a thousand times). You can enjoy Easylaughs, a improv comedy group that performs there every Friday evening at 20:30 and at 22:30.

Just remember to ride your bike carefully on the way home...

I reverted back to a childlike state and accompanied my friends to the NEMO, which is like a hands-on science and technology place for kids to come and learn. Everything is in Dutch and English. It's 4 floors and each floor has its own set of fun things to do and, of course, to learn.

The most fun that I had was watching their 3D video of what I believe where white blood cells fighting off a virus. The video was all in Dutch, so I am not quite sure if I actually caught everything that was going on. Regardless, it was fun to see a 3D film.

On the third floor they had a whole section dedicated to sex. Mind you, this place is best for ages 12 to 18. In the states this kind of exhibit would not have even crossed the minds of science museum owners. Yet, there it was in pink and red and all its glory for everyone to go and see. I walked through with kids that only came up to my waist and saw the same things they did. They had an interactive Human Body that you could touch and find errogenous zones on, a bunch of little dolls showing different sex positions, a lay out of toys and protection and endless info on orgasm and sexual response. My friends and I are still stunned that this particular exhibit was meant for kids much younger than us.

On the very top of NEMO there is a cafe and a way to access the outside of the building where you can see the city from above. This is the point and time when I realized that I was definately not in the states anymore. No cityscape is really accessible from high up because the buildings are not tall enough. It was still a pretty view, nonetheless. You can get the same view by not going into the Nemo and simply by walking up the outside ramp they provide, as well.

If you are going to be in Amsterdam between, say, now and October, 2007, and you have time enough to take the train to some of the spots outside the Netherland's most famous metropole, the 'Eten' exhibit at the Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde in Leiden might be worth your time. For this year, and this year only, this ethnographic museum is putting on display an essential, but often overlooked, aspect of culture, namely what various peoples of our illustrious planet consider 'good to eat'.

Designed to resemble a warehouse, the main part of the exhibit displays all sorts of food and food preparation items collected over the past 200 years from all regions of the Earth - shark fins, roasted crickets, and jars upon jars of sea cucumbers, nuts, insects, and various fishy bits. In addition to this 'usual fare' there are a number of interactive displays: a computer terminal which accesses a database of all the last meals served to death row inmates in the United States since the reinstation of the death penalty there some 30 years ago; a table in the middle of the exhibit where one lucky couple a day may order lunch and have their dining experience projected onto the wall for all to see; and an outdoor tent where one can participate in various food preparation workshops including, but not limited to, the art of sushi.

Finally, and I have saved the best course for last, at the end of the exhibit be sure to browse the shop where one can buy all sorts of goodies ranging from cookbooks, exotic kitchen wares, olive oils, sauces, roasted crickets, chocolate covered ants, and, my favorite, suckers with your choice of scorpion, cricket, or worm suspended in fruit flavored goodness. Don't worry. They're sugar free!

If it’s time to add a cultural experience to your life, be sure to visit the Picasso exhibition at the Cobra Museum in Amstelveen. The exhibition is called “Picasso: Master of Line” and it runs from October 7, 2006 until February 4, 2007. It explores the topics of art and love and demonstrates Picasso’s inward musings surrounding his affair with Marie-Thérèse Walter, a 17-year-old.

Raise your eyebrows and hop on Tram #5. This exhibition is sure to enthrall.

While shopping for a blender last weekend at a big-name appliance store, here’s what I discovered on display between baby wear and hair dryers. My Midwestern shock wore off as I realized I was witnessing a perfect example of the relaxed Dutch attitude towards sexual matters.

Looking for a dryer? A waffle iron? A dildo? All under one roof, ladies and gentlemen.

If you get out of the center of town and all its amusements, one thing you'll notice is the passion Amsterdammers have for gardening. This year, the street I live on won the award for best garden street in our neighborhood. Now I'm not talking about the garden in the yard, though Im sure those are nice. But what you can often find are entire streets where people build gardens in front of their homes.. often growing right up the side of the building. Sometimes that whole feeling of being in a city melts away and all you smell is that green smell and you see the rag-tag collection of vines, flowers, and shrubs people have managed to plant in front of their apartments.
As a British gentleman told me, while randomly explaining how he started his garden in the Pijp,

"You must simply put out a few containers in front of your house and start growing things. Before you know it, you've got something beautiful and the whole neighborhood will join in."

If your Dutch learning isn’t going as smoothly as you’d hoped (you know, everyone speaks English) and you’re feeling isolated from local news events or other happenings (who the heck is Verdonk, anyway?), it’s nice to know where to get some of that information in English, if that is your native tongue.

Expatica to the rescue: they provide some Dutch news in English. Although the translations aren’t always fabulous, you can get the gist of what is happening in NL, even when surrounded by an international community.

Occasionally in this city you will run into one of these blue walkers. Usually being pushed around by someone with hair of similar color. I'm not sure how it came to be that the elderly all started pushing these around, but in my imagination I picture a retirement party, a cake, some balloons, and a government representative stopping by to deliver your very own walker-on-wheels. Make sure you lock it up!

DANCE
3 nights, 30 clubs, 300 dj's/artists: Amsterdam Dance Event. Check out the website for a program of the world's biggest club festival.
October 19-21 @ almost every club in the city
Cost varies per venue.

EXHIBITION
My Streets My City lets 20 graffiti and street artists give their view on the city they live in. You're able to find the work of the participating French, Dutch and Belgian artists in the streets of those same cities.
Chiellerie - Raamgracht 58
Until November 2. Free of charge.

Don’t forget – This Sunday hosts the I AM NOT A TOURIST expo. It’s from 11 am to 5 pm at the Beurs Van Berlage in Amsterdam. You can learn improv comedy, try your hand at speed dating, cooking, or wine-tasting, and find tons of excuses to spend money you don’t have.

The full program can be found here.

I'm going to be 150% honest with you. I feel, generally, about 1,000 times more comfortable in a park than in a cafe or pub. That is not to say I dislike the generic set of pub activities -smoking, drinking, nibbling, and any number of language games- rather it is to say I prefer all those (and other) activities in the (relatively) wide open air. I know I am not alone here. In the summer time it is refreshingly common to see two youth trudging through the park with a case of beer hung heavy between them; making their way to a group of kindred who have already gotten started.

Of course, and regretably, we are now in the final third of October, and those beer and bikini days are long behind, at least for another eight months. In a sense an Amsterdam institution is going out of season. Yet, let us not indulge too long in lamentation. The parks are still open, and although our bodies are more warmly clothed we can still enjoy some bud or some brew as the trees throw autumn's first pitch. Autumn is Amsterdam, in my opinion, at its most romantic; at its most serene.

So where to go to absorb the autumn air? Really just about any park will do, and no matter where you are or where you will be there is bound to be one close. My favorites, however, (and as usual) require a bit of work and preferably a bike:

1. If it is morning (say 8 or 9 am) and some rays are coming through the cloud cover, or, better yet, the clouds are all away, the Vondelpark becomes a fantastical domain of color and mist. steeples of churches become the spires of the temples for elves; the trees become ancient things sleeping under vibrant moss; and joggers become...well they're still just joggers, but look at them run along the smoking water unaware of the magic underneath...

2. Ride south along the River Amstel long enough and you're bound to encounter, among other things, the Amstelpark. To be honest this place is still very much a mystery to me. It is a maze-les maze of places and peeps. With all the nooks, brooks, old things, and crannies (I really wanted to say 'crooks' here) scattered throughout I seldom manage to find the same place twice. If you are the type to venture into a smartshop for some of those little fungal strategies, then I recommend this as the place to go with them -if not for the countless curiosities then at least for the roosters they let roam around amongst them. In warmer months the ice-cream stand by the windmill at the southern-ish end is a welcome reprieve.

3. Amsterdamse Bos, tucked between Schiphol and Amsterdam's southwest extremities, is about the closest thing to 'real nature' you'll find in this metropole, and while I do not know if it is a fact related, somehow watching dogs sniff each other and fish things out of canals is more interesting here than elsewhere. Uncrowded, quiet, and exploding with all the silver and fire one comes to treasure in the autumn months (at least if they are all sappy like me) this is a place to go to get away from the over-crowded everywhere else.

Today, I walked to work in the dark. Sure, it was early – around 8:00 – but not that early. It’s that strange time of year where the sun is playing hard-to-get and the clocks haven’t yet accommodated for the shortening days. I never seem to get used to living this far north, especially in the colder months.

The walk was kind of eerie, in fact. Construction workers were out doing their thing, bakeries wafted the tantalizing smell of fresh bread, birds chirped – but no sun. Leaves are falling like mad, as well, and it’s clear that winter is almost upon Amsterdam.

Snap some pictures of the trees before they’re entirely naked, and get ready to say goodbye to Daylight Saving Time and set back your clocks this weekend.

If you’re poor, or just looking for a great deal, check Last Minute Ticket Shop before buying overpriced tickets to film, cabaret, opera, or whatever tickles your fancy. Other than their handy website, they are located in the Leidseplein (Leidseplein 26, open from 12 – 7:30 pm).

