Well it's finally here... 2007. Is it everything you expected it to be?

I managed to run off to Berlin for new years.. which is in fact from where I type this. (my favorite cheap flights are with Transavia, by the way. 55 euros round trip, pretty good!)

But tomorrow morning I return to Amsterdam, to face all the wonders and challenges of my favorite city in a new year.

Here on the blog I shall write about these experiences, along with some wonderful other trippists.. like Janelle, and Michael.. whenever he's done recovering from final papers and new years celebrations. There will also be new trippists of course, new American arrives in Amsterdam ready for a new semester, a semester abroad.

So stay tuned. It often takes students at least a week to recover from new years. Thats a mighty powerful hang over.. but this is no ordinary town. Happy New Year trippest readers... now begins the new adventure.

Attention, returning students! This year, as possibly every year, the NS has raised train prices. Again. Possibly to justify this increase, they have also changed all the train times, so whatever sense you had made of train travel in the Netherlands will now have been thrown into oblivion.

OK, it's not that bad, but don't be surprised at all the changes that will present themselves when you head into the Centraal Station.

One thing remains constant, however: The gobs of construction. Happy travels!

Just came back from a two week family visit in Holland. A home visit for me always includes a trip to the local supermarket Albert Heijn as I try to eat things I haven't tasted in a while; which brings me to the following: what have I missed most? Well, my top 3 is pretty steady:
1) cheese (any kind)
2) fries with dutch mayonaisse accompanied by a kroket or frikandel
3) dairy products (especially vla)

But as I visited during the holidays season I enjoyed another Dutch "snack" I hadn't eaten in a long time: the oliebol. Around the holidays oliebollen can be found in pretty much every Dutch home and can be bought at specially "decorated" stalls on markets and in city centers.

Ah well, it's probably better for my diet that my home visit has come to an end..never been good at restrictions..but for all of you out there: enjoy while you can!

I've returned to the Netherlands countless times, but almost always by plane or by train. For the first time I've realized that the insulated life perpetuated by car travel in the U.S. - well, it holds for this side of the world, too.

I saw the "Nederland" sign zip by on the dark highway, and that was my only indication that a border had been crossed. No unsmiling passport control officers greeted me; no hoards of Dutch tourists fought with me during luggage retrieval. In fact, I didn't even hear Dutch spoken until somewhere in the next few days.

When the sun rose again, and I found myself on the street, I was caught off guard by the red, sloppy remnants of firework celebrations. I blinked in surprise and realized that I had completely forgotten about what time of the year it is. This never would have happened if I had struggled with my luggage through the Central Station and into the heart of Amsterdam.

Car travel has its luxuries, but it certainly doesn't help with re-acclimation. It even took me some time before I was able to gaze at the beauty of the canals, spectacular even in the dead of winter. If you're new to the Dutch way of life, I'd heartily recommend mixing up your travel options, in order to compare.

This weekend, I took a trip to IKEA. I've probably visited the Amsterdam branch of this global chain at least 20 times, so I've learned several important lessons about improving the success of your visit. Pay attention, unless you crave frustration.

First, never go to IKEA on the weekend, unless you plan to get there within minutes of the store opening. Really. If you sleep in, just wait until next week. It's not worth it. I did it correctly this time, and was walking the aisles by 10:15 am, with only several hundred - as opposed to several thousand - other shoppers. It's much more peaceful this way.

Second, don't expect the website to match what is available in the store. And if (when) you find a discrepancy, please refrain from pointing it out to the IKEA employees. They will just stare at you blankly.

Third, as in many large organizations, if you're not happy with the first answer to your question about location/pricing/color availability, just go to the next uniform. Be persistent. I'm sure, with time, you will find the correct answer.

Four, prepare yourself with some deep breathing, a nice bottle of wine, an anger management seminar - whatever works best for you after you've made the journey, dragged your purchase home, fully assembled it, and then realized that there's one crucial screw missing. And IKEA doesn't have a replacement. This step is very important.

Five, even though it's tempting to visit more often, be sure to spread out your trips. A few times a year is more than enough. Going too often is not recommended for one's health (see "four").

My most favorite Austrian girl called and asked to get together. Hadn't seen her since before all the holiday hoopla, so I immediately asked "dinner?". To which she responded "Zaal 301?"

301. Overtoom 301. Also known as the former Film Academy; a squat, of course. Interestingly the squatters raised enough money to actually buy the building themselves.

I've travelled near and far and wherever I've gone, nowhere do I feel more relaxed than at 301. So naturally I responded "yes".

Now, you can only have dinner at 301 on select days, and I'm a veteran of the Amsterdam scene so I know the days and the times and what time you have to call to reserve. (4pm) My Austrian girl knows the drill as well, so she was well prepared for the mountain of vegan cuisine as the super cool Australian accented bartender-volunteer places our meals in front of us. After paying somewhere around the suggested price, we fill our stomachs while discussing how nice it is to be back at 301 after all the holiday fuss and all the annoyingly hip cafe's and restaurants the city is now littered with. We finish the evening off with some homemade choco-nut cake, mint tea, and chit chat with the regulars... and their dogs. - Thats what I call an evening.

And PS, it doesn't hurt to have a devastatingly beautiful and interesting Austrian friend to join you.

Remember a few weeks ago, when both Bicyclemark and I mentioned the fireworks culture in the Netherlands, particularly surrounding New Year's Eve? Well, I've discovered a summary of "events" from this year on Expatica, described as a "relatively peaceful" celebration.

In case you didn't believe us, here are some examples:

"In Limburg, a 38-year-old man was seriously injured when 21kg of fireworks exploded in his face. The man tried to light the fireworks with a cigarette."

"A 26-year-old resident of Nunspeet who initially thought he had been injured by fireworks later appeared to have been injured by a bullet. Police have no idea where the bullet was fired from."

"Some 1,500 people at a nightclub in Raalte in Overijssel escaped unharmed after a fire broke out."

Well, we all have our unique way of celebrating. Just remember to be careful!

I know, everyone immediately thinks tulips when they imagine the Netherlands. Tulips, windmills, cheese, and weed, right? Well, there's a forgotten treasure that can be found in almost any flower shop: The orchid.

In the U.S., this beauty here would be at least $60. I bought it here for less than 10 Euros. So go wild! The blossoms are breathtakingly beautiful, and it's a plant, too - so you can care for it year-round until it decides to grace your presence with its next round of beautiful flowers. They make great gifts, too.

The fire department issued a warning today: If you don't have to go out, then don't.

Which is an odd warning. Cause I only heard about it once I had braved the unbelievable winds to ride over the Oost. And if I had followed their advice I would have missed hanging out with my friends on Javastraat, crashing a staff party at the U of Amsterdam, and bagels at my favorite bagel shop.

Actually the funnest part of all this insanity.. are the numerous umbrellas that mystically fly out of nowhere and almost puncture my leg. It makes riding more exciting then the normal adventure. Also there's that feeling you'll be blown into a canal or a tram... I had that a few times today... very exciting.

If you've ever visited a bar frequented by Dutch people, you'll notice that the later it gets, the more likely it becomes that those present will break into drunken song, swaying and hollering strange, wistful-sounding lyrics. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, try visiting Cafe Nol on the Westerstraat. You'll get the idea very quickly. Or just visit their website - the music is right there waiting for you.

But what is the history behind this passionate hobby? The Amsterdam Historical Museum is currently hosting an exhibition called "Singing in Amsterdam" which details this, er, charming culture of song. It should help to provide insight into a uniquely Dutch and overwhelmingly Amsterdam-focused tradition.

Singing in Amsterdam is in the Amsterdam Historical Museum until 18 March 2007.

It's that time of year where everything is on sale. Clothes, furniture, vacuum cleaners, you name it. So if the shopping bug has bitten, now is the time to get out and flex your consumerist muscle.

My stop yesterday? Bijenkorf. You know, that ritzy department store right on Dam Square. Everything's marked down. And along with throngs of frenzied shoppers, they were even holding some type of reception, right there in the store.

I stayed until the bittersweet closing time, and exited with a huge group of half-drunk merry makers. Because of my great finds, I was almost as happy as they were.

As mentioned recently the NS has increased their prices and changed train times. But we recently discovered that the Dutch rail road company has added another feature: the human at-seat cart service! NS employees serving you tea and coffee from a backpack while carrying snacks...

There's a channel here in Amsterdam called AT5, and let me tell you, it rocks my socks.

Fortunately they replay their programming at 2am for night owls like myself, so last night I got to watch a very good segment I wanted to tell you about.
The focus was mom & pop grocery stores versus the big-powerful supermarkets like Albert Hein, Edah, Dirk, Super de Boer.. etc.

They were doing that thing where you walk the streets and ask folks on the street where they go and what they think of the two kinds of shops.

One old woman said she only goes to grocery stores, because there she buys tons of extra food so that she doesn't have to go often and she always has extra food if she can't go out for some reason.

A young cutey Dutch student said that she loves going to Nightshops, which are kind of minimarkets that are (obviously) opened late. She said they have a great selection and she likes the people who run them, the charm of the clerks.

A middle aged aspiring Dutch suit explained that he goes mostly to supermarkets that have late closing times because he is very busy and he likes the prepackaged meals they had. When asked about the future of mom and pop shops, he said he was more concerned about himself and that it's tough cookies for mom & pop shops. --- what a jerk.

I sat back and thought to myself... what are my habits? Organic/alternative grocery store once per week. Ten Kate open air market once per week. And one of the big supermarkets once per week.

Then I start to wonder... am I hurting mom and pop? I pretty much only see them at the market once a week... and I really do like their stuff better. I may need to start changing my market habits... to help keep mom and pop shops going and enjoy the great treatment and quality they have.

As for the rest of the city, as much as I love this town, most of the people would probably side with the suit.... tough cookies.. gotta take care of number one. hmfff.

The International Film Festival Rotterdam is almost here, and definitely worth attending. Not only is it an incredible opportunity to see life-changing films, but if you haven't made it down to Rotterdam yet, you also get to explore the city and see its fabulous film venues. And even better: Most films are shown are screened in the original version (language) with English subtitles.

The festival is on from January 24 through February 4. All exhibitions/events/etc. will be available online starting January 18.

I've celebrated (or not) the Superbowl in Amsterdam over the years, but never have I heard of a party like this one. Boom Chicago is hosting an all-out bash, with a game screening topped off with an Admiral cheerleader performance. It will almost like actually being in the U.S. for the big day, except...more Dutch.

The only downside is that it costs 55 Euros. It includes a "Super Bowl Menu" and an "Unlimited Dutch bar," whatever that means. If you're into it, it's on Sunday, February 4, starting at 21:30. Tickets are available on the Boom Chicago website.

AMSTERDAM FASHION WEEK
January 20-28: Amsterdam International Fashion Week. Check out Laundry Days: Amsterdam Fashion Week’s public “off-schedule” inspiration program, accessible to every fashionista in town!

Visit the Modefabriek fashion trade event and see presentations of more than 425 labels, watch the spectacular fashion shows, the parade and don't forget to visit the superstore.
Amsterdam RAI - Europaplein 22
January 21-22 10AM-6PM. 15 Euro

EXHIBITION
Beauty and the Bead - from Madonna to the Maasai'. First exhibition ever to focus on beads as a worldwide phenomenon.
Tropenmuseum - Linnaeusstraat 2
Until May 13. 7.50 Euro

CONCERT
The Mighty 8, hip hop & soul from a ladies perspective. Part of the unsigned project for talented undiscovered artists.
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
January 20 at 9PM. 8 Euro

Today was one of the longest days of my Amsterdam life. When making my way across town actually became a matter of, not life and death, but, fairly close to it.

I live on the ground floor and I sleep through much of the morning, so perhaps I don't always notice if there are severe winds tearing through the city outside. As I hopped on my bike to head to the international school for lunch, I admit I noticed the wind was making pedaling quite difficult. But at that point, I had no idea what I was getting involved in, by leaving the house at all.

By the time I crossed through Rokin and fought my way by the main university area near the beloved student cafe: CREA, I started to notice this wind was unlike any other wind before.

What made me notice? I think it was when this deafening gust which just about blew my backpack off my back and suddenly forced my bike in the direction of the canal and oncoming traffic. As I tried to fight back by clenching my leg muscles and pushing back at the wind to win my balance, another gust pushed the bike from under me and as I tried to plant my heals on the pavement... the bike, my heals, and me went sliding for several meters.... closer to the canal. A local driver, no doubt fighting the wind from inside the car, stopped to look over at me in pity, but as soon as he tried to open his door the wind decided to slam it shut. He waved and drove on. - thanks buddy.

I hobbled alongside my bike the rest of the way. Pausing before turning any corners, to watch the mist which the wind had swept up from the canal, spraying everyone who dared walk in that direction.

When I finally did arrive at lunch, an hour or so later, the internet tells me that the the main train station has closed, as pieces of the roof are falling and the trains are blocked by fallen tree's. As I slowly made my way home again, stopping often and rarely bothering to try and ride, I snapped pictures of huge fallen trees, debris that resembled roof tiles, and boats that had snapped free or sunken.

One newspaper mentioned it was the worst storm in 10 years. One person is thought to have been blown off a pier into the ocean. The wind caused an ship to crash in the Rotterdam harbor, triggering an oil spill!

Back in my little world, all I kept thinking, as odd as it may sound, was to simply get home in one piece and not get hit by a falling tree or a flying piece of metal from some construction site. Oh.. or fall in a canal.. that was a big concern as well.

Things I saw yesterday in Amsterdam that I’ve never seen before:

Whitecaps on the canals. It was incredible, like a raging river was running through the city. The poor ducks were totally shocked by their new environment.

Tree debris lining the streets. If the trees managed to stay upright, they still lost most of their baby branches. And if there were any straggling leaves left from the summer, they’re definitely gone now.

The Centraal Station shutting down. No trains. I’ve never seen that happen before. Those poor, poor commuters, especially the ones with nowhere to crash in A’dam.

This weekend, I spent a few hours at De Herengracht with a group of friends. The bar/restaurant, located just off the Koningsplein, is decked out with great art and a fantastic atmosphere. We hung out in the lower-level bar. It was busy but not terribly so, the music blended into the background and the drinks were served promptly. My only complaint - which holds for any A'dam drinking establishment - is the massive amount of cigarette smoke that follows you home and through the remainder of your weekend. Someday, they'll change the laws...

So at some point you arrive in Amsterdam, be it in late August or late January, ready to do the school thing. Eventually you make it past all the initial issues: housing, class schedule, residence permit, bike, grocery store, and local pub. The essentials.

But often you'll start thinking, "dam I'm poor, and I've got time on my hands. I want to join the workforce!"

Now what are the options, one might wonder?

Well, the average administrative type at university will tell you "its complicated". They love closing doors in your face.

However, I've lived it. and complicated or not, even with all the so-called rules about how many hours an American student can work, I'd guesstimate about 50% of American students get part-time jobs over here. Most of those might be under-the-table. But a job is a job - right?

One thing you can work out, and its the best place to start, doing side work for your professors. Filing stuff. Writing stuff. Correcting stuff. All kinds of stuff. When I first arrived I found myself staring at a TV screen every afternoon, watching TV news and answering questions about it. Might sound boring to some, but all I heard was the sound of money landing in my pocket.

Which reminds me of a very common demand here in the Netherlands at Universities. Paper editing. While the scholarly types might use English for everything, most are not native speakers, and even the very fluent Dutch seek out native English speakers to correct their papers on underwater basketweaving in antarctica. Again.. it's money, and as a bonus, you learn new things.

I'll mention one more for today, and that is the job that you can always get all over the world for under-the-table money: bar and restaurant business. Although many eventually quit out of frustration and exhaustion, Amsterdam has plenty of bars and restaurants in need of young suckers like us, who need money and have the nerve to deal with drunken tourists. Irish pubs, I've noticed, are legendary for how fast students quit.

There you have it, useful tidbits on how to raise some Euros in between classes and parties.

The wind has faltered, the clouds have left and the Netherlands is now sunny and calm. And cold, cold, cold. Bikers, beware: In this weather, you need special gear to survive your trip.

In September, I wrote briefly about getting ready for winter biking. Of course, we haven't seen any snow, but now that the temperature has dipped to almost zero, it's wise to be aware of a few specifics:

Gloves. Two pairs. One preferably leather.

Hat. Pull it over your ears. Don't forget this one, or you probably won't make it to destination. Honestly.

Scarf and coat. Make sure that your neck is covered, or your friends will forget the sound of your voice.

Sunglasses. Sounds funny, but you will be blinded by the unfamiliar light. Plus, they somehow stop the cold as well.

Groningen is definitely not the largest university city, but it is one of the most popular ones. And I should know as I grew up there.. Due to the large number of students, nightlife is great and most bars stay open until 6AM on weekends.

The medieval center has lots of sights, including the Martini Tower, City Hall and the canals. The Groninger Museum is set in the middle of a canal and the building is considered as one of the most modern and innovative museums in the Netherlands.
Just a 2,5 hour train ride north of Amsterdam...

