BEYOND AMSTERDAM: 7 GREAT DAY TRIPS

Discover Dutch life beyond its biggest city! Amsterdam is fun and all, but there is so much to the Netherlands than its capital. Visitors with a taste for culture, history, and romantic canals are advised to venture outside the city and explore some of Europe’s most charming towns within 1 hour of travel. Need some ideas? Here are my seven day-trip ideas.

HOW TO SPEND 24 HOURS IN AMSTERDAM

Staying in Amsterdam over the weekend or passing through on the way elsewhere and do not know what to do with your time? Not to worry, I've got you covered!

      What is so great about Amsterdam is that while it is a true world city where you can find anything, it is quite compact. Weather permitting, this means you can easily see most of the place by foot, by bike or by boat in just one day. Here is how I would spend 24 hours in Amsterdam in the winter and in the summer. Come along! 

WHAT ARE DUTCH BROWN BARS? (+GUIDE)

Brown bars are one of the reasons why I really love the Netherlands: they embody all things Dutch, from beer and cheese to ultimate gezelligheid and national character. Such bars take their name from the warm tints of the dark, wooden interior with smoke-stained walls and old simple furniture, as well as soft, cosy lighting. Add some wax-dripping candles, a crackling fireplace, quirky bits and pieces of decor, and you've found a perfect brown café. These atmospheric establishments and their well-worn look exude a friendly, homey charm that will win you over in no time.

18 REASONS WHY I LOVE THE NETHERLANDS. PART III

This is the third and final (for now) part of the why I just LOVE the Netherlands series. I've already mentioned some Dutch essentials such as schedules, bikes, weird dietary habits, and all things gezellig in part I and part II, yet believe it or not, I've got more Dutchisms to rave about!  

18 REASONS WHY I LOVE THE NETHERLANDS. PART II

I'm back to give that Dutch ego yet another boost, because, you know, they kind of deserve it. Reading Part I will help you understand the references and lingo in this part of the series.

18 REASONS WHY I LOVE THE NETHERLANDS. PART I

I am a self-proclaimed Dutch wanna-be. Ever since moving to the Netherlands in February 2012 (I had never been there before), I have been singing praises and raving about all things Dutch. Salty liquorice for dessert? Can't get enough! Words that sound like someone is scratching the back of your throat? Music to my ears! Scheduling a date one year in advance? A dream come to true! So, what was supposed to be a six-month student exchange ended up to be a long-term affair. So, what is it that makes me appreciate* this tiny country so much?