It's here again! Just like last year, Leiden will be hosting its annual Museum Night tomorrow (Friday, July 2nd). Head to Naturalis, Hortus botanicus Leiden, Museum Boerhaave, National Museum of Antiquities, Museum Volkenkunde, SieboldHouse, and Museum Lakenhal - they'll all be opening their doors for an evening of cultural entertainment.

The opening will be held from 7-8pm at Museum Boerhavae with the band Out of Control. Then, head out to the museums of your choice. Most will close at 1am, but after parties will continue at the LVC and at A.L.S.V. Quintus.

Presale tickets are still available here for EUR 10. Tickets are also available at the participating museums or in the Visitor Centre Leiden.

The annual Culinary Festival in Leiden has come around again. This Sunday (tomorrow) get ready to try out the best Leiden's restaurants have to offer (there are 11 participating restaurants). The festival has been running since Thursday, but Sunday offers a great opportunity to visit this annual event. Opening times are 1pm-9pm.

Visitors to the Culinary Festival also have the chance to win one of three paintings. Tickets for the drawing are EUR 5, and the drawing takes place on Sunday, July 4th at 7pm.

Even if you can't attend the festival's website offers an overview of participating restaurants. This is handy if you're looking for a new place to try in the city.

The World Press Photo exhibit is here in Utrecht for a few more days. It runs through July 8 at Janskerk. If you haven't gotten around to visiting yet, head in while you still can. It's always an impressive experience, with photos ranging in subject matter, leaving you laughing, horrified, amazed and pretty much everything in between. If you're a bit short on cash after buying a few extra drinks to celebrate the Dutch team's success in the World Cup this year, don't worry, entrance to the World Press Photo show is free this year. The exhibit is open from 10:00-17:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday, and open from 10:00-21:00 on Thursday.

Amsterdam-based bloggers keep coming up with great material for visitors and expats alike.

A couple months ago, blogger Lily Margaret (from Wanderlust with Lily Margaret) published a favorite Amsterdam spots map (here's a larger version). She's highlighted the places she loves to go - from museums to restaurants to tearooms to yoga studios. She's even color-coded these places according to category. For example, blue markers stand for places to eat, yellow for shopping and markets, and green for parks.

This kind of resource is invaluable to new and seasoned visitors to Amsterdam. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to decide where to eat or which museum to visit - but maps like this one let you know what an Amsterdam enthusiast has already endorsed.

If you want to make your own map, just visit Google maps and get started.

We here at trippist like to keep you up to date with the latest in the world of tourism in the Netherlands, and as the world of mapping and applications gets better and better, the options just keep increasing.

In a previous post you read as Janelle described a useful google map guide to Amsterdam, well here comes a related item: A new national mapping system dedicated to tourism. It is called Hollandtoer.nl and it provides some extremely smooth panoramic views of must-see spots throughout the country.

Hollandtoer has some very funny and useful menu options for activities in both the day and night, in it does a good job of cutting right to the most important spots in a long list of great cities many tourists come to see. It also makes it easy to save and share through social networking the spots you choose. Here I'll test out their "post this photo on your site" option:

At the moment the site is only in Dutch as far as I can tell. Of course its no good for those looking to get off the beaten path. But if you are making plans to come to the Netherlands or if you're far away and wanting to take a pleasant virtual tour from your office somewhere else in the world, you'll enjoy this site and the images it provides.

The entire Netherlands has gone completely world cup insane. Anywhere you turn there is something orange hanging from something else. At any hour of the day you can hear a vuvuzela trumpeting for no specific reason. And leading up to the huge Spain-Netherlands final on Sunday, everyone is planning where to watch it and with whom!

My preference, on boat. No not a boat docked on the side of a canal... I mean on a moving boat. Yup, cruising the canals on a sunny day while watching the game on your boat. How does that look? Ill show you:

It's a big moment for the Dutch - they made it to the World Cup final! The parties just keep getting bigger and bigger in the Netherlands, and Sunday will disappoint no one.

If you'll be in Leiden on Sunday evening, there will be plenty of bars packed full of fans. But if you prefer an outdoor viewing, the parking lot in the Lammermarkt (about a five minute walk from the Central Station) will have two giant screens broadcasting the match.

Even if you don't know where it is - there's no doubt the noise will help you find your way. The weather should be beautiful so get ready to cheer on your favorite team - whether it's the Netherlands or Spain!