I realized today that I have a ton of websites bookmarked for the Netherlands (I call them NL links). Having collected these over a five-year period, I guess it's high time that I share some of them with all the readers out there. Who knows, maybe something will come in handy:

Believe it or not, the IND (immigration department) has an English version of their website. If you've had questions (or problems) concerning your residency, here's a good place to start. They even have some fun-to-read propaganda promoting their policies.

If you haven't experienced a Dutch sauna, do it immediately. This site provides a comprehensive listing of spas in the Netherlands. I could say so much on this subject, but for now, I'll just mention that clothing is frowned upon in these unisex establishments.

And for students or aspiring scholars out there, Nuffic has a website called "Study in Holland." It's full of information about coming to the Netherlands for study, and writing about expenses, food, politics, you name it.

Happy surfing!

Here's an important Dutch word to learn: NAT. It means: Wet paint. If you see this sign on a door, or a wall, or a bench, do not brush up against it with your nice black coat. Or your new leather gloves. Or your freshly washed jeans.

MUSIC & DANCE

2007 is the year of Amsterdam, Feel the Rhythm - music & dance. Throughout the entire year, the city offers a great number of events, from classical to dance, pop and world music. Check out the website for a complete listing of events.

CONTEST
The final of Visual Sensations, THE VJ-contest of the Netherlands and Belgium. In a live performance with a maximum length of 20 minutes the VJ's will show their work to the jury and the audience. The winner will get cash and will also perform during Club Transmediale in Berlin.
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
January 27 - 9PM. 10 Euro

EXHIBITION
Studio Apart is hosting Boxie. Boxies, as the artist calls them himself, are creatures with elongated limbs moving quickly and fluidly over the canvas. His work has increased in popularity, even Nike has used his designs.
Studio Apart - Prinsengracht 715
Until March 16. Free

Not being one to resist a chance to travel somewhere for a few days, especially when I'm invited to give a workshop on podcasting, I find myself in Zagreb, Croatia at this very moment.

If you have the means, and perhaps you're in the Netherlands, definitely make the trip down to Croatia... it is lovely here. Being that it's winter, i was pleased to find snow on the ground. The circa 0º C adds to the charm, kind of reminds me Im just about in the Balkans.

I confess I've never been this far east in my life, and it is exciting, because even though Im still in Europe.. it feels like some kind of gateway to somewhere else. On the outskirts of Zagreb... huge apartment complexes from the socialist days, long streches of roads, and circa 1950 tram cars. All of it is beautiful in my eyes, including Croatian women, but thats a whole other blog topic.

For now, I'm jetlagged. almost 2 hours of flight!! stop laughing. Back with more tomorrow.

Expatica is at it again. This time, they're trying to make love connections. There's a Valentine's party ("A Valentine's Affair") at the Zebra Lounge on Friday, February 16. Tickets are 15 euros and available online.

Or if a night of one-on-one is more your specialty, sign up for the "Meet your Valentine" SpeedDate. It takes place on Friday, February 9 at the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel. Women's places are already sold out, so this one's just for the guys. Of course, there's still room for both sexes in the Valentine's Day SpeedDate, held on - you guessed it - Valentine's Day (that's February 14, for all you unromantic fools out there).

I wish I could give you names of the clubs and cultural centers I've been to, all around Zagreb, but frankly... I can neither remember nor spell many of the names.

But I can tell you what a crazy and large creative scene this city has. Between the computer hackers, the political activists, the digital artists, non-digital artists, dj's musicians, dancers, and old men who like to play chess; Zagreb has plenty going on, any night of the week and in the strangest of places.

Last night I found myself at an old factory-turned-nightclub along the River Sava. What a place! no annoying dress code or hostile bouncers or any of that whole stuck up nightlife tradition that exists is so many places. Inside, a collection of old, young, and middle-aged, all mingling together, all dancing the night away. Plenty of elbow room too, cause hey, it's an old factory.

On the way out I gazed out over the Sava... fog prevented me from actually seeing water, so it was just this vast and wide avenue of rolling fog. And since the river flows to Serbia.. that is where my friends and I shall venture next.

Yesterday, I braved the cold temperatures to explore the bustling streets of Den Haag (The Hague). The afternoon began with an early trip to Dudok, an huge café that served delicious apple pie. Looks great, right? Next was a tour through diverse architecture followed by a few crowded hours on the shopping streets. We ended in Den Haag's version of De Bijenkorf and enjoyed an impressive lunch at their self-service restaurant.

A pleasant fact about Den Haag: Although you still have to pay to use the toilet in every conceivable establishment, the charge was only 25 euro cents, half of its Amsterdam equivalent. The open spaces are great, the trams are painted differently that the North Holland variety, and the expat community is huge. In sum, not a bad place to spend a relaxing Sunday.

What day is it? What time is it? These two questions I rarely have the answer to lately, but I can always tell to WHERE I AM, with great excitement: Belgrade, Serbia.

It is especially fun if I get a phonecall or an email and someone asks "where are you" and I can respond "sorry, I can't talk long, Im in Serbia".

If you've never been to Belgrade, well it should come as no shock to hear it, but YOU NEED to visit this city. Why? Because it is special, of course.

It may look and smell European, but there is something else going on here. Maybe it is the heavier effect of recent wars, bombings, and economic sanctions. Or perhaps it is just the choice of paint colors, as everywhere I look I see shades of grey. Regardless of the reason, the result is actually something very interesting and very pleasant.

As I'm giving workshops on podcasting on this trip, I find myself in a residential/working class neighborhood. I start to feel like the only non-Serbian speaking person for miles... but somehow it is never a problem. The lovely ladies at the bakery greet me with smiles and seem to enjoy getting to speak english. Others rely more on simple words and smiles to explain whatever needs explaining.

Tonight.. I shall dine at some fine Serbian restaurant. Rumor has it we will experience traditional cuisine and now-cliché traditional clothing. Just what a little tourist like me desires.

FABCHANNEL was already a great site if you like watching Paradiso and Melkweg concerts online. But now it's even better as you can create your own video player for your blog, site or profile. We tried to please all of you readers with our very own fabplayer below..

A few years ago, the Netherlands introduced the concept of the "age coin," a coin that must be requested from the bartender and inserted into a cigarette machine before cigarettes can be purchased. The idea is to ensure that the person buying the cigarettes is of legal age. In other words, curious six-year-olds cannot steal change from their parents and then secretly purchase them from the vending machine in the corner.

A restaurant I recently visited has apparently given up on this concept. Next to the cigarette machine I found a pile of age coins neatly placed on a small white plate. Anyone care for a smoke?

Looking for a doctor? Well, if you're a student at the University of Amsterdam, you have access to the Student Medical Service, located on the Oude Turfmarkt 151 (free if you're insured by a Dutch-recognized provider, an approximately 25 euro fee if you're not).

However, there's another option in case the student one doesn't apply or appeal to you. Check out Huisartsen.nl - this website provides a search engine that lets you look for a doctor by name, post code or city. Unfortunately the site is only in Dutch, so start practicing or find a native to help you out. Get well soon!

DANCE & MUSIC
Seen at Paradisoul. With DJ's like DVDJs Off the Wall, Mr. Wix, Tom Trag and MC Melody.
Paradiso, Weteringschans 6-8
February 2 - 12PM-5AM
10 Euro

Bed at Hotel Arena's Club Tonight. Two rooms with different music styles.
Hotel Arena, 's Gravensandestraat 5
February 3 - 10PM-4AM
15 Euro

The Church with Rednose Distrikt at Flex Bar
Flex Bar opened not that long ago, which is why it hasn't been discovered by the crowds yet. Sunday night with Rednose Distrikt brings Soul, Folk and Psychedelic tunes.
Flex Bar, Pazzanistraat 1
February 4 - 10PM
5 Euro

The Leningrad Cowboys at Melkweg. Remember them?
Melkweg, Lijnbaansgracht 234a
February 6 - 9PM
15 Euro

Basically I have two categories of visitor, parents or friends. When it comes to the parent category, or anyone above the age of 50 for that matter, I always want them to be extra comfortable, centrally located, and yet.. to be in a quiet neighborhood.

So back when my parents first came to visit me in Amsterdam, I aimed for somewhere far enough away from the red light district, yet close enough to all the beauty the center of town offers. Therefore I put them in the Hotel Rembrandt, located in the lovely and quiet area near the Artis zoo and a stones throw away from the Portuguese-Jewish synogogue. No, it isnt the cheapest, but my parents are at an age where they deserve a small and charming hotel, where they can get a good nights rest, and in fact - they could afford the midrange prices.

But what of that other category, the friends? Well friends don't require much, except maybe excitement and some human contact. And although my couch is decent option, one place Ive often sent my friends is the StayOK Hostel in Vondelpark. While most people talk about the fun hostels located under the red lights, or the flying pigs, my experiences at StayOk have been hilarious, and my friends enjoyed as well. I don't remember every detail, but the place is always jumping. I can remember people everywhere, playing chess against some Brazilians, and chatting up some Swedish ladies while waiting in the lobby for a friend to arrive. I also love the effect of having the hostel right next to vondelpark, yet hidden away from the noise and madness of leidseplein which is just down the road.

There you go... book your rooms early, so your special people can be well housed.

The other day I was on the train, standing in the stairwell and guarding the luggage of my soon-to-be-departing visitor. Just when I thought the journey couldn't get any longer, I spotted this sign: "Lekker lezen doe je in de trein." Basically, this is a promotion to read in the train - I mean, what a great opportunity to start a new novel!

Then, I decided to peruse the website that is listed at the bottom of the ad: www.tijdvoorlezen.nl. Unfortunately, the site is again only available in Dutch, but what a nice idea to encourage travellers to spend their time reading, rather than talking loudly to their friends/colleagues on the phone or eating smelly foods! They even have a list of top ten bestsellers.

So even if you can't understand the website, take their advice: The train is a great place to read!

When I was first given access to this blog I was commanded to 'start posting at will... 1 or 2 a week'. You see I watch Smallville, and part of me believes that some alt. media buffs might, in fact, be super heroes... But with all these secret identities we carry around, I will probably never know for sure. One thing is certain, I will never take an extra class on top of the required Master's curriculum. Very, very bad idea, and thus, despite my will to carry forward with the dictates of trippist.com, I failed and kneel humbly before the scales.

However, the upside is when that was all finished. The moans and the groans of labor. I found myself without a crumb in the house unless I wanted to spoon sambal straight into my mouth. So I went to Barney's on the Haarlemmerstraat to celebrate the end of the moaning and get some breakfast, because not only are they a coffeeshop with an obnoxiously good (and expensive) weed, 'Willie Nelson', but it is a Brit-expat place and crazy multi-culti hangout. This means I can go there, speak loose lipped English and be a Yank.

The first thing you need to learn as an American (or at least a Midwesterner, [or maybe just me]) is not to be shy about plopping yourself down at any table, no matter how many people are there already. Just ask if the seat is free and sit. If you forget to wait for the person to move their bag, that is okay because the Dutch forget all the time. (jk!!).

Now, I had both the blessing and misfortune of occupying the only open seat and getting myself started on some weighty-a** literature before I found out the kitchen was closed. This was no big deal. All I had to do was go next door. The kitchen in the coffeeshop, it seems, is more for the wake-and-bakers, and given my nocturnal schedule some three weeks ago, I was lucky to be up by 15:00. It did not matter. I was committed to my seat, and my book. My hunger I could contain. Willie Nelson contained me. I did not go next door.

I ordered coffee and was engaged by a French farmer named Francois. I wish I were making that up, but I am glad I am not. He talked to me about Shamanism, and how according to Shamanism all the fingers connect at the palm. He turned that into a metaphor for how differently cultured people can get on and insisted that Morrocco and France were the same country. We talked about class hierarchy and class struggle, and how the French like to revolt -they are 'revolting'. He was very sincere. So sincere, in fact, that I forgot I was borrowing the book in which he wrote his contact information.

Then there was the loud bourgeois in the corner. Some VP transnational capitalist class character wearing expensive and non-descript black clothing. He is from Texas and is taking the year off, and I feel really horrible for the couple that sat at that table, because boy was he loud. Loud people annoy me in general, which is ironic since I am prone to rather boisterous behavior at times -but ANYWAY, if you have some subdued Freudian guilt complex about the fact you come to Amsterdam to be a phantom for a year you do not need to broadcast it across the room by making the same "we're smoking dope! we're going to hell!! ha ha ha" joke every 5-10 minutes for an entire hour.

The kitchen was closed, but I could still get a milkshake. I could not decide if I wanted banana or chocolate. I asked the cute server her advice and she offered to make me a banana-chocolate. And it was probably the tastiest thing I've consumed in months...though as Eddie Murphy rightly points out in "Raw", 'if a man is starving and you throw him a cracker, he'll think that's the best damn cracker he's ever had in his life'. In other words. It is a good shake, but I might be exaggerating. Objectivity in 'news' is bunk.

The bourgeois man leaves just as my milkshake comes, and then, some many pages later comes Josef, a travelling carpenter from Germany. He is half Kenyan and half German, and though my arrow points the other way, he was really hot -though it might have been those traditional carpenter's clothes he was wearing -some old guild thing. Ha ha. Guilds. Dungeons & Dragons... Anyway, we had a weird conversation. It is not that what we talked about was so weird, but more how he spoke to me in German and I to him in English. That went on for a lot longer than it should have... two hours and my head hurt.

I left. The grocery store was closed. And I still had not a crumb in the home... Good times ladies and gents, good times. Til' next time as I resume my trippist charge.

What to do in the cold winter months? Here's a few ideas:

Enjoy the not-so-crowded Amsterdam streets. It is possible to maintain a decent pace, but only until mid-April.

Cycle through the Vondelpark and get an idea of what it looks like without 10,000 people inhabiting its grounds. Biking keeps you warm, too.

Count the number of Dutch holidays approaching in the next few months. I guarantee you'll lose track and have to start over.

It's snowing. Not such an unusual occurrence where I'm from (Minnesota), but in my experience in the Netherlands, it's a rare treat. It's only really started to come down in the past hour, so time will tell as to the quality of the photos that may be taken later today.

For now, though, I'm sharing a photo taken in the best-ever snowfall I've seen in NL. It took place on March 2, 2005, and left Amsterdam a city full of delighted inhabitants.

Last week, I was walking down the street and a timid looking girl approached me. "Excuse me, can I ask you for directions?"

"Sure!" I responded eagerly. It's fun to show people how to find their way around, because not so long ago, I was also completely lost.

She produced an address and I produced my handy Amsterdam street guide. I realized that she was heading in the same direction as I was, so I told her I'd walk with her.

After exchanging pleasantries I found out she was from Buenos Aires, the incredible city I had just spent some time in at the end of last year. I exclaimed over the beauty of Argentina, and we bonded over the differences in climate.

When we arrived at her street, we parted ways and wished each other luck. I continued on, smiling. Only in Amsterdam, at least in my experience, do such sweet coincidences continuously present themselves.

The temperature thingy says 0 degrees! Very exciting and perhaps a good time to introduce two new trippists to this here blog:

First, a Floridian who has been bouncing from city to city in different parts of the world for a few years. I've seen her in the halls of the U of Amsterdam and rumor has it she is a masters student. No doubt we will hear about this and many more of Amsterdam's secrets that she has uncovered, please welcome - Becky.

Next, a Massachussetser... or is it.. Massachussetsette? Regardless, she is a Wellesley student doing her semester abroad in Amsterdam. Having arrived only one week ago, you can bet she will share all the trials and tribulations of figuring out this city and all the fun that comes with it. And we call her -- Emily.

Naturally you will find them and their purdy pictures under the "your trippists" section as well. Welcome ladies!

The first few years I lived in Amsterdam, I never had any idea what was on television. I had to memorize the schedules and when I finally had it figured out, they would change - or the cable provider would change the channel offerings. It was very frustrating to not be able to waste my time properly.

Then I found TVGids. Every channel, every day, every scheduled program. Now I can plan my procrastination for hours at a time.

Recently I went out during the week, as I tend to do, often to the sacrifice of my weekends. My friend and I were wanding towards our normal spot (3 bars where they do know our names, groan). En route, we passed LANX. I recalled that last term, when I went out to the International Student Borrels, it was held here and they sold cheap drinks. It was COLD, and it had been months since I'd stepped foot in that place, so I proposed we pop in for a quick one.

Upon entry, I didn't take the normal route but rather pried open a set of double doors leading directly into the main bar area. I notice 2 things. 1) There was no music, in fact near silence in the large room. 2) The room is full of people- well dressed, young, and all of them turned to stare right at us. Cool party. "Walk to the bar" I whisper to my friend, and we march side by side. I attempt an order of two young ginever with ice and lemon. "Do you have a card?" asks the bartender, amused. "Hah?" He knows we don't belong. He explains that we cannot take a drink without a special card. Another LANX employee walks up to us and asks us if we are a member of this club. Member? Club? This place is a dump by Amsterdam standards. Mind you, we are still being watched by, well, at least it felt like everyone! I say no, of course not, I do not have this special card, I only have my ABNAMRO! She explains that this bar is a special fraternity club, and it was a very special fraternity night. And, we had just crashed their party. She then says that she'll go ask the guys in charge if we are allowed to stay, turning to inquire the two suited young men standing right behind her. No. No! We are not allowed, and, we must leave- Now!

