Amsterdam is called by some as the Miracle City as it has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries. One miracle in particular is remembered each year with a special mass and a historic procession. According to tradition, in the 14th century a man lay dying in his home on Kalverstraat. After a priest administered the last rites, he passed away on the evening of that 15th of March, 1345. Although the body burned once and was buried twice, the dead man 'miraculously' returned to his house at least twice. A church was then built at the site, although accounts fail to detail the final end of the man himself. In earlier centuries the procession from the chapel became so large it was eventually banned. Nowadays, people walk or cycle the pilgrimage in the nighttime 'Still Ommegang'.

The journey is done in complete silence and without religious attributes. It takes about an hour to complete the round and happens between midnight and four o'clock am. Check the website for the exact day as some say it takes place on the 8th, others on the 9th, and still others on the 12th.

Trippist reader Michelle asked in the comments about vegetarian restaurants and day trips from Amsterdam. Actually lot's of people have been emailing me with similar questions.

Naturally here on trippist, we've been writing for quite a while on all kinds of places you can go. You can use the search option or click on the different categories at any time to read those posts. Still, if you're new here, today I'll give you a quick list of vegetarian restaurants and day trips that we've covered on trippist.

Vegetarian Restaurants:

Foodism
Renzo's
Vrije Fork
Golden Temple
OT301 (peper)

Day Trips from Amsterdam:

Arnhem
Leiden
The Beach via Fast Ferry
Antwerp, Belgium
The Hague

The Netherlands has long stretches of nude beaches, nude saunas are the norm, and in the last few years a nude gym was even opened. With ever-increasing trends towards in-the-buff activities, now Dutch nudists can attend a nudist fair twice a year in Spaarnwoude.

Interested? If you want to attend, get ready to leave your clothes at the door, and then enjoy perusing an estimated 80 stands full of fascinating activities.

The first nudist fair will be held April 1-5, 2008. They've already sold 150 tickets, so there's sure to be a crowd!

The days continue to get longer, as do the parties...

Friday:

Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tony Kushner will discuss his work.; De Balie, 8pm, €10.

The Upsessions pump out the ska; Maloe Melo, 10pm, €5.

From Albania, the Përmeti Ensemble; KIT Tropentheater, 8:30pm, €16.

Lilian Vieira of Zuco 103; Meervaart, 8:30, €20.

Saturday:

International Women's Day; a celebration including audio, visual and all kinds of interesting media.; Pakhuis de Zwijger, 12:30 to 6:30pm, free.

More ska, this time with the Beatbusters; Melkweg, Oude Zaal, 8pm, €11 + membership.

Singer Songwriter Benjamin Winter; Bitterzoet, 9pm, €6.

Subbacultcha!; De Nieuwe Anita, 8pm, €6.

Sunday:

Babak Maddah Group from Iran; Badcuyp, Noordpool, 3pm, €6.

Lou Rhodes from Lamb; Paradiso, Kleine Zaal, 3:30pm, sold out.

Sax player Chris Potter's and his Underground; Bimhuis, 9pm, €18.

Did you know that Amsterdam needs an official Bicycle Processing Center to deal with the huge number of bikes that grace its streets? Well, if you've been here or lived here, it must make sense!

The center has existed since April 2003. They pick up wrecked bikes as well as those "unpleasantly placed" - a chronic habit of Amsterdam residents. If you've had your bike removed, you can call a number (020-334-4522) and go pick it up.

They don't just hand out these bicycles, though. You'll need identification as well as the keys to your bike locks, which will unfortunately be cut - though it's a great way for them to make sure you're not after a cheap bike. Ten euros later and you'll be reunited with your best friend in Amsterdam.

The Netherlands is a strictly law abiding country. Granted, many of the people and establishments over which the rules and regulations govern may be considered extreme in other nations. Yet Dutch society at large has achieved a harmonious environment based on sensible and realistic policies.
Smart rules equate to safety, right?

