Thats the sound I hear as I get out of the car having just arrived back from Berlin. Under my feet, I can feel the mushy crunch of fireworks that have been sitting there for the last 24 hours. Just like in Berlin, cleaning crews will get to it but after making the jumbo-sized mess that both cities make on New Years Eve, this operation takes awhile.

Fortunately 2008 has come and as far as I've heard, with minimal injuries from fireworks or drunkenness, though that one could be a long term injury. Over in Berlin I witnessed yet another city go what they call "smoke free". A phenomenon that had tons of people today and yesterday, huddling together outside the doors of bars and cafés. Who knows, one side effect will likely be that more smokers make new friends as they chit chat in the freezing cold and snow this winter.

Still it was not surprising to go into one of these lovely almost-underground cafe's and smell that familiar smell of smokers doing their thing. And here in Amsterdam, the smoking ban is being phased in at different time periods. When I figure it all out, I'll let you know.

For now it is back to life, back in the Netherlands after lots of holiday fun, of course on Trippist it means new places to recommend and yes, soon, a new trippist to tell you tales and share adventures. - Happy 2008 dear readers.

Yes it's 2008 and I know you want to know what's to-do in Amsterdam.

Friday:

A place that doesn't normally have concerts, the Van Gogh Museum is doing a live performance: Sketches of Spain by Miles Davis; 8pm, cost of a usual museum entry.

Radio Soulwax presents Soulwax the remixes; Melkweg, 8pm, 18€ plus membership.

Sinas is a latin group that likes percussion; Badcuyp 11pm, 8€.

Saturday:

Los Hollanditos play jazz at the Cotton Club; 4:30pm, free entry.

The Nederhop Special is all about local hiphop artists; P60 in Amstelveen, 9pm, 5€.

The Riot Festival contains indie rock and electronica; Melkweg, 8:30pm, 12€ plus membership.

Chocolate Club Dinner Party, exactly what it sounds like - chocolate. Dinner starts at 6pm, with party afterwards; 5€ entry, 35€ if you want dinner too.

Sunday:

The Enemy from the UK perform at Melkweg; 8:30pm, 11€ plus membership.

Classical Music, specifically by Italian masters; Concertgebouw Kleine Zaal, 11pm, 15€.

The World Christmas Circus 2007 is still going over at Carré. Shows are throughout the weekend, Sunday at 4pm, Saturday at 8pm. Tickets range from 15 to 49€.

While the era where happy Dutch people go ice skating on the frozen canals of Amsterdam may be over, you can still find ice skating around town.

Yesterday unfortunately they packed up the ice skating ring at Leidseplein, but until March you can rent some skates and get on the ice at Museumplein. Also if you find yourself exploring the North of Amsterdam, there is an ice rink for another 5 days at the Buikslotermeerplein.

Clearly your best bet is the museumplein rink, which will be in service until March. I like going by just to snap pictures of parents helping their children use wooden chairs to keep them balanced.

Skate rental is somewhere around 3 euros I believe. Bring an extra euro or 2 just in case, especially for some hot chocolate afterwards.

If you're thinking of studying abroad this year, you might want to consider the International School for Humanities and Social Sciences in Amsterdam. They offer (research) master's and undergraduate programs as well as summer courses. Their 2008-2009 program is now online.

More information on studying in Holland on Trippist.

The thing I hate about change is that cool traditions are often thrown aside. With all the changes going on around Central Station and the new neighborhood known as ODE, the latest victim is the well known Amsterdam Botel.

Yes the hotel that is also a boat will be moving soon, destination: NDSM dock. The furthest of all the Amsterdam north docks, the Botel will have plenty of cool neighbors like the Soviet Submarine, occasionally Greenpeace, and plenty of hip eateries and café's popping up in that area.

The only sad part is that the Botel will no longer be right next to Central Station. To get to it, you'll have to grab the free ferry, and destination NDSM is less frequent in the evening.

So if you're thinking of trying out the Amsterdam Botel that has for so long stood next to the floating Chinese Restaurant in Centrum, make a note that from now on, the Botel will be way up in the North. Sure there will be shuttle buses, free parking, and easy access to the A10 highway, but if you ask me, it is the end of a lovely era.

Now that the holiday madness is over, I'm plotting another visit to Rotterdam to check out the many museums I still haven't seen.