Their website is updated every day at 12 pm, so it’s a good place to start (instead of waiting in the rain and/or in a long line) to see what’s currently available. The website provides all necessary information about your chosen “to do,” and even provides a handy LNP label (language no problem), a greatly appreciated addition in the land of elusive Dutch.

I once travelled from my homestate of New Jersey to California, and I noticed the crazy mix of old cars you could find there. Of course you always see images of Havana and how all the cars are really old there.

Here in Amsterdam, when I think of all the wacky cars one can see on the street, this one should be the city's mascot. The 1969 Citroën DS. Apparently it appealed to the people of this city back then, and for many die-hards, it still does!

When I faced the realization that the nice accommodation provided by the university would not be around much longer, and I would have to find a place on my own, dread set in. I spent months looking at dodgy apartments, stinky rooms, and dangerous quarters. But eventually – five months later, to be exact – I did find a nice room.

Students for Students was the organization that got me there. For a small membership fee, you can arrange to view any of their online listings of cheap places to live. The website provides you with info such as the area that the room/apartment/house is located in, its size, and other helpful information. Their offices are located at Ceintuurbaan 316. Students for Students is a great place to start in the desperate quest for a place to live in Amsterdam.

The dangerous part about playing Frisbee Golf around Museum Square, are the hazards. Especially when a hazard is part of the museum.

I just returned from a week in a very green country. Ireland. I flew through RyanAir and it was a bit of an ordeal to train to Eindhoven and then get a bus to the airport and then a bus to dublin after we flew in, but it was well worth it.

One of the main things that I discovered there was that people are different. I know, that sounds very obvious. The Dutch, compared to the Irish, are like night and day. The Irish are loud, they drink a lot more and I feel like maybe a bit closer to American culture. The Dutch are a little bit more tough, they still certainly know how to have fun, no doubt about that, but the Irish do it louder and drink much more.

I had forgotten about religion since I have been in Amsterdam and could not believe how Catholic the Irish really were. Everyone is raised Catholic there. I have not met one religious person here in Amsterdam. My teachers are all very vocal about how religion is kind of a joke here.

If you are planning on visiting Ireland, I recommend going to Galway and the Aran Islands. Galway is a greener city than Dublin and has a great student life.

The Aran Islands are breathtaking. They have cliffs and old ruins of castles. It is really an experience to go. Try and go after September, though. Otherwise, the tourists really take over.

Due to a wild night out I headed to work at a belated hour today (the joys of being a student – the paycheck may be nonexistent, but the schedule is so flexible!). Therefore, I had the privilege of experiencing Dam Square traffic in its full fury, rather than the more muted 8:00 am version.

And thus begins a (potential) series of traffic pet peeves. Let’s start with people who lead their children into pedestrian crossings that clearly have a red light. Or even push them ahead, so as to protect themselves from the fury of the bikes. Really amazing, to use one’s kids in this way. Like getting to the Kalverstraat one minute earlier is more important than the safety of their offspring.

But they’re right: I won’t startle a cute little girl with my bell or an aggressive move into the intersection. I’ll sit and simmer, instead.

Amsterdam Weekly has a nice extra this week: A “spreek-je-uit-poster.” According to the poster itself, if allows you to “create your own statement by crossing out letters or words! Hang the post in your window, take a photo of it and then send it to geluk@gelijk.org.”

Sounds like a nice idea. Of course, you need to know a few words in Dutch, namely ik, mijn, buurman, ben, is, geen, ongelukkige, and nederlander. If you can handle that – or any dictionary can – then get ready to be imaginative and get creative with your Dutch. My first thought was “Ik ben geen nederlander.” Or you can visit this site for some ideas. Pick up a copy of Amsterdam Weekly first, though. The issue will be around until next Tuesday.

FILM

Fifth edition of the Jewish Film Festival Amsterdam with dozens of feature films and documentaries, all focussing on Jewish culture. This year's theme is Women and Film. The opening film, winner of Panorama audience prize at Berlinale 2006, is a documentary called Paper Dolls by Israeli director Tomer Heymann. The real life Paper Dolls (Filipino drag queens) will be present at the premiere.
Movie theater De Uitkijk - Prinsengracht 452
Phone: + 31 20 6237460
Nov 1-8. 7,50 Euro

HALLOWEEN PARTIES
Payday Halloween Party on a boat. Bring a mask and dress in black! Cheap drinks.
Lizboa Boat- Veemkade 251
Oct 28 @ 9pm
Free if you rsvp: hellpaydayparty@hotmail.com

OntFront Bal Masqué with hip hop and prizes for the best costume or mask of the night. They sell masks at the door (2,50 Euro)
Bitterzoet - Spuistraat 2
Oct 31 from 10pm-3am
Free entrance + vodkashot between 10-11pm, after that 5 Euro

Every now and again I get a craving for a bigger meal and sense I am on a tight budget I can't really afford to go someplace too nice for dinner. I normally cook at home. That was until I was introduced to Dulac. After 5 pm students can get dinner for half-price. That is 50% off of whatever regular entree you get! I got a pasta dish for 4 euros. The portion was big, I was stuffed and quite content with the discovery of such cheap food. This only applies for dinner, though, and you have to bring your student ID with you. If you don't have it... well, I don't really know what they will do to you... probably give you half off anyway if you give them a convincing argument and an unhappy face.

I recently headed to Arc with a friend for after-work cocktails. All cocktails – pages and pages of them – are only five euros apiece from 17:00-19:00, and impressive at that. The atmosphere is very hip and full of good-looking guys (well, it is a gay bar). We even spotted a Dutch media celebrity, although I can’t recall her name.

Arc is located at Reguliersdwarsstraat 44, just off the flower market.

It’s Halloween – ooooh, scary. Why not spend the day at the Amsterdam Dungeon?

It couldn’t be that scary, though – they do offer school visits. Or maybe that’s just the lawsuit-fearing American in me speaking. But they say that “the Dungeons are not recommended for those of a nervous disposition or very young children.” Anyway, they describe the dungeons “as indoor theme parks of historical horror.”

I’m actually not quite sure what I’m endorsing. The website sponsors dungeons all over Europe (also in York, Hamburg, London, and Edinburgh) and I can’t seem to figure out where the Amsterdam place is located. Oh wait, there it is, at Rokin 78. Although you can order (and pay for) tickets or write to press@theamsterdamdungeon.nl for more information.

Creepy. I guess that’s Halloween for you.

There seems to be alot of confusion as to whether or not there is halloween here in the Netherlands. People often assume not. Also if you ask a Dutch person, they'll likely tell you that's a North American thing and there's no such thing as halloween over here.

But you should ask the students in Amsterdam, they'll tell you a different story. They'll tell you of halloween parties that involve the renting of party boats to cruise around and dance to Thriller all night. What's perhaps more interesting is that the people participating in these parties are not only American. NO! The Dutch, Spanish, Australian, Chinese, Romanian.... every nationality of students takes part in the festivities.

Below I present 2 pieces of photo evidence of the frightening festivus that I attended in Amsterdam's Oud West neighborhood amongst Dutch, American, German, and French friends.

The Vondelpark is good for many things. One of them is running. What a great place to train! Running is known as a solitary sport, but even if you don’t know a soul in Amsterdam (or at least anyone that runs), you’ll find a huge sense of community after heading to the Vondelpark. Just one loop around and you’ll feel like you’re a part of a group effort to get fit.

Of course, it’s also possible to run on the streets of Amsterdam, but people often look at you like you’re crazy. Running? In Amsterdam? That disbelief disappears when you enter the park. It’s really amazing.

Riding a bike in Amsterdam without crashing is a major achievement. But each season holds its perils for the bicycle-bound commuter. In summer, it’s the tourists. Winter, however, may be more desolate, but the hazards still exist. Think ice. And snow. Of course, these aren’t common problems in recent years, but the cold in general makes biking a reluctant chore.

Don’t despair; just always remember a scarf, a hat, gloves, and the ever-present umbrella. And if there is ice on the road, watch out. Sliding and falling on ice is for some reason more painful than the warm-weather variety.

If there’s one thing you do in 2006, make it Museumnacht this Saturday, November 4th. For the mere price of 14 Euros (plus service charge, or 17.50 Euros the night of at various locations), you can wander all over the city for an entire evening and night, getting all cultured up with thousands of other enthusiasts. Special events abound from 7pm to 2am.

There’s special transportation available for partakers so you can really explore these exhibitions in style (i.e., not walking forever in the freezing cold). You can even use your ticket to visit any additional participating museum of your choice through the end of the year.

Have a look at Amsterdam Weekly’s selection. This event isn’t to be missed – of course, I’ll be in Spain, soaking up the sun, but my past experiences speak very positively of attending!

Some people think international students live in their own little bubble. But I have experienced otherwise.

Recently I was wondering the Jordaan with a group of students from Carleton College (Minnesota) and as we were about to walk into a cozy café, we heard a woman calling out to us, something to the effect of "Hey, come on, all of you, come help, everyone takes one, it's easy!"

We turned to find a huge pile of plastic sacks, each filled to capacity with some sort of red toy. Without thinking any further, I motioned to everyone to follow me and said "lets help her move these". Without question, they followed me and grabbed some bags.

