Flashmob... What Wikipedia defines as "a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual and seemingly pointless act for a brief time, then quickly disperse, often for the purposes of entertainment, satire, and artistic expression." The phenomenon sprung up in 2003 and gained in popularity until it got to the point where you were a nobody unless you had participated in one (I'm still a nobody... if anybody...
It's been ten long years of renovations, repairs, flooding, asbestos handling as well as disagreements over all the above, but the Rijksmueum is back and it's better than ever. Or rather, it will be back as of April 13th, its official re-opening date. The soon-abdicating Queen Beatrix herself will be on hand to unveil the newly redone Dutch state museum that has been closed at this location since 2003. The process was never...
If the sudden return of my allergies are anything to go by, spring has once again come to Amsterdam. Admittedly, the weather leaves a lot to be desired - the wind has been pretty much arctic for the past few days, on my bike ride to work today I forgot to wear gloves and couldn't feel my fingers for most of the 10 minute journey, and I'm pretty sure it's about to start...
I don't have to tell you that you don't go to a coffee shop in Amsterdam for the coffee. In fact, you're not likely to find event a lonely coffee bean in sight. But that's probably not why you're going into that coffee shop is it? With the Netherlands being a hot spot for drug tourists from all over the world, it makes sense that the country's capitol city would have a thriving...
If you're looking to have some alcohol-related yet still somewhat classy fun this weekend, have I got the event for you! This weekend (that is, Saturday March 16th and Sunday March 17th 2013) the Jenever Festival is being held here in Amsterdam at the Posthoornkerk, and it promises to be a hoot. Jenever is one of those European drinks that does not get its due credit outside of Europe... or perhaps even outside...
Yes, ladies and gents,we've made it. We are on the good side of February, and there are nothing but bright sunny warm days in our future. JUST KIDDING! The city we know and love and maybe even call home is unfortunately not known for its reliably clement weather. Nonetheless, Amsterdam is a bright and colorful city with plenty to do for all no matter what time of year you grace it with your presence. Spring, even...
It seems like an unlikely relationship - perhaps the greatest ruler of Russia and a city that lies many thousands of miles outside the realms of his kingdom. But it's true - much like you and me, Peter the Great had a soft spot for Amsterdam. You may have seen posters around Amsterdam advertising the Van Gogh exhibit (which, FYI, is fantastic) that is currently being held at the Hermitage, and wondered, "Hey,...
...Because if you're not lucky enough to have experienced the pure unadulterated magic of Amsterdam's largest canalfronts then let's face it, you're missing out! If this is indeed the case, then you are in luck mainly due to the magic of modern-day photography, but also because of some of the world's most ridiculously talented and committed photographers. You see, in a city like Amsterdam a picture of regular size and framing, no matter...
Well folks, we are officially nearing the end of Dutch winter! Gefeliciteerd to all those who paid a visit to this wonderful northern country some time in the past few months - you are the bravest of the brave! In less than two weeks the days of weather-induced cancellations of both train service and flights, as well as wading through icy unplowed roads will (most likely) be behind us. Dutch people love grumbling about...