The American Book Center's blog recently published their Spectacular Summer Reading Extravaganza for non-fiction titles. Despite my love of the novel I always find myself more intrigued by non-fiction, and ABC has done a great job of tempting me into one of their stores in the coming weeks.

If you're interested in learning more about the Dutch, they recommend a number of great books. Under the category entitled "Travel, Foreign Languages & Local Interest," they list the classic The UnDutchables, a must-read for any expat in the Netherlands. But there's also Manners in the Netherlands and the Xenophobe's Guide to the Dutch. Don't forget to check out Bicycle Mania, where American photographer Shirley Agudo provides an inside look at the Netherland's unique cycling culture.

It seems that ABC has lots of options to get you through these hot summer months, and help you better understand your host culture.

The Source Festival in Utrecht is expanding this year to fill two days (10-11 July) with electronic music, theater, fashion, video and more. The festival runs Saturday 11:00-23:00, with five stages offering music and artists from the Netherlands and beyond. Some of the artists include Moderat & Pfadfinderei, Theo Parrish and DJ Koze. Sunday, the festival runs from 13:00-23:00, with three stages, as well as all of the accompanying activities that seem to make up any festival. There will also be a big screen set up for anyone wanting to watch the World Cup final.

The festival takes place at Nedereindse Plas, and special bus tickets can be purchased to get you from Utrecht Jaarbeursplein to the festival grounds. Tickets are €24.50. More info can be found at the official website (in Dutch).

Kunstliefde, an artists collective in Utrecht, is hosting Steunkleur Groen, an exploration of what it means to be green these days when surrounded by an urban environment. A variety of artists working in different mediums and materials explore the concepts of guerrilla gardening, balcony gardens, vertical gardening and much more. The exhibit also makes use of Facebook, Twitter and FourSquare to explore these green spots around town even further.

The exhibit runs through August 8, and includes work by Cultural Oil, Hans van Lunteren, Angeliek de Jonge, Myrthe Basket Makers, Wieteke Opmeer, HIK Design, Kommer Troost, Dennis, Workshop CORVE. Kunstliefde is located at Nobelstraat 12a, Utrecht.

This is your chance to go to Amsterdam! Check out the contest tab on the Holland Facebook page (or laugh at some of the hilarious entries!). All you have to do is Go Orange for Holland and upload a picture of yourself displaying your orange spirit for the final World Cup match. The most stunning display of orange-hued flair will win two tickets to Amsterdam (from any major international airport). The contest started yesterday and ends on Tuesday at noon - the grand prize winner will then be chosen by public vote.

Yes indeed the worldcup crazyness has come and gone. Yes indeed, it left on a bit of a low note as the boys in orange lost in the final. But on the other hand, it left the country with alot of good memories and funny moments, many of which captured in images and videos... the way we like it here at trippist!

Yesterday the team returned to Amsterdam were greeted with a thank you/welcome home parade. However perhaps the funniest and most eye-catching images are from the day of the final against Spain.

Here is a photo collection by our pal Marc at Amsterdamize.com, entitled "World of Orange"

The Ij Brewery, Amsterdam's beloved microbrewery in a windmill, is celebrating its 25th year making beer. In honor of this anniversary, they've brewed a special Jubilee edition in the basement (where they brew all their beer).

Note that among the things that make the Ij Brewery special - all of their beers are organic, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and brewed and bottled on premises. They're located in the East of Amsterdam, a short bike ride from the Maritime Museum. Operating hours are daily, from 3pm to 8pm. Tours of the brewery take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A fine time to experience this unique Amsterdam destination.

Everyone loves a parade, they say, but I bet the Parade going on in Utrecht starting today is even more enjoyable. The annual itinerant cultural festival is taking place 16 July-1 August in Utrecht at Moreelsepark near the Central Station.

The festival, which travels also to Rotterdam, Den Haag and Amsterdam throughout the summer, is a mix of theater, music, comedy, and fun and games. A few of the events include Burlesque Express and Silent Disco. There will also be special photography workshops on offer. The one-day photo courses are held July 22 and 23, and the two-day course is available July 24-25.

Tickets start at €7, but decrease in price with discounts and with changing dates. They're also available for purchase online or at various ticket kiosks on site. Check the website for the full listing of times (most of the day's events don't start before 14:00) and events.