As we walked down the street, the women balancing many bags of little red tomato shaped sponges turned to ask me questions and say thanks. She looked back at the group and asked: "Americans?" And I said, "yes, students." At that point I realized the tomatoes were a symbol for the Socialist Party and that storefront up ahead was the local headquarters. She gave me a big smile "Good! Tell them this is how it works in Amsterdam, everyone helps everyone and it is easier this way."

I didn't have to tell them anything. I could see each bag toting student was enjoying him/herself. And as we dropped off the sacks and waved goodbye, the volunteers came out of the office and stuffed our pockets with kitchen-sponge-tomatoes.

Just like that, we turned political.

MUSEUM NIGHT

Don't miss Museum night (n8) this Saturday!! The event has already been mentioned on Trippist a few days ago, but it's a rare opportunity to visit 40 museums and institutions combined with DJs, bands, dance performances and food & drinks from 7pm until 2am. Museum night has plenty of events for non-dutch speakers, check these out:

- The Portugese Synagoge
This synagogue from 1675 is still completely in its original state, which also means that there’s no electricity. Light is supplied by more than 1000 candles that will all be lit while Santo Servicio give regular live performances. From 8PM-2AM.

- Waag Society
This cool media lab will offer a retrospect and a preview about previous, current and future projects. The highlight is the vodka-mixing robot that will supply booze all night. From 7PM-2AM.

- ArtBeat exhibition
"Happening street art & the music that goes with it". Dutch artist Zedz and German artist Esher will coordinate the event with international artists making some great pieces especially for ArtBeat. From 7PM-5AM.

I spent Halloween weekend in Dublin and decided on return to A'dam to represent this division.

1. Pint versus Biertje?

This is the crucial distinction. A full frothy pint of something that tastes like a tree, or a lil' glass of lager? Point for Dublin!

2. Smoke

Red eyes and a dead set of clothes you want to let hang outside, or a bartender who echoes the fashion of 1640 haven sharing puffs proudly from his proudly home-grown spliff? This is tough, but I'll go with Dutch 1640. Score!

3. Irish Stew v. Bitterballen

They taste good, you think. You think you're sure you like them, but like sex there is a clandestine ick factor lingering around when you think about it too long. Bitterballen. A sort of flour and water and lil'' meaty flakes all deep-fried and hot. Irish Stew is less mysterious. Potato, carrot, 'greens' and...lamb. DONT'T THINK ABOUT IT TOO HARD! Dublin gets the point!

4. Song

What are we singing? Who are 'we'?

A circle of drunkening wizards muddling Irish standards or...or...continental jazz? DJ Dominatrix or, what is that? A radio beating Lange Frans to death? I see no other alternative, despite my love of drunkening wizards and the good ol' Irish tune, to give the Amsterdam cafe/pub scene a sympathy point. You know. To keep things even.

My hair was getting out of control and much too long so I decided to take a big step and put it in someone else's hands. I am very picky with my hair, so I walked around the city of Amsterdam asking people with cute cuts where they had gotten it done. One reffered me to Cut the Crap and I was very happy that I ended up choosing it as the place to go.

Its not very commercial or big, but it is very funky and personable. There was only two hair chair-sitting thingys and I think only three stylists in all. They allow local artists to come and put up their art-work on the wall so clients can purchase them and they also have DJs come in and spin every once in a while. It was a really cool atmosphere. It led me to get some blue streaks in the front of my blond hair and I quite like them.

The hair-cutter I had was originally from Holland but also lived in Australia and such. She spoke English very well and gave me what I wanted as far as hair goes. I was afraid she was going to make it short on top and long on the bottom, like many Dutch women I have seen, but she didn't.

Overall it was a good experience and I highly recommend it, especially if you want to try something a little more daring with your hair.

Sure, Amsterdam is a city, and boasts little in terms of animal life (although the parks are enviable, and the zoo is pretty cool). But you will run across various mammals, birds, and even a reptile or two if you stay in the city long enough. A few examples:

Pigeons. My least favorite, most likely for two reasons: 1) they have repeatedly pooped on my shoes, jacket, etc. from an unseen perch above, usually while I’m unlocking my bike; 2) they like to totter in front of bikes and then fly straight up, thus almost causing a major accident.

Horses. I love horses, especially their smell. Sounds strange but I think it reminds me of the days that I used to ride when I was younger. You do see horses on the city streets, whether they are pulling tourists or transporting fake Heineken kegs. Or being ridden by a Dutch police wo/man. The clomp-clomp is always a nice reminder of where you are.

Mice. In my experience, they are most often seen in the tracks at the Central Station, before a train has arrived. I know plenty of people that have had to deal with an infestation in their homes, but I have been lucky. So far. The picture is a very cute, very small mouse, sniffing around a terrace where I had lunch.

Next week: Cockroaches, ducks and green parrots.

Brunch, dessert, spectacular salad? The Bakkerswinkel has it all. I frequent the one on Warmoesstraat 69. Upon entering the smell of freshly-baked bread greets you. To the left are stacks and stacks of their own, delicious products, including tantalizing lemon curd. The menu is colorful and with scrolling letters describes the combinations that await you. High tea is an option, but try the salads if you’re looking for a healthy treat. I can also highly recommend the quiche. And the desserts are spectacular.

It’s a great place to impress, so make sure to take any and all of your visitors here. But don’t forget they’re closed on Monday. I’ve been sorely disappointed.

You may have noticed a previous entry recommending museum night, but I wanted to tell you about how my museum night 2006 was.

First off I march to the beat of a very different drummer when it comes to entertainment after dark. People in this town talk of pubs, clubs, discos and concert halls, while I say cafes, parks, squats and my backyard. So it may not be surprising to hear what I love most about museum night.

Out of all the places you can go, and I did visit at least 5 museums during the course of the night/morning, I noticed alot of people end up at the Stedelijk CS building. It is an unmistakable white towering complex that used to house the Post Office headquarters. In that one building alone you can visit the Mediamatic people who put on a hell of a show, the museum of modern art, and more famously.. club 11.

Club 11 is all the rage among the nightlife hipsters. Located on the eleventh floor, it has stunning views over the city, and its very own overpriced minimalist style restaurant/cafe. Lots of DJ's with annoying names play there. Basically anyone who's anyone goes there, and I don't fancy myself anyone at all.

Yet by some twist of fate I ended up there, and made the most of the music, drinks and excellent views.

But the second my friends looked remotely as bored as I was, I suggested they join me at my absolute favorite museum night location: the Portuguese-Jewish synagogue!

Mhmmm.. I said synoggogue! Picture it (above actually): no electricity, only candles everywhere. People seated staring around the magnificent and ancient building. Couples walking past the wooden seats, admiring the Portuguese writing on the wall, engaging in curious conversations with local guides who are there to answer any and all questions. It is - in effect - the exact opposite of club 11, and for anyone who admires history, peace and quiet, and meditation... it is the pefect place at 2 oclock in the morning.

I spent some time walking about the beautiful interior, stopping to read and re-read the text written in the language of my heritage, picking out my own family's last name and other familiar Portuguese names. Eventually walking out as staff began closing the doors and calling it a night.

Thats the best of museum night for me... to sit in a crowded, trendy night club, and leave to sit in the silence of a sacred and historical place.

Don’t forget your bike lights. A stern warning, indeed. And with the constant police crackdown in recent years, if you venture out without them, you are completely justified in feeling a sense of dread as you cautiously cycle around.

Of course, that dread should partially be because you are engaging in a completely unsafe practice, and one of the many crazy drivers on the road will probably not see you and cause a horrific accident of which you will be the victim, but the more likely outcome is that you will be caught by a police “light trap.”

I have been incredibly lucky. This has not happened to me. However, last night as I cycled home, I realized with dismay that my front light was blinking very faintly – the battery was almost dead! Moments later an officer of the law whizzed by me on a scooter, a disapproving look on his face as he squinted at the faint green light pulsing from my bag.

But he didn’t stop. I breathed a sigh of relief and sternly reminded myself to change the battery. Next time, I won’t be so lucky.

Although I haven’t been there in years, someone recently handed me Boom Chicago’s free guide to Amsterdam (called Boom!) and told the tale of visiting a comedy show there, in the Leidseplein. If you’re into improv, this could be the place for you. It reminds me of a kind of local version of Saturday Night Live (and I believe that most – if not all – of the crew members are American). It can be funny, but if you’re deathly afraid of having a spotlight and a huge video camera trained on your face as they ask spontaneous questions to the audience – well, this place isn’t for you.

The food is decent (you can eat during the show) and the crowd is pretty fun, too. If you can get a hold of the Boom! guide before the nightly show, you’ll pay €16.50 for a ticket. The guides are located all over the city.

You know it's winter when the Amsterdam ultimate frisbee league plays under the bright artificial lights, and everyone puts on several layers. In between plays if you look above everyone's head and rising from their shoulders, you'll see a big poof of smoke.

While most teams around the Netherlands go indoors to play in cozy gymnasiums for the winter, many of us stay outside. Because honestly, what's better than feeling the cold winter air cutting your face, and getting smacked in the hands by a very cruel frisbee. Some might assume very few would take part in these crazy winter practices, but in fact there are over 40 of us out there, every week, including the insane international kids from the Universiteit van Amsterdam's student team: NUTS. (Never underestimate these suckas)

Oh and if you're in the neighborhood and interested, come on by, all are welcome. Bring extra layers!