Near the top of my list is the Rotterdam Historical Museum. At the branch known as De Dubbelde Palmboom, an exhibit featuring unique portraits taken in Rotterdam are of particular interest to me. The portraits are by the photographer Eric van der Schalie (1954) who's work is apparently very closely tied to the city.

Tickets for the museum are only 3€ and with that same ticket you can go see exhibits at the other location, the Schielandshuis. The website is unfortunately in Dutch, but if you check out the site and scroll down you can find directions and tram info, it is not hard to find. Ill bring my camera and get back to you with a report.

Occasionally I end up in Leiden. Not often, but occasionally. Usually it is a brief visit for some specific purpose, meaning I don't really wander around aimlessly.

Still I have noticed that when I turn at certain corners, or look up at the side of a building or the occasional wall - there is something beautiful written there. Not even graphitti... I'm talking about clearly written, prominently placed texts; wall poems. In english, french, chinese, you name it, someone seems to be running around painting lovely poetry on the side of buildings.

Well I looked it up and that someone has the support of the city government. I guess that explains why they aren't cleaned off and why they're so well positioned. I even found a website that explains (in Dutch) each poem.

So the next time you're in Leiden, which is of course a beautiful place to go, when you see the writing on the wall; take a good long look, because that is poetry! And if you're not going to be in LEiden anytime soon, here is a virtual tour for your remote enjoyment.

In continuing with my plans for visting some places I don't always get to visit here in the Netherlands, I think it is time to go down to Tilburg.

As an ultimate frisbee player, I often play with people from Tilburg, including against their official team, Flying High. But I never go down there to see what this town is all about.

While I'm down there, one place I want to check out, is the Royal Palace. It isn't the protypical ancient castle, having been completed in 1849. It was mostly about King Willem II wanting to have some kind of place to hang his crown in Brabant. Of course eventually it would become town hall.

This January 27th they happen to be giving a guided tour of the palace. The tour is by reservation only, you can call this number 0628141566 to book it. The cost is 5€ and it all begins at 1pm. If I was thinking of getting down to Tilburg, this might be a good occasion.

Its more like a shrine than a shop. Once you step inside Aboriginal Art & Instruments, you've stepped into a shrine dedicated to this beautiful instrument and this rich culture. You're not bombarded with sales stickers and advertisements, you're blown away by hand crafted genius.

Over the years I've had friends who've fallen in love with the Didgeridoo and the store that introduced it to them here in Amsterdam. And whenever I walk by I find myself having to step inside at least for a few minutes to look at the lovely things on display.

So if any of this sounds like your style, just walk west 2 blocks from Dam square on the corner of Singel and across the street from the Albert Hein. It may not qualify as a Dutch experience, but I assure you, Aboriginal Art is very Amsterdam.

The town is coming back to life, as things return to normal; and normal in Amsterdam means fun.

Friday:

Glam Rock at MaloeMelo with The Bastardz of Glitter; 10pm, 5€.

My good friends Caspian Hat Dance play with Davie Lawson at Blijvertje; 9pm and free entry.

Bimhuis has the very prestigious David Torn & Prezens; 9pm, 16€.

The performance piece at Melkweg is called 24/7/52. It features British performer Bill Aitchison and is said to be insanely good; Fri and Sat. 8:30pm, 9€.

Saturday:

At CREA there's the Improfiësta, in english; 8:30, 8€.

If you're a Robyn fan, she's playing Melkweg; 9:30pm, 11€ + membership.

Mama Loo plays rock and they come from Utrecht; Cafe Bax; 9:30pm, free.

KIT Tropentheater, famous for having great world music, features Tunesian Ghalia Benali; 8:30, 18€.

Sunday:

For those that love the winter, the Nutcracker is being performed at the Meervaart, 2:30pm, 6€.

Momifest Beta 2.1 is going on at Winston Kingdom; 9pm, 5€.

It's a Balkan Evening at the Concertgebouw with the Amsterdam Sinfonietta; 8:15pm, 35€.

It is some kind of country-rock, but find out for yourself and see The Rebel at Paradiso; early show - 4:30pm; 6.50€ + membership.