HAHAHAHAHA Oh my oh my, the hilarity. Do you feel me? I mean, we must've rolled out of that place, belly laughing all the way. I never thought I'd come across a frat party just like those I knew in my university days back home. I don't want to insult anyone, especially if they will send out a goof troup to break me for offending their important society. I just found it very, very funny, simply, because at a cheap bar, with smelly interior where new, young international arrivees grind on the tabletops on any other night, we were booted in a big way, in front of a crowd of young people just like us, except that instead of pearls we had on red lipstick. First time for everything (well, at least in this country). The night didn't end there..

If you noticed my earlier post, about the booting from the LANX, I told you that the night did not end there. In fact, it took an unexpected twist(s) for the better! Surprise. We decided right then and there that what we needed was a half price cocktail at Coco's, one of the very few reasons to go to Rembrandtplein (apart from Studio 80). And, you must go between the hours of 10-11pm, because then, there, you will have the ability to purchase a fine, fine cocktail, appropriately strong (if it's not, ask the bartender with the rastas, he'll groan, then top you off with vodka) and tasty. I like the Long Island, the Pimm's cooler (+ gin), and the Russian LLB.

*That's a tip, friends, in case you didn't catch it- Coco's, rembrandtplein, 10-11 pm every night of the week. What I'm saying here is: a Mojito @ 3 euros! Suck up your pride and go, you won't regret it, I hope.

This story will go on in the next blog, because as I am a student, I have a thesis to get back to.

DANCE
Retro Deluxe party in the Chapel.
Club Hotel Arena - 's Gravensandestraat 5
February 9, 11PM - 4AM. 10 Euro

FILM
Fourth Himalaya Film Festival with more than 40 films and documentaries on the world's highest mountain region. Check out the website for a detailed program.
De Griffioen Cultural Centre of the Free University of Amsterdam - Uilenstede 106
February 10 & 11. 10 Euro per session

EXHIBITION
Exhibition followed by an auction of Holland's famous shoe designer Jan Jansen.
Christie's - Cornelis Schuytstraat 57
Viewing until February 13, auction February 14 at 2PM

RESERVE
The Killers in concert at the Heineken Music Hall on March 7. According to the site the concert is sold out but keep an eye out for tickets or check out Budget Ticket. Also for other concerts, football and other events.

On my second day in the lovely Amsterdam, my orientation leaders gave us a packet entitled International Students and Culture Shock. The entire thing struck me as odd, even disregarding the fact it was produced by a UK organization and thus provided advice on adjusting to British cuisine, because I’ve never felt culture shock. Perhaps this is because I have only traveled to European countries with cultures that share some essential similarities with my own. I find Dutch culture to be new and exciting, but never shocking. I’ve been discussing this issue with other IES students, and so far I've found consensus that we do not experience shock so much as occasional flashes of frustration when we encounter some cultural obstacle. For example, finding sheets in local store was quite tricky because the sizes were described in centimeters rather than through the scale of twin, queen, king to which I am accustomed. Once I had figured out that my bed was 90x120cm and picked out an appropriate set of sheets, I felt great satisfaction. According to the handy “W-curve” diagram in the article, I’d have to experience the honeymoon stage, distress, re-integration, and autonomy before I could reach the independent stage that would allow me to enjoy my time in Amsterdam. I think our way of brief moments of fleeting distress followed by confidence and a sense of accomplishment is preferable, although we don’t have a nifty diagram to display it.

If Amsterdam weekly doesnt fill your plate, or leave you satisfied after the meal, there are other independent weeklys (most emailed) you can utilize to find alternative activities. one i like is 'le cool amsterdam'. google it and you can subscribe. sometimes they mimic the weekly, but often there is something not listed, and thats what i'm looking for- theatre, film, parties etc etc. If you know of any other good ones, please leave a comment!

I'm going to a house party tonight. It's been a long time since I've been to one of those, but my many years in university have seen thousands of gatherings in houses, apartments, and tiny dorm rooms. I'm excited for the experience, and hope I haven't lost my house-party social skills. I do remember a few tips from the wild past:

1) It's fun to fill up an empty vodka bottle with water, and then watch party goers use it to spike their colas. It's even more fun to then watch those people (who didn't BYOB) act tipsy as time goes on.

2) Speaking of BYOB, it's also important to BYOTP (bring your own toilet paper). House parties have a tendency to suddenly explode in popularity, thus quickly making the available toilet paper disappear. It's always a safe bet to carry your own supply.

3) If the host/hostess is your friend or even just a fond acquaintance, help her/him out by watching out for potential thieves. I don't know what motivates some people to steal from a person's home after they've been invited in, but I've seen it happen too often.

Today, one week and one day after arriving in this fair city, I went to the dentist. I have a great fear of dentists to begin with, but I'd made the foolish (or very wise, one or the other) decision to tell my program director that I thought my brand-new, attached-with-epoxy-the-day-I-left-home crown was loose. I later contacted my dentist from home and was reassured that there was no way that sucker was shifting around, and that what I had felt disrupting my bite at 4AM a few nights earlier had been some other substance and I had merely thought it was the crown due to sleepy panic. I relayed this to my program leader, but in their desire to keep me safe and sound, they sent me straightaway to the dentist. The dentist’s office that I went to in East Amsterdam was nothing like the one at home. There was no receptionist, just a TV showing infomercials. Part of one infomercial, for a face cream made from snail oil, was partially in English, and I wasn’t sure if that was better or worse. It did help me with my Dutch, though, as I matched the Dutch subtitles to the English explanations of snails and their regenerative properties. When I was admitted into the dentist’s office, located behind a door, up a flight of stairs and behind another door, some of the equipment was familiar and some of it frighteningly novel. There were all sorts of nozzles and whole rows of short sharp needle tips that had no apparent purpose other than scaring fresh young international students. The dentist himself, however, was very friendly and comforting. After poking around in my mouth with a handful of familiar tools (the rows of needle points stayed far away), he told me my crown was securely attached to my tooth and that I shouldn’t worry about it moving. After another handshake, he sent me happily on my way, grateful to escape without enduring any surgery. For a cultural experience I was dying to avoid, it turned out quite well.

The other day, I was in the local Albert Heijn's doing a bit of shopping. It occurred to me that I could really use some nuts, since I don't eat much meat and need the protein. So I stroll over to the nut section, and spot some delectable clear plastic packages of chocolate covered... things. I have two options: chocolade pinda's (I have no idea why there is an apostrophe in there, but there is), and chocolade rozijnen. Hmm. Both packages contained fairly identical chocolate-coated lumps, so I can’t figure it out visually. I squint at the Dutch labels and try to reason out what exactly is under the chocolate. Rozijnen sort of looks like raisin, right? And raisins are a classic food to smother in chocolate. But I don’t want to be an arrogant American and make an assumption based on my own cuisine, so I keep looking around and finally find another clear plastic package of rozijnens. Aha, I say to myself, they are raisins. One mystery solved. I don’t like raisins, so that package of chocolate lumps is not for me. But what about the other, the chocolade pinda’s? What else do the Dutch like with chocolate? I investigate the shelves a bit further and find a package of pinda’s that, when inspected, turns out to contain peanuts! Case closed! I went home with some chocolate covered peanuts, well pleased in my victory over my ignorance. I’m now on my second such container of deliciousness, and I highly recommend that everyone try some.

I recently spent a day in Antwerp. I haven't visited this city in Belgium before, mainly due to the fact that it's "so close" that I can "visit anytime." Unfortunately this logic has meant that many of the great cities closest to the Netherlands - like Copenhagen, Dublin, and Antwerp - have remained unexplored.

I was there attending a conference so other than the hotel and a university building, I saw little else. But my main observation was in relation to the bike paths. Yes, they were there, but they seemed somehow more difficult to spot than the Dutch variety. Often I would walk down the sidewalk and realize with dismay that I was in the bike path, a terrible tragedy for an avid biker like me.

But near the Central Station, there were these beautiful, sliver bike-lane markers dotting both sides of the path leaving up to the station's entrance. I was so tickled that I snapped a photo - and was promptly almost hit by a bike.

I was just thinking back to a few months ago when I helped organize a 3 week study-visit for a group from Carleton College, Minnesota. Through the advice of the study abroad office here in Amsterdam, the students all got rooms at the Apple Inn. On most days I'd go over there, either to guide them around town, or just to hang out and see what the crazy kids were up to.

So naturally I got the inside scoop on the apple Inn.. which I figure I should share with those of you coming to town and looking for a place.

First off, the Apple has wifi for most rooms. If you're like me and the internet is more important than hot water, this matters a whole lot when choosing places to stay. Unfortunately the higher up you go the weaker the signal, so make sure to insist with the front desk that your room must have Wifi and they should be able to accomodate you. Also, the speed is low, so it won't be useful for uploading videos of your trip, but at least you can use text and update your blog.

Beyond that the Apple is located in a very posh area, just south of Vondelpark. This means your neighbors have very high incomes, and they like it quiet at night. It also means youve got lots of hip cafe's and restaurants all over the place, though not directly next door. You can also go play in the park, if you can get by the neverending construction there.

Also the tram passes right by the front door.. and 2 stops up youre at the VanGogh museum or you can ride all the way to Centraal Station.. if you're into looking at trains.

Pricing wise I can't remember the exact numbers.. but it was certainly more than your average flying animal-keep your stuff in a locker- hostel. Most of the other guests were modest couples on vacation, but certainly not wealthy.

Oh and if you like breakfast.. the breakfasts seemed good... so good I hear students started smuggling extra food to their rooms. I don't recommend that part... but you figure that out for yourself.

So there you have it.. an insiders take on the Apple Inn.

I just went by the American Book Center to check out its new location, right on the Spui. The store is huge and impressive, and even bigger than their last location on Kalverstraat. I exclaimed over the 3-for-15-euro calendars, but managed to resist. I searched for a few items in fiction, but unfortunately didn't find what I was looking for, despite the large selection. On the way out my eyebrows shot up as I noticed the erotica book section on prominent window display. Hmmm....I don't remember that section in their old store.

Anyway, I decided to check out their website to see if the books were available or if they could be ordered. Disappointingly, it seems that my first query would take 4 - 6 weeks to deliver. My second choice fared a bit better - 7 to 10 working days. To wait or not to wait? The jury's still out on that one.

Despite leaving empty handed, I still believe that ABC is a great place to go if you're on the hunt for English-language books. And don't forget to check out the "stereotypically Amsterdam" selection of books in the window on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal side of the building.

I moved into a new place out west at the end of tram 10. I seldom take the tram anywhere, but perhaps if you read this you use the tram a lot. At any rate, at the second to last stop on line 10 is a quaint traffic circle with all of life's necessities, one of which is my local grocery store venue.

On my way to this venue, the details of which are unimportant, I pass this store called 'Hippo' - curiously right across the street from a similarly named 'world music record label'. Anyway, I have all these records, all my Stereolab even, on these records for which I have no player. I don't know why I don't just download the stuff...the ritual act of putting on and then flipping a record, I'm a sucker for it.

Anyway, Hippo is one of those ecclectic vintage/second-hand places run by a well greyed German hippie lady who is not afraid to pull out one of the many chairs theoretically for sale in the store in order to chat you up about the powers and purifying qualities of 'Chinese Earth', or cell phones.

She insists every time we apply a magnet to our brain it boils just a little bit. I suggested to her the up-side, the flash mob applications and whatnot. That is not to paint her as a Neo-Luddite or something. She surfs the Internet to add to her knowledge of purifying powers and the 'Bush did it' 9/11 conspiracy, which she takes for granted.

I suggested to her she look up Art Bell online, which is an AM frequency broadcast on late at nights in some places of the US -ond probably online too. The lizard people, and so on. Art Bell actually went into hiding sometime back because of the lizard people aliens. I am not sure if he is out now or not. She insists the international dominant class is breeding aliens under the surface of the planet to be released one day to dominate us.

All this was started because I saw they had free standing, briefcase sized record players with built in speakers, and I asked her if they worked. With a little work we found out they could work, as in they might.

Take your time to look around. There is all sorts of stuff, some of which may be both cool and fit in your luggage on the way home. It is precisely one of those awesome places you hope to find, but can really only find if you know where it is. Well, here it is. And...you can pet the cat, and when customers come in you then get to feel special, because you are petting the cat and obviously 'at home' in the surroundings. I actually do this at school too. There is a black stray that now likes my lap.

It's the ol' cat trick to up one's symbolic and social capital -little trick I picked up from Lenin.

If you are hungry after the talk and browse -it is a big place to browse- there are a number of cafes right around including a pizza bar that looks promising; which will be my next week's tale as I issue an edition of my Amsterdam Pizza Tour - because it's not easy to find good pizza in a country that considers banana and sunny-side egg an acceptable topping in combination.

Don't ask me for the name of the stop or the plaza. Second to last stop, tramline 10. It's awesome. END OF STORY.

Haven't booked your trip yet? How about Amsterdam? We're not going to bore you with reasons why (read this blog!) but Sun Splash Tours and STA Travel might convince you with their Spring Break deals.

Ofcourse you can always book tickets on your own on Kayak and finding a place to stay shouldn't be that difficult around this time of year. Eurocheapo is a good source for finding cheap hotels and BootsnAll Travel has an extensive list of Amsterdam hostels.

Not convinced yet? Then keep on reading this blog...

In response to an earlier posting by another Trippist blogger, I would like to provide a first hand experience to house parties.
Tip 1) you have to GO. euhmm
Tip 2) The dutch really like house parties, and go in it for the long haul. See, I had a house party this weekend, and it was really good! can i say that? An interesting mix showed up, albeit very late in the night, and the majority of my dutch friends came early, brought good drinks, and stayed late! I appreciate that kind of committment. Let us take a lesson from that. Too often, we (I?) go, think its boring before I give the place and the people a chance, and then leave, often missing out on the late-night hilarities that will come, with time, guaranteed.
Tip 3) as provided prior to the party-additionally by my fellow trippist blogger-, a really useful tip came in handy. If someone does spill their drink all over your laptop, the most important thing to do is do not turn it off. Here I am, using my old, delicate laptop now, and i am so very glad that was the only near disaster at the party. Turtle survived, no glasses broken, everyone surpringly happy! If you can manage to throw a party chez toi, do it, and invite everyone you know. Most of those who said they'd come might not, but you might also meet a whole new crowd, and hey, if they bother to show up, aren't they better friends anyway?!

Lucky for me, yesterday as I walked down the Kalverstraat I had honor of listening to one of Amsterdam's ever-present organ grinders. In case you're not picking up my sarcasm, I am not a fan of of organ grinders - at least the Amsterdam variety. My annoyance stems from the fact that - other than the horrid music that they play - they shake their small, tin containers full of change in time with the tune, apparently in an effort to encourage passersby to donate.

I maneuvered around the persistent young man and then saw a woman passing in front of him, a scowl on her face and her hands pressed tightly to her ears. I suddenly felt better about my own reaction.

Complements of Amsterdam Weekly, check this page out for the current film schedule. Up this week (Thursday 15 February until Wednesday 21 February), you can see Babel at Cinecenter, The Holiday at Cinema Amstelveen, or An Inconvenient Truth at Kriterion. Plus much, much more.

CONCERTS
Carl Craig
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
February 16, 12AM. 15 Euro

Tokyo Police Club
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
February 18, 6PM. 6 Euro

Brazilian Girls
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
February 19, 9PM. 7,50 Euro

DANCE
Disco Hospital: Queer Underground Dance Party
OCCII, Amstelveenseweg 134
February 17, 11PM - 4AM. 7 Euro

FILM
Video shorts: A selection of short video films by Amsterdam-based artists.
OT 301, Overtoom 301
February 18, 8.30PM. 4 Euro

EXHIBITION
The unusual collection of W.M Hunt, Eye, shows people with their eyes shut or looking down, veiled or covered, or with their face or body turned away from the camera.
FOAM - Keizersgracht 609
Until April 15. 7 Euro

Before I moved to the Netherlands, I remember asking a former exchange student about the Dutch running culture. "Nobody exercises," she declared. "No one runs or does anything outdoors." I was dismayed to hear this, but happy to realize she was completely wrong. Amsterdam is full of those seeking better health. Whether it's biking, running, or walking the dog, inhabitants do their best to improve their well-being, even in the rain.

Over the past year I've become more and more of a regular runner. Because of this I am much more aware of the other runners that inhabit the city's streets, and I've come to recognize several prototypes:

1) The hard-core marathon trainer: This person is usually wearing next-to-nothing in freezing temperatures as they pound around the city for hours at a time.

2) The get-in-shape-together couple: Very cute. Usually dressed in 10-year-old sweats, they loop around the Vondelpark, stopping every once in a while to kiss and hold hands.