Look everyone, tulip bulbs for USA! Now, I haven’t checked out the details behind this curious sign, but it is curious, no? Are the rules different for bringing tulip bulbs to the US compared to every other country? I know the rules for people are, but does this hold for flowers?

I have never attempted to bring items on the “alert” list back to the US with me. I don’t want to risk any type of interrogation (although once in Texas I was quizzed about how much alcohol (?) I had returned with).

But with such an intriguing announcement smack dab in the middle of the flower market, an export might be work checking out.

When my friend Tom asked me if I wanted to go to Prague for a weekend I was not too interested. Mainly because I did not know anything about the city and knew that I would miss out on what was going on in Amsterdam. But, I decided to go and widen my horizons. I am so glad that I did.

I took SkyEurope for really cheap and landed in the only city that was not destroyed by World War Two. The first night I got to see the city when it was dark and only lit by streetlamps. My friends and I ventured around to see beautiful castle-looking buildings, gigantic statues, and gorgeously ornate architecture all in an orange night glow. Every building was a new experience and a new piece of art.

The shops around there basically had the same things for different prices and the outdoor markets were the same. They sold Prague t-shirts, beer steins, pashmina scarfs and bohemian crystal. All of these little gifts could be talked down in price.

Everyone says that they get sick of seeing church after church in Europe. Well, in Amsterdam this is not the case at all, so the first ornate church I was able to experience was in Prague. I could not help but be in awe in every direction I turned. 8 foot statues lined the outside depicting popes pointing in the direction of heaven. How was this all built? How long did it take? Who built it? My friends and I could not stop asking these questions over and over.

Pragues' nightlife can be dangerous. Beer is only 1 dollar (US currency). Enough said...

In comparison to Amsterdam, Prague is, obviously, older, but it is even more touristy and is not very english-speaking friendly. It also appears that you would really need to get out of the city to experience anything that is really Czech.

If you missed Museum N8 for some unspeakable reason, but would still like to experience a museum after hours, head to the Van Gogh museum. They’ve introduced a museum night every Friday: They’re open until 10 p.m. for the die-hard museumgoer. Sounds like a great way to start off a cultural weekend in style.

If Rabobank is your bank of choice, you may also bring a guest for free when you present your Europas.

One of the best film festivals of the year is almost here. From November 23rd until December 3rd, the annual International Documentary Film Festival (IDFA) will take over Amsterdam.

Well, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but it’s an event well worth investing in. Tickets may currently be purchased online and will be available from November 17th by telephone or at the IDFA box offices, located next to City Theater.

If you plan to see many films, be sure to purchase a “Voordeelpas” for € 20. This pass allows you to pay € 5 instead of € 7.50 for each film ticket.

Reserve early, because this festival almost always sells out fast.

Obviously not everyone has the good fortune of living in a foreign country and having family living somewhere nearby. But I happen to have family living down in Belgium, just south of Brussels. The nice thing about taking the three hour international train ride, besides the tender-loving-care and the homecooking, is the nature. Once you get outside of the city and into the old suburbs, you see nothing by yellows, oranges, and reds.. the colors of fall. And one bonus I found this weekend: mushrooms!

Yes I can hear all the kids already... shrooms! NO. Not in the Amsterdam stereotype way... in the beauty of nature, take-a-photo kind of way. Not everything is about gettin high dammit!

OK folks, picture this: the Amsterdam tourist, fresh off the plane. He (yes, it’s usually a he) is standing smack dab in the middle of the bike path, his map spread out wide before him. The warning bells bearing down on him have no effect on his physical position, and his female companion, who deftly pulls him out of the path of menacing bicycles, usually saves his life.

Airlines should provide a video demo of this scenario to all incoming visitors. I have seen the exact same situation played out scores of times on bike paths all over the city. Since the plane corporations have not yet taken up this challenge, I therefore call all temporary and permanent Amsterdam residents to spread the word! Tell your visitors and their friends to respect the bike path. It is very, very important that they do so.

I'm aware that it is a blog about Amsterdam life. But I'm not finished with my trip to Belgium. Plus it is all BENELUX anyway, so if you experience the NE, you may as well experience the BE and the LUX part. (though ive nothing to say about the LUX today)

Before returning to Amsterdam my cousins asked if I've ever been to Waterloo. Talk about a famous name... wherever you grew up.. you've probably heard this name at one point or another. One reason could be the very famous battle between Napoleon and the Prussian/Russian/Dutch/British/Everything else armies. When their leader, some guy by the name of Wellington, held off Napoleon, got a lion momument buit in memory of the battle, and went on to have a beef dish named after him.

I kid.. but for many it is no joking matter. Especially those guys who dress up in the old uniforms and march around Waterloo. Reminds me of the civil war re-enactments in the United States. It's like some kind of fettish.

I digress... I went to Waterloo and I didn't joke about it while I was there. I swear.

Schiphol has added a new twist to its entertainment array. Now, if you and your sweetheart are so inclined, you can get hitched at the airport. There’s four ceremony options to choose from, from the rush-now-pay-later to the works.

Unfortunately no prices are listed, and the main contact is a wedding planner, so I’m guessing that this might not be the most economic option out there. And in five years, I’ve only known two people that actually got married in NL, I’m not sure how popular it will be. Still, it’s innovative – you’ve got to give them that.

Last night my Study Abroad group planned out an evening of dinner and music. We first went to an Indonesian resteraunt called Srikandi and had quite a bit of food served to us. Make sure you are not allergic to nuts or shellfish when eating there... Almost everything is cooked in peanut oil and the battered looking fish is not shrimp, it's crab. We had a few unfortunate events with students who were allergic, so just be aware. Other than that, the dining experiance was much fun, well worth it and a whole lot of really good Indonesian food.

We then made our way over to the Concertgebouw. It's a big ornate building that had an orangish/yellowish glow to it during the night time. I really liked it inside. It looked like a very classic music venue, with red chairs and a lit stage. You could actually sit behind the orchestra if you wanted in this venue as well. I didn't get to, but I am sure it would be cool to see the conductor from the front with all the facial expressions and such. During intermission you can get coffee/tea/beer/wine etc... The show that I saw was a Dvorak piece and a Stravinsky piece. Both were very well played and the Stravinsky piece at the end was quite fascinating. They all gave the orchestra and conductor a standing ovation at the end. All and all it was quite a classy night.

American football in Europe? Yes, it does exist. And it really should be experienced at least once. Where else is the opportunity to hear 1990s dance music combined with Dutch voice-overs?

December 1st is the official start – compete with kickoff party – of the Amsterdam Admiral’s 2006-2007 season. Tickets are kind of pricey, but worth checking out.

Okay. I don't mean to be a crank, but the only city I've seen these mid-term weeks was a little patch of canal overlooked by a Bushuis Library window. When it comes to library seating I'm extremely territorial. It is my seat; my table. Oh, and that lamp. Yes, that's mine too. The window and all that it overlooks...mine. It overlooks people in hats in cars on bikes smoking or on phones or both at once in the shadow of the bells of some old clock tower. Clock towers are nice no matter their age, and this one since I see it out my window is MINE! But enough on ownership and landmark pieces of time. I'd much rather talk about my favorite two euro snack in these days of hovering darkness (that is the week or so of getting those paper proposals into shape which somehow corresponds to the sun setting at 5:30pm -or is that 17:30 to you?) It is not the frites (those are 2.50 or not worth it), or kip sate, or (heaven forbid) a krokket or even those really tasty sandwiches made fresh with less than cordial hands at Spar grocery. I'm talking, in fact, about pizza, turkish pizza - turkse pizza - a very special pizza sort near and dear to my stomach, and maybe even my heart. Restaurant Turkyie in de Pijp (south on the Ferdinand Bolstraat), very near the west end of the Albert Cuypmarkt I get, almost weekly, a generous treat about the size of my forearm.

A light layer of sausage crumbles (vegetarians helaas! I once was one of you!!) and sharp sauce baked on a flatbread that functions, in this instance, like a tortilla. The oversize savory, as I taste it, is a blessed mix of pizza and burrito and thus two of the greatest culinary inventions at once. Order it with alles erop and receive the wrapping wrapped with another blessed mix of onions, tomatoes, lettuce, garlic sauce, sambal, and sometimes (if they're feeling really generous) green olives. I feel blessed when I eat this treat, and so should you! Oh, lord, how I wish I had stopped by there today I say as I creep to the kitchen and make another uninspired cheese and butter lunch.

Today, as I walked down the Hartenstraat, I saw a major construction project occuring before my very eyes. Huge light displays lay carefully along the street, as a machine and a man worked to bring them to their proper height. The lighting of "de 9 straatjes" was underway.

Yes, it's that time of year again, where major parts of Amsterdam are lit up with festive lights. Never mind the expense or the wasted electricity, these cherry holiday reminders and worth the effort. And they really are quite pretty to look at.

