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.