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.

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.

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.

Do you want to integrate deeper into your local Dutch community? Do you wish to buy your exotic veg at the Albertcuypstraat using the native tongue? But are you unemployed? Working a low paid job? A student? Broke?

Try language exchange, a free service you give and receive! I like to meet in a cafe, and just spend an hour taking turns learning catch phrases, the alphabet, and key words to start communicating quickly 'on the street'. You must be dedicated, as these language partner relationships can fall out quickly (due in part to the freedom inherent in a free service- i.e. money equals commitment).

What does 'gezellig' mean? What is 'Koninginnedag'? How do you pronounce 'goedemorgen'? All good questions.

To find a suitable language partner, I recommend looking at the UvA (University of Amsterdam) posterboards at locations across the city (look for the UvA sign). As well, you can try some of these online websites listing people looking for language partners:

Expatriates.com
Intercambio website
Justlanded website
Student Language Exchange

You will also find many other languages on offer (probably for your English or Dutch), including Turkish, Spanish, or Russian.

A call from Amsterdam Weekly - stories are due by 10 am on Monday (April 21), so be quick if you want to contribute!

You read about something in Amsterdam Weekly and as a result something weird and wonderful happened to you. For example, you thought a gig listing sounded interesting so you went and discovered that indeed dubstep-yodel-metal is your new favourite musical genre. You answered a classified and met the love of your life—but then it turned out to be your cousin. You went to a restaurant recommended by the Glutton and got food poisoning and as a result permanently lost your sense of smell.

We're looking for stories like these and more. Please send them as a text, picture, painting or whatever to editorial@amsterdamweekly by 10am Monday 21 April. We'll print it in the next issue (as long as it's short and sweet—or short anyway…).

Looking over the European City Ratings from Tripadvisor.com I had a laugh when I saw that Brussels was voted most boring European City.

So where did Amsterdam end up in their voting?

#2 after Dublin for city with most friendly and helpful locals, I'm a bit impressed.

#2 after London for best nightlife. Makes sense.

#3 for cities with best public parks, despite the fact that the one's in Amsterdam are fairly small.

The one area I thought Amsterdam deserved to do well in and they did not make the top three: Most Attractive Locals. Somehow Rome finished number one for that category.

Maybe I should hand out some trippist awards, based on my own internal polling.

Are you a closet (or in the open) facebook user? I don't use mine very much, but that is because I am aware of the obsessive nature of these social networking websites. And, I'm too busy following blogs.

Anyway, you can become a member of the Amsterdam Weekly facebook group and receive hot tips, news, contest info and more.

Also find out about events that the Amsterdam Weekly team are hosting- this is good for English speaking newcomers to meet some interesting expats. I'm not working for them by writing this, I just really enjoy their content! And their contests- with free stuff!

I've discovered a Netherlands-based blog that is definitely worth sharing. It's called the style files, maintained by Danielle de Lange who posts a number of charming, beautifully illustrated entries each day about design and lifestyle. I stop by on a regular basis just to check out what she's featuring. Today, for example, I was delighted with these examples of Ceramic Ware by Monique Goossens. What a visual treat!

Flickr is of course a great source of photos of practically everything, but just the other day I discovered it also includes a beautiful collection of pictures showcasing the best of Leiden.

If you're thinking about venturing beyond the big city, check out the photos first. I have no doubt they'll convince you to come here and snap a few of your own!

Did you know that Amsterdam needs an official Bicycle Processing Center to deal with the huge number of bikes that grace its streets? Well, if you've been here or lived here, it must make sense!

The center has existed since April 2003. They pick up wrecked bikes as well as those "unpleasantly placed" - a chronic habit of Amsterdam residents. If you've had your bike removed, you can call a number (020-334-4522) and go pick it up.

They don't just hand out these bicycles, though. You'll need identification as well as the keys to your bike locks, which will unfortunately be cut - though it's a great way for them to make sure you're not after a cheap bike. Ten euros later and you'll be reunited with your best friend in Amsterdam.