I finally got myself out to the Van Gogh Museum a couple of days ago. I was not dissapointed. I am familiar with Van Gogh's later works and was unaware of how, well, "untalented" he actually was... I don't mean that in a bad way. His earlier pieces, which are still quite stunning, were painted before he actually went to the academy to study. Nothing is proportioned at most of his work is an experiament. Even after his academic work, he didn't abide by their formal rules. I like that. His earlier works of The Potatoe Eaters and laborers are a sight to see. He draws many of his figures with hands and feet that are about twice as big, yet it seems very fitting. I was greatly moved by his paintings of sunflowers. The contrast and use of many colors was gorgeous.

The other thing I noticed as I walked around the museum was the fact that all the people around me were from a differant part of either Europe, Britain or Asia. It is a really wonderful feeling to know that the art you are looking at is being shared by people from all over. It makes you feel connected to people from all over the world.

Speed dating, an exercise in zippy mate selection, is an event that everyone should experience at least once in his or her life. Whether you’re seriously looking for a romantic connection or you just want to have fun and make new friends, it’s a must-do.

Expatica’s version is probably one of the best, because the participants are so interesting! Imagine a roomful of international 20 and 30-somethings wanting to meet new people. And you only have to talk to each “date” for approximately three minutes, so really, awkward moments are kept to a minium.

Expatica’s next SpeedDate is this Friday evening, November 24, from 8-11pm at the American Hotel in Amsterdam. Tickets are available online.

People will tell you alot about all the low cost airlines leaving from Amsterdam for the rest of Europe. They'll tell you how great it is, and how you can travel for cheap to so many destinations throughout the continent.

I'm not going to do that... I'm here to tell you another point of view when it comes to low cost airlines.

To put it simply.. they pollute. Now of course all airlines pollute but people have to fly to cross oceans and travel great distances. But I'm referring to the short one hour and hour and a half flights that people take to get from, say, Amsterdam to Berlin, or Amsterdam to London. Cheap flights, yes. Quick.. sort of if you don't factor in all the security and arriving early and always running late. But when you talk about the amount of pollution produced just to take people for a little jump to the country next door... it is a pretty dirty business.

I was thinking that as I flew down here to Italy. Here I sit at the banks of Lake Como, admiring the beauty and attending a little vlogger convention. After reflecting on this point.. when I do make my way back to Amsterdam.. I shall be more environmentally conscious.

I'm taking the train. And maybe you should too if you can manage paying a little more and taking a bit more time to make a journey.

In the end, you make less of a mess, the stress is less and the scenery is amazing.

Oh my god. I'm so hungry now I completely forgot what it was I wanted to talk about...

Oh, I remember. An often overlooked aspect of Amsterdam is its academic gusto. If you are a smarty-pants or custard lover do not neglect to check the university websites (which you can access in English) before you come to the city. A bit of clicking and faith in the gods of intuitive interface design will find you with times and places of English language lectures, debates, forums, screenings and whatnot.

Amsterdam has no difficulty bringing in the hot semi-stars, superstars and super heroes teaching and working for all those schools and institutions of prestige whose names need not be repeated for the 10 zillionth time in the history of written language.

There's usually free food and alcohol involved. Upcoming, for example, 27 November - 02 December: the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam of which I will only say 'freedom and media reality' and point you to the URL: www.idfa.nl You watch cool documentaries and then sit in on debates between social researchers, film makers, anthropologists, editors, and journalists. Consider it an investment in your cultural capital.

Who knows what curiosities await....it reminds of a time I snuck into a prom on a yacht in Washington, DC....but that is not relevant.

I present the lovely mess left by Ajax fans about 1 ½ weeks ago, outside of the Amsterdam Arena. It was just past noon when I snapped this picture, and already the heavy drinking had begun. The remnants of football followers – beer, beer, and more beer.

I’ve never made it to an Ajax game, and although I don’t mind watching football, I’m slightly terrified of being under the same roof as thousands of drunken fans. Actually, the main result I see from these games is the huge police presence, complete with riot gear and riot-ready trucks, and the mess that is left after these sometimes riots (i.e., smashed windows, trampled shrubs and flowers, more beer cans).

So for now, I’ll stay outside. And snap photos.

As they do fairly often in recent years, the people of the Netherlands have been voting today.

It is a shame that I'm here in fair Verona, Italy, trekking my way east, and I won't get to see all the people heading to their local public school to cast their vote.

Somehow, before I left, a sample ballot ended up in my mailbox. In my humble opinion, it is amazing! Something like 20 parties on this massive poster-size paper; talk about exercising your right... this is hard work!

I'm following the returns from this hotel I'm staying at. News reports indicate a 60% turnout, which is pretty good compared to the under 50% certain other countries suffer from. Will the Labour party become the biggest party? Will the socialists make huge gains? Will the Christian Democrats finally lose their edge and fall from government. Or will the Greens have a huge showing?

10 more minutes and they say there will be a result. Exciting times!

Today is one of those Amsterdam almost-winter days that remain so dark that cars never turn off their headlights, streets remain lit throughout the day and bikers even keep their flashing, battery-operated beams glowing from morning commute to evening party.

It’s raining, too. It’s that constant, drumming rain that never stops but occasionally picks up in its intensity. It wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the wind, which renders even the sturdiest umbrella worthless.

People are in various stages of despair. Some defiantly struggle with their umbrellas, determined to come out victorious. Others have given up the fight and walk, heads down and soaking, letting the rain do what it will.

It is days like this that remind us all why we love summer – and even winter sun – so much in Amsterdam.

If you’re intrigued by the human body, check out “Bodies: The Exhibition” at Beurs van Berlage. Learn things you never knew before about this body that we all inhabit. But if your stomach is easily upset, it’s probably best to skip this one.

Honestly, the website alone (primarily the intro) is an experience. And a warning of what to expect, if you’re delicate.

It opens tomorrow (Saturday) and runs until March 15. Tickets are 20 Euros, students pay 16 (all prices plus 2.50).

I just had my family come to visit Amsterdam. It was quite interesting having them here. I was, of course, very excited to see them after not having seen them in 3 months, but at the same time it was a bit overwhelming. Escorting around 4 people while still going to class and trying to keep up with other obligations was a little bit hard at times. Yet, all in all, it was wonderful to have them here with me for a few days.

During their stay here I got to look at Amsterdam from a whole different perspective. It is one thing to have a group of Americans your own age and quite another to be with your family. Walking through the red-light district with my family by my side was a little bit awkward. I explained that they shouldn't stare or look down upon the prostitutes. I feel that too many tourists do this and I feared that my family would be one of them. As far as I am concerned, you are on their turf, this is their profession and you should respect it. Thankfully, my family listened to request and we got along just fine.

I took my little brother and my older sister to a coffeeshop because they wanted to go and it was interesting seeing them in the setting. In the states, smoking is illegal, and smoking with family members, I think, is really uncommon. Yet, they were in Amsterdam and i was not opposed to taking them into a coffeeshop, so, I did. I took them to Abraxis, we smoked and it was fun.

I had to keep reminding myself throughout their stay that they were seeing Amsterdam for the first time. It was the first time during my trip here that I realized the fact that I have grown very accustomed to seeing the architecture, the cobblestone and the people of Amsterdam. At the same time it made me think that I shouldn't take the time I have left here for granted, because I will soon be on my way back to the midwest.

Even though it’s just recently disappeared, the now cold weather has me longing for the summer. Specifically, I would love to board a small boat and sail through the canals of Amsterdam, my head thrown back and the warm breeze blowing through my hair. There’s nothing like puttering along the water (but don’t put your hand in) and waving at friendly passersby, and drinking wine from plastic cups while munching on crackers and cheese.

But the photos! If you think you know Amsterdam but you’ve never seen it from the water – well, you’re in for a delightful surprise. A simple change of perspective makes Amsterdam more charming than ever before.

Don’t despair: Summer is only seven months away.

Greetings from Ljubljana, Slovenia. A country with far more wireless internet than say... Italy.

I thought of trippist recently as I stood at a bustop on the outskirts of this fine city, nevermind how I ended up in the middle of nowhere in a very crappy hostel, that's a whole other typical travel story.

But as I'm standing at the bus stop talking with my travel companion from Chicago, we start comparing the European Union to the United States in terms of cities. He joked that Ljubljana was something between El Paso and Portland. Which eventually got us to talking about Amsterdam.

I suggested that Amsterdam is like the EU's San Francisco; mostly thinking about the tremendous counter culture, openness, and creativity.. not to mention the simple beauty. All these things remind me of San Fran for whatever reason.

He highly disagreed. "Chicago" he said without having to think for another second. "It has the spirit of Chicago in both the creative and the practical sense."

Myself, I've never been to Chicago, but I'll take his word for it. But what about you lurking readers... is Amsterdam comparable to a city in the US? If so.. which one? Is it Boston or Austin? Eugene or New Orleans? Leave your comparison in the comments.

The New Year is almost here, and what better way to start 2007 by learning a novel skill? For example, how to dance salsa? Extremos is one of the biggest – and in my opinion, the best – dance schools in Amsterdam. They teach all week long and classes are a great place to learn the basics and meet new friends. Most of the classes are held at Cantinero in the Heinekenplein, so it’s always nice to stay after class, have a drink and continue practicing your newfound talent.

Classes start again January 15. Don’t be late in signing up!