Tonight at Paradiso a very small, very adorable young lady will be performing. Known to shock the crowds, particularly the unsuspecting, Soko is a blast of fresh air.
Her sweet voice belie her lyrics, songs such as 'I feel Shitty' about waking up with chapped lips, crusty eyes and a permanent hangover that will probably result in her getting dumped, again.
Or 'I think I'm pregnant', in which Soko muses, 'But I haven't had sex with anyone in months except for my hand!'.

Hailing from le France, this little witch is a magical crowd pleaser. Try to get in tonight to the Kleine Zaal at Paradiso at 10PM. Or you can catch her tomorrow in Rotterdam.

Some of Europe's finest hacker girls called me over the weekend. I love when hacker girls call me, and they sometimes do when they find themselves in Amsterdam. Many of them are former or future residents of this fine city.
So when they call me to meet them, I know it will be somewhere good. Sure enough they tell me to go to the Ponteneur to meet them for post dinner and drinks.

Now the Ponteneur is the cafe-restaurant jewel of Amsterdam Oost, a place where even if no one knows your name, you still get the feeling they do. Where tables are long and made of wood. Where newspapers and magazines can be read or politics can be debated. Where you can surf the internets to your heart's content on the free wifi. Where the good looking wait-staff treats you better than the average Dutch service.

When I arrived the hacker ladies had polished off a veggy dinner and it looked delightful. I asked them how it was and they made yummy sounds. Looking over at the big board, the prices are about average with the veggie option hovering around 10 euros. Meat and seafood lovers will find options as well that are sure to satisfy. Having missed out on the main course, together we chose a toffee cake that comes with a lovely scoop of vanilla ice cream, which most certainly hit the spot.

So if you're anywhere near the Tropenmuseum or Amsterdam Oost, the Ponteneur is the perfect place to meet your favorite hackers or even just to sit alone and plan your life.

On January 20th, the Nieuwe Anita, Frederik Hendrikstraat 111, will throw a celebration party promoting the power of alternative healing. The event will start at 2PM and end sometime around midnight.

The party will be in support of the Dutch organization Mama Cash, an International Women's Fund. I have a good friend who works for Mama Cash and can say that this is a reputable organization well-deserving of public support. The suggested donation is "5 - 20 euros". The drink proceeds will go to the Nieuwe Anita, a very hip and intimate spot (think sewing, good music and special parties - you have to see for yourself).

Expect musicians, performance artists, chantings, massage, body painting, organic food, dancing, DJs and more!

Some recent news from the hotel/accommodation world: the hostel chain StayOkay has apparently become the first institution in the tourism industry to be given the eco-friendly label.

Yes, ecofriendly! They use cleaning products that don't contain harmful chemicals, they use hotel supplies that are environmentally sustainable, they offer bike rental, they use minimal garbage, smokefree communal spaces, etc. There is a whole long list of criteria that StayOkay and its 30 hostels in the Netherlands have fulfilled in order to be granted the European Ecofriendly Label.

So keep that in mind next time you're thinking, "Yes I want to go on vacation to the Netherlands but I want to stay in a place that cares as much about its environmental impact as I do." Now there is a place... oh if only more institutions would follow their lead.

Browsing through the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands is always educational. For example: There's this crazy thing called the Defence Line of Amsterdam, and it is exactly what it sounds like.

Built between 1883 and 1920, the Defence line surrounds Amsterdam and was built with the idea of defending the city. The wall extends 135 km around the city, and of course, just beyond the walls you've got the quintessential canals and locks that the country is so known for.

There are different historical spots associated with the Defence line that can be visited, but unfortunately not all year round. For example the Fort Aan Den Ham, located in Uitgeest, will only have its next visitation day on April 27, from 11pm to 4pm. They have various exhibits which include photos and all the fun things a fort should have.

Other forts like the Dutch Coastal Defence Museum, located in the Hoek van Holland, have slightly better opening hours starting in February. A full listing of Defence Line related museums can be found on this website.

Hopefully this helps if you're planning on coming to town and looking for some less well known yet highly fascinating places to see.

Lets see if I can pick out some of the better shows to catch this weekend...

Friday:

A Deep Purple Tribute Band, you know you're curious; Pakhuis Wilhelmina, 10pm, 7€50.

There is something called Nederbeat and it comes from the 60's. To further understand, you must go to MaloeMelo; 10pm, 5€.

Saturday:

It is a choir-festival at PAradiso! 11:30am, 2€.

Mah Damba from Mali; KIT Tropentheatre, 8:30, 18€.

