There are two restaurants in Rotterdam that should get recognition and more visitors for their variety of dishes, great service and affordable prices; otherwise known as SUMO. Luckily for the local Rotterdammer and any visiter for that matter, there are two locations, in which there is a slit difference in menu but not in quality or does it make for a less savory cuisine. SUMO located on Mauritsweg 28 offers Sushi & Teppan Yaki while Westerinngel 1a is a Sushi & Grill Resturant. During the week at Sushi & Teppan Yaki enjoy an all-you-can-eat meal for 19,50 euros and on weekends 21,50 euros, while paying a little extra for a tasty beverage to complete the deal. The décor and ambience is quite enjoyable in the oriental setting in a rather busy and fast pace city. For just one night escape the stress and rush life brings, and treat your-self to relish in a meal at Sumo. With the ending of Ramadan, I can't help and wonder that there are some stomachs eager to feast on some delicious sushi.

The Hooykist in Leiden is the oldest eat cafe which would most easily be translated to a small cozy restaurant. It opened on the 27th of February 1980 on Hooigracht 49, the street where it still stands to this day. Enjoyable music can be heard while enjoying a typical dutch meal and a relaxing atmosphere. On certain days, there are specific dishes served for only 7,50 euros. Tonight the special dish will be the famous Dutch hutspot; mashed potatoes and carrots. With the weather beginning to get colder, this dish is a perfect way to warm you up and satisfy your hunger. Not to mention, with the economical and financial crisis that is hitting all of us, you can't beat a meal for 7,50.

The cold air is causing everyone to seek warm places with warm performances, here what I recommend this weekend:

Friday:

Zuco103, they're huge and you'll find them at Paradiso; Grote Zaal, 8pm, €14 + membership.

I have never heard of Malkovich but they're Dutch and they will cease to exist after this show; Akhnaton, 8:30pm, €8.

Saturday:

Quatro Ventos are not to be missed, although they're Dutch, they play Portuguese Fado; Concertgebouw, Kleine Zaal, 8:15pm, Tickets range €21 to €31.50.

The Riplets, again there's nothing like watching a local band play its last show ; Paradiso, Kleine Zaal, 10pm, €10 + membership.

Sunday:

Its a bit more than flamenco, Stefka plays Badcuyp, Noordpool, 9pm, €8.

Warm Bad- with Amir Swaab on piano and DJ Rudy; Sugar Factory, 5pm, €10.

The Rotterdam Cruise Terminal is hosting another FRANK also known as FRiday Afternoon DriNK which the theme for today is 'Havana Club Special Edition Bring the Sun into the Night.' This is a well known event in Rotterdam and there are many people who attend so make sure you are in time. The atmosphere is high favored for in the Cruise Terminal you can sip on a delicious cocktail and gaze at the Rotterdam Skyline, and perhaps you will run into old friends, business partners, or create new friends throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Entry is free but once its full there is no more entries allowed, so I recommend showing up on time and not making a fashionably late appearance. Doors open at 17.00 and the party ends at 23.00.

For those who are looking for something eventful to do tonight, travel to Leiden and enjoy live bands, fresh pastries, candy, and more. There are even fun rides for small children and teenagers. The streets were rather busy last night and I expect that there will be another good turnout today and later this evening. Something fun for the family, with friends, or someone special. Just take the train to Leiden Centraal and once you exit you will see where the fun beings.

As a longtime blogger and podcasting citizen reporter, I received a kind invite to speak at the University of Groningen in the North of the Netherlands. Which was of course a good chance to snap some photos, wander around, and soak up some atmosphere that I could later tell you about.

Groningen is about 2 hours and change north of Amsterdam, way up there where things start looking and feeling like a cross between Dutch, Danish, and German. Home to around 185,000 people, I bet 75% of them are university students under the age of 26. Which means if you wander around the University areas, you really do feel like you're in the middle of something exciting.

Although train travel is easy and comfortable in the Netherlands, getting to Groningen from Amsterdam can also seem like a little more of an adventure by train, as at some point you have to switch trains and then even once you switch you have to pay attention to what half of the next train you get on because 1/2 of that train DOESN'T go to Groningen.

