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.