The weather is changing fast, the mornings are staying dark longer, the afternoons are getting shorter and the evenings longer. Leaving the window of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities slim, which means we all will have a tendency to not leave our homes where its warm and cozy, you want to curl up with something warm to sip on and soothing music in the background. So I have discovered a place that can give you this every thursday night. DoelenCafe offers free live Jazz every thursday evening, the agenda this week is being led by Marloes de Jager starting off at 21:30. There is no need or excuse to stay in your house this thursday, get out on the town of Rotterdam and get a live Jazz performance free.

DoelenCafe is located on Schouwburgplein 52
3012 CL Rotterdam
www.doelencafe. nl

Word on the internet is that there is a café in the town of Zeist with a revolving door that generates power. That's right - every time someone walks through the revolving door, they generate enough power to make a cup of coffee!

I've not yet been able to find an image of this café but it is called Nature café La Porte. A few references to the café on the internet say that there is even a gauge where customers can see how much power they are generating.

A 45 minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal, I'm thinking to make time to head over to Zeist and take pictures and generate some power of my own for a hot chocolate and maybe walk in a few times so I can have some toast.

Probably not the most obvious name in Netherlands tourism, the city of Tilburg can be pretty creative. In an effort to offer visitors a free and easy way to make your way around town and choose what to do, they have created a city guide for your cell phone.

All you do is go to the city's website on your mobile phone, click on the mobile guide download option and in a few seconds the guide will be on your phone and you won't need internet access when you're wandering the streets of Tilburg. Then you can consult your phone for addresses, phone numbers, and other fun facts about the places you are seeing or want to see.

Unfortunately the guide is in Dutch. Apparently they don't expect the non-Dutch speaking tourists so soon. But I've messed with it and I must say you don't really need to speak Dutch to understand addresses and names of places. So maybe this guide-on-the-go would work for you, when you finally make that visit to Tilburg.

The big word from Webster University in Leiden is that they're offering a new masters program. They say "master program" but I was raised in New Jersey and we're trained to talk funny and say masters with an S.
But nevermind that, the program is a two year MA in Counseling track. The focus ranges from individual mental health and well being, to families, groups and everything in between.

To apply you have to have a BA and what they call competence in one of these areas:

• human growth and development; • psychology of learning and/or cognition; • personality theory; • abnormal psychology or psychopathology; • social psychology.

Taking a closer look at the numbers, I did some rough calculation, my estimation is that the total cost of the MA would be 24,000€, therefore 12,000 per year. (not including housing)

I’m back, Trippist followers. December will be a fun month to explore the Netherlands. There will be a few Amsterdam restaurant reviews, a search for the perfect xmas tree in Leiden, and maybe even some details about Rotterdam, the city where I now work.

For now I leave you with this image. It’s located somewhere in the center of Leiden, at a café that serves delicious coffee. Probably the only international time display that includes this lovely city in NL.

Sinterklaas was a first time event for me this year and I had a marvelous time. I hope 'de Sint' has been generous to more people than just myself. If any of you would like to give a last farewell before he leaves for his long voyage back to Spain, at 18.00 in Hoek van Holland at the Berghaven, there is a good-bye party 'Dag Sinterklassje.' Even if you are too old to believe or have children that do, seeing the generous Sint with a long white beard and zwarte pieten leave this evening is an event to be considered. There is plenty of information online if you are interested.

Every Sunday morning its not uncommon to see young teenage girls and boys riding their bikes with a hockey stick in their hand. Hockey is a very popular sport for the local Rotterdamers and those in the surrounding neighborhoods. Sundays are normally a day of rest, but this doesn't seem to be the case for these active athletes. If there are some who still want to have a day of rest and relaxation, there is the possibility to watch the games. However the season is almost over, today and next sunday is the last weekend before winter break begins. For a day like today I recommend watching a hockey game is perfect. Spirit Dames 1 is playing against Delft Dames 1 in Delft at 12:45. There of course are games in Schiedam for the other levels, as well as in Rotterdam. I will try to give you more information about next sunday.

On Westblaak there lies an old cinema that is very charming, cozy and not well-known to local Rotterdamers. If you are early for the show, there is a bar that you can order, espresso, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages before, during and after the show. The cinema still possesses a lot of charm and is a relaxing environment to lounge in while enjoying a movie. Last night I experienced Cinerama, and saw the film 'Changeling' with Angelina Jolie. The film is set in the 1920's, which the theatre was perfect for the era and added a little more to the setting. You can go on their website www.cineramabois.nl and even make reservations for a movie because it can get crowded. A side note for those interested in 'Changeling,' be prepared for an intense movie but a fantastic acting job by Ms. Jolie.

This year for New Years, Rotterdam is hosting one of the biggest parties of the new years party in the Netherlands. It will be taken place by the Erasmus bridge as it did last year. But for those who experienced the premier last year, this second year is projecting to be that much more extravagant, with bigger fireworks, better DJ's, and a spectacular stage. This is the happening place to be at to celebrate the new year, and tickets are available online for 9euros at www.nieuwjaarsnacht.nl. Check it out!