3) The lone runner: Not as intense as 1), and much less sappy than 2), this exerciser is working towards a personal goal, whether it be to make it two minutes without stopping to gasp for breath, or training for their first road race. To me, this is the most inspiring sight.

Boo hoo. I almost went to the Odeon's speed dating valentine's extravaganza. It would've made for some interesting stories, in the very least. Tickets priced at 60 euro a head, inclusive of dinner and drinks, and every course you switch partners.. well well, what kind of people do you think you would find at a place like that, on V-day?? Probably some pretty amusing characters, or rich old fat men. I won two tickets to the night from the Amsterdam Weekly's Off the Wall contest, its a weekly giveaway, so go for it and enter. I love contests. I seem to be winning them a lot recently, probably because Im the only one entering. I hereby share my lucky streak with you, reader, so that we can all have some fun. Back to the day of.. wednesday. I get a call from the A'dam weekly sometime in the afternoon, anticipation high for the hilarious night ahead... and they tell me that the tickets actually will only get us in the door. From there, we would have to still drop 50 euro to stay on and enjoy the party. Obviously, 1) im still young, and don't need to pay simply to spend an evening with older men..& 2) a poor student, so I passed. As compensation (she felt very bad, and disappointed that the Odeon had misrepresented themselves), she offered me my choice of free tickets for next week- yea! So, I hope to have some more fun next week, and make up for such a grand missed opportunity.

At the Tuschinski theatre, two tickets will cost you up to 18 euro. Here's a tip for the movie lover: The Pathe Unlimited. Go on! For 17 euro 50 cents per month, you can go to all of the PATHE cinemas unlimited. You can register at the PATHE in de Muntplein- it takes about 15 mins, and you need a Dutch bank account. It is a 4 month committment, and after that, you may cancel anytime.
I do not download movies. My laptop is so old, it only has 12 GB of memory. Therefore, I need to satisfy my cravings, and hey- its legal, fun and has become half of my social life. What's better than going to the movies alone any afternoon of the week? Almost nothing, apart from Vondelpark! Unfortunately, the PATHEs are mainstream, and do not play many of the new independent films we can find at Kriterion, The Movies, and other smaller theatres. Nevertheless, they put on some decent ones, and you'll find that you end up seeing everything in English, just to stick it to the PATHE 'man' and make it worth your 17.50. I still haven't seen Nacho Libre.. but honestly, I just might.

Also helpful- if you are currently studying Nederland, go to see a foreign film and read the Dutch subtitles. I recommend Paris Je T'aime playing right now in the Tuschinski-its beautiful, in French with Dutch subtitles.

As of yesterday, February 16 2007, I can really pretend to be Dutch, because I got a bike. I wasn't initially planning on buying one, envisioning terrible crashes with other bikers or cars or pedestrians. One of my friends here actually crashed his bike in order to avoid hitting some pigeons that flew up suddenly in his face. Walking seemed much safer, but after a friend from home who is also studying abroad here got one and started swearing up and down about how great it was, and after wishing I could bike around in the nice weather, I decided to get one. This is easier said than done. My friend and I went to the bike store where he'd gotten his bike, and discovered an inherent problem in buying a bike for me in this country: I'm apparently too short. More specifically, my legs are too short. I need a low bike without too much distance between the seat and the handlebars. Such a bike is hard to find in the Land of Really Tall Skinny Beautiful People. After trying to sit on a dozen or so bikes, I started to look hard at the children's bikes.
We did find one bike that fit me (an adult’s bike, even!), but it was 120 euros and I just couldn't decide if it was worth it to me. So yesterday, my friend and I went to the market at Waterlooplein. This is one of the three major markets in Amsterdam, and it's basically a flea market with vendors under tents selling everything from knickknacks to new converses to old zip drives. It's pretty interesting. There were two bike dealers there, and my cowardice led my friend (purely out of selfish motives, as he asserts, because he wanted me to get a bike very badly) to talk to the dealers for me. I’m not entirely sure why I was shy around the bike dealers when I haven’t been shy about talking to anyone else, but I have a suspicion it was due to the knowledge that none of the bikes would fit me and I would feel silly and short (and I’m 5’6” – I’m not even that short!). The first guy didn't have very many bikes, and only one was short enough for me. It was such a junker - covered in rust, with a bright blue plastic basket awkwardly stuck on with tape, and held together with rubber bands. The brakes weren't very good either, so I thanked the guy for his time and went to the other dealer. This guy was pretty hilarious and there was another girl shopping for a bike and trying on every other bike so I felt less awkward about trying to climb on to several bikes. My friend suggested I try a certain bike, and it actually fit. I rode it around a bit (the dealer really encouraged me to do so and joked that he'd keep my friend as insurance), and then decided to just buy it. I couldn't really handle shopping any more, and this one seemed fine.
So I am the proud owner of a dark green Gazelle bicycle.
I walked it most of the way home so I could be with my friend, but this is an exceedingly difficult thing to do. If you think walking around the city can be difficult because of all the slow pedestrians and the parked bikes all over the sidewalks, try walking a bike. I eventually gave up in frustration and biked the rest of the way home. It was fun, much faster than walking and I didn’t crash into anything! I feel so Dutch now.

I know it's still February, but the few nice days we had last week have me dreaming of spring. One of the best things about spring, other than the longer days, sunnier weather and warmer climate? The multitude of flower boxes that appear all over the city. Amsterdam residents love their flowers, and place their creations wherever they can find room. Balconies are handy for multiple displays, but window sills and railings work just as well.

Keep an eye out - the season of flower boxes is almost here.

Yes Trippist fans, you can now make use of the phenomenon known as YouTube and join the Trippist YouTube group and put videos up of your favorite moments in Amsterdam or somewhere in the country for that matter.

I may also take you, via video, to some totally mind-blowingly fantasical spots using video as well. I'll be sure to post it there, as I hope you will. (and yes, I know its empty right now.. all the more reason for you to join and upload some vlog magic.)

Oh and for those who don't care for the YouTube, you could also just upload your stuff to google video and let us know in the comments and I'd gladly link to it.

I used to have time for yoga, but now I'm too busy and stressed to fit it in. I know that goes against the whole point of yoga, so I'm working on changing my philosophy.

Back when I used to go once a week, I would visit yogayoga, a school that started in 2002 thanks to the hard work of Sandra Kirchner and Leo Peppas. I exclusively visited Leo's classes because he teaches in English (and has the perfect, soothing yoga voice) but Sandra also teaches with a combination of English and Dutch, if you want to practice a language and yoga at the same time.

Their studio is close to the Jordaan and they offer a wide variety of classes with descriptions available on their website.

Isn't it fun that when a friend comes in town, you get to re-discover all the reasons why you love this city? Some of my preferred activities include riding bikes around Java Island, where it looks like masters-level design students had free reign, and hitting the markets. Particularly the Albert Cuyp market, because although many of the stalls just sell the fake-designer bags you could find anywhere, there are also some special treats. Fresh squeezed juice blends, like orange-coconut cream-pineapple or orange-kiwi, and fresh stroopwafels, hot and gooey and twice as large as the normal ones from the Albert Heijn! Also, Bazar, the converted church now designed with Arabic influence, geometric and beautiful, with delicious mint teas and food at an excellent value. Bazar is in the middle of the Albert Cuyp, located in the building with the golden angel on top. You can see her from both ends of the market. I recommend Bazar for lunch, dinner or just an afternoon tea, although I believe it also may become a bar in the evening..

Melkweg offers a year-long pass for only 15 euro. This pass prevents you from paying a membership fee every time you attend one of their many shows and parties. Even better, Melkweg gives free performances to year-long members each month. The announcement arrives by email. An example: this past Sunday, I saw Bonobo, a sold out concert, for free. And it was excellent. The year long pass gives you access not only to concerts, but also to dance and theatre. Just bring a passport photo and 15 euros during the day to the Melkweg to sign up. Looking for upcoming events?
Paradiso offers a year long pass as well, but at 18 euro and without free monthly events, I chose not to take it.

It takes me at least 12 hours to write about pizza. Actually that is not true, but the truth behind that falsehood has too little drama, and so it is not acceptable for media circulation in the fast paced parlance of Web 2.0, or whatever other phenomenon CNN gets all worked up over these days.

There aren't many things quieter than a fish, except for maybe a pizza, and the quiet pizza I ate at Pizzeria Toscana, just across the street from indie/foreign cinema-cafe-restaurant 'The Movies' on the Haarlemmerdijk (the oldest cinema in the Netherlands, no less), was not only super quiet, but almost mad good -that is bad-good...well...tasty. You get the idea.

I emphasize the quietness of the pizza, because sometimes I don't like the def beatz blasting while I eat my food. I like that sound of the sea of conversation, even if I only ever understand 67%. Moreover, if you prefer less smoky dining, I did not see very much lighting up -though I would need to conduct a participant observation (it's an anthropological method) to determine if my observation is representative of the typical state of smoke in the place.

From the outside the place appears to be nothing special, and, well, it's really nothing special from the inside either -which is all fine by me because I came for one thing only, and that is good pizza, which I found in near unbounded variety and for awesome cheap with most 12" pies exacting a mere 5.50 euro; the most expensive no more than 8. Yeah. It's a run-on sentence. So what?

I ordered an 'inferno', a ham salami combination which I heartily do NOT recommend; my date got something with parma ham and rucola on it and that was a jealous moment in my mouth. If you are not sure whether to spend the extra euro or two or three on the parma ham, it is much better than the salt-licks I received. Of course, you can do away with ham altogether, or even meat for that matter -which is what I usually do but I've been ravenous of late.

The patrons I observed to be a mix of couples, double couples, and a sprinkling of young families. A little web research yielded a number of other travellers who had written positive comments on the place -so I assure you I am not alone.

Toscana lacks that 'thing' which pushes a pizza institution over the edge and to the top, and so all things considered, I rank it at an even B, which means you can go there and be good. And as for The Movies, I refrain from a formal review at this time, but they keep a good bill of current foreign and indie pictures. Sometimes they run midnight series in case you feel like time in cult. Worth it if you are in the mood, Haarlemmerdijk 157-165.

Amsterdam is full of delightful little finds. Take this sculpture, for example. I used to pass it every day and would smile as I whizzed by on my bike, because the man always looked like he was tipping his hat at me. The image was so life-like (even without a head) that it never failed to delight me.

But I never stopped to find out any more about my roadside entertainment. I don't know if there's a plaque that would tell me more about this work of art. So he remains a mystery, at least until I decide that I have enough time to stop and learn more about him.

Eating out in Amsterdam can be a glorious experience. There are hundreds of amazing restaurants boasting worldwide cuisine. I think it’s possible to spend the rest of your life in this city and always find another culinary delight. However, there are a few issues that you should be aware of:

1) “Tap water” is not commonly handed out in restaurants. If you want it, be prepared for a fight, or the customary “It’s not safe to drink” (a lie). They have it, but they’d rather you pay 1 Euro 50 for a tiny little bottle of Spa Blauw.

2) “Ice” is also a rare concept in NL. Forget a glass full of chunky ice cubes. If you get a pair of sad little cubes quickly disappearing into your tepid soft drink, be happy. Or, make sure to ask specifically for extra-extra ice, and watch the eyes of your waiter roll.

3) Paying to use the toilet is another favorite pastime in restaurants (and bars), especially the bigger ones. Although (sometimes) it is not strictly required, you’ll risk a confrontation with the bathroom attendant if you fail to leave the suggested amount. Always carry some change with you.

Of course, this is coming from the experience of a long-time U.S. resident – these practices are probably quite common in many different countries. But for one used to massive, ice-filled glasses of free water and huge, well-stocked complementary bathrooms, these differences can take some getting used to.

MUSIC
British Blues Band Big Joe Louis & His Blues Kings
Maloe Melo - Lijnbaansgracht 163
February 23, 10PM
5 Euro

EXHIBITION
We are what we eat and wear. But what does that really say about us? And how does the other look at us? The Foodology exhibition from Japanese artist Tokyo Shimida.
Platform 21 - Prinses Irenestraat 19
Until March 4, Wed-Sun 12-6PM
Free

DANCE
Nachtschade: Theater meets striptease. Seven renowed figures from the art and theater scene have been asked to choreograph a striptease act using professional striptease dancers.
Stadsschouwburg - Leidseplein 26
February 25 and 26, 8.15PM
From 11.50 Euro

I thought about blogging the praises of my favorite sandwich shop, then sharing the name and address. But after a Google search, I realized, amazingly enough, that this to-go sandwich place does not have one single online reference. To me, this somehow makes its affordable, delicious, handmade sandwiches all the more special.

So I've decided to keep its exact location a secret. I'll give you a hint: It's near the UvA campus in the center of Amsterdam. And if you ever see the giant floating sandwich you'll know you've found the right place.

What?!
I know. Where could you call a party by this name and not have the holy hellfire rain down on you? Probably the only city I know of that also openly advertises naked night -socks only- at CockRing (or is it Prik?) in the Gay/Lesbian section of the English Weekly.

'Penis in Vagina' is a regular party at Club 8, and last time it was O-K, according to friends. I am trying it out myself tonight. The music will be 'indie disco rave' and the theme is Hardcore Digital Penetration, featuring 64revolt, Intifada Soundsystem, Snob! DJ crew and Fade Out Fred. It costs 5 euro after 10.30PM. Club 8, at ADMIRAAL DE RUIJTERWEG 56B, is a nightclub, pool hall and various other activities venue. Sometimes it is a disaster, which makes you regret the long bike ride to the west to get there. That is, if you're coming from the east or center- (don't let me sound spoiled). Most especially if you're closest friend refuses to get a bike and you refuse to waste all that time walking. Such as myself..

Its an unpredictable crowd, but tonight let's hope for the best!

Curious what a Dutch train looks like at 8 a.m.? Well, here it is. Packed to the brim, every seat taken and even the aisles full, the rest of us crammed in the entryway. I found myself perched on the stairs, morbidly wondering what would happen if the train lurched or even crashed.

We all survived the journey, anyway. But maybe I'll shoot for an earlier (or later) departure time on my next trip.

If you are a student who needs some extra cash, sign up for the Creed Experiment. (Who doesn't? If that's you, call me.) The Creed experiment is 'The Center for Research in Experimental Economics and Political Decision-making', a research institute at the Faculty of Economics and Econometrics. It is located in the building across the street from the Kriterion cafe and cinema. Here's what you do: register (with your student #), then search open sessions, or experiments. The experiments are like simple games that allow you to earn real money. You will often make choices that can affect the earnings of others. I have found that working for the common good is the surest way to come away with a good payout (up to 50 euros!, but also 4, once), and also, makes you feel good:) Otherwise, try to take from the others and you'll eventually end up with less, too. It's your choice!

Not long ago, one of our Trippists won a (seemingly bogus) prize from Amsterdam Weekly. The good news is that usually the prizes turn out better (or so I've heard) and I've found the online access point!

Just visit this page and you can see what weekly special AW Is offering its readers. This week (or last week, since it ends today) it's free tickets to see Notes on a Scandal, plus copies of the original novel (in Dutch, though) and CDs of the soundtrack. Next week - who knows what's in store?

While there are lots of charming hotels and hostels one can stay at while in Amsterdam, I've noticed some of the other options people have been exploring. Lately, my visitors - who don't want to sleep on my couch - choose to use the wonders of CraigsList Amsterdam.

While Mr. Newmark's (Craig) List is most famous for all the magic it brings to cities in the US, a growing number of people are making use of it right here in Europa. And my friends seem to have found a couple of very charming private houses that people offer for a few days for a reasonable price. Best of all, you're in a private home with someone who must be somewhat cool if they're listing themselves on Craigslist.

Recent visitors told me to meet them at their private found-on-craigslist rental, in the beautiful Jordaan! Just a block over from Anne Frank's house, I went to the door of this lovely old-fashioned house, and there I found my friends. Happy as happy could be; going on and on about "how cool the lady is" and how comfortable the beds are or how charming the cat is. As the days passed, I have to tell you I was a bit jealous as the host woman seemed like one very fun person to know... all because of that dam Craigslist.





(additional tip: look under temporary rentals)

It's finally March, which means spring is right around the corner! One of my favorite signs of spring has already made its appearance. Even on the streets of Amsterdam - but especially those inhabited by small canals - the signs of love are everything.

More specifically, duck couples can be seen together, moving through their own special process of courtship. They waddle around, or swim through the canals, quacking at each other. Occasionally a jealous brawl will break out between several excitable males over a haughty female, but in general, the process is peaceful.

In just a few more months time, it's possible to spot the ducks followed by a group of tiny ducklings, just about the time the sun is gracing us with its longest daytime presence. Happy (almost) spring!