I made all the right trains and arrived in Groningen with ample time to walk the streets on a busy monday morning. While of course there are people on bikes everywhere you look, the city is an extremely manageable size so one can actually walk everywhere quickly. Unlike when I call someone in Amsterdam to meet for coffee and they tell me to meet them in 30 minutes, in Groningen my friends say.. "ok Ill be there in five minutes." Again, small city, small distances.

Another perhaps well known but also very obvious fact once you're there, the male to female ratio of that city is heavily more females to male. I'd guess something like 8 to 1. As you walk the streets or sit in a cafe, you may just notice, it is a women's world.

At this point I can imagine you're convinced this is a lovely place worth your attention. All this week I'll try and bring you Groningen related posts about places to go, things going on, etc. So stay tuned for that.

The JoHo foundation is an international organization that runs on the basis of work, travel and international cooperation and has locations all over the world. Rotterdam is a home to one of the JoHo centers. I find JoHo to be unique for many reasons.

At first glance when walking into the store, you would guess that it was just a travel book store with travel gear and equipment, souvenirs, and for Rotterdam even a small cafe where you can enjoy a coffee, tea and a small meal. However there is a deeper goal, they are involved in many international, foreign aid, insurance, community and social work. On their website you can find more information on Development & Business, Travel & Accommodation, Jobs & Education and so much more about other countries, and great tips.

My hats are off to this organization for their successes each year in setting up development projects, helping over 1000 young people finding jobs abroad, the entrepreneurial involvement with business in foreign countries, sending 5,000 volunteers going where they are needed, providing education and more. If you are ever in the town of Leiden, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, or Groningen I encourage you to find a JoHo International Experience center to support their organization and so they can continue the work they do. Visit their website: www.joho.nl

While in Groningen I spent a good amount of time at Mr. Mofongo's Café-Restaurant right in the heart of the University area. At first glance it seems to be merely a pub filled with students. But once you've gone in, sat down, and glanced over the menu, you'll see a list of options and ingredients that are not only different but also delicious.

Out of all the delicious options I ended up with a Goat Cheese Raspberry sandwich, which may sound odd but tasted heavenly. Seems Mr. Mofongo's also does interesting things with bagels and soup. Small but not insignificant detail about this place, when you order tea or coffee, instead of the normal cookie or chocolate, you get a brownie! What a bonus.

If you want a good meal, good drinks, and the ultimate Northern Netherlands academic environment.. Mr. Mofongo's is my recommendation. You'll be seeing me back there without fail, next month.

I noticed the to-do list often comes too late to plan your concert going habits. So in an effort to tip you off earlier, in just over a week, the beloved Norwegian rockers Motorpsycho will be playing at Paradiso.

Psychedelic rock? Metal Band? Grunge? Indie? Use whatever title you want, it is sure to be a popular and fun night at one of Amsterdam's two most fantastic concert venues.

They'll go on at 8:30pm, tickets - since the band is so beloved- are not the cheapest; 20€ + 3 euro membership. Get them now online if you know you want to go, this thing might sell out.

As far as coffeeshops in Amsterdam go, the Greenhouse is a prestigious institution. With its four unique locations, clothing line, extensive restaurant menu, and fancy apartment rentals, they set themselves in a class apart.

Year after year the Greenhouse also turns heads and lands in the top 3 at High Times' Magazine's Cannabis Cup competition, for just about every category including seeds, hash, and coffeeshop. It's most well known menu items, Arjan's Ultra Haze and Super Silver Haze, have taken home first prize in several international competitions. The Greenhouse, although a laid back place, takes its work very seriously, and the results are for you to enjoy.

Easiest location to get to once you arrive in Amsterdam, just a few steps from Dam Square in the Red Light District. But perhaps you're more adventurous, and will visit my favorite of their locations in the Pijp. Info on all their locations here.

Al Gore is visiting the Netherlands this week, so naturally his every move makes the news.

Yesterday he helped launch the institute for sustainable and innovative technology with a special focus on water management and clean energy. This institute will be based in the Rotterdam Port area, on a futuristic floating structure. It will be opened in 2009 and among the key players in this project: WWF, Delt University of Technology, Eneco, and Erasmus University of Rotterdam.

Gore's big message was to encourage the Netherlands to invest even more in wind and solar power and abandon any plans to build more coal plants.

