Now normally a tourist will never hear a peep about block parties in Amsterdam. They don't appear in any guide book, and there's no way to receive an invitation. So unless you stumble upon them, it is easy to miss the magic.

But it is summer, and any good street or neighborhood is bound to close off their street to traffic and throw a BBQ or a party of some form. And if you walk into one of these, it isn't difficult to smile, shake some hands, introduce yourself as a stranger passing through, and enjoy some food, drink, and conversation. Probably some live music and magic tricks as well.

Last week it was my neighborhood that threw a big one in the rain. Complete with moonwalk for the kids, funk band for whomover would listen, and most importantly - pancakes for all.

As I made my way through the crowd, no one seemed to recognize me. But like I said, all it took was a few smiles, a hand shake, and suddenly I had all the pancakes I could desire.