Electronica music made by Circus C-mon & Kypski; Melkweg, 10:30pm, 15€ + membership.

Sunday:

Horns on Heels, the all-female Latin Jazz Big band; Badcuyp, 3pm, 5€.

Beloved Jewish-American pianist Emanuel Ax; Concertgebouw, 8:15pm, 32€.

More electronica, this time with Red Snapper; Melkweg, 9pm, 14€ + membership.

In case the flyer image below appeals to you and you're interested to join up with OFFSCHEDULE again for their latest party, here's an invitation for you! (Offschedule is the premier fashion event/show/party for Amsterdam designers, and is guaranteed to be experimental.)

Go to the website to register and use this code to get on it for free:

Code (password for free guest list): offschedulemenow!

But remember, being on the guest list doesn't guarantee your entrance! Try to arrive early and be prepared to wait- how annoying, I know.. Or, do like I did twice before and find an ingenious way to sneak in!
Good luck.

I hope you weren't planning your next trip to Amsterdam around the reopening of the Maritime Museum. It was just announced that the renovation of the building that dates back to 1656, won't be re-opened until 2010. Originally it was thought that things would be finished and ready by next year.

The building was closed for renovation, among other reasons, because it is built on wood pylons (like much of Amsterdam). The restoration team had to ensure that these pylons had not rotted, which it is rumored, it taking longer than expected.

One thing I'm sure they are taking care of, which the museum actually did not have previously, is installing a proper climate control system. Yes when they say old, they mean.. old. We'll just have to wait til 2010 to experience it.

This one won't go under places to stay, cause actually no human could actually fit inside this hotel.

What's that I'm saying? - A hotel where people don't fit!

Indeed. It is a miniature hotel and it is located in the miniature version of the Netherlands known as Madurodam. It is Hotel Des Indes and just recently it was added to the collection as one of the Hague's most celebrated landmarks (besides Madurodam itself, also located in the Hague).

The tiny city is worth several posts, but today I'm just talking about the microhotel, a tribute to the real one which actually dates all the way back to 1881. But don't just get the text version, follow this link and watch the video of the preparations.

Adding to the list of recommended UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Netherlands, today it's a very special house.

The Rietveld-Schröder House in Utrecht is built in a very unique style known as "De Stijl". Looking at it for the first time it is clear that it has very little to do with the other houses on the block, with its light colors and sharper angles. All told, Rietveld build over 900 homes in Utrecht... not bad for one guy. And this house in particular is all about the "conscious act" of living in your home.

The house has been open to the public since the late 80's and is obviously a big attraction for architecture buffs from around the world. It was placed on the World Heritage Site list in 2000.

Being the unique house that it is, it has a unique visitation schedule: thursday through sunday, and reservations are a good idea.

Remember when I wrote about the very public toilets in Amsterdam center? (See previous blog). They're everywhere, and they're sexist. That's because these toilets, if you will, are built exclusively for men (think vertical), leaving ladies the only option of using a restaurant or cafe washroom and often having to pay for it.

Fifteen ladies magazines have decided to start a petition to be presented to city authorities in support of clean public restrooms for ladies, with space for baby diaper changing.

If you want to give your support to the movement,visit their website here, and click on the large pink button 'Zet hier je handtekening' ('Place your signature here').

The computer ate my big to-do list, so this is a rewrite, Saturday-Sunday edition.

Saturday:

The band is called Hotel and they're at Cafe Pakhuis Wilhelmina; 10pm, €7.50.

Double Talk is a hiphop group and you can find them at Paradiso; 9pm, €12.50.

The CREA Orkest does Mahler's Second Symphony; Concertgebouw, Grote Zaal, 8:15pm, €18.

Closing Sunday, the Cobra museum in Amstelveen has an avante-guard Chinese art exhibit, Tues-Sun 11pm-5pm.

Also closing Sunday, at Foam, fashion photographer Joost Vandebrug; Sat-Wed 10pm to 6pm.

Sunday:

Two words: Iron & Wine. Ok that might be three words, anyway Paradiso, 9pm, €14 + membership.

National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico; Concertgebouw, Grote Zaal, 2:15pm, €30.

MultimediaJam: audio, video, and more; ZID Theater, 2pm, free.

THE Pharoah Sanders Quartet at Bimhuis, 9pm, €24.