Interesting for visitors will be 2009 when you can go see this cutting edge institute at work in Rotterdam.

I'm missing all the fun back in Amsterdam as Im attending the European Video Bloggers conference here in lovely Budapest, Hungary. However, back in Amsterdam, I recommend these:

Saturday-

Adaya Lavi plays Bossa Nova and the best part is that its free; Skek, 9:30pm.

Part of the Turkey Now! fest, Teoman plays Paradiso, 8:30pm, €27 + membership.

Sunday-

Thaïsa Olivia Quartet plays classic jazz; Badcuyp, Zuidpool, 8pm, €4.

Although no one in Amsterdam wakes up this early, Bach and Breakfast, Muziekgebouw, Grote Zaal, 9:30am, prices range between €9-11.

BOnus - Monday-

Aimee Mann! Melkweg, The Max, 8:30pm, €22.50 + membership.

Last few days I adventured off into some of the oldest parts of the Netherlands such as Maastricht and Valkenburg, discovered that there actually are 'mountains' or in my terms hills present in the Netherlands, traveled further to Margraten where there stands an American Cemetery from W.W.II and then later found myself standing in three different countries at the same time, or otherwise referred to as the Drielandenpunt in Vaals. Each day this week my blogs will about one of the places I have just mentioned with more details and what there is to see.

Maastricht is a city that still holds a lot of charm. Immediately existing the central station this town captures you by its beauty. If you continue on through town on Stationstraat there are markets with fresh produce, shops specifically for fresh cut meat, a delicious patisserie, side cafe's and expensive shops which are just as enjoyable for window shopping. Eventually you will run into Sint Servaasbrug which was built between 1280 and 1298 after the first Roman bridge had collapsed in 1275. This bridge was named after Sint Servaas, a bishop who seeked refugee in Maastricht and established a Christian community; the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk was a result of this foundation which can be found on Onze Lieve Vrouwplein. Wandering through city its hard not to feel that you are walking back into history. However there are great shopping streets that are disguised by the old buildings and many side streets away from the center that are worth getting lost. There are hidden houses in side alleys and a peaceful way to spend the afternoon instead of dodging crowds in the center. If it was sunny like it was this past weekend, the park on the south side is another great way to spend the afternoon. Maastricht is not a city that will disappoint you. For those who want to learn about the history there is the National History Museum, others who want to discover it on your own that is also not difficult to do with a easy to read map and a good pair of walking shoes, some who have come to the city with a full wallet then there are many of good shops to help take off the burden and of course those with a big appetite can enjoy great meals.

After leaving Maastricht my next stop through the southern country-side of the Netherlands was Margraten where there is an American cemetery from the Second World War.

There were large concrete walls that had close to a couple hundred names of men that where not found after the war, which was astonishing to see how many were missing. But walking up the steps and seeing thousands of white crosses that were representing the bodies that had been identified and other bodies that had not been identified but were represented by a cross, added to the astonishment and was a very moving experience.

It was unique to be an American standing on foreign soil but amongst thousands of my fellow citizens who were valorous and helped free the Netherlands. For anyone who wants a moving and humbling experience, regardless if you are American or European, this cemetery is worth the trip.

I'm no fashionista, but I did notice the story making its way in some Dutch media about the specially designed New Balance Rotterdam Sneaker.

In cooperation with a bunch of Rotterdam designers and artists, they rolled out a black, grey, silver, purple and teal limited edition shoe. Black, grey and silver for, apparently, the typical color of Rotterdam buildings. Teal for the Maas river. And purple to represent renewal. (I never knew purple means renewal?)

The sneaker is generating quite alot of attention among rabid sneaker fans, especially as only 150 pairs were manufactured. The shoes, named the kakkerlak, are tied to a larger design line of clothes made by Rotterdam designers. They will be available starting November 8th at this store.

Want to see? Watch this video (in dutch).

The journey continued to Vaals where it would guide us to 'Drielandenpunt,' three land point where Netherlands, Belgium and Germany all meet. This was one of the most beautiful drives through the netherlands I have ever taken. The areas and reserves we passed through were very popular for camping and hiking so I would recommend anyone who wants a beautiful, affordable, enjoyable vacation is traveling to Vaals and camping for a week. There are many places to hike and picnic. With the weather getting more cold now, perhaps summer and early fall is the best, however don't let the weather steer you away from traveling through the only hills the Netherlands has to offer. After you have set up camp, then hop in your car for another 15 minute drive to reach Drielandenpunt. There is a fun labyrinth for children or adults who want to feel like children, and a tower that takes you about 6 stories high in which you have a view of all three countries. Afterwards you can enjoy a fresh beverage or warm coffee in one of the cafes. You can also make this just a fun day trip.