Sadly, RyanAir does not fly into Amsterdam, but rather to Eindhoven, 90 minutes away. If you want to take advantage of their cheap flights to London, Barcelona, Madrid, Dublin, Milano, Pisa and Marseille, you have to take a roadtrip down to the south of the Netherlands first. This weekend I am going to Montpellier, via Marseille. And via Eindhoven. One can take the train to Eindhoven at a cost of 30 euros round trip, which probably amounts to almost the price of the flight. Then, however, you have to go to the airport by bus, as the train does not connect directly. An alternative, that I recently discovered and hope works out, is a bus service, connecting directly from Amsterdam Centraal (at the Canal Boat Holland International bus stop) to the Eindhoven airport. It costs 32 euros round trip, but is direct, saving you the hassle of an additional transfer. The schedule is available at the Eindhoven Airport website.

SEE
To celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8) 88 women will race along the canals of Amsterdam in bathtubs to raise money for Mama Cash, a local, non-profit organisation running an 88-day campaign.
Lijnbaansgracht between Leidseplein and Spiegelgracht
March 3, 2PM
Free, but you can sponsor a team!

DANCE
Headroom, every first Friday of the month, is a showcase for upcoming DJ talents. Tonight techno & electro.
Club 8 - Admiraal de Ruijterweg 56B
March 2, 10PM-4AM
8 Euro, free before 11PM

CONCERT
Candi Staton (soul, gospel, R&B) performing in the renovated Max Hall.
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
March 3, 9PM
20 Euro

I just learned something new: February 28 is the last official day of winter, according to meteorologists. They reported that the winter of 2006-2007 was the warmest ever on record, with an average temperature of 6.5 degrees Celsius (the average is usually 3.3 degrees).

As a whole, 2006 was also the warmest year on record. I wonder what this summer will hold, for all of us living in the Netherlands without air conditioning (a habit I sorely miss from Minnesota). Sure makes you think, doesn't it?

If you're thinking of travel and study this summer, the programs of the University of Amsterdam sound interesting. The Summer Institutes of the International School for Humanities and Social Sciences (ISHSS) offer the following courses:

Sexuality, Culture and Society (four weeks)
Alcohol, Drugs and Addiction ( two weeks)
Genomics & Globalisation (one week)

The IND in the Netherlands is a twisted game. Beware: I applied for my visa extension months ago. I also paid for it, without a guarantee of acceptance. Finally this week, I receive a package from them. Pleased, I thought, hey, it's here! But I was wrong. Instead, it was a new form, telling me I have 2 weeks to return the form with my signature and a new photo. There are new photo guidelines, and my old picture, accepted the first time, was now obsolete. Now, I have to go pay for the set of passport photos that I do not need, and get it back to them within 1 week. And I am off to France for the long weekend. Don't know if I'll be kicked out of the country, but just be warned yourself: guidelines are changing all the time. Sometimes they are not even explained on the forms themselves, and as usual, these forms, including the letters they send to you requesting additional information or changes, are all in Dutch. Helpful for foreigners, no? Forced assimilation!

I have not posted recently because I was in London, and try as I might, I couldn’t find any clever ways to connect the Dutch and the British. The British don’t love sugar as much as the Dutch, their drinking culture is more hardcore, they are far more interested in their national history (I had one of my professors here laughingly tell the class that the Dutch really aren’t interested in their own history), etc. Nothing terribly exciting.
I acted the same way there that I do here, in that I try very to not look like a tourist. I mean, I went to all the cool sites and spent six (6!) hours in the British Museum being unimpressed by the Elgin Marbles, but I refused to take out my map and walked everywhere as though I knew exactly where I was and where I was going. As a result, I got asked for directions seven times in five days.
So when a friend from home who will remain nameless and three of his friends from college who are studying abroad in London came to visit Amsterdam last Thursday, I expected that they’d act much the same way I did when I was in London – go see the pretty museums, walk around enjoying the city, and eat at cool local places. Instead, they immediately insisted on visiting a coffeeshop, seeing the Red Light District, and drinking absinthe. Nothing else appealed to them, and they spent their first day so high that they couldn’t see anything. We took them to SUB, a cool bar on Rokin, and they couldn’t process what was happening. Their second day was much like the first, only with the addition of absinthe and a sex show. At the end of the night, they told me that the city depressed them now.
When I told people that I would be studying abroad in Amsterdam, I was told that the city would be wasted on me because I don’t smoke at all, and I’m not interested in trying hallucinogenic foods in either solid or liquid form. But after this experience, I think Amsterdam is wasted on tourists like them. What did they see of the city? What can they remember of it? I’m not against people smoking or drinking or whatever they’d like to do, but if you visit this fine city, try to see or experience something other than the Holy Trifecta of Tourism.

While it is true the term snowboarding is not exactly synonymous with Amsterdam or the Netherlands for that matter, it is still quite important here.

Every friday lately, as I've been travelling around the country, I notice the people with their snowboarding gear; carrying the big snowboard bag on the train, tying them to their roofracks, checking them in at the airport. The Dutch may not have real mountains, but they don't let that stop them from going to every possible ski/snowboarding corner of Europe. (favorite spots being France, Austria, and Germany )

Now if you're like me, you're not exactly bringing snowboarding gear with you to the Netherlands. Come to think of it, I didn't own any before I arrived hear.

However, it would not be a bad idea if you were coming here in the winter, perhaps for a longer stay, and you'd like to join the Dutch and head over to the Alps.. you can surely purchase some good gear at reasonable prices.

Hence my two recommendations:
1- The Old Man snowboard shop. This place is for the true-blue snowboarders. Quality gear, very stylish and professional, and therefore, not always the cheapest. But hey, when you're flying down a mountain, I hope you'll choose quality gear since you're life kind of depends on it. Bonus: The Old Man also deals in smoking parafanalia/pipes and hardware.

2- Bever Sport. My personal favorite; right down on Leidseplein, on the corner with Overtoom, this is a huge outdoor sports store that I often go browsing in. Lots of selection, and sometimes some good deals, especially on snowboard clothing. Plus, while you're there, you can pick up those camping do-dads you've been wanting.

Now of course there are other places, but Ive never used them so I'm not going to talk about them. Also many will refer you to the giant bland mega-corporation Decathalon which has most sporting equipment. But they produce most of their gear in countries with questionable labor practices, so I will not recommend them.

Oh and if you can't make it out of the country, there are those INDOOR snowboarding places. But umm... I like fresh air and real snow.

The Dutch fascination with stairs intrigues me. The British share it to some degree, but there it can be explained by the fact that everything is just really old and stairs were the only system available. The European interest in saving energy explains it to some degree – my apartment, for example, doesn’t have an elevator, and that makes sense. It’s good for me and the environment, how could anyone object? But that doesn’t explain the prevalent presence of stairs completely. Take, for example, the broad gently sloping stairs that lead up to the door to my apartment building. Why are they there? Or consider the four-step stairs that commonly go up or down to doors. The Ugandan Embassy has one such staircase that leads down to their entrance. (Why I know this is another story completely). What purpose do the stairs serve? There must be an explanation, and it probably involves soil and water tables and geophysical intricacies beyond my knowledge.
My favorite unexplained staircase is in the Atrium in one of the University of Amsterdam buildings. It strikes me anew every time I see it, which is only once a week. One must go up a steep set of stairs, cross a platform, and then go down another set of stairs in order to get into food-serving area, which is on the same level as all the seating and the other food stands. I’m guessing the stair-platform system is there to block off the area when it is closed. But there are doors and gates that serve the same purpose and would involve less construction. Perhaps the Dutch create artificial slopes and heights because they don’t have much in the way of natural hills?

I've always thought of Amsterdam as a one-improv comedy club town. One being Boom Chicago. And honestly Ive never set foot in there, but still, I somehow decided that must be the only place for improv.

Enter Easy Laughs, an international improv group. Last Friday, accompanied by someone I admit I met at speeddating, I had the chance to check out their show at CREA. It was a light and seemingly informal atmosphere; before the show, during breaks, and afterwards, I noticed the players floating amongst the crowd.

I have relatively little experience with improv, cept maybe for the many episodes of Who's Line Is It Anyway that I watched back in the US, so it was exciting to watch it live. It was also horrifying.

Yes.. I mean horrifying. No not because they were not funny, they certainly had their moments, even without the long list of sex jokes which are always an easy option. But I use the word horror to describe those funny yet painful moments when a player closes his/her eyes and admits... they don't know how to answer.. or they unleash a terribly unfunny joke. Which, oddly enough, was also funny.

As usual I admire non native english speakers who tackle comedy in this our strange language. I'm the exact opposite of funny in Dutch, but many members of EasyLaughs can pull out some hilarious english lines out of thin air. Oh, and there's a piano player at times, who infrequently adds a musical touch.

But enough of this pretentious attempt to review a show... the best option, when you find yourself in Amsterdam, with very few euros in your pocket (8€) yet wishing for some laughs, head over to CREA and see Easy Laughs for yourself.

Then start a blog and do your own thrilling review.

Last week, I attended a panel discussion called "Sex and the City," which debated moral issues that face the city of Amsterdam, specifically in relation to prostitution and letting minors participate in the Gay Pride Parade. Being that the debate took place at the ISHSS (International School), the language of communication was English.

When it came time for questions from the audience a very well-dressed woman dripping in diamonds and clutching an expensive purse raised her hand. When she had the floor she began shouting in Dutch at Job Cohen, the mayor of the city of Amsterdam (also one of the panelists). She carried on for a few minutes about the terrible moral decay of the city until the moderator stopped her, noting that the discussion was in English. She said, "But I don't speak English!" He said fine, but please wrap up so he could summarize for the audience in English. She then shrieked (in Dutch) something like, "In my own country I can't even speak my own language!" I should have written down the exact quote but I was laughing in shock with the rest of the audience.

The woman left soon after, but had brought a disturbing tension to light. Is it too much to allow international organizations to hold events in English, and expect audience members to voice their opinions in this language? Doesn't speaking Dutch at an event like this - even if the event is in the Netherlands - work to exclude the international community, a community that is supposedly (officially) welcomed by the Dutch population?

Sometimes it takes an outrageous incident to give voice to an unspoken issue.

EXHIBITIONS
Empty Bottles, a photographic project by duo WassinkLundgren, shows the daily rituals of 24 empty-bottle collectors on the streets of Beijing and Shanghai and their way of creating a better future for themselves.
FOAM - Keizersgracht 609
Until April 11, 7 Euro

Robert Capa - Retrospective, a broad look at the work of the legendary war photographer and founder of modern photojournalism.
Jewish Historical Museum - Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1
Until May 20, 7.50 Euro

CONCERTS
Brakes (punk, folk)
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
March 11, 930PM
10 Euro

Christian Scott - Rewind That (contemporary jazz)
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
March 12, 9PM
12 Euro

Kirstin Hersch - Learn to sing like a star (indie, alternative, rock)
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
March 14, 9PM
16 Euro

Donavon Frankenreiter - Lost Highway(rock, soul)
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
March 15, 730PM
22.50 Euro

Well it worked, the bus connecting from the Holland International Canal cruise boats outside of the Centraal station, direct to Eindhoven airport. 32.50 euros roundtrip, or 18.50 each way. But my difficulties came with Ryanair itself, an airline typically relaxed when it comes to flying. New rules (maybe I am just not aware of the new regulations??) say that you may only have so many 'mini'-bottles of personal care items, and these must lay flat in a small plastic bag they provide to you. As I only went for 4 nights, I did not want to pay to check a bag and so prepared a light carry-on. Upon check-in, I was obliged to throw away all of my full-sized personal items like creams, shampoo etc., something that is very expensive! Alternatively, I could have checked my bag, but as it doubled for a purse, there was no way it would have survived the luggage compartment and my other items would have been crushed (I bring presents.. you know, stroopwafels). Finally I asked a young French guy to pack most of my things in his check luggage. On the return flight, I expected (and hoped) that the regulations were one-sided, as there were no customs check at all in the French airport. Nope- although I managed to get 2 other 'interdit' presents, foie gras and mints, into a Dutch couple's check luggage, the rest of my toiletries had to be discarded. RyanAir adds up. New toiletries, 12 euro to check a bag, 6 euro to do advance check in... Furthermore, the security checks were incomplete, as something could have been easily hidden within my deodorant. That wasn't checked at all, like most items. So much for discount flying. I know high prices result in less flying, something better for climate change and our atmosphere, but these charges are nevertheless very annoying for what is expected, and for the start & end of what should be a holiday!

Not so long ago, I needed cash. So I headed to the Postbank cash machine on the Spui, and inserted my bank card. The machine groaned and grumbled, and then froze. It went black and then this screen (below) popped up. I waited a terrifying three minutes until it spit my card back out. Without the cash. I was relieved, but the twenty or so people waiting behind me were not.

All's well that ends well, I guess. It reminded me that these machines can sometimes be reliable, and that it's always better to have cash at hand before you're really desperate for it.

Amsterdam has plenty of unique corners you may have never heard of. Often its the most amazing of places you may never have noticed before. That's what it was like during my visit to the Lloyd Hotel. Here.. watch it for yourself.

ps- Add your own NL themed videos on our youtube group.

Du Lac, at Haarlemmerstraat 118, offers a very decent deal for students- a 50% reduction on food plus a free coffee (sometimes) with your meal. They have nice food, mostly Mediterranean-inspired including some vegetarian choices, and are open for both lunch (noon - 5PM) and dinner (until 1030PM). The style of the restaurant is art deco, and is pretty and pleasant. It also reminds me of a pub. Du Lac was once home to the weekly ISN borrels, and has a large basement with several rooms and a bar, usual open on the weekends. I've been to some special theme parties here and they were all right, kinda grimy downstairs though. The cheap food (with the real restaurant atmosphere- something missed by poor students) makes it worthwhile to come by, and the architecture is interesting enough too. Just make sure you do not forget your (Dutch) university identification. Afterwards, you can check out the bars in the Jordaan, where there is a wide selection of cool, small and very 'local' spots.

The café, not the city. Although the city is well worth a visit too.

The average visitor to Amsterdam may never see Caffé Oslo. Its what we like to call, off the beaten path. But if you make it out of Vondelpark and cross the canal, you'll stumble into Oslo and discover one of the most popular cafés around.

Rumor has it that it's a major singles kind of place. Which, following a less-than-exciting speeddating experience, I may need to test for myself.

Regardless of why you go there, anyone who's anyone is hanging out on the stylish terrace at Oslo in the spring. And spring has most definitely arrived in the Netherlands.

Myself, I'm not really anyone, so I tend to just ride by, say hello to the waitress, and snap photos. But you should go in for some drinks, let me know if you see famous people.






(if you dont feel like walking through Vondelpark, take tram 1 from Central Station and get out at Surinameplein. Or ride your bike, like I do, to the end of the Overtoom)

Once per week, I have the privilege of experiencing the morning commute. That means taking an 8:00 a.m. jam-packed (but silent) train, dodging lots of frazzled people running for trams, and getting to watch the lack of progress on the construction that has taken over the Centraal Station. But the best part? Watching the battle of the free dailies.

Free daily newspapers seem to be the latest trend in commuter culture. There's now three that haunt all major Dutch train stations: Metro, De Pers (Gratis, maar niet goedkoop!), and Spits. Sometimes they can be found neatly stacked in a labeled bin, but more often they litter the ground, the train, and the stairs when people have tired of them after scanning the headlines for five minutes.

But the most interesting way they are handed out is by individuals. These warriors stand, strategically blocking every entrance and every passageway, waving the papers in my face as I try to dodge them. They have the tendency to form strategic lines: If I miss the Metro guy, then the Spits girl is right beyond him, ready to pounce.

I'm proud to say I have not given in to their pressure. I use my train time to work or to practice Spanish, and have sworn not contribute to the mess of newspaper that clogs the morning commute.

Today I tracked down the place I'd been dreaming about since the first time I visited it- the location indeed of the best chocolate tart in the universe. I had lost track of it, being situated on a small street, but today I found it once more and feel absolutely obliged to share it with you. This is no ordinary chocolate tart. It tastes like a hundred bars of dark, rich 70% pure cacao reduced to a palm-sized triangular shaped slice of heaven. No, I am really not exaggerating. Furthermore, its more than a great deal at 1.50 euro a piece. Do yourself a favor and go get one. The shop is called Traiterie Chef! and is at Raamsteeg 5, between the Spuistraat and the Singel. Order a piece of The Real Chocolate Tart- it doesn't look particularly impressive, but wait till you taste it.

Today kicks off my favorite film festival of all - the yearly event sponsored by Amnesty International. The 2007 program looks fascinating and takes place in various locations in Amsterdam, although it is primarily held at De Balie. They even have showings in Den Haag, at the Filmhuis.

Tickets are €7.50 per film (only €6 apiece with your student card) and you can reserve in advance - in fact, it's recommended as many sell out early on. Or you can do what I do - purchase a Passe-partout € 25.00 and see as many films as you want.

The program is available online; just scroll down to see English film descriptions.

It's not to be missed, but it will all be over by Sunday. Be sure to check it out!