Not quite theater, not quite a band; Keet, Meervaart, 8:15pm, €17.

A new 2008 police 'behaviour directive' is aimed at what Amsterdam's officers do in their free time: No more soft drugs, and specifically, no more smoking marijuana. The purpose? So that these public service representatives fulfill their full time position as public role models. What happens to officers that get caught getting high? Ahh, just some soft punishment, of course. Offending officers will be provided help and counseling, not jail time.

Its not too late to see some of the newest films at the Rotterdam film festival. Every day until the 2nd of February, movie fanatics will be packing in the cinemas around Rotterdam to catch some of the most popular, anticipated and controversial films of the season.
Visit the schedule for what's coming up in the next days here.

Current festival favorites (as voted by the audience) include 'Cordero de Dios' (Lamb of God) from Argentinian Lucía Cedrón, Iraqi Mohamed Al-Daradji's 'War, Love, God & Madness' and Spanish horror flick 'REC'.

Every final Thursday evening of the month, from 730PM to 830PM, free in-depth explanatory tours are given by FOAM museum guides through the main current exhibition. Visitors do still pay the regular entrance fee and can register at the entrance desk at 730PM.

This coming Thursday the 31st of January, catch Weegee, the "legendary photographer, regarded as the prototypical modern photojournalist and one of the most important photographers of the 20th century". See if you agree!

Weegee's photos display crimes and accidents in the 1930s and 1940s New York, but also reveal typical street life. Every photograph is black and white, and the 231 piece collection are vintage prints from Hendrik A. Berinson, compiled over a period of more than 20 years.

I'm a big fan of Dutch astronaut André Kuipers. While in the US I never ran into any astronauts, the Netherlands being a small country, if you hang out long enough, you'll run into the few Astronauts that are here.

Not too long ago I attended a talk he gave in Amsterdam, all about his journey in space and his time in the international space station (ISS). The man loves what he does and is super knowledgeable, of course. He seemed to glow as he spoke about the extensive plans the European Space Agency has for the next decade.

Last week he was on a Dutch news program talking about the next time he would be in space (in a few years). He spoke about the Dutch and European contributions to the ISS. Someone had asked him if he could see the Afsluitdijk from space, as many people say you can see huge structures like the great wall of China from space. Kuipers responded that in space you couldn't see the dijk, but from the ISS which is much closer to earth, he said it was indeed very clear... the huge afsluitdijk which protects the Netherlands.

I pictured it in my head... there you are.. in space.. and you look down towards earth, and just over the tiny Netherlands, you see this clear line... the afsluitdijk. Amazing. To think I've driven over it several times, and indeed.. even from that close up.. I'm still impressed.

Sometimes the ugliest buildings are the most fascinating to look at.

We received some desperate emails here at Trippist and they all concern the Super Bowl... If, where and when will they show the big game??? Well, not to worry, even when in Amsterdam. I know of two places in the center of the city: the first one, the Satellite Sports Café, is located on the Leidseplein. The other one is Hotel The Globe, in the Red Light District, which is a hotel with a 24 hour sports bar. Coverage starts at 1230am Sunday night/Monday morning!

If you know of any other places let us know...

I'm still annoyed that I had to miss Steve Earl tonight... but the show must go on, so here's the list...

Friday:

African, Indonesian, Indian, Arabian and Portuguese culture influence Ricky Randimbiarison of Madagascar. Catch him at the Tropentheater; 8:30pm, €18.

The Young Sinatras, apparently they are what the name suggests; Paradiso, 10pm, €10.

Bach Cantates by La Petite Bande; Concertgebouw, 8:15pm, €45.

Saturday:

The Cotton Club All Stars play, not surprisingly, at the Cotton Club, 4:30 to 8pm, free.

The title alone says it all: Metalbattle; De Kade in Zaandam, 8:30pm, €5.

A place we don't often mention, The Cruise Inn, has Tony Marlowe's Guitar Party; 10pm, €5 + membership

Sunday:

The ever-so-cozy OCCII has The Anomalys; 9pm, €5.

The Soul Rebels do the bigband thing at Casablanca, 8:30pm, free.

The German Institute, aka the Goethe Institute has pianist Dante Boon with violist Manuel Visser, 4pm, €5.

OT301, my neighbors, have been featuring a Ping Pong Bar evbery night at 9pm, free, though you may have to reserve.