As an american who is used to seeing stores filled with Halloween decorations and costumes it was a shock walking around Rottedam unable to find little or any symbol of the spirit of Halloween. Where I am from, children are excited for weeks prior to halloween to dress in their costumes. It is not uncommon to choose at the beginning of the year what or who they will dress as, in some cases to give their mothers enough time to hand make the costumes. I recall my childhood halloween experiences dressing as Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and other fairytale princesses and meeting up with friends to walk around the neighborhood to trick-or-treat, knocking on doors saying Trick-or-treat in hopes of receiving delicious candy; most of the time there were treats and no tricks. Another common tradition with this holiday are haunted houses, meant to scare and frighten all who enter. Those who have become to old to engage in these activities tend to watch horror movies which tend to be out in movie theatres to draw this specific audience. Whatever the age, halloween seems to include all ages but this is not the case in Rotterdam or from my understanding most of the Netherlands. It was surprising that there was not that much advertising for costume dance parties in such a diverse city. It just proved that even for a developed western society that countries and cultures create, exclude or eliminate certain traditions.

Plenty of people will tell you the place to be during the election action in the US is the Melkweg in Amsterdam. No doubt it is going to be very big, as every expat and non expat I know it planning to head over there, watch the results and boogie til 4am. At this point it is officially sold out, but hey.. anything is possible on election night.

I did want to make another recommendation and a shameless self promotion in many ways: tomorrow night starting at 8pm, yours truly will be moderating Election Night at Tivoli de Helling in Utrecht. The event will involve a debate and live music and dancing and well.. who knows what the night will bring. The whole thing is being thrown by a coalition of young political parties in the Netherlands. Word is that it is also sold out but still you can show up around midnight and you should be able to get in for cheap.

Surely these two aren't the only two election parties in the Netherlands tomorrow night, but keep your eyes and ears opened and around 2am, you'll hear the moans and or the cheers.- I predict cheers.

I'm sure you're wondering to yourself "gee, the smoking ban has been in effect for several months now, how is it going over there?"

Indeed any café you walk into these days, all over the Netherlands, the only thing you smell is food, sweat, or cleaning products. First the first time ever, Amsterdamers can actually see each other in social situations, which makes me wonder what the long term social effects are.

Interestingly there are cafés that are unilaterally rebelling against the new policy and allowing smoking. I've never seen one, but apparently inspectors go café to café checking that no one is smoking. Which doesn't surprise me that much, since we're talking about the same country where there are garbage police to check that you're throwing things out the right way.

Until now the penalty for being caught allowing smoking, as a café owner, has been a stiff warning. But since October the authorities are now handing out fines ranging from 300 to 2,400 euros. According to the Dutch newspaper AD, since October, 272 smoking fines have been handed out. Lets see how many they give in November.

The American people have spoken, Obama will be the first African-American president of the United States. Those who have watched his acceptance speech heard the hope in his voice and the change that is needed for his country and his people. This election has made history all over the world, even in small remote parts of africa people are listening to radios, walking the streets chanting and singing and even on the streets in Washington D.C. Americans are making their voice known that Obama was the choice of the people. I think people are now proud to say they are American, the faith of America has been restored.

Let's see what I can recommend for a weekend in November in the fair city of Amsterdam:

Friday:

Live jazz at Toomler, 11pm, free entry.

Andy Yorke is in town; Winston Kingdom, 9pm, €7.50.

Saturday:

More jazz this time from a great Brazilian guitarist, Lula Galvão; Werkteater, 8:30pm, €15.

I love the indy rock so I point you to DD/MM/YYYY; Studio K, 9:30pm, €6.

Sunday:

Dub and Raggae sounds from The Black Seeds; Melkweg, Oude Zaal, 9pm, €13 + membership.

Soweto Gospel Choir; Carré, 3pm, €15-€39.

One of the great things I enjoy about Rotterdam is the available street art. Westersingel is one of the hot spots where you can find sculptures, colorfully hand-crafted benches, iron and brass figures near the canal. There are great places to seat and enjoy an afternoon by the water, perhaps bring some extra bread to feed the ducks. If the street art isn't enough for you and you are wanting to experience more art then walk just a little further down the Westersingel is the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum where over the years there have been famous expositions such as Dali. Currently 'Erasmus in Beeld' is the exposition being shown in which the achievements and life of Desiderus Erasmus, one of the greatest philosophers in the Netherlands, is on display. You can learn about all of his work like religion, satire, war and his contributions to Dutch society. Come and enjoy the art that Rotterdam has to offer on the street and indoors.

FIle this one under, "things tourists probably won't believe". As of December 1st of this year, barring some miracle, magic mushrooms will be banned in the Netherlands. Specifically that means no more shops, better known as smart shops, selling hallucinogenic mushrooms. A decision which has naturally stirred up alot of anger among smart shop owners, the labor party, and the mayor of Amsterdam, among others.