The travel saga continues, as my open ended trip needs to come to an end for various reasons including money, time, and "work". And if you find yourself in Slovenia and happy like a kid in a candy store, the hard part is leaving. No, not because Amsterdam is a bad place to come back to, it is certainly not that... the bigger problem are the flights!

More and more these days students and locals alike will brag about the lowcost airlines that can get you to odd little vacation corners of the world. But it just so happens, that they can't always get you to the great places, and Ljubljana is one of those.

So how to get out of there became the question last night. And although I love the trains.. the long haul, almost 2 day trip via Munich, would have proven way to expensive although certainly very pretty. And hitchhikers.org didn't have any kind Dutch people travelling from that area back to good ol' NL. So it became a matter of.. where's the nearest affordable flight that actually lands at schiphol airport?

After careful calculation. Budapest is much too far. Innsbruk is much too expensive. And Venice.. well.. Venice might work out just fine. Being all beautiful and quiet, it was kind of hard to resist spending one night here before grabbing the transavia flight back to Amsterdam tomorrow.

So for all my hatred of lowcost airlines, I'm going to hold my nose in the name of staying financially alive. And if you're poor and decide Venice or Ljubljana are places you're interested in.. well.. this might be the option for you.

Discounts. Books in English. What more could you want? Amsterdam RAI is hosting a book fair between Thursday, November 30 and Sunday, December 3. Every kind of book you can imagine – fiction, classics, dictionaries, travel books – at major discounts. What a find!

It starts this coming Thursday, and is open Thursday and Friday from 10:00-21:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.

My friends and I ventured around the touristy section of Dam square and ended up going into the Sex Museum, I mean, why not? I have to say that if I was running the show, the museum would be much more well organized.

There were many random rooms filled with explicit images, though none of them made clear sense as to why they were placed where they were. They did have a room filled with images that many would consider very perverse or deviant forms of sexuality. You were cautioned before going in, but really, it wasn't anything I hadn't seen before. I am studying sexuality and such, but still, I don't think many would be all too shocked.

The exhibit I found most interesting were the photos taken from the early 20's. It is interesting to see pornographic images taken in black and white and slightly amusing to see the outfits on the people in the images as well. I think that many are used to seeing pornographic images of the now and not the then. In fact, most think pornography is a relatively new phenomenon. These pictures clearly disproved that. They also portrayed lesbian and gay scenes, "back then," as well.

If you are planning on going to the Sex Museum, be forewarned, there are life sized, naked, unattractive models that pop out at you from the corner...

As a student here I have encountered a few inconveniences when it comes to medical help and attention. The idea of cold medicines and antibiotics are really not as freely given out or prescribed by doctors. In the states, if I need medicine or even think that I need medicine, it is prescribed immediately, sometimes without a doctors visit. Here, I am told to rest and drink tea... My friend purchased boxes of sudafed in Ireland because she knew she could not get it here in Amsterdam. As frustrating as it can be, at the same time, the Dutch may have a point. You really can get better without the use of medication, but you just have to give yourself time and rest.

Amsterdam has a very dedicated staff of street sweepers. Everywhere you go, they are working diligently to keep the streets and sidewalks clean. Some are assigned to sweep bits of rubbish into the path of a cleaning machine, and others use water hoses to spray off the swept area.

The point of this post? Watch out for the hoses! I think some of these workers get a particular delight out of spraying passersby. Who wouldn’t? I honestly wouldn’t mind trying on that job for size – naively spraying bikers or pedestrians, all the while maintaining an innocent expression (“Sorry, sir, just doing my job!”).

But as long as you’re on this side of the hose, steer clear. Unless you neglected to shower the night before, of course.

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried the soup at Soup en Zo. Freshly made, all natural ingredients, and incredible toppings like cilantro, pine nuts and grated cheese. This is no ordinary soup: It’s incredibly thick and filling, and serves as a hearty lunch (or dinner!). It even comes with freshly baked bread. There are locations on Jodenbreestraat (94a) and on the Nieuwe Spiegelstraat (54).

They even offer (at least they used to) a punch card – you know, buy “X” number of soups, get one free. I’m proud to say I have filled my card, and will be redeeming it shortly. Yum.

From the enthusiastic to the timid, expats always have varying degrees of success in learning the mother tongue of the country they reside in. The Netherlands is a special case because the Dutch are all practically fluent in English, thus rendering the Dutch language, well, unnecessary for English-speaking foreigners.

However, it’s always good to integrate (right, Verdonk?) and there are plenty of low-risk, everyday places to practice what little Dutch you may speak. Try the grocery store: The lingo here is very straightforward and after about ten trips or so, you should have everyone fooled into thinking you’re a native. Or the bar: Who can’t handle “Een biertje”? Giving directions in Dutch can be a bit trickier, but if you master this one, you know you’re heading for victory.

I often find myself avoiding my "Americaness". Yes, I can hear the condemnations already, but don't click away yet, I have a larger point.

There are certain things I purposely avoid, some because I actually don't like them, and some because they are too stereotypically American, and who likes stereotypes when it comes down to it?

One of those things, especially when I first arrived in Europe, was US sports. Like talking about the weather, I didn't want to be caught following or discussing who won last night's basketball/football/baseball match. I had bigger things on my mind, and it was all part of the process of trying to blend in as an international student.

My how times change.

The highlight of my week in this winter season is none other than watching sunday night football at a friends house down in the pijp neighborhood. Not because I care who wins really, but more, for the social aspect. Gathering together with a big group of students and expats, dutch and american, sometimes watching and talking about football, but more often sharing in fun snacks and telling stories from our recent adventures.

One night per week I stop worrying about stereotypes and how I'm supposed to like football. I put everything on hold for a few hours, and take a seat amongst good friends to tell jokes and relax.

If it’s time to plan a trip away from Amsterdam, check out De Reizen. They’re hard to miss; the bright yellow storefronts are a sure giveaway that you’ve come across one the scores of Amsterdam locations.

What’s so special about De Reizen? Their amazing travel deals, mainly. They offer lots of great last minute destinations (they regularly offer a “Last Minute TOP 10”), and also will put together a travel package for you, complete with flight, hotel, and even some other transportation and meals. Not always the most appealing way to travel, but if you’re not a self-planning fan it’s the way to go.

And...yet another film festival, Resfest, this time in both Amsterdam (14-17 Dec) and earlier in the month in Rotterdam (6-10 Dec). This year’s Resfest, a digital film festival, is the 10th edition, and the Netherlands is just one stop in its worldwide scope.

No it is not some new craze. I chose that title because I spent all day in Rotterdam and now I have a fever.

Rotterdam is pointy. By pointy I mean, it has pointy sides to it. A tower here.. a tower there. A pointy bridge here a pointy bridge there. Lamps with crazy angles and wide, wide avenues.

I wouldn't go so far as to say the people are pointy, that could be insulting... but it would work well into my literary flow.

PARTY
Trippist already mentioned the Resfest film festival yesterday but the closing celebration event at Paradiso is worth mentioning. The Dutch Mix: live shows and performances by Eclectic Method, C-mon & Kyspki and Eyesupply vj collective and much more.
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
Tickets 12 Euro
Dec 10 @ 830PM

EXHIBITION
The Visual Language of Reza Abedini. The Iranian designer Reza Abedini unites the rich calligraphic tradition of Persian culture with modern design.
Platform 21 - Prinses Irenestraat 19 a
Dec 11-January 21, Wed-Sun 12PM-6PM, free of charge

One of my favorite hobbies in Amsterdam is strolling down residential streets, admiring the front room of beautiful apartments. That’s the inside of the house, from the outside. Now before you accuse me of some perversity, I’ll have you know that the blinds/drapes/shades are always left open, anyway. They’re practically inviting you to look in and admire their perfectly arranged tulips, their beautiful furniture, the overall gezellig-ness of their homes.

Even if my hobby alarms you, the picture shouldn’t. It is of a friend’s living room – and was posted with permission. But still, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! You’ll be pleasantly surprised with your discovery.

Just don’t make eye contact with the inhabitants. Now that’s rude.

Albert Heijn supermarkets (blue & white logo) are everywhere. Surely every Amsterdam resident is familiar with its neatly stocked shelves, its predictable array of foods, its delicious-looking deli.

But rather recently, they’ve introduced a “to go” element that deserves mention. They’ve expanded their array of deli sandwiches and wraps, and offer the wonderful, fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies in a smaller size. Some locations even offer a combo drink and sandwich for three euros. Not bad for a lunch on the go.

and all through the town. Not a student was stirring, except at night.

OK my poem was a disaster, but the story is true. Early December in Amsterdam means students scurry about only in the night.

In between studying or procrastinating doing the work they were supposed to have done weeks ago, you can still see them out on the town. The time frame between 10pm and 1am is when they escape to attend whatever big party is going on, most likely a goodbye for a fellow exchange student who's time is up.

Like anywhere in the world, end of semester can be a trying time. But not because the work is so hard... no no. Rather, because of all the going away and holiday parties one must attend in between final paper writing/faking.

I don't believe I have talked about the school system here. I am, in school though and it may be interesting to explain how the Dutch school system differs a bit from a typical American university.