What to do in Amsterdam when that temperature dips a little further?

Friday:

There's still time to catch The Walkmen at Paradiso, Kleine Zaal; 7pm, €10 + membership.

Saturday:

Some banjo action with Curtis Eller; De Nieuwe Anita, 8pm, €6.

Bomb the Bass is an electronica party at Sugar Factory; 9:30pm, €10.

Sunday:

From Tanzania, the Mlimani Park Orchestra; KIT Tropentheater, 3pm, €23.

Jump at the chance to hear the James Carter Quintet; Bimhuis, 8:30pm, €20.

Bonus-Monday:

YOu'll find me and friends at the Ani DiFranco concert; Paradiso, Grote Zaal, 7:30pm, €25 + membership.

One of the best nights of the year is coming this saturday to Amsterdam: Museum Nacht. Yes it is the night where all of Amsterdam's museums are open and featuring unique activities and maybe even some music and drinkies and guest stars and you-never-know-what.

My all time favorite spots for museum night include: The Botanical Gardens, The Stedelijk CS, Artis Planetarium, and the tiny and not-so-well-known ARCAM. But that is just my taste. You can take a look at the always fancy website for the program and map out your route for museum night. Whatever you have planned, cancel it, I personally guarantee you that this night is Amsterdam at its best.

Tickets for the whole night go for 17€ unless you wait til the last minute and get them saturday evening, then it will be 20€. Click here for a list of all the places in Amsterdam where you can buy tickets.

Maybe I'll see you sitting quietly by candlelight at the Portuguese-Jewish Synagogue on Saturday night.

A few days ago I was in the city of Leiden visiting with trippist contributor Janelle who makes her home there. Being October, it was a grey and rainy day, and besides tourism and catching up, we decided our primary mission was to find good apple pie and hot chocolate.

But things don't always work out as you plan them, and as we made our way from café to café, everytime we asked about pie, the answer kept being - NOPE, sorry. Until we finally arrived at the Bijlen. Tucked just past one of Leiden's historical and beautiful windmills, Bijlen has plenty of elbow room, kind staff, and indeed, pies on a daily basis. But again, you can't always get what you want; we asked for apple pie but were told there was only choco-cheescake. What would you do? We went for the choco-cheese. A wise choice.

We left happy, warm, and yes.. with a slight stomach ache from way too delicious pie. It wasn't the original mission, but at the very least I could come back to you and recommend the Bijlen as a place for drinks and pie, thought not necessarily apple, in Leiden.

Holland is now reaching its cold climate and it was most definitely felt on my bike this morning. The air is crisp and the sky clear blue, but leaving many to hibernate. Passing the Euromast this morning, made me think of a great idea for those who want to stay warm, enjoy the beautiful weather, take a view of the city and the harbor all at 100m high for 8,30 euros. It is expected that you will be 'eating with your mouth wide open.' There is a Brasserie that can offer a delicious menu while you feast your eyes on the wonders of the city such as the Kuip stadium, Erasmusbrug, the skyline and more. For those who feel like spending the night in their luxurious suites 'Heaven' or 'Stars' the stay in the Euromast will quite memorable, but make sure you book three months in advance for these rooms are a hot item. You can spend big or small, no matter what it is there for anyone to enjoy.

Rotterdam is hosting on of the biggest indoor dance festivals tonight, Musica Republica. The theme is combining 5 parts of world, Miami, Tokyo, Berlin, Paris and Rotterdam, each with their own DJ's. All together there will be over 40 DJ;s, other entertainment like stage shows, performing actors and dancing that will continue all through the night if you can make it to 6.00 a.m. It will be hosted at Maassilo Rotterdam on the Maashaven, doors open at 22.00. Go online now to buy tickets before they sell out. This is a night Rotterdam will not forget, so be part of that memory and be apart of Musica Republica tonight October 31st.