Start your evening with a beautiful walk on the beach. Despite the crowds lining most of the coastline of the Netherlands, Noordwijk is generally easy to access - especially after 5pm. We enjoyed watching kite-flyers and joyous children still splashing in the warm waves.

Later, we headed to one of Noordwijk's highest rated restaurants: Thai Tjon (located at Albert Verweystraat 50). Highly rated, that is, but affordable - most entrees are about 15 euros. The food is delicious and well worth the trip. But be sure to make a reservation, even on a seemingly quiet Sunday evening. We snapped up the last table available for drop-ins.

After many years of living in the Netherlands, I still learn about new possibilities all the time. One of these has to do with online shopping, which can be a dangerous area to become proficient in!

But the options I've found recently in relation to grocery shopping are actually more convenient that expensive. The first is the online shopping option at Albert Heijn. I'd heard about this long ago but wrote it off, assuming the delivery charge would cost a fortune. But recently I found the relevant website and discovered that if your schedule is flexible, it's possible to get groceries delivered for just under EUR 5. What a deal! Beware, though - Albert Heijn asks for a minimum purchase of EUR 70 for delivery, so you'll have to wait until you need a pretty hefty load of food.

Another option I discovered recently may be of interest to eco-food lovers. Odin works in cooperation with ecological food suppliers all over the Netherlands, and offers a service that allows you to shop online for your food and then pick it up at a convenient location (usually one of the relevant supermarkets). There's only a EUR 15 minimum and no other charges. Odin also offers pre-prepared bags of fresh organic seasonal fruit and vegetables. There are five subscription types available from about EUR 8 to 15 per bag.

If you're big on planning ahead or just want your trip to the supermarket to take substantially less time, maybe one of these services is worth looking into.

The 2010 Leiden film festival approaches: the main event won't be until October, but each year the organizers also host a summer special. Between 6-8 August, the summer special is called Il cinema Italiano and features three offerings: Otto e Mezzo from 1963, Caos Calmo from 2008, and Pranzo di Ferragosto, also from 2008. The program is as follows:

Thursday 5 August: Otto e Mezzo (1963)
Friday 6 August: Pranzo di Ferragosto (2008)
Saturday 7 August: Caos Calmo (2008)

The viewings are free and begin at 10pm. In order to guarantee that you can find a place, the organizers suggest that you try to arrive by about 9pm. The films are shown on the Pieterskerkplein in Leiden.

The story is circulating in the local press this morning in Amsterdam, as the Public Transport Museum has announced they are on the verge of bankruptcy. This comes after years very public warnings and statements by the museum about the city's lack of support for their existence and future locations as their old garages are being closed down.

This means for anyone visiting Amsterdam, now more than ever, it is a fine time to visit the public transport museum. Boasting a large collection of classic trams, buses, and ferries going as far back as 1901, the museum is eager to welcome visitors. They also run classic electric tram rides (daily) from old Harlemmerstation to the beautiful countryside outside of Amsterdam south. Regular price for a round trip ticket is 4 euros and its an excellent option for anyone who loves old trams and is looking to get out of the city for the day.

Do it now, before its too late!

The official website already has all details available for the Canal Parade. Check out the site for an official map, where you can see the parade begins at 2pm on the Prinsengracht at the Westerdok harbor (west of the Central Station). It travels around the Prinsengracht until it makes a left onto the Amstel, then heads north in the direction of the Oosterdok, finishing around 5pm.

The website also provides a full schedule of events from Friday August 6th until Sunday August 8th. If the Canal Parade isn't what you had in mind, an incredible variety of parties and cultural events await you during the weekend.

Sometimes it seems like Amsterdam gets all the bigger international musical acts, with Utrecht left forgotten. So here's a bit of a heads-up for some of the bigger indie music acts hitting the stage at Tivoli in the coming months. Tickets tend to go fast, so get them while you can.

Kasabian is playing 11 August, but according to Tivoli's Twitter postings, there are only three tickets left. Hurry! Black Rebel Motorcycle Club play 24 August, with tickets on sale for €17. Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band hit the stage 15 September, with tickets priced at €15. Finally, I Am Kloot is playing 6 November, with tickets going for €16.

All of these shows are at the main Oudegracht location of Tivoli. Check the website for links for tickets, as well as opening times and support acts.

