May 1st is the quietest day in the Netherlands. Everyone sleeps until 12 at least. It is a national hangover but by the end of the day, everyone is strolling around or sitting out in front of their house or at a café.

In an effort to recover from the party of the year, I present you with two flickr videos from Vondelpark, which is easily the most beautiful and interesting part of Queen's Day. The way it works is anyone, especially children, sets up in Vondelpark in an effort to entertain, engage, or confuse you. Among the classic examples, the child with the "Make me laugh 1€" sign, or the typical 10 year old with a recorder, or one of the funnier ones I saw yesterday, the guy who lets you pay a euro to throw eggs at him.... hard.

Here are a pair of brief clips from Vondelpark this year:

Art Amsterdam, located in the RAI exhibition and conference center (south of Amsterdam) will be on for 5 days this month (from the 7th to the 12th). Over 125 galleries both Dutch and international will be participating - over a quarter international, from Korea, the USA, Germany, Belgium and more. This year will highlight art collections and many professional art collectors are invited- but you and I can surely fit in somewhere too!

It is not by any means comparable to Rome, but here in Amsterdam, there are alot of scooters. In fact, in most Dutch cities, as you walk near or ride in a bike path, you will inevitably be honked at by that shrill goose-like sound of a scooter horn. They ride in the bike lanes, and according to city officials, they're becoming overwhelming. Everywhere you turn there are more and more scooters popping up.

One of the issues that the scooter boom brings is air pollution; they may be small and seemingly practical, but they generate carbon emissions. And so in an effort to address the air quality concerns related to scooters, there are now more and more electric scooters popping up around the city.

According to its website the city itself has been awarding some of these electric scooters as prizes, part of their clean air campaign.

Again, it is no Rome, which means not only is it not yet a scooterpalooza, but you can still breathe fresh air in the average Amsterdam neighborhood. Its just that, while you're breathing that bit of air, a gas powered scooter might zoom by and throw a bit of foul exhaust your way.

Art Pie International is for real. Originally founded as a response to the KunstRai art festival, Kunstvlaai features non established artists. Instead of being held at Rai it is held at Westergasfabriek. And as the years have gone on (since 1997) API has gained international acclaim.

This years Art Pie begins on May 10th and goes until May 18th. It features work by - among the nationalities- Dutch, Japanese, Italian, American, and Danish artists. Tickets are 6 euro but you can only buy them during the festival at the central box office of the Westergasterrein.

Highly recommended, enjoy the international pie.

If you find yourself wanting to do a group project, here's something you often see on the streets of Amsterdam Centrum on a sunny weekend day:

Its called the PartyFiets... or the party bike. And indeed, you can rent it. Why would you want to? Well for one thing, I don't know how many chances you'll have to pedal, drink, and make a general fool of yourself while having lots of fun.

It has been nonstop sunny and hot here in the low countries, so what you really want is partys that take place outside. Lets see what we've got...

Friday:

Kevin Devine is a singer songwriter; De Nieuwe Anita, 8pm, €6.

Todos Para Brasil is the name of this party at Sugar Factory; 8pm, €12.50.

The International Jewish Music Festival is going on at the Muziekgebouw all weekend. Follow the link for more info.

Saturday:

Blues and gospel from the Campbell Brothers; Bimhuis, 9pm, €16.

Shapeshifter brings drum and base from New Zealand; Melkweg, Oude Zaal, 10pm, €15 plus membership.

Dead Elvis & His One Man Grave, Sherriff Perkins and King Automatic all playing at Paradiso; Kleine Zaal, 8:30pm, €8 plus membership.

Sunday:

Experimental music from the clever named Company Fuck (Austria), Eustachian (US), Sgure (FR), Surachai (US) and Peter Quistgard. OCCII, 9pm, €5.

At Bitterzoet, the Amsterdam Songwriters Guild is presenting a new compilation album; 8pm, €5.

A place that doesn't often have live music, the Blauwe Theehuis is featuring Mark Pritchard, Max Cole and Van Conk. From 3pm to 10pm, free.