This week, Amsterdam weekly is celebrating their 3rd anniversary with 3 special parties. I will be going to the Zebra Lounge to see Lucy Lee on Thursday. (I've never been to Zebra Lounge before!) This is great because I won the tickets free from the Weekly specials page. Each night has a drink or admission deal, and will hopefully be goooood!
1. Thursday 15 March - Zebra Lounge
Lucy Lee, with 2-for-1 drinks from 10-11PM
2. Saturday 17 March - Bitterzoet
Blue Note Trip with DJ Maestro and friends. Free admission until midnight.
3. Tuesday 20 March - ARC
2-for-1 drinks from 8-10PM
Maybe see you there.

CONCERTS
DJ Morgan Geist at the Wildvreemd party.
Sugar Factory - Lijnbaansgracht 238
March 15, 11PM - 5AM
12 Euro (9 Euro pre sale)

Just-Ice & T la Rock (hip hop)
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
March 17, 930PM
17 Euro

FILM
Ninth edition of the Amnesty International Film Festival with both documentaries and feature films. Check the website for the full program.
Tickets available at: Uitkijk, De Balie, KIT Tropentheater
March 14 - 18
7,50 Euro

The Unheard Film Festival demonstrates the importance of the soundtrack and shows unexpected film/music combinations. Workshops, jam sessions and an end party are also part of the program.
Filmtheater Kriterion/Desmet Studios
Roetersstraat 170/Plantage Middenlaan 4A
March 20-24, from 5 Euro

Amsterdam on a Budget: Markets and Museums galore!
Drinking and marijuana have never really interested me, so on the plane over to Amsterdam I wondered what else I might want to see and do. I browsed through my guidebook looking to see what the city offers and here I discovered the world’s largest flower auction. Fourteen million flowers are auctioned five days a week in the largest warehouse in Europe. Unfortunately the auction was a little out of reach for this trip so I began looking for similar places to visit within the heart of Amsterdam.

I decided to check out as many markets as I could. The largest and most colorful market can be found in the Albert Cuypmarkt. Wigs, formal dress wear, fish, fruit and many other items can be found in this open-air market at reasonable prices. It is difficult to resist the good deals targeted towards locals. A short bus ride from Central Station or a rented bike will take you right there. It is open nine to five, Monday through Saturday.

While Albert Cuypmarkt had a huge variety of goods and low prices, I prefer smaller specialty markets, and Amsterdam has lots of them. The city contains 22 markets, including Bloemenmarkt, the World’s only floating flower market. When I heard this I pictured flowers and plants sold from boats. At one point boats did travel down the ancient, narrow canals to deliver fresh flowers to residents. Now stands sit permanently on the water containing orchids, tulip bulbs, marijuana starter kits and even Christmas trees around the holidays. The flowers found here are probably the most varied and freshest of any market in the world, since it is only 50 minutes from the largest flower auction. Read the whole story

Life is full of contradictions, or so it seems at my young age. And Amsterdam is no different. Extremely luxurious boats float by little ragged rowboats, fancy apartments next to squats, the list goes on and on. And sometimes even these contrasts can make the city beautiful.

One little restaurant that I've known for years, and that embodies the contrasts of Amsterdam goes by the name of Koffiehuis van den Volksbond. While I don't speak perfect Dutch, I can tell you that a name like that says quite clearly only in slightly different words "Working class café". I think it once served some truely proletarian customers.






However today's Worker's Koffiehuis caters to a slightly different crowd than Marx and Engels. The menu, while delicious and creative, has some reasonably high prices depending on your choice of main course. This combined with the clientel, in my humble opinion, have created a loved restaurant for the fairly well off, in place of what I suppose used to be the people's canteen.

But nevermind the socio-economic implications. I've only tried their vegeterian options, which were delicious although the portions were too small. But the caliber of cooking is such that if you do go, your stomach will be pleased.

Located just next to the Maritime Museum on the Kadijk's Plein. Walk from Central Station or take a bus to the Museum.

Just in case you missed it: according to the NL 20, the top 10 restaurants in Amsterdam right now are (in order from 1 to 10):

Mediterranean: Aan de Amstel @ Weesperzijde 42
Moroccan: Bakkerij Mediterrane @ Haarlemmerdijk 184
Dutch: Oliver’s Salads & Bar @ Claude Debussylaan 78
South-American: GEWOON eten en meer @ Beukenplein 18
Fusion: Con-fusion @ Postjesweg 7
Mediterranean: De Balie @ Kleine Gartmanplantsoen 10
Dutch: Restaurant Greetje @ Peperstraat 23
Italian: Bloemgracht @ Bloemgracht 47
Fusion: Vlinder @ Brouwersgracht 139
French: Brasserie Suisse @ Overtoom 5-7

This is great to know if you have family and friends coming in town who don't want one of your special student-budget homecooked meals (pasta with tomato sauce). Also, the prices of these places range from low (for friends) to high (thanks mom and dad!), as some are bakeries and some are more formal restaurants.
Eet smakelijk!

I snapped this photo in Den Haag a few weeks ago. By now, I'm sure the tulips are in full bloom, their bright colors delighting everyone that walks past them.

Spring is truly the best time of the year in the Netherlands. The days get longer and people seem to grow energetic with each added minute of sunlight. Days get warmer and scarves and hats are discarded, but the heat is only pleasant, and not yet sweat-inducing.

Activities like trips to the beach, lounging in the Vondelpark, or hanging out on the balcony with friends again become enticing. Enjoy, Amsterdam dwellers! Months of more sun and fewer rainy days (I hope) await you.

I do that thing alot where you go over someone's house for dinner, and then you go out for desert. Its a cozy way to handle an evening, and more affordable then eating a whole meal at fancy restaurants.

Lately, my favorite Austrian girl and I find ourselves venturing out into the Jordaan night in search of deserts. Now the Jordaan is Amsterdam's most famous neighborhood and therefore, with some really classy spots that make you wonder if you can afford them and if they're even worth it?

Well she and I have both become fans of Casa Perú. Despite being right on the Prinsengracht in a beautifully kept old corner building, and carrying itself with an air of poshness, the place is actually great to stop in for a quiet drink. Better yet, what we like to do is stop in for a Perúvian desert. My favorite is perhaps not the most exotic.. their chocolate cake. But equally as memorable is their flan.

So keep Casa Perú in mind for drinks and desert when you want something that feels fancy but wont completely bankrupt you. And if actually do have the money, then you might want to go in for a full course meal which smells quite good... as far as my nose can tell.

(located right at the intersection of the prinsengracht and leidsegracht.. walking distance from Leidseplein)

There are plenty of pizza places in Amsterdam, and Turkish pizza is something special. Different to Italian style, Turkish pizza does not have cheese, and in uniform is a touch of tomato sauce and a bit of beef on thin pita style dough. After heating, salad, garlic and hot sauce may be added. It is a simple and delicious snack, and thanks to the NL20, plus a Greek friend who reads Dutch well, I tracked down a great 2 euro Turkish pizza last week. Located at Rozengracht 148 (near Nassaukade), the Mercan Pastanesi also offers a wonderful variety of Baklavas with pistachio, almond, walnut and more. A warning- there is a special price for the pizza plus a drink- Turkish yogurt, at 2.80 euros. Maybe you are already familiar with this yogurt drink, but I was not and consequently was unable to consume it. This is plain yogurt with enough salt added to make you more dehydrated(!), and I do not like it. Otherwise, you can take soda to wash down your lunch:)

Today the Keukenhof opens. They call it "The most beautiful spring garden in the world," and they might be right. It's full of tulips, neatly manicured lawns, tulips, trees, and more tulips. It's a must-see if you live in or are even visiting the Netherlands.

I am ashamed to say I have never walked within the park, although I did once make it to the entrance but had to turn around due to a rental bike return deadline. This year, I'm definitely visiting, and afterwards will fill the inboxes of my friends and family with pictures of...tulips.

The Keukenhof is open in 2007 from 22 March to 20 May. Information on getting there by car, public transport or by bicycle is on their website. The entrance fee is EUR 13, and you can buy your tickets online to avoid the queues. Don't miss it!

Like many countries in the world, the Netherlands has one of those companies that tries to go around buying up all the big theaters. There are probably 2 or 3 of these companies normally.. but the one that most people who visit may notice is Pathé. Pathé tends to buy a big theater and throw its name before the title.. like Pathé Tuschinski; which is a fine theater with a classic look. Then they toss in their mass market films, their advertising, and then i think the indivudual theater has some power to try and do different things within those parameters.

Fortunately two theaters in Amsterdam have remained staunchly independent and show films you won't find most places that challenge audiences to think and be informed about the world around them. They are Kriterion, located in the Plantage area of town, and The Movies, located near Westerpark. Both are highly recommended by this trippist, especially The Movies... that place is like stepping back in time when it comes to old-style theaters.

As for Calypso.. I guess its being renovated. Don't be surprised if it goes Pathé.

You have until March 31 to check out "De Dood" (The Dead), an intriguing-sounding exhibition at the Rijksmuseum. They say you will learn more about the art of death and various portrayals of the afterlife.

If you're a fan of digital audio, you can even download the audio section of the tour (in Dutch) online before you head to the museum. How's that for being high tech and wildly cultured, all at the same time?

The Rijksmuseum is open every day from 9AM to 6PM. The exhibition is held on Friday evenings (between 6PM and 10PM), and includes readings, films, concerts and poems. Entrance is €10 but free with a Museum Card.

Don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to see the Red Light District up close and personal! You can actually take a peek behind the red curtains and visit a prostitute's bedroom or watch a peep show...LIVE. Interesting, wouldn't you say?
For a list of participating venues purchase a program (1 Euro) at the information center at the Oudekerksplein or at the Wallenwinkel. At 5PM a special monument will be unveiled at the Oudekerksplein. Ah yes, the open house will be held this Saturday, March 31, from 12noon-6PM.

For more information visit the Prostitution Information Centre.

Photo: Lisa Trainor

Bonjour, dear readers! After an unfortunately stressful week in Paris (the weather back in Boston is partially responsible for this), I have happily returned to Amsterdam and fell even more in love with the city. There’s nothing like being in another, less pleasant place to make you realize how much you appreciate your home. One of the things in Paris that bothered me was the number of beggars and aggressive street-salesmen. I realized while fending off yet another touchy man trying to sell me bits of colored string that I don’t have to deal with this sort of thing in Amsterdam. The Dutch take care of their own, apparently. I encountered beggars in all the major spots in Paris, as well as some lesser-known areas that my fluent friend from Wellesley took me. They ranged from the typical person sitting on the street with a cup in front to them to clean well-dressed girls who approached me and asked me if I spoke English. When I said I did, thinking they were other tourists needing directions to another landmark, they would present a small sign requesting money. And Amsterdam doesn’t have salesman who grab your arm, apparently convinced that physical contact will make you purchase their mini Eiffel Tour statuettes. What would be the equivalent of the Eiffel Tour in Amsterdam, anyway? There’s no such landmark. There are famous monuments, sure, but nothing like the Eiffel Tour or the Statue of Liberty. Perhaps that is the secret to Amsterdam’s success in avoiding such personalities.
I have to say, I never feel unsafe in Amsterdam. Paris made me nervous somehow, despite the charming little streets, but I prance around Amsterdam fearlessly. That doesn’t mean I don’t employ the usual tricks to keep myself safe—be aware, keep a good grip on your bag, walk like you own the place, etc, all things you should do wherever you are—but there’s a level of comfort that Amsterdam exudes that I haven’t found in many other cities. Even Boston, another close little city, often seems sketchier. There aren’t many other places where I’d walk around wearing my iPod. Although I’m not such a fan of wearing an mp3 players when walking in general, because sound is a major component of a city and not something to be missed. One exception to this will be the walking tour I’ll be reviewing later this week in the gorgeous spring weather we’re experiencing, as soon as this pesky hip problem resolves itself. Stay tuned!

Recently, my program requested that we all sit down and listen to a lecture by Jacob Vossestein, a Dutch cultural anthropologist who works as a cross-cultural trainer. I didn’t know that job existed, and now I covet it. But that’s another story. I was excited about this lecture, as he would be talking about the Dutch culture. I’m a sociology major who wishes she were an anthropology major but couldn’t face the prospect of a second semi-useless major. So I looked forward with a fair amount of excitement to his talk. I was not disappointed- he was funny, knowledgeable and eager to let our questions dictate the flow of his lecture. He discussed the Dutch history in Africa, the issue of racism in modern Dutch culture, traditional Dutch customs (Zwarte Piet and Sinterklaas in particular – did you know that the tradition stems from the 1300s? That’s before the Dutch colonized any part of Africa) and a bit about Dutch humor. He explained the European attitude toward America (a topic I always find fascinating, since the American views of their own country are often at odds with international perceptions of the good ole US of A), and said, I quote approximately, “The Europeans consider America our child run wild. Quite wild these days! When we Europeans say bad things about America, it’s not because we hate it but because we love it so much and want it to be better!”
I felt that his lecture was quite informative, especially that last bit about how Dutch criticisms aren’t mean-spirited, but flowing from a place of love rather than distaste. Jacob Vossestein has written a book called Dealing with the Dutch. I haven’t read it yet, but if you’re planning on visiting the Netherlands or just want a Dutch anthropologist’s insight into his own culture, you might want to check it out.
Also, I went up to him afterward to tell him how much I’d enjoyed his talk and when I mentioned that I was a sociology major, he told me I looked like one. I peer into my mirror daily to try to spot the tattletale sociology-major signs now.

Children learn to ride bikes from an astonishing young age here in the Netherlands, but they also learn something else: Always lock your bike! Here's a prime example. Even the wee-est of the bicycles must be locked up to prevent theft. Better to teach them while they're young, I suppose.

Imagine if you came to Amsterdam on a family vacation with kids and decided to go to the science museum, the NEMO. You would be in for many surprises. Situated in an achitecturally intriguing building and located right on the water, the NEMO is a sight that is not often missed by the passerby.

The NEMO houses a great variety of exhibitions and experiments and attractions change regularly, therefore one can check the website to see what is currently on.
I went to the NEMO recently with a friend for a fun day of something altogether different. At first sight it appears to be a children's-only funhouse, but there is a lot for adults to learn as well. One of my favorite activities, put on by a member of staff, was a 'chain-reactions' display, incorporating fire, weights, balloons, wind-powered model boats, and much much more. But the one that inspired me the most was on the top floor, a sex-ed exhibition targeting teens. This setup included wooden figurines posed in various Kama Sutra positions, videos of animals in the wild 'getting it on', and loads of tips and facts about sex and sexual interactions among humans. There were three peep-show like booths requiring age tokens, and inside the first, one learned about signs of being gay or not. The real criteria? A consistent preference and attraction to members of the same sex, not just curiosities, occasional desires, or even experimentation with someone of the same sex. The second booth housed information on sex; for example, that there is nothing wrong with women who do not achieve orgasm during intercourse and why penis size is not all that counts. The final booth showed short video clips of real people, from the head up, having orgasms, amusingly titled "the Small Death". It also explained the many health benefits of this activity.

I cannot begin to picture this kind of fun, interesting, informative and very important exhibition being shown in a teen science museum in any other place in the world. I must say that I was very impressed by the quality and tastefulness of the exhibition as well as the way in which sex was de-mystified without losing its appeal, & all the while making anyone interested feel at ease.

The NEMO can be found at Oosterdok 2, just off Prins Hendrikkade and about 10 minutes walk from the Centraal station heading east. It is open from 10AM to 5PM daily and, as many other museums, is closed on Mondays.

An explanation to begin: I'm not talking about THAT HASH... I'm talking about the Hash House Harriers, Amsterdam's AH3.. the slowest HASH in Europe.

Hashing has nothing to do with drugs and everything to do with drunken running around the city and generally wasting space on earth. Their official title is "The drinking club with a running problem"

You see hashers are in virtually every major city in the world, and it is a tradition that began with some British colonists back in 1938. Someone sets a course, the hashers meet up at a specific point in the city, you go over the rules, sing some songs, and the run begins. Occasionally you get lost and made fun of. Often you must pause for a BEER STOP, also known as BS, which makes the remainder of the run much more interesting.

I myself have gone to the hash in Lisbon, Portugal and here in Amsterdam. I haven't ran with them in some time, but you can bet they're still out there, once a week, wearing funny shorts and talking with their funny accents whilst downing many beers.

If you really want to meet the expat community, or if you're interested in the reverse evolution of humans, by all means go on their website and find out where and when the next hash is, put on some good footwear and be prepared for a rare show. Maybe bring a few euros too as Hash cash is essential. Don't tell them bicyclemark sent you as I doubt they remember me or the names of their own children.

In Den Haag there are many things to see and do during an afternoon escape from Amsterdam, including the Mauritshuis housing many Dutch masterpieces, the Koninklijke Schouwburg (Royal Theatre), and Madurodam presenting miniature representations of Holland (and currently exhibiting an impressive ice sculpture display).

Apart from these intriguing art and cultural possibilities, the M.C. Escher Museum offers something more, the chance to experience the imaginative 3-dimensional world of the famous Dutch artist Escher.
Located in the beautiful Lange Voorhout Palace, the museum is devoted solely to this artist and includes prints and drawings as well as presenting family photographs, drawings and sketches.