Although an Irish word in origin, Shebeens -- originally an illicit and unlicensed bar or club -- have popped up around the world. They gained particular popularity in South Africa during the days of apartheid, when black Africans were barred from entering white bars. Shebeens became a place for people to meet, drink, discuss, dance and build a sense of community. They bred resistance and activism, as well as entertainment, and would often reopen when police tried to shut them down. They're no longer illegal in South Africa, but residents are trying to keep them going as a part of their cultural history. They've become an important part of urban life now.

There is an exhibit of photos of these shebeens from the days of apartheid. The exhibit, located at Galerie Sanaa, is in its closing days, as it ends 24 July, but there's still time to see the work of artist Ananias Leki Dago. The gallery, open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00-18:00, is located at Jansdam 2, Utrecht.

If you've watch the tv show The Amazing Race, you may have seen the episode in which the contestants were here in the Netherlands and they had to compete in the traditional Dutch sport of Fierste Ljepper. If you haven't seen the show or don't remember that event, it's the one where competitors use a long pole to launch themselves across a canal of various widths and depths. From all impressions, it's a lot harder than it sounds.

Tomorrow, 24 July, there's the Red Bull Fierste Ljepper competition here in Utrecht. It starts at 14:00 and takes place over by the Geldmuseum located at Leidseweg 90, Utrecht. The best of the best will be competing, with a 14-meter pole, a 2.5 meter-high ramp and a water depth of 3 meters. The location is accessible by foot, bike or tram. Details are listed here (in Dutch).

The weather may not be wonderful today - we actually saw some rain in Leiden earlier - but generally summer allows for outdoor activities on a more regular basis. Beach trips, cycling, and picnics are all possibilities that should be taken advantage of in the summer months - but have you thought about watching a film or enjoying some music in the open air?

If you're near Amsterdam, be sure to check out the Vondelpark's Open Lucht Theater, which aims to entertain visitors all summer long. They have a full summer schedule available online. For example, next week (30 July - 1 August) offers 11 different options for interested attendees. You can see everything from a dance company to films to classical music concerts just during this three-day period. You can even reserve your tickets online.

The Open Lucht Theater runs until the end of August, so be sure to stop by one of their events before or after exploring the lovely Vondelpark in Amsterdam. Now get out there and enjoy the summer!

I attended the Red Bull Fierste Ljeppen competition here in Utrecht on Saturday and got to enjoy watching this historic Dutch sport. Although it dates back to the 1200s at least, the competitions nowadays are modern and exciting. The crowd was huge, as well, with more than 13,000 spectators there that day to enjoy the sport and the beautiful weather. We saw some high fliers and a few big splashes, and even saw a new world record being set by Thewis Hobma, who jumped 20.72 meters. I thought I'd share a few of my photos, in case you didn't get to go but are curious about the sport.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 11:00-17:00, and is located at Nicolaaskerkhof 10, Utrecht.

The coming of August means the 7th edition of the Pluk de Nacht Open Air Film Festival in Amsterdam. Don't be thrown off by the name Film Festival, this is not some elite schmooz fest where only the rich and famous come to be seen. NO. This is a very open and very relaxed series of outdoor film events that you can easily get addicted to.

Films from all over the world - check.
Short films, documentaries and full length feature films - check.
Fun, Food, and Drink in the festival area - check.
The right to bring your own everything - check check.

Among my three that most interest me this year:

This American Life - Yes, Ira Glass's popular radio program actually has a TV show version, and it will be playing on the 12 of August.
The Crying Game - Famous punchline of plenty of jokes. Also a groundbreaking film I haven't seen in years. August 8th.
Winnebago man, 13th of August. I have long wanted to see this film about the man who sells the beloved vehicles.

FInd your film choices and join the fun in just over a week!

Here are some summer concerts that may be just what the doctor ordered for the last weekend of July 2010:

Saturday

George Clinton and Paliament Funkadelic - I've seen George perform in Amsterdam before and let me tell you, there is no better place on the planet to experience his show. - Paradiso; 7pm; €30 plus membership.

If you like amazing guitar players then the Concertgebouw is the place to check out "Jazz Guitar Summer Night" feature the best of the best in Holland. 8:15pm, prices range from €22 to €30.

Sunday

The Pogues are back and the word is, better than ever. Find out for yourself. - Melkweg; 7pm; €47.50 plus membership.

Sugar Factory at the Beach. Yes why not, the legendary Amsterdam night club has taken its party to the beach, featuring Tentempiés and The Tunes. 3pm, free entry.