Some more art for you this weekend. The Jordaan area will be the host of the “Open Studios Tour”.
Started as a small-scale initiative in 1988, this year seventy artists and collectives will open the doors to their studios. Each will be represented by one work at the Central Exhibition, where you can also pick up an itinerary, with every participating artist marked on a map. The Central Exhibition is free, and open on May 10, 11 & 12 from noon till 6 pm.

The address is: Dancestreet, Eerste Rozendwarsstraat 10 (corner Rozengracht)

The Netherlands has been brimming with sunlight and warmth for at least a week now. Outdoor seating at cafes and restaurants is filled to the max. Friends and colleagues are increasingly showing off sunburned skin and the trees are in full bloom, celebrating the unexpected climate.

But those optimists who have packed away their winter coats and scarves may be in for an unpleasant surprise. In the past, the Dutch weather gods hasve granted us this glorious warmth only to shock us once again with a vengeance of rain, wind, and cold in June. Last summer it lasted for the rest of the season. So enjoy these cloud-free days, Netherlands dwellers. Visit the beach and enjoy a drink on an outdoor terrace, because this may be it until next spring.

It's Mother's Day today in The Netherlands, too. I've seen a variety of commercials here for the usual housewife-friendly gifts - food processors, vacuum cleaners and the like. Flowers - ubiquitous in NL - are also an obvious choice.

But what about less traditional gifts, especially for those of us far from our mothers? How about sending mom an e-card from Greenpeace International? The headquarters are located in Amsterdam, so you can show your commitment to the environment, your affinity with Amsterdam and your love for mom all in one go. Also check out someecards.com - not Dutch-related, but they have a great selection of topical e-cards.

I'll be Skyping with my mom later - then I can show her all the flowers I bought in her honor at the market yesterday. Whatever your plans, enjoy the day.

Longtime readers of this blog will remember me mentioning the miniature version of the Netherlands known as Madurodam, located in the Hague. Naturally I recommend it to anyone, all ages, all interests, as a simple visit while in the Hague.

According to the website:

Children can draw and tinker at Bert and Ernie's place, enjoy themselves at the Broccoli Forest, count with Count von Count and listen to stories in the Sesame Street dunes.

This will continue until October, which is convenient for any families making longer term plans for a visit to the Netherlands and more specifically, the Hague. If you do make it, send my regards to Oscar, he always got a bad rap in my opinion.

Why not go to Rotterdam this summer while visiting Holland? From the end of May until the beginning of September almost every weekend there is something going on in Rotterdam. Street theater, open air movies, dance parades and concerts on the water. You can find more information on Rotterdamfestivals.nl where you can link to the different festivals (culturele agenda).

If you're looking for a place to stay in Rotterdam the people at Use-It can help you out. Here is a list of hostels and cheap accommodation. Sleep-In De Mafkees seems like the cheapest option. For only € 10 per night (including breakfast) you can spend the night at an old skating rink near Central Station. And they have one very special suite: the honeymoon suite!

...unless you're accustomed to taking the bus, that is. Today, the Netherlands experienced nationwide bus strikes, leading to traffic jams on the roads "twice as long as usual." This situation is rather interesting - if public transportation stops, people find themselves literally stuck on the highways.

It's so much different in the area of the world I'm from, where practically everyone has their own car and would scarcely notice if the buses quit running for a few days. I guess today's traffic really helps the trade unions make their point - the Netherlands needs its public transportation.

On Friday, May 16 - and the third Friday of each month - COC Leiden will host a party for international lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, young expats and their friends.

Parties are held alternatively in Leiden and Rotterdam, and serve as a way for LGBT students from other countries to meet each other, find a supportive network, and enjoy a great party!

The party is called 0031 and begins at 10pm (no entrance after 2am). The website describes the music as "70'80'90 music with DJ Sjors." COC Leiden is located at Langegracht 65, a 10 minute walk from the Central Station. More detailed directions can be found here.

Cool bands must have heard about the hot weather, so it looks to be a good weekend.