On the top floor of the museum, the final stop, visitors sit down and put on large helmets that cover the eyes. Once activated, the wearer then may turn his or her head to the left or right and explore different places inside the wild world of Escher. You will travel through some of his most famous works, wander up and down the famous infinitely looped staircase, fly with his birds and swim with
his fish. But be warned, my old neighbor went there recently, and as an exchange student, something that allows for the high probability of a weekend hangover, the experience was so overwhelming that he unfortunately vomited right then and there! I, on the other hand, truly enjoyed the experience and the museum as a whole and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Den Haag. My mother and her friend were also visiting at the time and agreed that indeed it was one of the best museums on their trip.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Sugar Factory
DJs and VJs in a special night of theatre, cabaret and live music.
Sugar Factory - Lijnbaansgracht 238
March 30, 11PM - 5AM
Free til 12AM, after 12 Euro

Pacific Parc
Three days of free partying at this Westerpark venue with cowboy punk band The Sixtyniners on Saturday and Amsterdam roots-reggae collective Karmakonga on Sunday.
Pacific Parc - Polonceaukade 23
March 30, 31 and April 1
Free

SEE
Open house Red Light District.
For a list of participating venues purchase a program (1 Euro) at the information center at the Oudekerksplein or at the Wallenwinkel.
March 31, 12noon-6PM

EXHIBITIONS
James Nachtwey - Testimony
One of the most influential and most-published contemporary photographers documenting wars, disasters and their consequences, twice winner of the World Press Photo of the Year.
FOAM - Keizersgracht 609
March 30 until June 20
7.50 Euro

Eva Besnyö: Unknown Photos
Robert Capa and Eva Besnyö, two major innovators of photography and both originally Hungarian Jews, were good friends and are now for the first time presented in a joint exhibition. Besnyö’s works include series of portraits of women taken in the 1930s and photos of post-war reconstruction in the Netherlands.
Jewish Historical Museum - Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1
Until May 20
7.50 Euro

On my trip back home to Florida to see my family and meet my new niece, I realized something was significantly lacking within my childhood home. What I miss most about Amsterdam, more than the streets, the cafes, the people and the food (hahaha), is my shelf-toilet. How I appreciate the gift it gives, just like an Indian-giver, each time I use it. I'll be back soon my friend.

April Fools! Have a great day.

We here at Trippist are about more than just recommending things we like and writing of our adventures in and around the Netherlands.

We are also into giving advice and tips, just in case they come in handy for your trip to the land of wooden shoes.

Therefore I have yet one more simple tip to pass onto you... it involves credit cards.

Like any young and healthy person living in Amsterdam, I travel. And as I travel I often have a credit card with me, just in case. While it is mostly only for when I don't have another option, I make it a habit to check if the place Im eating in, shopping at, or sleeping in, accepts credit cards, and which ones.

After much research and years of experience I can tell you within Europe it still varies a great deal. Sometimes the country you least expect, like say Croatia, turns out to be a very credit card friendly country. While the country you'd most expect, like the Netherlands, is surprisingly anti-credit card.

Now I'm not talking hotels, let's leave them out of the equation. When it comes to cafes, restaurants, shops and other miscelaneous places where you need to purchase something, it is very common that the business will not accept credit cards. They might even have a little machine that looks like it takes credit cards, but you'll be surprised to find it only works for Dutch debit cards and not much else.

Beyond that, if you're a VISA or Mastercard carrier, you'll probably have better luck. As in my experience, AMEX isn't very loved amongst the small business community in and around Amsterdam.

So if you do go, try to get some cash flow going. While cash machines can sometimes be quite hard to find, they're out there, and there's no operational reason why you couldn't get some cash from there and hold off on taking the gamble to see if your credit card is accepted at that next place you go to.

Oh, and on the off chance that you use travelers checks, my personal opinion is that you're trapped in the 80's and I hope it's fun.

Did you happen to see some idiots dressed up in shreds of the Amsterdam Weekly last week, somewhere near the Spuiplein? That would have been me. Myself and a few others, including some friends who distribute for the Weekly, were hired for a media stunt to dress up in painter's costumes that had been covered with floating, flimsy pieces of the newspaper and to pass out current editions to passerbys for about an hour of the Saturday afternoon. An hour of shame and hilarity. I even dragged along a friend of mine who had no idea what he was getting himself into. We more than earned our way into the Amsterdam Weekly private birthday bash at the Nieuwe Anita, one of my favorite bars. Unlimited sushi platters were served up alongside the Undercover Glutton's specialty toasties: impressive concoctions of brown nutty bread, sausage, Edam cheese, and mixed nuts. Sounds strange, no? But it was tasty! Also lots of bagels and desserts. Plus, free drinks;) The atmosphere was fun and we met some nice people there. Was it worth the humiliation? But of course. And with my red lipstick on, noone could decline as I hand them a free newspaper with a smile. My other international Amsterdammer friends, conversely, were threatened to be set on fire by some junkies who clearly lived on another planet. Luckily for us, Steve and Todd, Amsterdam weekly editor and owner, were there to protect us.

Looking to exercise your intellect this summer? The ISHSS (International School for Humanities and Social Sciences) at the University of Amsterdam offers a few intensive summer courses. These are known as Summer Institutes and include subjects such as Alcohol, Drugs and Addiction, Sexuality, Culture and Society, and Genomics & Globalisation. I can speak from experience - combining student life with the beautiful city of Amsterdam is a great choice!

This weekend, my program went on a little 2-day excursion to Maastricht. On the way down to this southern city, we stopped at Thorn, a cute little white-washed town. It was sweet, but not a place you absolutely need to see. On the trip, I ended up spending more times in caves than in Maastricht itself. In Maastricht, you can take a boat tour on the Meuse river to the St. Pietersberg caves, which aren’t caves at all but underground limestone quarries dug out by monks way back when in the 13th century. The boat tour isn’t very exciting, but the surprisingly huge caves were, with miles of wide corridors branching out from even wider passages and ceilings a hundred feet up. Our guide led us through with hissing gas lanterns, and within five minutes I was completely lost. The light from the lanterns didn’t extend far, and all the corridor openings looked shadowy and spooky as we passed. Interestingly, the caves have been a tourist attraction for hundreds of year, and so there were charcoal drawings and graffiti dating from 1570 on the walls. During World War II, the caves were used as a hiding place, and a chapel was built underground to accommodate the inhabitants. It was a pretty amazing if chilly experience, and I recommend seeing the caves if you’re stopping in Maastricht.
The city itself was cute and packed with tourists during the day. I didn’t get a chance to see any of the tourist sites in the city, but just walking around was pleasant, and there was good shopping and cafes. At night, though, it turned into a bit of a ghost town. There were bars open, but very few people out for a Saturday night. The bar I went to was also perplexingly dry – apparently it was their ‘practice’ opening night, and so there was virtually no alcohol present. The bartenders danced behind their alcohol-free bar, so at least there was entertainment.
On the way back from Maastricht, we stopped at the American War Cemetery in Margraten, which is startlingly beautiful. One doesn’t think of cemeteries as pretty, and I’m used to the old decrepit cemeteries in Massachusetts with dark crumbling headstones. Those places make you feel the history and grief, while the American War Cemetery featured immaculate green grass and bright white crosses laid out in curving lines were lovely and honored the fallen in a graceful, almost hopeful way. It’s a place I recommend seeing, if only for the strange experience of viewing a beautiful cemetery.
Next on our itinerary was Valkenburg, a pretty old city with nice cafes and the ruin of a castle. It’s another nice place to spend a day, although sadly I spent most of my time underground again. Don’t go to the coal mine museum/experience until you absolutely love mining. The tunnels were dark and dirty and our crazy tour guide kept turning on machines unexpectedly and laughing while we jumped in statement, the sound echoed around us. Also, mining is a boring subject. People living in caves? Interesting. Machines used to efficiently extract coal back in 1950? Not so interesting. Go visit the castle instead.
Our last stop was Drielandenpunt in Vaals, where Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet. This was incredibly confusing and anticlimactic, because the point where the three countries meet was not apparent. Any visions of having one foot in Germany and the other in Belgium were dashed. But there was ice cream, and the highest point in the Netherlands, which is a little statue.
Overall, it was great to see another part of the Netherlands. People in Maastricht wear helmets! Who knew?

EXHIBITION
Max Beckmann in Amsterdam, 1937-1947
This exhibition offers the first extensive retrospective of work by Max Beckmann in his years in Amsterdam. Max Beckmann (1884-1950) was one of the leading and most distinguished German artists of the 20th century.
Van Gogh Museum - Museumplein/Paulus Potterstraat 7
April 6 - August 19
10 Euro

CONCERTS
Josephine Foster (folk)
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
April 7, 430PM
6 Euro

Latin Diva's: Cubop Big City Band (latin)
Bimhuis - Piet Heinkade 3
April 8, 9PM
16 Euro

Cansei de Ser Sexy (indie rock from Brazil)
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
April 10, 915PM
12.50 Euro

Public Enemy (hip hop)
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
April 11, 9PM
29.50 Euro

DANCE
The Infamous Mudclub - 2nd Anniversary party with Kate Wax
11 - Oosterdokskade 3-5
April 6, 11PM
12 Euro

Electronation party with Electro-house pioneer John Acquaviva
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
April 6, 11PM
13 Euro

The Netherlands is so full of water that it's really a shame not to get on a boat once in a while. You can find plenty of tourist rides through the canals in central Amsterdam, or try out the paddle boats (if you dare). Or, if you're lucky, maybe you have a friend that has a boat with some spare room. There's nothing like motoring through the canals, waving at all the land-bound pedestrians.

Or maybe you're invited to a boat party. This was the craft that I once had the pleasure of sailing on for several hours. Complete with a knowledgeable captain, we celebrated an anniversary and a birthday and cruised through bodies of water much larger than the Prinsengracht. It is possible to rent one of these beauties - just get enough friends together so the price isn't terribly high, and away you go! It's a must-do in water-logged Nederland.

The first, and most important, food that I’ve discovered in Amsterdam is the Bapao bun. My friend discovered these one day when they were on Bonus at the Albert Heijn supermarket (Bonus items are sale items associated with your free Bonus card). The buns are made of Chinese-style soft white dough and filled with various tasty foods. My favorite is the kip, which is essentially curried chicken. The buns are perfect for me because I hate to cook, and they take less than a minute to be ready for consumption. Also, they are about 60 Euro cents each, and can be eaten in the packaging they come in. So there are no dishes! Hoorah!
I am really going to miss those buns when I go back to the US.
Another culinary delicacy I’ve been exposed to in Amsterdam are salami and brie sandwiches. I was a vegetarian for almost five years, and only recently quit for health reasons. I didn’t have much experience with salami before coming to Amsterdam, and tried the sandwich on a whim because I love brie. (An aside: I’m convinced that there is more brie in Amsterdam than in Paris). And behold, it was delicious. Now I’m addicted.
Another food combination that I am addicted to is bagels with cream cheese with tomato soup. Tomato soup is everywhere in Amsterdam, and in my desperate quest for bagels (which, sadly, are not everywhere) I ended up at a café that had tomato soup with a bagel as a daily special. I love both tomato soup and bagels (really, they approach the perfect food), so I got it. Dipping a cream-cheese covered bagel into tomato soup is surprisingly delicious.
Also, there are the cheese sandwiches. I’ve never seen a sandwich that was literally just bread and cheese before. But they are tasty, and as the sandwich place that I go to every Tuesday after class says on the menu: Go Dutch. Eat Cheese.

Not too long ago, I wrote about the Keukenhof. Yesterday I finally visited, and it was a wonderful way to enjoy a holiday weekend! The park is large and lovely and full of immaculate flower gardens. Everything - including each blade of grass - is trimmed to perfection. The park is surrounded by bulb fields, so even from the fenced-in boundaries of the garden, visitors can see the beauty of the flowers extending into the distance.

It's best to avoid going by car (try to go by bike, as it's much easier to get in and out). It's also a treat to bike through the surrounding bulb fields, an experience best enjoyed on a bicycle. I'd also recommend visiting as close to opening time as possible (8 am) - by 10:30 or 11 the crowds have descended and it starts to feel a bit too much like an amusement park.

With weather as fickle as in Amsterdam, soup remains a constant on my eating agenda. Emily, another Trippist blogger, brought this to mind in her mention of bagels and tomato soup. I love fresh, seasonal ingredients, and these are found at my top two favorite places, the Soup Kitchen at Nieuwendijk 50 (near Centraal Station) and Soup Enzo at Jodenbreestraat 94A (almost directly across from the Albert Heijn). The choices change regularly and always have a match for the weather. They both have meat and vegetarian options, include hearty chunks of bread, and at the Soup Kitchen, include tapenade, butter or pesto spread. The Soup Kitchen also uses many biological ingredients. You can ask for a taste of any of the soups!

These two shops also offer fresh juice blends and many different kinds of sandwiches and salads, and serve everything up fast. Additionally, Soup Enzo has a shop located at Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 54 near the Museumplein, but as this is only a shop and not a restaurant, everything is made To-Go. Enjoy the hearty flavours and stay warm, because in Amsterdam even when the day starts sunny, it may end up cold and rainy.

I found this sign outside a Mexican/Spanish/Random restaurant near Centraal Station. Black chalkboard signs are fairly common around Amsterdam, so I guess this restaurant decided to add a little flair to this one. I thought the smily-face, fish, and chicken pictures instead of dots above the 'I's was adorable. Although, why do the bocadillos get a unhappy face?

So you've decided to make the big move to Amsterdam. Maybe you're just on an extended holiday, maybe you're studying, or maybe you've found a dream job in NL. Whatever the case, you're going to probably want to get a bicycle.

Other than the obvious hazards that you'll have to get used to (crazy traffic, deadly tram rails, tourists) there's one issue that is not often mentioned in regards to "normal" Dutch bikes, of the "omafiets" variety: They almost all come with back-peddling brakes.

It can be quite scary to realize that you're going to have to stop, and you instinctively reach for your handlebars to find - no brakes! Reverse peddling may seem a strange way to stop a bike, but it actually comes in handy when biking in Amsterdam. It's then possible to free up one hand for talking on the phone, holding an umbrella, or transporting groceries, to name a few.

If you're used to handbrakes, be aware of the change - but then embrace it for all the freedom it will give you.

As a student in Amsterdam, I am often informed about upcoming speakers, events and conferences that may be of intellectual value. One of the most interesting conferences to date was the 'Sex in the City' talk with the Mayor of Amsterdam, as well as several other keynote speakers. I believe that Janelle, another esteemed Trippist blogger, gave a commentary about that. We really had fun that day..Especially when Mr. Job Cohen, our Mayor, said the words: "Sex is pleasure".

Many of these events are open to the general public. I found the following on my faculty's website agenda.

Afrika Day! on Saturday the 14th of April.
Organized by Evert Vermeer Stichting and from 09.30 - 16.00.
The location is the Haagse Hogeschool, Johanna Westerdijkplein 75, The Hague

You can learn more on their website.

Hope to see you there!

MUSEUM WEEKEND
Visit Amsterdam museums for free! This year's theme is: ‘The art of perceiving.' During this weekend, museums will aim to stimulate all your senses.
Check out the website for participating museums (deelnemende musea)
April 14 & 15, Free

FILM FESTIVAL
During this third edition of the Filmmuseum Biennale silent films will been shown together with live performances of new soundtracks.
Locations: Filmmuseum, Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, Paradiso, De Duif and Pathé Tuschinski
April 11 - 15
Single ticket 7.80 Euro, pass 22.50 Euro

CONCERTS
Grandmaster Flash - The Turntable Legend
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
April 13 at midnight
17.50 Euro

The Rakes - Good Shoes
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
April 18, 830PM
12 Euro

Cruising down a canal in the Pijp yesterday, enjoying the perfect weather, I noticed at a certain point, a few man standing still, staring into the windows of houses. Right about there, I remembered where I was, the not-often-talked about Red Light District in the Pijp.

People are often so fixated on the Red Light District, especially you who have not been here yet. It has a sort of mythical status, to the point that I think people don't realize there are various districts in various towns and actually, well beyond the borders of the Netherlands.

But still, few can rival the insane circus atmosphere of Amsterdam main red light area. Where else can you be yelled at by sexworkers, while eating french fries, and shopping for another black tshirt with a big marijuana leaf on it?

Some may eventually wander over to the Jordaan and discover the mini-red-light. A slightly more tasteful area with a lovely canal view. But rarely do the tourists make it down to the Pijp's red light district. It stretches only about 2 or 3 blocks, strategically located just where a large pleasure boat company docks. Just a stones throw away from the beloved Albert Cuyp Market. (head south west to the Ruysdaelkade)

So whether you're an urban sociologist, a sex anthropologist, or a creepy old man, the Red Lights down in the south of Amsterdam may be of interest to you.