I read recently on a Dutch news site this heading from January '08: "Man fined for not running over cat". Indeed, 45 year-old Cees Schuurmans from Schiedam has been fined €75 because he did not run over a cat which was crossing the road. He was fined for not obeying traffic signals, as the lights had turned from red to green.

A rare example of rigidity that is blind to the malleable nature of life, especially in a country known for its practicality and cool-headedness. Mr. Schuurmans has made a formal complaint, as most of us would. Let us salute this hero among drivers.

Last weekend I took a little weekend trip from Amsterdam to Copenhagen, and since many of you might consider doing the same one day, I figure I could tell you something about it.

First off I flew. While I try not to fly for the good of the environment if there are alternatives, all the other alternatives for getting to Denmark take ALOT of time, whereas the flight only takes an hour. Another reason its a decent option is that the flight itself (I took transavia) is relatively cheap, 8 euros each way before taxes, which of course becomes 80 euros or so round trip.

Now anyone who's been to Copenhagen will point out that it is expensive there. Which is true. Not only do they not use the Euro, despite being part of the EU, things generally cost more there.

Despite the prices, if you choose late February or early March, you can easily afford a good hotel room in the center of the city for not much money. That would be my second choice after staying with friends, which is always best.

During my 2.5 days I spent half a day in Christiania, the freetown located in the heart of the city, where a group of individuals formed their own community back in 1971. And its still going strong and a must-see when you're in town.

Of course there are the more traditional tourist spots, such as Tivoli Gardens, which was closed since spring has not arrived yet. I also managed to spend an afternoon at the Royal Museum of Art, just down the road from Rosenborg Castle, which is also lovely. I highly recommend each of these places if you only have a weekend in Copenhagen. Public transport is plentiful, but like in Amsterdam, a bike will give you mobility and freedom during your time there.

I do miss the Amsterdam markets since I moved away from the big city, but Leiden's bi-weekly market is a great substitute. This market, held on the banks of the Rhine, has been around for 900 years. That's quite a thought to ponder as I wander the stalls and practice my Dutch.

What do I look forward to? Well, the tomatoes are always worth the wait. Cheese samples abound so I always make sure I manage to try a few. By the time I've made the rounds I always find myself clutching a few bunches of tulips. Then I'm hard-pressed (but willing!) to juggle a steaming hot stroopwafel as I head home.

There are times when you find a cool street, be it in Amsterdam or any charming city, and at first you see all the great places for food, drink, etc.. and you keep walking, enjoying the scenery. At some point you walk so far that the cool places come to an end and you think... "oh thats it.. better turn back and choose one of those."

You might get that feeling walking along the Overtoom, the broad street that runs along Vondelpark heading towards the deep west of Amsterdam. At some point you think that all the good places must be behind you and you may as well turn around... but if you turned to soon, you'd miss Frenzi Cucina.

Yes it is Italian. Yes it is catering. And Yes, it is delicious. What's more unlike most catering places where you might have to carry out or sit right in front of the deli counter, Frenzi has a cozy back room where I like to sit, sip nice wine from Naples, eat soup, and enjoy a warm appetizer involving cheese or tomatoes. And when I don't want the privacy of the back room, there's a home-feeling dinner table right across from the stylish open kitchen.

Frenzi is some of the best Italian food and drink in Amsterdam, and it isn't all that well known... yet. Maybe because some people get this far down the Overtoom and turn back.... their mistake.

Open every day 12pm to 9:30pm. Overtoom 459, take Tram 1 direction to Osdorp and get out at Overtoomse Sluis.

The inspired author of that quote remains anonymous. However, one of the coolest day trips you can make from the Netherlands is a tour of their famous neighbor, Belgium- particularly of their beer crafting abbeys.

A beer tour will take you by car, bus or even bicycle around some of the abbeys, monasteries and farmhouses where the best beer in the world is grown and brewed.