Friday:

The Most Serene Republic - Canadian Indie Rock that I like very much; Paradiso, Kleine Zaal, 7:30pm, €7 + membership.

Rockabilly played by Ruby Ann & The Round Up Boys; Maloe Melo, 10pm, €5.

Saturday:

Orange Grove brings ska and raggae to Bitterzoet, 8:30pm, €7.50.

Eddie Palmieri, a living legend, no further introduction necessary; Melkweg, The Max, 9:30pm €25 + membership.

Sunday:

Rumbatá with Jaime Rodríguez, early start at Sugar Factory, 4pm, €8.50.

Harmonica Shah & His Detroit Blues Band; Bimhuis, 2:30pm, €15.

From 10am to 6pm, one extremely big book fair, from Central Station to Waterlooplein. I think you'll easily find it.

One of the first individuals that I had the pleasure of meeting upon arrival in Amsterdam was this little guy pictured below. He's an outdoor cat, and seems to like students as he's now hung out in the courtyard of a student housing area for most (or all) of his life.

We first met almost seven years ago, and I spent lots of time with him the year we lived in close proximity. Year after year he stays, making new friends and finding new care givers. I've watched water bowls change as well as the type of food provided. For the past couple years he's had a little house built for him. Major construction in the area hasn't phased his enthusiasm of neighborhood. His name has even changed a number of times.

And every time I see him, usually several times a year, I greet him enthusiastically and tell him how nice it is to see him again.

Marathon runners and supporters will be packing the streets of Leiden on Sunday, but for those looking for a more laid back way to spend the day, look no further than the Scheltema Arts complex. They are putting on an event called "Lazy Sunday Afternoon" and are particularly inviting expats to join.

The program (held on Sunday, May 18) will include:

Live Band - The YJT's (from 4:30-6:00pm)
Easy Listening music (from 6:00-7:00pm)
Band- Junior Eats Alone! (from 7:00pm-9:00pm)

More information can be found here.

This Tuesday, May 20th, yours truly is presenting two documentaries at the former film academy known as OT301. Both documentaries are related to Bangladesh; the first being about the stateless Bihari people, who live in Bangladesh since before the country existed, but are not considered citizens. This film focuses on how this came to be, as well as what life is like for the millions who live in camps since the 1970's.

The second film focuses on the women who work in the garment industry of Bangladesh. Quality of life, work conditions, and big labels are among the topics covered by this film.

Films start at 8:30pm, on the second floor of OT301, which is located at Overtoom 301, right next to Vondelpark. Entry is 4 euro and you'll get to meet me, since I'm organizing it on behalf of a friend who worked on both films.

The Bimhuis is a frequent mention on Trippist's "To Do" lists, and here it is, in all its glory. I snapped this photo on the way back to the Central Station. A large group of tourists rented the infamously red MacBike bicycles to explore Amsterdam. They had just paused to lock their bikes outside this grand building before heading out to enjoy a stroll along the water.

Not a bad way to spend a sunny afternoon!

On May 31 and June 1 the first edition of an international cabaret and comedy festival will take place at the Melkweg. Lots of Dutch talent, but also international comedians will perform on both evenings. Reservations can be made at their website, around 1500 comedy lovers will be able to see the shows.

Some cool names heading into the weekend, lets get to it:

Friday -

Go see Kimya Dawson, she is fantastic; Paradiso, Grote Zaal, 8pm, €10 + membership.

After that head over to the Pakhuis Wilhelmina for Stuurbaard Bakkebaard; 10pm, €7.50.

Saturday -

The big event this weekend is taking place at Foam: Foam_fusion! Two days of debates, talks, presentations, films, jam sessions, workshops and more. (Sat 11am to 7pm, Sun 11am-8pm), free.

Feist is here, Feist is here! Paradiso, Grote Zaal, 7:30pm, sold out, but don't let that discourage you.

Then late night at Bimhuis, Chico Pinheiro e Banda; 11:59pm, €16.

Sunday -

American Pianist Richard Goode; Concertgebouw, Grote Zaal, 8:15pm, €32/€39.