This decision goes back to an accident last year involving a French tourist who killed herself while high on mushrooms. That set off a series of events on a government level, led by a slim majority in parliament who aim to add mushrooms to the list of forbidden drugs under the category of opium.

This type of announcement will likely not be known by alot of tourists who appear in the Netherlands over the coming year, thinking that besides coffee shops, they can also pop into one of the many smart shops throughout the country. Tell your friends, as of December 1st, say goodbye to legal 'shrooms.

I've decided my new favorite sandwich and Global Kitchen, is the eggplant, honey, and cumin combination. Followed closely by a fresh mushroom sandwich known as the Mozambique Mambo. Although it is hard to focus on their wonderful sandwiches when the whole time I'm staring over at the desert counter and there is this black forest chocolate cake with raspberry topping.

I make it over to Global Kitchen about once a month, usually on my way to or from Vondelpark, as it is only a few steps outside the part on the Overtoom side. Of course the Netherlands, especially Amsterdam, has lots of "Global Kitchen" type places, with fresh food from around the world. But Global Kitchen does something else that I admire, they keep it cheap. A big juicy sandwich worthy of anyone seeking something truly different and good, 4 euro! Then there's the soups, deserts, and fresh juices or good coffee.

All in all, I keep going back to the Global Kitchen and I will forever recommend it because it is among the best of the best Amsterdam has to offer and that doesn't mean for the super wealthy.. that means for all of us.

Rotterdam is normally Rachel's domain, since she lives there and I live in Amsterdam. But the nerd in me could not resist telling you about the new virtual flying taxi at the Rotterdam Port Experience.

At first I had just read that it took you across the Maas river at high speeds and gave you some panoramic views of the city. But after watching a video of it on a Dutch news site, it seems you get alot more than just some nice views, you get a nauseating and potentially fun virtual ride. Doesn't sound tempting? Watch the video for yourself. As for the Rotterdam Port Experience, looks like they're itching for visitors with lots of new installations and fun things for you to try. The website, on the other hand, not quite ready for any language besides Dutch, so far.

An interesting feature of Rotterdam is the sport stadium located in the middle of Westblaak where you can skateboard, rollerblade, and other high-speed forms of activity which tend to run more on the dangerous side. This skate-park has drawn the attention of many young teenage boys in Rotterdam, and from my own eye I always see a good crowd making use of this sport stadium. I only hope that there are people monitoring those sporting because of the dangerous tricks and displays that are common among this age group who would be present in case of an accident. At times there are younger crowds amazed at the skills of the 'older' athletes, and go to this sport center to gain new ideas and knowledge by watching. For me who is just a passing spectator and has no experience in skateboarding I enjoy seeing the youth being active and participating in daily activities.

Your priority this fine weekend.. should be Friday at Melkweg:

Friday:

Okkervil River, among my most favorite bands ever; Melkweg, Oude Zaal, 8pm, €15 + membership.

Lightwires do things with guitars and they play pop; Winston Kingdom, 9pm, €6.

Raga Night. All the Raga you can stand; Concertgebouw, Grote Zaal, 10pm, €38.

Saturday:

Paulusma plays Cafe Pakhuis Wilhelmina, 10pm, €7.50.

MGMT is from Bookyln and people like them; Melkweg, The Max, 8:30, sold out - but since when does that stop you?

Sunday:

At the Close of Every Day is supposed to be really nice indie rock; Patronaat, Haarlem, 9:30pm, free.

Monday Bonus:

Sigur Rós is loved by many, even if they annoy me; Heineken Music Hall, 8pm, sold out - allegedly.

This very cozy and accommodating cafe, bar and restaurant located on the Nieuwe Binnenweg has become the local favorite, and often referred to as WP. A common place to warm up with a delicious cup of coffee, cappuccino, an assortment of flavors for tea and not to mention tasty pastries to complement your beverage. A new tradition that my friends have started is the playing the famous dutch game 'Kolonisten' in WP which brings much attention to our table. So for those who want to bring a board-game, cards, or monopoly its all game! On a crisp winter afternoon like today, finding a place to sit will be rather difficult. But I wouldn't find it a surprise if you were to run into friends which would open the possibility of joining their table.

Perhaps your friends are no where to be found, then there is another option that stands if the weather is dry. If you feel that you can stand the cold, there is outdoor heating, and someone you can nuzzle up next to, then sitting outside may not look so shabby. Fresh air moving across your face and through your hair, a warm drink in your hands, warm heating from above and of course snuggling with someone special sounds like a perfect way to spend an afternoon, and an affordable one as well. Appetizers don't run over 6 euros, pastries under 4, and coffee and tea running at 2 euros. The price affordable, the atmosphere delightful so come and discover WP for yourself. Visit the website if you're interested.