Alternatively, if you can't make it out of the Netherlands or simply don't want to (understood) then sample the best of what Belgium has to offer without ever stepping foot inside at Gollem or Cafe Belgique in Amsterdam, two excellent and laid back beer bars.

I had never heard the word until I read it today. Improsoap. Seems to be a fusion between improvisation and soap operas.

Starting tomorrow, at the Hofman Café in Utrecht, the Dutch improv group BarCode will be performing improsoap live. I'm picturing lots of brother's cousin's mother's uncle confessing to having an affair with the gardener's hairdresser. Maybe even a mysterious murder? It is improvsoap so I expect not only to laugh but frequent plot twists like any standard soap.

Performances are in Dutch, but I think even if you don't speak the language, it is most certainly a very unique cultural experience... so go anyway! To top it all off, it is free... which is always a good price.

Shows will continue every thursday night til May 15th, the Hofman Café is located at Janskerkhof 17a, Utrecht. Shows start at 9pm.

On Easter weekend (22 and 23 March 2008), the Scheltema Complex in Leiden will host a cultural event with a Monteverdi's L'Orfeo opera theme. There will be music, there will be food (prepared by chef Andre Amaro), and Jeroen Willems (along with the group Track) will perform.

More details can be found here. Sounds like a great way to celebrate an early Easter holiday weekend.

Celebrations, festivals, anniversaries... around this time they start to appear.

Saturday:

Pakhuis Wilhelmina is celebrating its fourth birthday; 10pm, €7.50.

Jam in the Dam, featuring: Dark Star Orchestra, Umphrey's McGee, Disco Biscuits, among others; Melkweg, 9pm, €25 single performance; €50 day ticket; €185 festival pass.

OneRepublic is big right now; Melkweg, 9pm, €13 + membership.

Sunday:

Rumbatá, some very hot latin beats; Sugar Factory, 4pm, €8.50.

The Independent Night Unplugged, a collection of acoustic artists; Winston Kingdom, 8:30pm, €6.

Bulgarian folk from the Pauni Trio; Badcuyp, Noordpool, 8:30pm, free.

Looking for a day of pure, unadulterated luxury? I have to share this fabulous spa that I discovered last year. Although it is located in the middle of nowhere (if you're coming from Amsterdam, that is) it is completely worth the train/bus ride. This place has to be seen to be believed. Saunas of all sizes and temperatures, steam rooms with herbal themes, outdoor hot tubs, swimming pools, and lounge chairs. Last time I was there I had a heavenly hot stone massage to top off a day of relaxation. Not to mention delicious food!

Even better - every first Tuesday of the month they have a "bathing suit day" - which of course means all other days you have to go naked, So pick your preference and check it out!

A nice weekend can be made of Belgium, contrary to popular opinion. In fact, you will probably see a whole lot of the Netherlands in Belgium, in the people, in the food, and in the attitude. Depending on how long you've been in region, you may not even be able to tell the difference. In the north, everyone speaks Dutch, albeit with an accent many find cute. And in the south, there you will find French speakers. There is even a piece of German language only. In Bruxelles, you will be treated to not a blend but a distinct dual language environment. Street names, advertisements, instructions.. pretty much everything is presented in both languages. Interesting to note is that while many Dutch speakers learn at least basic French, most French speakers never learn more than a word or two of Dutch. And this applied mainly to the younger or professional sectors of the society.

Rivalries exist between the groups. But one thing everyone can agree upon are fresh thick waffles topped with chocolate sauce.

A round trip ticket on the train (2nd class, without discount) can range from under 100 euros to 150, but Eurolines, the discount travel bus, will take you on overnight journeys for around 50 euros return.

Flickr is of course a great source of photos of practically everything, but just the other day I discovered it also includes a beautiful collection of pictures showcasing the best of Leiden.

If you're thinking about venturing beyond the big city, check out the photos first. I have no doubt they'll convince you to come here and snap a few of your own!