Then over in my building, 9th Radio Monalisa Matinee; De Cameleon, 4:30pm, €10.

If you’re based in the Netherlands and looking for a great holiday getaway, it may seem easier to just go to the websites of the big airlines and pay whatever they’re asking. But in the Netherlands, just like anywhere else, sometimes it’s better to check around for a good deal first. My top two suggestions:

Kilroy Travels. Particularly handy if you’re a student, they provide both basic and flexible fares. The flexible fares in particular have great perks – a pretty rare bonus when shopping for airfare these days.

D-Reizen. If you live in the Netherlands, you’ve seen this chain. Skip the package deals – you’ll be on chartered flights that depart in the middle of the night and leave you at a crappy hotel full of Dutch tourists – but check out the airfares online.

It had been more than two years since I last stepped foot in the squat boat restaurant known as the Einde van de Wereld. The what? Yup, most people haven't heard of it, or rather, many people don't believe it exists or just plain don't get the ecclectic atmosphere.

But indeed despite the time that has passed, the boat is still firmly entrenched in its parking space, right where Javaeiland meets KNSM eiland. Right where one can sit on the deck to enjoy a vegetarian meal and watch the sun set over central station and the Ij. Or maybe sitting below deck with the majority of the community, amongst the chatter and the live music, is more your thing.

Happy to be back, I stepped right up to the counter and ordered my warm meal, paying the lady 6 euros and stepping to the side to order my drink from the drink man. After enjoying the music and the meal with a friend, I returned to that counter for some mangos and ice cream... an excellent topper for a delicious and healthy meal.

If you can find it, and you're curious enough, the End of the World is right there waiting. Careful what day it is, as the End of the World only serves dinner on Wednesday and Friday starting at 6pm. And once all the food is gone, it is done. Which is a translation of the Dutch phrase "op is op."

Address: Javakade 4, Amsterdam

You know you want to learn Dutch. And now it’s so easy. There’s no need to register and pay for a class and try to motivate yourself to go every week. It’s quite possible to sit at home and – if you have an internet connection – immerse yourself in some great teaching tools online.

The best place to start? With audio. Check out Laura Speaks Dutch, an entertaining podcast with a nice story behind it. He hasn't updated since Koninginnedag but there's plenty to keep you busy in the meantime. Then head on over to Dutch Word of the Day to pick up an important and useful expression. Want the basics? The Integral Dutch Course provides you with all the boring rules on pronunciation and grammar that a textbook would – for free!

With all these resources, there’s really no excuse not to start learning. Hmmm, I think I’ve inspired myself to again take up the challenge...

May has just about gone, so this is the last hurrah weekend before the summer sets in. Here are some recommendations:

Friday:

Minuit, who hail from New Zealan; Winston Kingdom, 8pm, €10.

English Reformed Church features songs from around the world performed by Rusalki, 8:15pm, free

Ecellent Cuban music with Pedro Luis Ferrer; Bimhuis, 9pm, €18.

Saturday:

Raggae fest, Future Reggae Ruigoord, at Ruigoord, 2pm., €20 day tickets, €25 for a whole festival pass.

Last Man Standing, hiphop; OneFourOne, 10pm, €5.

More free music at the Patronaat in Haarlem, featuring Paper Chase, 10pm, free.

Sunday:

Big Dance Sunday, with bigbands playing at Odeon, 4pm, €7.50.

Not sure she'll draw the crowds the way she used to, but Mary J Blige is in town; Heineken Music Hall, 8pm, €43.

Just in time for the sort-of summer, Expatica has provided a list of reader’s favorite ice-cream shops around the country. They’ve awarded the 2008 prize to a parlor in Rijsbergen. In case you’ve never been there (or never heard of it, like me), they also have a list of reader favorites from all over the Netherlands. Here’s a few to check out:

The Garrone Gelateria in Haarlem

Clevers in Arcen (Limburg)

Ijs van Columbus in Amstelveen

Linde in Amsterdam

Check out the article for details, and don’t forget to visit these picks when you’re traveling around the country.