If your goal is a romantic Italian dinner, check out Casa di David. Located on Singel 426 just off the Koningsplein, it has an excellent ambiance. With two floors, a huge wood-burning stove in the back, and menus doubling as rolled up scrolls, you're sure to be entertained! Among other things you can order homemade pasta and delicious pizzas - the best I've found in the center of Amsterdam.

Casa di David is open from 5PM to 1130PM every day. Enjoy!

If you've never gone out to the spots around Westerpark, there is a lot to be said for the 20 minute bike ride. The Culture Park Westergasfabriek is a former gasworks, and "oozes a unique mood of adventure and energy."-from the website:)
Within the park, you will find the Flex bar, Pacific Parc, and other nice locations for weekend partying. The Pacific Park also often has good Sunday afternoon DJs. Additionally, there are funky breakfast and lunch spots, and the ExpressoFabrik with fantastic cappucino freddos.

Recently I went to the cinema at the Westergasfabriek, called Bioscoop het Ketelhuis. They play an interesting selection of international independent films and afterwards, you can go on to one of the bars for a drink. When I went, however, it was a special night. Free popcorn flowed, very cheap drinks were on offer (1 euro beers) and a cool jazz band played live. I don't know if this unique event will happen again, but I always recommend going out to the park anyway. There is always something happening, and it is just far enough that you feel you've escaped the city for the day (or night).

I've gotten into the habit of walking around with my iPod cranked up - whether it's music or a podcast, I can't get enough of all the information and entertainment that's available to me. But in the process I've realized that I've become removed from the world around me. The other day, I neglected to attach the headphones, and ended up hearing the enchanting sounds of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam has noise, of course, but you tend to tune it out after some time has gone by. But now, because of my break, I was suddenly aware of car engines and murmuring pedestrians, but also the sound of horse hoofs on pavement, pigeons wings flapping as they narrowly escaped death, and bike bells ringing at all of the above.

Listening to music is sometimes a nice escape, but f you've made this a habit, don't forget to re-immerse yourself in the sounds of Amsterdam from time to time.

Here's a little tip that you may never use, but might one day save you from a great deal of pain.

Due to the sideffects of global warming, Amsterdam has become a sort of warm weather spring-summer getaway, or at least it will in the coming years, mark my words. (that is until the oceans level rise and it all comes to an end)

So you may get here in April, like for example this year, and look around and think - WOW, its such nice weather, let's go swimming. And you may be lucky enough to take a boat straight down the Amstel river, toward a lovely town called OudeKerk. And after enjoying all the beautiful scenery, especially the plentiful nature, you may decide -- time to jump in for a swim.

Here's where my advice should chime in. ITS COLD. No really, I mean, it's cold. It might look lovely and there might be, as there were this weekend, families bar-b-q-ing on either side of the river... but still.. its cold. Colder than you think. Cause remember, it is still April, NOT the season for swimming in a canal, no matter how appealing the water might look. Just enjoy the scenery, have some snacks and drinks, wave at the other boats and the ladies in the bikini's... and sail on. Stay out of the water until at least... June. Ouch.

So after returning from my weekend trip to Maastricht, I headed off to London again. This time, I did a sweep of the English countryside, hitting Ascot, Oxford, Bath, the Vale of the White Horse, the Glastonbury Tor and Abbey, and Stonehenge two and a half days. I cheated though – my father was in town and rented a car to drive me around. I highly recommend seeing the sights in Glastonbury – the view from the top of the Tor is incredible. Oxford was super pretty, and close to London. You can also go punting there if you’re into small tipsy boats. The Vale of the White Horse isn’t worth going to if you’re on a budget – it’s pretty much in the middle of nowhere, and the whole white chalk horse is only visible by air. I had fun running around that hilltop, though. It also has a great view. Bath is something of a party town in addition to having some lovely ruins and cathedrals. Stonehenge is, of course, memorable. I’m happy that it is still surrounded by green hills, and the highway that runs near it will be moved underground soon.
After a day’s break in Amsterdam, I went to Prague. I’m a regular jetsetter these days! I wonder if all jetsetters get terrible colds as a result. Prague is hilly too. Not a good place to be if you’re on the verge of dying, but I survived. The lovely exchange rate helped ease my pain. I just bought ice cream at every vendor I saw.
If you go to Prague, beware of the transportation system. No one checks your ticket like they do in Amsterdam and tickets are only available in Metro stations, but being caught without a valid ticket will set you back 400 koruna – about 15 euros. That happened to me and my friends, unfortunately. It was our first day and we got stranded without tickets or a way to purchase them, and my friends weren’t carrying enough cash to pay for the ticket, so the disguised police officers followed us to an ATM. That was odd. We became convinced they weren’t actual officers – their badges were just laminated cards similar to the ISIC card. The moral of the story: Always have extra tickets on you!
We took a day trip to Karlovy Vary, the famous spa town about two hours by bus from Prague. Getting there was easy – there are hourly buses that cost about 90 koruna if you have an ISIC card (the only valid student ID in Prague). The town was beautiful, but we faced some serious student discrimination. We were excited to spend on some self-pampering, but we were rebuffed without explanation by two separate hotels that advertised spa treatments. So beware if you decide to visit. The town also focuses more on medicinal treatments than the usual beauty salon services.
The city was overall a trifle depressing, although that may have been due to my illness. The people were friendly and the service in the restaurants we visited was pretty uniformly good. We did spend literally an hour wandering the streets trying to find a restaurant listed in one of our guide books, only to be informed by a kind Czech native that the restaurant had closed nearly three years ago. Another food story: We went to a Czech restaurant and attempted to find out the contents of the “bohemian dumpling”. Our waiter informed us that there was no meat, no vegetables and no bread involved, so we got pretty confused. It turned out to be the same type of dough used in the bapaos that I adore. Tasty, but not what one immediately associates with the word dumpling.
If you do visit and want a cheap clean place to stay, I recommend the Boathouse Hostel. It’s not on a boat, tragically, but it’s nice and the ladies who run it are super friendly and helpful. It’s a little ways outside the center of the city and about a ten minute walk from the closest tram stop, but the location is pretty (on a river!) and quiet, and the walk home will sober you up.

Today, I discovered a ferris wheel being set up in Dam Square. It appears that a carnival will be going on in front of Queen Beatrix's palace. I'm not sure when it will be open, but the ferris wheel is almost complete. Normally, I shy away from ferris wheels, but I might just have to go on this one. The view must be amazing.

Test Subject: Walki Talki Red Light District Walking Tour
Estimated Time: 1 Hour
Start Time: 4:50PM
Finish Time: 5:36PM
Procedure: Download MP3 files to iPod or other MP3 player; print out accompanying map; “walk the walk”.
Comments: The tour was easy to use, and it took less than five minutes to set up a Walking Tour playlist on my iPod and hit the road. Printing out the map was more difficult simply because I don’t have a printer. I started late afternoon on a Tuesday to reduce the number of pedestrians. The time turned out to be great – there was plenty of light and people still around, but the streets weren’t too cluttered.
I was a bit apprehensive when I read the title on the map, afraid I’d be wandering around the Red Light District for an hour. “On the right you’ll see a lovely sex shop, and on your left, an assortment of lovely ladies”. But the title is really a misnomer, as the tour spends most of its time elsewhere, beginning in Dam Square, and ends in Nieuwmarket. Narrated by “BBC travel guru” Ben Silburn, the tour tries to incorporate humor and historical facts into one guide. It starts off with early 90s music, and is clearly geared for young adult listeners. I could have done without the simulated sex-sounds, though. There are occasional jokes about drug use and sex, and so I wouldn’t recommend it for younger children. 12-year-old boys should love it, though. The tour actually provides a lot of really interesting facts about the city, and the sometimes-awkward humor really detracted from that. The whip sound when Silburn jokes about how the “bad” Americans need liability disclaimers? Unnecessary. The tour was incredibly well-paced, though, unlike many audio guides I’ve experienced. Interesting information not immediately related to a monument or square carries you from point to point, so that you don’t need to stand around waiting for the guide to finish or pause it while walking. I stopped to take pictures and notes along the way, and only had to pause once or twice. Walki-talki’s estimation of time needed for the tour seemed exaggerated, but allows for extra wandering or shopping.
The only parts that I found jarring – aside from the, um, more colorful sounds – were when Silburn or the guest guide pretended to be physically present, asking me to follow them or informing me that they’d “meet” me at a certain location. C’mon now, I’m walking around with a pair of headphones on. Clearly you’re not actually guiding me around the city.
The directions were good, the information interesting, Silburn’s voice is pleasant to listen to, and the occasional jokes about Dutch culture were fun. I’m generally not a huge fan of audio guides because they are so often start-and-stop, but this one was well-done and I enjoyed my walk around the city. The only real detriment to the audio guide system was the fact that the tour drowned out the noise of the city, preventing you from getting the full experience.
The tour is currently available on the Walki Talki website for $5.00. I’m not sure I would pay for it, but if you want a tour without a huge group of tourists surrounding you and a harassed lady holding up an umbrella shouting at the head of the group, it’s definitely worth it.

The picture is of Little Venice, one of the sights along the tour route.

Yes we ALL know that you can smoke joints in the Netherlands. How could you miss it? With coffeeshops, headshops and smart shops on every corner, it's impossible to overlook. Ok so we have weed, and we have magic mushrooms, and we have herbal enhancers, many of which are also illegal in other countries.

What else is legal in the Netherlands? Lets see.. How about euthanasia? Yes. How about same-sex marriages? But of course. Polygamy? Even polygamy? Well, all but in name, yes (civil unions among 3 have occured). What about file-sharing programs like Kazaa? YES! Isn't it remarkable that a society with so many things deemed insiduous, portrayed as malicious, subversive and even dangerous, a nation with all these things openly accepted, that this country still manages to simply function on a daily basis?! And not only that, it excels!

The Netherlands was even ranked recently by the BBC as the #1 foreign aid provider (relative to the size of the economy) out of the worlds top 21 wealthiest countries. The BBC article says, "the Netherlands led the pack on generous investment and aid as well as measures to curb greenhouse gases".

Let us now sing the praise of a country so well adjusted. Despite the day to day annoyances, the institutionalized frustrations (ehum.. IND) and that pesky 'tourist' infestation, this is a pretty great place to live!

With Amsterdam as busy as it is it's a good idea to plan ahead when looking for a place to stay. Ibis Hotels, who offer basic but comfortable rooms, have a new deal called "Happy 30". Rooms in Amsterdam are offered for 49 en 69 Euro when you book at least 30 days in advance.
Ibis also introduced this campaign in 15 other European countries. The interactive maps will tell you where the hotels are located exactly.

So plan ahead and save some $$$!

I'm back in Minnesota for a brief visit. Upon peering out the window of the plane as we landed, I was shocked to realize that Minnesota is somehow still back at the end of winter, whereas the Netherlands is completely spring. The land of the Dutch has flowers and green trees (not quite the spectacular version you see in the picture, but close) and Minnesota still has snow on the ground, although the sun is shining faithfully.

I hope that spring really does appear in the near future, which means I'll get to experience it twice this year. Maybe there's something nice about freezing through the first few days of my visit, after all.

EXHIBITION
World Press Photo Exhibition
Oude Kerk - Oudekerksplein 23
April 24 - June 17
5 Euro

CONCERTS
Skatalites (reggae, ska). Two original bandmembers from 1964!
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
April 21, 8PM
17,50 Euro

Idlewild (rock)
Paradiso - Weteringschans 6-8
April 22, 1030PM
12 Euro

Brett Anderson (pop). Solo debut of former Suede front man.
Melkweg - Lijnbaansgracht 234a
April 23, 830PM
16 Euro

The Friday Night Skate is a great way to discover Amsterdam by night! Free rides every Friday with every week a new route, starting in the Vondelpark at 8PM. For more info and the actual route of the week check out the FNS website.
If you didn't bring skates in your backpack you can rent skates at Vondeltuin/Rent a Skate at 5 Euro an hour. ISIC, ITIC and IYTC card holders will get a discount of 1,50 Euro. The Vondeltuin/Rent a Skate outlet is located at Vlietwaard 311 (Phone: 020-6645091).

If you have any other tips on where to rent skates let us know by leaving a comment!

Photos: George Janszen

Today, I went to Alkmaar, about 40 minutes by train from Amsterdam, to see the fabled cheese market. I heard tales of members of the cheese-maker guilds toting big fat cheese on sleds to be weighed, and as a lover of good cheeses, I was hoping to snag some traditional Dutch cheese. So off I went horribly early in the morning.
Alas, it really wasn’t that exciting. I tried to take some pictures for you, dear readers, but it was difficult over the hordes of heads in front of me. And… there really wasn’t that much to see. Some guys in funny costumes were running around with cheeses on painted wooden sleds while a woman watched and provided commentary in Dutch and sometimes English. There was cheese available for purchase, but (as far as I found – there may have been an almighty cheese vendor that I missed) it was just one kind available in different flavors. It all seemed rather tourist-y, and the massive crowds didn’t help dissuade me.
So we went off the beaten path and just wandered around. Alkmaar is a very pretty place with some great shopping. Trains run frequently between Alkmaar and Amsterdam Centraal, so it’s easily a day trip, or even just a morning jaunt. I recommend you go if you have time, but perhaps on a less crowded day. The cheese market/spectacle is only on Friday mornings between May and September, so it’s easily avoided or seen as you prefer.

Recently my roommate and I were trying to decide what to do with ourselves on a sunny Sunday morning. My friend was making breakfast as we brainstormed. She mentioned that she had recently heard about a monkey park somewhere, and we both thought "monkeys? In the Netherlands?"

My roommate was cooking up her egg and matzoh cracker scramble, a Jewish traditional meal. We were both feeling pretty lazy, and although the ideas sounded great, the motivation was lacking.. I was reading the matzoh package when I noticed a picture of a monkey on a peel-off sticker. It was in fact a coupon for discounted admission to the monkey park! Once we finished laughing, we decided that we could not ignore such a sign, so we went to the train station and took the first one we could find to Apeldoorn.

Once there, we then had to take a bus, for about 25 mins. The price for admission to the park is 16 euros for adults, with reduced prices for seniors and children. They also offer guided tours in English, and the area itself offers excellent camping if you would like to make it a weekend trip.

Once inside, you can walk around and see the many different kinds of monkeys, gorillas, and others, most of which are in large pens just like any traditional zoo. Yet some of the monkeys, the spider monkeys, roam free, free enough to come and snatch your wallet or camera! Recently, park officials decided to train the monkeys to stop touching humans, to our great disappointment. They do this by arming staff with water squirt guns and using them on any frisky monkeys. At any rate, they still run all around you, and are just an arm's length away.

We had a great time. You can find out further details by visiting the Apenheul website . The park is open from 9:30 to 5. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

I've mentioned the Lloyd Hotel before, as you may recall my video entry from my first visit there.

As luck would have it, a dear friend invited me to come to Lloyd Time, recently. Now, I have a tendency to forget little details, and somehow the term "Lloyd Time" left me very confused. When is Lloyd Time, and why is it so named?

Not letting that stop me, I went over to the Lloyd and sure enough, at the entrance there is a sign promoting Lloyd Time, apparently every monday, which on that particular day was dedicated to Islamic Philosophy and Art, especially Art from the region in and around Turkey.

I had arrived early, and to my surprise was immediately invited to sit down at a table where several of the evenings speakers were seated. Instantly knee-deep in a conversation involving how Arabic writing changed with the dawn of the printing press, one very interesting gentleman eventually took out a laptop to show me illustrations of just what they were talking about.

As the evening went on, fruit salad and tea magically made their way down the table to me, and we sat listening to each presenter talk about their research. A crowd of spectators gathered on the couches positioned in front of us... I wondered if Lloyd Time had regulars? Would I become a regular?

Whether I do or not depends largely on the ultimate frisbee season, and how my team does this year. But that shouldn't keep me from recommending a little Lloyd Time to you, every monday night at 9 at the Lloyd Hotel, just a brief tram ride east of Central Station.

Many students I have met are well aware of the street bounty offered up the night before trash day around Amsterdam, particularly in nicer neighborhoods like the Jordaan.

There is another place where you can find all sorts of unique objects to personalize, and 'jazz up', your home. Even if (or especially if !) you are only in Amsterdam temporarily.

Every day the Waterlooplein street market vendors begin the shutdown, and weeding out, of their junk. Certainly the real antiques will be held onto, ready to wait out the following days, but plenty of really great stuff is discarded every night!

The best time to go is 5:30 or 6. Some of the objects I've adopted in the past year and a half here:
A large beautiful rug. A small table on wheels. A painted plate from Tenerife. A bronz plate from Morocco. Several glass vases. Several baskets. Old maps of Europe. Old maps of Holland. And, much, much more. Some of the weirder objects tended to scare people in my old flat. These were picked up by my previous roommate who had an eccentric flair for decorating, including a giant sized barbie doll head with half her hair missing, and a large broken painting that eerily resembled her, as if it were her very own great grandmother.

It can be great fun to go trash picking, if you're not scared by the highly competitive junkies and fellow students! And you will certainly find something special, something that feels as if it were left there just for you. Happy picking!

There's so many ways to