Even larger, more diverse and delightful than the markets in Amsterdam and Leiden is De Bazaar, located in Beverwijk. The website says it's "a place where cultures meet," and I can't think of a better description! There's a free market (Oosterse Markt - Oriental Market) and a paid section (2 euros for all-day entrance to the Zwarte Markt (Black Market), Grand Bazaar, Computer Market & ChinaTown) and I honestly think there isn't anything you can't buy at this place.

Many people travel to De Bazaar by car, but it is also possible to take public transportation. Just disembark at the NS Station Beverwijk and walk for ten minutes - and you're there! It's open every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am-6:30pm.

I found myself at a table in a café with some very beautiful Spanish girls in town for Easter weekend. Though disappointed with the buckets of rain falling from the sky, they had nothing but praise for the Magnum photography exihibit going on now until mid-May at the Stedelijk Museum CS.

I have alot of respect for Magnum photography, they have captured some of the most powerful and important images of the last decades. For this reason, I recommend you wander over, just a few steps from Central Station, and see this latest exhibit of their world-reknown photography.

Looking for something to do the weekend of April 11-12? For the eighth year in a row, the Motel Mozaique will be on in Rotterdam. It's a music and dance festival. From the website:

“We invite artistically interested artists, enlight especial, new and unique forms of different art disciplines, and provide a fascinating mixture of art, music, performance and film.”

Not only that, but if you participate you'll also get the chance to spend the night in some pretty unique places - here's some ideas - just click on "sleeping."

The past 10 days have been Boekenweek, or Book week, here in Amsterdam. Did you notice? It is not too late to get involved- tomorrow is the last night, so visit the webpage for final events happening in bookstores and museums around the city.

If you miss this week, the city will continue to hold book related events throughout the
entire year! That is because Amsterdam in the city that currently holds the title of World Book Capital (for 2008). April will start the main events, and the World's Biggest Book Market is coming in May!

It was second easter day, which usually comes after the first easter day, and I found myself rambling into the Hague after a long journey. It was just after midnight and there was this occasional snow that could either make you jump or joy or drive you crazy.

In between insane snow action, I noticed many signs along the road in the Hague. Most of them were advertising the Picasso exhibition at the City Museum.

The exhibit features work from his entire career. In addition there are photographs of him creating his masterpieces. I'm extra curious about the photograph part as usually I find myself wondering what has going on in the room, what things looked like around the person who was doing the painting.

The exhibit only lasts til March 30th. For directions Ill pass you the address of the museum, or otherwise follow the link. (in Dutch)

Gemeentemuseum Den Haag
Stadhouderslaan 41
2517 HV Den Haag

We can't same to shake the winter, so we may as well enjoy life indoors.

Friday:

Running this friday to sunday, its the NoWhere film festival. A collection of films apparently made by youth from the Eastern neighborhoods of Amsterdam. I hope the films are easier to follow then their website.

Old school Amsterdam punk with Claw Boys Claw; Paradiso, Grote Zaal, 8pm, sold out, by why should that stop you?

I know some people that will be checking out Neco Novellas; Sugar Factory, 9pm, €10.

The Do are very sleepcore, in a good way; Paradiso, Kleine Zaal, 22.00, €8 + membership

Saturday:

Just in case you're interested, A Tribute to the Bee Gees; RAI, 8:15pm, €42.50.

My good friends Caspian Hat Dance are having an album release party; Nomadome, 9pm, €5.

Whiskey Puppy is a bluegrass trio from Oregon; Mulligans, 10pm, free.

Sunday:

Kimmie Rhodes is big in Austin, Texas; Paradiso, Kleine Zaal, 4pm, €10.

You'll find me watching the Radio Monalisa Matinee; De Cameleon, 4:30pm, €10.

Rooney is mostly pop with some rock; Melkweg, Oude Zaal, 9pm, €13 + membership.