You've heard me mention him before, but once again I have to point out some great work by Marc over at Amsterdamize, the one-stop Amsterdam cycle-chic blog. Marc and I have both been making video for the internet for a number of years, and indeed Amsterdam is our favorite setting for those videos. But watch this video and I'm sure you'll understand why I think this is among his finest videos and captures the mood around town at this time of year.. perfectly.

Sinfonia Cyclissimo from Amsterdamize on Vimeo.

Its common for the average college student to engage in social gatherings with friends after a long day of hard work. Here in Rotterdam, those who attend Erasmus can walk for 5 minutes down the Oostzeedijk where they can enjoy Happy Hour every wednesday night at Concordia. Today being Wednesday would mean that tonight at 22.00-23.00 is happy hour for students and it tends to be rather crowded. Come engage and meet some Erasmus students.

Rotterdam is hosting another Frankborrel today, at the Cruise Terminal starting at 17.00 to 22.00. A great way to enjoy friday afternoon, great music, lively environment, and today is Jacob's Creek Sparkling edition. You must be 25 years of age to enter. It's a great way to network, relax, flirt, meet new people, and just enjoy. Check http://www.frank010.nl/ for more information.

PArade is Amsterdam is a famous time for theater, music, food and fun. So nice, in fact, that there is also a Winter Parade to capture that magic in a colder setting.

This year's Winter Parade starts on the 18th of December and goes until the 28th. The location is the Westergasfabriek, beloved icon in Westerpark. A pass for the whole thing costs only 35€ and you can order those online now.

Among the events to look forward to this year: unique opera, dance groups, and a cow circus. Of course there is much more, check the website for further details and directions.

Christmas has come to the Netherlands. I’m usually back in Minnesota this late in the month, so now I’m seeing lots of things that I would normally miss.

The sale of Christmas trees, for example. Near my apartment there is a wide variety of trees that have been sitting out for a couple weeks, the merchant eager to show his prized offerings and negotiate a deal. The trees remain outside overnight, tightly locked up and protected by a chain-link fence.

A friend of mine bought one a few days ago and is very happy with the outcome. Maybe next year, if I’m around long enough.

Stadhuisplein has opened the ice skating ring this year. There are many cafes surrounding the ring if you need something warm to drink, such as hot-chocolate, tea, coffee, and more.

I have to say that this place is very ideal for skating, with the city hall in the background. The center of Rotterdam is nicely decorated, and the Nationale Nederland even sparkles in the evening, very near Stadhuisplein. Thursday I am going to throw on some ice skates myself and give it a go around the ring.

As per tradition, some details on Boom Chicago (Amsterdam's finest comedy club) new years fiesta.

The show is called "The Game" and if its anything like previous new year's parties, it will be great. The theme is roaring 20's and of course you're encouraged to dress up and if possible, dress for the era. Besides the champaign toast at midnight, there will be DJ's and the comedy show. Also there is something called millionaire bingo, which sounds promising.

Pre-party starts as early as 5:45pm on the 31st of December. Tickets to The Game are €37 pre-sale, €42 at the door. Details and online ticket sales can be found here.

Leiden may seem quiet compared to Amsterdam or other larger cities in the Netherlands, but lately I’ve been on a quest to discover its hidden wild side.

One finding has been the international student night at Einstein, a popular bar located in the heart of Leiden. On Wednesday nights the place is packed with students from all corners of the globe. Drinks specials abound and on my last excursion, a waitress was serving free samples of apple beer. Later, an English-speaking Sinterklaas even paid a visit.

If you’re in the city on a Wednesday evening it’s definitely worth checking out. Einstein is located on Nieuwe Rijn 19, just across from the City Hall.

Xmas is coming and that means most of us international residents have left the country for the holidays. But that doesn't mean I don't keep my ear to the ground and get regular updates of what is and is not to miss back in Amsterdam.

Saturday:

MY friends at HopeBox do great events to bring kids from different countries together, and they're hosting a nice party at the Winston. 8pm and free. Donations encouraged.

Sunday:

I'm amazed there are still tickets. Woody Allen, as you may know, has a NEw Orleans jazz band. Well they're in town and playing Paradiso. Being the international star he is, tickets go for 74€ and the show starts at 9:30pm.

Of course there are orchestras in various locations around town and you can bet they are playing holiday music. So you can find that if you're in the mood as well.

Recently I had the privilege to dine at Beulings. No menu is available. Rather, the chef works with seasonal ingredients to prepare a number of options for diners to enjoy. We chose for a three-course menu and enjoyed lobster, sea bass and a delicious desert. The house wine is delicious but they also offer wine pairing for each course if you’re so inclined.

Beulings is located at Beulingstraat 9 in Amsterdam, in the Jordaan. It is simply decorated and highly recommended for a special dinner out.