For most classes you only have one assignment, a ten to twelve page paper at the end of a class. I am in the midst of writing my three right now. They want you to be comprehensive, I mean you have been preparing and learning the whole semester for it. The professors grade you on a scale from 1 to 10. 1 is the lowest and 10 is the highest. I have heard that it is very atypical to get a 10 and that shooting for a 6 (passing) or above is a common goal. I believe that an 8 transfers back to the States as an A, though there has been debate about this, so I can not say for sure.

The Dutch pay right around 1500 to 2000 euros, I believe, for school each year and most Dutch students that I took class with were upset about paying for 60 euro readers... Back in the states some spend up to 30,000 dollars a year on their universities and probably anywhere from 300 to 500 dollars on books. I don't know, I think that the Dutch have something going for them as far as access to the university goes. The only contested idea that I have heard was from my sexuality and culture teacher and that was that American students don't take school for granted because they are paying so much whereas Dutch students may have less of an appreciation for it. I haven't personally seen this mainly because most of the Dutch students in my classes are very intelligent and seem hardworking.

We all get sick at some point. If you’re an expat in a strange country, it can be very scary to not know where to go or what to do. Have no fear; the Netherlands has plenty of top-quality medical care. Of course, they rarely hand out medication or take any action unless your condition is very serious, but still – sometimes it’s nice to reassure yourself that you’re not dying.

The University of Amsterdam has a medical center located on Oude Turfmarkt 151. They have walk-in hours (Monday - Friday from 9:00-9:45), and with any luck, you don’t have to wait too long to see a doctor. And it’s only about 25 Euros for a visit if you don’t have Dutch medical insurance.

If you weren’t convinced at my recent encouragement to learn salsa, why not try Zouk? Zouk, a dance derived from the Lambada, refers both to the dance, which incorporates elements of Forró, Samba, Merengue and Maxixe (a Brazilian dance that was a huge success in 19th century Europe), and the rhythm, a fusion of Carimbó and Merengue. Oh, yeah, and it’s getting more and more popular in Amsterdam.

It is taught by both Brazilian and Dutch instructors at ZoukLovers, and classes are at their place in the West, at Donker Curtiusstraat 9 as well as at – where else? Cantinero. If you’re too timid to try, you can observe the pros at Cantinero on any Sunday evening.

This is not one of those ho-hum posts about the weather. Personally if someone begins a blog post talking about the weather, I'd almost immediately click away. But the title of this post is about climate change, and living in the Netherlands, it is a life and death concern.

You may have heard that half of this country lies below sea level, made possible by a wonderfully complex and photogenic system of dykes and dams. Come here and you may hear that stat over and over, sometimes as a sort of, point-of-pride. Other times it seems more of a warning, just stick an exclamation point on it: half of the country lies below sea level!

So the more evidence that is compiled, about the rising of the sea level on earth, the more an alarm sets off in my little brain. Which is pretty much what always after I read items like what was on Drudge today, under the headline:

2006 warmest year in Netherlands in 300 years

And indeed. I've noticed. It is fairly warm out there for December. Not really ice skating weather, even if they have slapped the ring out on Leidseplein.

So.. if you're not here yet.. start planning the visit, because time is quite literally ticking away and you're running out of chances to see the future country eaten by the ocean.

Now that we live in a world of personal music selection on the go, it seems that almost everyone has a set of headphones attached to their ears as they travel from point A to point B. On the tram, the bus or the train, this usually isn’t a nuisance, unless the person has the volume turned up so loud that everyone in the vicinity is subject to the chosen music selection.

But that’s another blog. Let’s talk about bikers – that’s right, people on a bicycle – tuned in to loud bass or soaring violins. I find this practice extremely dangerous not to mention wildly annoying. Especially when I’m trying to pass them, and my bell is rendered useless against the decibels in their ears.

Although I know my plea will fall on deaf (or otherwise occupied) ears, I’ll say it anyway: Save the MP3 listening for times of peaceful sitting, please.

EVENT

Don't know what flatland is? Check out Flatground, the International BMX Flatland contest. According to the website: "Personal creativity, style and control are the key features in mastering the sport of flatland. With these ingredients, the riders create a mix of tricks which altogether makes up a run. Even though the tricks might seem complex, flatland is a spectacular sport to watch. The riders execute a great variety of complex and even dangerous tricks". Pro finals on Sunday!
NDSM Shipyard - Neveritaweg 15
Dec 16 & 17, starting at 11AM
6 Euro a day (10 Euro whole weekend)

DANCE
Electronation at the Melkweg with Dr. Lektroluv, Nid & Sancy, Dax vs Clockwork and Dion. Renowed Belgium and Dutch electro DJ's come together in the place where it all began.
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
Dec 15 11PM-5AM
Entrance 15 Euro (10 Euro presale)

EXHIBITION
Paradise Twenty-One, photos and video work focussing on the female body, from Dutch photographer Paul Kooiker.
FOAM - Keizersgracht 609
Until February 11. 6,50 Euro

Desperate for a couch, craving for Spanish lessons, or wanting to earn some extra cash by babysitting or cleaning? Head to www.elynx.nl. It’s a great English-speaking community site with a focus on Amsterdam. This site is pure magic. Honestly. I have found side jobs, used furniture, and spectacular (well, on a student budget) studio apartments here.

If you're like me than you love to flip channels around 2 in the morning. It provides me with both, inspiration to fall asleep and yet a feeling of rolling the dice to see what my few cable channels might randomly produce.

Despite all the wonders of BBC2 and Arte, both of which provide some pretty obscure movies that will keep you up til at least 3... my personal favorite remains Dutch public TV.

Actually they don't air anything special at night... but it is special to me because they replay the days programming. With 3 channels of public programming, I always find some fantastically bizarre and informative program that will surely give me something to talk about the next day... or to blog about, as the case may be.

Last night was a big hit. The program: a focus on the arguements in parliament. What a show that parliament. While the US congress has its characters, I find the Dutch parliament to be the real deal when it comes to people yelling at each other followed by close-ups of them pouting. Lately the one who pouts most is the immigration minister... very famous name over here. I watched her pout and bark angry answers for about an hour before I fell asleep last night, it was quite a show. Should you ever find yourself in the Netherlands, hoping for something good to watch in the middle of the night; flip over to public TV. If you're lucky you'll see those familiar big comfy blue seats and all the zany cast of characters from the political rainbow of parties.

If you are a celebrator of Christmas, an expat, and find yourself far from home this holiday season, Expatica is offering a Christmas party guaranteed to take away any symptoms of homesickness - or at least offer enough alcohol to accomplish it for you.

The details:
When: Saturday night, December 16, 2006
Where: Marriott Hotel/Zebra Lounge
Tickets: Dinner + Party: 40 EUR; Dinner only: 35 EUR; Party only: 15 EUR

Buy tickets online. They claim a sellout so the sooner the better.

SOmething tells me your trippists are all either passed out under a bridge, or pulling their hairs out at one of the many university libraries. Thats pretty much the theme around town.

With only a few days left in 2006, the buzz has already begun about where people will spend New YEars. It is an inevitable conversation, if you're not going home, you're here and that means YOU NEED to be "doing" someting.

For most who don't mind the outdoors, the big choice is New Market Square (Nieuw Markt). Both because it has lots of space and china town is right there, it is argueably the number one choice for New Years. People tend to grab a bottle of champagne and a fist full of fireworks and huddle into groups just before midnight.

Then the carnage begins. By carnage I mean anarchy... all out madness. I've seen many countries in my short life, and Ive never been in a war zone; but Amsterdam on new years eve is like nothing you've ever seen.

Whereas most normal humans point fireworks at the sky, Amsterdamers young and old, have this habit of aiming their fireworks everywhere and anywhere. I remember last year riding my bike home around 2am and the whole way I was dodging bottle rockets and other assorted colorful missiles targetted at my head.

Great fun, thats what people will tell you. But thats not the whole truth... come to Amsterdam for new years, but bring a helmet.

Hey, all you old-school NL residents - the time has come to let go of that collection of guilder coins you've been saving since they were cast aside for the Euro in 2002. December 30, 2006 marks the last chance you have to head to the post office or the DNB and exchange the coins for the Europeanized version of currency.

I was around during the big currency exchange, and it was an exciting time to live through. I had just become used to the guilder and then was introduced to the Euro. For a brief, happy period, the Euro and the Dollar held the same value, and I wholeheartedly embraced the new currency.

But for those that were more attached to the long-standing Dutch currency, the time has come to cash in or face the hazards of a (financially) worthless coin collection. You have a bit longer to part with your bills, however. To be specific, the bill deadline is December 31, 2031.

I could tell you about the Dutch girls and my recent dating experience, but that kind of blogging can be like shooting yourself in the foot. Why ruin a good thing for the sake of some good stories?

But I can tell you some things Ive learned in my brief existence in the Netherlands. Dutch people, especially women, love their dating sites. I can't even remember all the names, but I used to have a part time job where I heard the ladies mention relatieplanet and match.com constantly. Come to think of it, half of those ladies were later talking about marriage and I know for a fact babies appeared very soon after.

Why does online dating appeal to much to Dutch people? Is it moreso than other cultures? I think it is.. and I think the combination of a highly wired society and a culture that is very career and individual oriented.. it is hard to meet people in the traditional non internet ways. Striking up a conversation at a cafe with a stranger? Good luck. Ive done it, but Im also considered insane half the time.