Following the theme from Sunday I thought I would give another suggestion for a great cafe located on the opposite side of Rotterdam. Dudok is located on the Meent which crosses with Coolsingel. Dudok has been referred to as a classic paris brasserie, a warm environment and has three locations; Rotterdam, Den Haag, and Arnhem. This cafe is very close to the mall and the center, which makes it a great resting point to grab a cub of coffee or a quick bit to eat.

Het Muziektheater, also known as the Opera here in Amsterdam, is pulling out all the stops for their current production Marco Polo. As you cycle past the Stopera area, you're bombarded with posters and flags promoting this opera about the life of this Venetian explorer.

But the promotion doesn't stop there. During a recent visit to the morning market I noticed a shiny silver bus decorated with Netherlands Opera logos. Inside, instead of the usual bus seating: lcd screens and lounge seating, even some classy snacks, where the public could sit in a warm comfortable place and watch highlights from the opera. The bizarre bus attracted alot of curious souls perhaps even converted a few new opera fans - who knows?

Marco Polo is being performed now until the 28th of November, on select days and times; check the Muziektheater website for details. The price scale, as usual for opera, ranges from super expensive to amazingly affordable, so there should be something for all income levels, even you students out there. Enjoy the adventure.

The international documentary film festival Amsterdam has begun and with each year it becomes more and more THE film event of the year. Films are showing at various venues throughout the city from now til the end of the month. Although all the films are documentaries, the subject and style of the films always vary and cover every region of the world.

On my short list this year:

At the Death House Door - The story of a pastor who was assigned to a prison in Texas, where he presided over the death of over 100 inmates from 1982 to 1995.

Throw Down Your Heart - I'm a fan of Bela Fleck, and in this film the great banjo player travels throughout Africa in search of the roots of his instrument and how it got to America.

Henri and the Islands - A film from Belgium, from the tiniest town in the country where apparently people never talk to each other. This one boy spends his time riding around town talking to everyone, this film follows him.

Washed Ashore - the story of river people in Austria, who fear their way of life is disappearing.

The Flower Bridge - I've been wanting to learn more about Moldova. This film is the story of a family who's mother leaves in search of work, and how they get on with farming life back in Moldova.

Spanish Earth - a film that was made in 1937, documenting the lives of farmers (yes more farmers!) during the Spanish civil war.

Yes its around this time every year that SinterKlaas makes his way from Spain along with his Black Pete's. A strange occurrence for many expats, but generally speaking Dutch people love and defend this old white bearded gentleman as he brings gifts, candy and all kinds of joy.
And as the magic date, December 6th, gets ever closer, he and his entourage appear in cities throughout the Netherlands. And when they appear, it is one huge children's party.

This past Saturday Sinterklaas' parade passed outside my window. I made a quick video to share with all of you:

The title of this post is a bit misleading. But stay with me.

For as long as I've been kicking around in the Netherlands (several years) there has always been the strippenkaart system. One long paper card with 16 or so strips each corresponding with one zone and when you get on either a conductor stamps it or you find the yellow punch box and stick the card in according to how many zones you are going... boom.. stamped. Its a simple system and pretty good in my opinion, especially when you consider it works the same way with the same card throughout the country. Impressive.

But that wasn't enough. In keeping with the high tech trends of the western world, national public transport has slowly introduced a plastic card-chip system. No more paper. No more stamps. You acquire one of these cards starting with say, 5 euros on it. Then you swipe the card on the scanner when you get on public transport, that is called "checking in" or "inchecken". Then when you've reading your destination you "check out" or "uitchecken". (i think thats what the machine says, i should pay more attention next time) When checking out it calculates how many zones you've gone and how much to charge you and what is left on your card. Neat system and very fast, but I am wondering how it works if you get on with a card thats almost empty and you go too many zones. I suppose your checking out swipe gets a buzzing red light. I'll find out eventually I'm sure.

So make a note, when you're running around the Netherlands and using public transport, you too can buy a anonymous OV chip kaart at one of the big blue machines, then just look for the little card swiper, usually located right next to the conductor or at the entrance of the metro. Enjoy yet another taste of high tech Dutch ways.

In the heart of Rotterdam cultural, on the Witte de withstraat is the eetcafe Opa. Anyone who comes to dine feels that they have found a cozy place that feels like home. The warm brown colors and dime lighting help give Opa a calm atmosphere. Most importantly the service is great and they feel that hospitality is something they regard highly. There is a wide variety of what to choose from on the menu and may be a little pricey however its worth every euro! They even hold events, on the 13th of December at 23.00, they are hosting a Karaoke night! If you enjoy singing, maybe you are talented, want to embarrass yourself then mark the 13th in your agenda and come to Opa. Before partaking in Karaoke, come enjoy a delicious meal.