I just spent a weekend in Chicago, enjoying a snowstorm and many other delights of the windy city. I visited the Shedd Aquarium and while admiring a particularly frisky turtle, heard the man next to me speaking in a familiar language to his small son. You guessed it: they were Dutch!

The next evening I was at a small birthday party. Coincidentally, one of the girl’s boyfriends was from The Hague. We chatted in Dutch impressing the other guests (I hope) and then I told him that I keep resisting improving my Dutch because it will be useless if I ever leave the country.

This past weekend in Chicago is beginning to make that argument seem rather weak. So those of you struggling through your beginner classes, keep up the good work! Just think of all the Dutch tourists you will meet all over the world for the rest of your lives.

Anyone out there celebrating the holidays in Amsterdam this year? I did a quick search to find out what kind of information is out there for those of you in the Dutch capital through the end of the year.

Amsterdam.info provides a nice overview of how the Dutch celebrate, from Sinterklaas to comedy shows. A few tidbits:

There are a few museums open on Christmas, including the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. Pathé Tuschinski is also open for business on the 25th and is showing its usual variety of films.

The Amsterdam.info page also lists some great options for Christmas concerts that are taking place in churches. Check it out, and enjoy the holidays!

A friend recently sent me an interesting historical article about Leiden. It claims that Leiden is very well the Dutch Oxford: “The town boasts the country’s oldest university and is home to museums, libraries, botanical gardens and other institutions connected to its position as the country’s prime centre of learning.”

It goes on to share a number of interesting facts about the city. It illustrates a Leiden map created in 2007 by Jos Agasi, in the style of De Stijl. Just another inspiration to visit this charming city.

Thanks to Matt for the heads up.

That gap between Christmas and NEw Years usually leaves Amsterdam pretty quiet, as people prepare for the big party and check in with friends and family outside town. However, there is still fun to be had indoors.

Saturday:

Alain Clark is a growing name in the world of soul, despite being Dutch. (ha!) Heineken Music Hall, 8pm, €25/€29.50.

It is a big Dutch hip-hop show and it is called Missin’ Link Eindejaars Parade, celebrating the end of the year; Melkweg, Oude Zaal, 9pm, €15 + membership.

Sunday:

Calefax Pan are a classical group that covers alot of musical eras; Muziekgebouw, 7:30pm, €11.

My last recommendation for this weekend is an ongoing event: Tangomagia goes from Dec. 26th to the 31st. See the website for list of venues, prices, and the who's who. All levels are welcome, involved and will enjoy. Tango rocks.

Here’s a recent article from Radio Netherlands:

“Police officers in Rotterdam are to be given mobile phones with cameras so they can film suspicious individuals or situations. They will then be able to send the recordings to colleagues, who in turn will be able to respond to such requests for help more quickly.”

Sounds like an interesting use of technology. However wouldn’t a radio call work just as fast? It seems that such recordings may help in court, when a suspect is on trial for a crime, but not so much in seeking help during an emergency. Looking forward to hearing how this turns out.

Here’s another great online resource: A guide to a huge number of New Year’s Eve parties in The Netherlands and Belgium. Take your pick…

I’ll highlight Leiden. I won’t be there this year but if I had an earlier flight I’d definitely be partying in my home city. Of course given its small size compared to many others there is only two offerings on this site.

In Casa has a wild party planned, but I wouldn’t recommend this disco unless you are under the age of 16. But City Hall, normally a rockin’ club on the weekend, has a fun evening planned from 10pm to 5am. They’ll be playing House, Techhouse, and Minimal, with a line-up including Jip Deluxe, Sebastian Sleebos, Menasse Workala, NFunk Supreme, and Senzo.

The cover is a bit steep – EUR 22.50 in advance, EUR 25 at the door – but hey, it’s New Year’s Eve, right?

Dutch newspapers have run a few articles about what they refer to as ice skating fever; the rush to get out there and ice skate on natural surfaces. This comes as temperatures over the past few days have stayed around the 0 celcius mark, making most lakes and ponds freeze over and seem ready for skating.
But the ice is not safe, according to skating and municipal officials referring to skating fever. Despite the freezing over the ice is technically not thick enough for safe skating and people are taking great risks by doing so right now.
Furthermore according to the weather reports, the ice may not get thick enough for skating this week as temperatures are fluctuating around and sometimes above the zero mark.
So if you do catch skating fever, take a deep breath, drop the skates, and hope for colder weather next week.

Here’s a cheery note to end the year with: Dutch schools will be taking precautions in order to avoid being the victims of arson this New Year’s Eve. From Expatica:

“Last year, 25 primary schools suffered damage as a result of fireworks, vandals or arson. Five schools were burnt down, bringing the total damage to around EUR 25 million.”

What is that all about? Burning schools on New Years Eve? Well kids, enjoy the holiday and aim your fireworks more carefully this year.