I think the most interesting aspect is the success rate. Ive been keeping my own tabs and the percentage of happy couples versus failed dates via online dating.. is remarkably higher.

Food for romantic thought.

I'll second Bicyclemark's recent warning re: Amsterdam fireworks on New Years Eve. Other than a helmet, however, I'd recommend staying completely off the streets. Instead, find a fun house party, and observe the colorful war from a safe vantage point.

The fireworks begin days before the actual event, and continue for several days into the New Year. It could probably scare the unsuspecting visitor quite badly, but have no fear: It's all in good fun.

The experience is unforgettable, I'd agree. But better to come out of it with all limbs intact.

EXHIBITION
The Nieuwe Kerk is hosting Istanbul: The City and The Sultan exhibition. 300 treasures are on display in ten different structures, all designed by award winning architects.
The Nieuwe Kerk - Dam Square
Open daily 10AM - 6PM
Until April 15. Entrance 10 Euro

SEE
Check out the largest video screen of Europe on Rembrandt square. Cultural content from Mediamatic.
Escape venue - Rembrandtplein 11
Free, all day (screen shuts down between 4AM and 8AM)

Of course in Amsterdam! Christmas trees made entirely out of bikes.
Stopera - Amstel 3
Free on display during the holiday season

PARTIES
Dec 22: Appelsap Christmas Special
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
11PM, entrance 12.50 Euro

Dec 23: FEIERN at Stubnitz
Party on a boat with dj's Cocoon, Madou, Django and Flow.
NDSM Docks
11PM - 6AM
Presale 11 Euro, 12 Euro at the door

Dec 25-Jan 3: Raïnaraï: Nomadic Culinary Feast
Lunch or dinner party in an authentic Bedouin tent. New Year's party with belly dancers, great food, dj's and live music.
Het Machinegebouw - Westergasterrein
Haarlemmerweg 8-10
Tel: +31 (0)20 6249791
Lunch 15 Euro, Dinner Euro 39, New Year's party 50 Euro. Tickets also online (website in Dutch)

Dec 31: New Year's Eve party at the Melkweg
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
Starting at 10PM, Entrance 40 Euro

I grew up thinking that the Hard Rock Cafe was one of the coolest restaurants around. And if I was lucky enough to visit a city that boasted one, I made sure to go and savor the atmophere and gaze at the unachievable merchandise.

Although rarely, I'm still drawn to this ambiance in Amsterdam's version. Well, that and the best burgers in the city, as well as the "American size" sodas and water. Eet smakkelijk!

I'm filing this one under art, because from what Ive observed about the netherlands, making and holding together a government is art.

Some internationals may not find it interesting or useful to follow Dutch politics. I happen to find it entertaining and educational. The latest post-election action is no different. Elections were almost one month ago and here we are, new year right around the corner, and there is STILL no government. Whats even cooler, is that it is no big deal.. life goes on.

I remember a somewhat similar feeling after the Gore-Bush meltdown in 2000.. remember those days? So much time without having a government.. or at least, a government elect. In the Netherlands, Ive come to learn that such an occurance is not only no-problem, it is normal.

You're supposed to form a coalition, no matter who wins the elections, that much I know. But the funny part is that if you can't agree with any of the other parties then you can't create a new government, which means there's no government.

Isn't there an old slogan from the anarchist party somewhere "There's no government like no government."

As part of the christmas festivus, I've caught a flight over to Lisbon, Portugal, to spend the holiday with some of my family members. And one thing I notice, besides the disappointingly cold temperatures, is that no matter how far I ago I can't escape the Dutch language.

I pop in to my local newspaper shop, which carries every Portuguese publication, and sure enough the one foreign newspaper they carry is the Telegraaf. I guess they expat-Dutch community has created that demand.

As I wander the streets of the hippest neighborhood for nightlife and trendy boutiques, I decide to pop in at some of these alternative tea houses and vintage clothing shops. As I strike up conversation with the owners, wouldn't you know it... Dutch accent.

I suppose this is a natural occurance.. when you consider how much it rains and how little sun you see up there in Holland. Places like Portugal, Spain, and Greece are pretty loved for having the opposite situations and a very welcoming culture (sometimes). So why not... they've come down here to start a new life, run a hip business, and soak up the sun.

Just another interesting factoid about how you can't escape the Dutch. Even when you try.

I'm spending my winter holiday somewhere south of the Netherlands, where it's colder but sunnier and more picturesque - that is, if you're into mountains and that sort of thing.

But let's not talk about scenery. I want to share my amazement at the sheer number of people that live in Northern Europe compared to my homeland in the Midwest, and their cumulative effect on what constitutes a "traffic jam." Yesterday, I spent six hours trying to get out of Paris - that's six hours to travel 150 kilometers. There's about 61 million people in France, and I think all of them were on the same road as I was. And I'm sure a few Dutch, Germans, etc. were taking up some of that space, too. I've never seen anything like it, unless you count a few stop-and-go blizzards I ran into with my family on the way to Kansas as a child.

In comparison, there's only a little over 5 million residents in Minnesota. Or look at it this way: The entire population of the Midwest is about 66 million and occupies a much larger area than France. You do the math. I guess it makes sense that traffic jams are much worse in Europe. Maybe next time I'll take the train.

In case you have nothing better to do during winter break, have a look at Expatica's feature "The Dutch News in 2006." Lots of highlights are available by month. After an hour or so of browsing you'll be ready to ring in the New Year fully informed about Dutch politics, culture, and everything in between.

Whooosh.. just like that I was back in Amsterdam on Christmas Day. Actually the night of christmas day... which when I phrase it that way.. just sounds confusing.

I took some time, while en route to meet a lovely Dutch woman, to ride around and observe things around town. I rode through the quiet Oud West, past the still lively Leidseplein, down past the Heineken Brewery and into the Pijp.. which was also strangely deserted.

Thats how it goes the night after Christmas. With the whole country having the next day off for "2nd Christmas Day" it seems everyone either hides indoors, or leaves Amsterdam altogether. As a result you can ride the streets almost alone in the evening. You don't hear as many cars.. or anything.. except maybe the tree's and the wind... it is, I would suggest, a wonderful way to close the door on Christmas 06.

The in-between christmas and new years time is always an extra quiet one in Amsterdam. Be they families or just exchange students, everyone finds there way out of town somehow, seeking the usual relaxation, family, sun... possibly all three at the same time.

During this year's "in-between" I won't be travelling back to the ol'USA. Decided to save the old money for other purposes (like new years in Berlin, for example!). But what I was thinking of, in light of all the quietness and the absence of the huge student population, are the timespans people choose.

I have zero statistics in front of me, but Ive studied abroad in three different countries, and I've spent an insane amount of time with different types of students from all corners of the world and all levels of education. And what I notice most is the difference between one semester and two semester students.

The majority do the one semester. It is probably the most practical; least amount of time lost from regular university career, more affordable, and a decent amount of time to experience and travel. And obviously this works out well for many, and has for generations.

However my informal research indicates something else. One semester just isn't enough. The students that come for the entire year have an experience that I have seen provides a more in-depth, fullfilling, and yes... FUN study abroad. You not only have plenty of time to really get under the surface of things, you become comfortable and familiar to a point that, althought it can't be as familiar as for a native, but still - one can feel right at home and gain something extra special from the day-to-day over the course of a whole school year.

Clearly for many people with specific goals and life demands, this is not a matter of choice. But if i had my way, and since I do here on trippist, I vote anyone who's not sure about semester versus one-year.... CHOOSE FOR A YEAR. You won't regret it. Or you will, and then you can send me hate comments.

I've been out of The Netherlands for a while, and although I love exploring other places, the country of my residence for the past 5 1/2 years does remind me of some fantastic pastimes. What do I miss?

Well, for one, the broodjes. The Dutch really know how to make sandwiches. I discovered my love of Caprese not long after I made the move to Amsterdam, and it's still a regular request when I'm out for lunch. There's nothing like that scrumptious combination of mozzarella, tomato and basil. Yum.

What else? My bike, definitely. Unless I was really an addict, biking would be difficult to do on a regular basis while on holiday. Even if I worked it out, it wouldn't be as much fun as it is in Amsterdam, where all those challenging, cobbled streets filled with tourists, trams and pedestrians are just waiting for a challenging peddle.

It will be back to routine soon, with a new year of Dutch exploration to follow.

New Year’s Resolutions for life in Ámsterdam:

1) I resolve to visit at least one new winkeljte at least every month. Amsterdam is full of hundreds of fascinating specialty shops, most of which I have only wandered by, but have never entered to seriously browse.

2) I resolve to be kinder to pigeons, but only if they promise not to be so annoying.

3) I resolve to take more pictures of swans, especially those in all their elegance that dare to pass in canals dangerously close to drunken tourists.

4) I resolve to occasionally stop and provide directions to tourists who appear hopelessly lost, their maps spread out before them. That is, voluntarily point them in the right direction, without request.

5) I resolve to continue to enjoy the beauty of this city, even when its bad points leave me contemplating a flight to warmer destinations.