After a nice lunch in the Albert Cuyp Market.  

biking in Vondel Park 

These bikes go for only 175E new, and usually it makes sense to buy one used for 75E, or stolen for 10E. They are steel tanks made to take a beating. And since Amsterdam is flat, no gears are needed. Just a foot-break too.

Amsterdam's Holland Casino at night - a block from Boom Chicago 

Indonesinan food and bicycles

Friday

I had to rearrange my hostel reservations so I am staying where I am at and not moving downtown. The Flying Pig Downtown location is supposed to be really hectic and things are nice and relaxed where I am at. No need to move into chaos. I was staying in a 4-person room and that was working out pretty well. yesterday involved more walking around the southern area of Amsterdam, back to the Albery Cuyp Market area, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite areas to hang out.

Amsterdam is very much like San Francisco in my opinion. The way it looks and feels, but it is much better when you add in the European influences, and the people from all over the world that are here. One of my roommates was from Australia, and the other from Houston Texas. Then later that night a guy who works at the Flying Pig located (about 20 minutes away) on the beach, came in to stay in the remaining bed in our room. He was from Colorado.

I met a girl from Quebec City named Sarah. She is still in college, and is a different than the Sara from Melbourne, Australia. Unfortunately I didnt get a photo of her, but we hung out together and went downtown last night to get some cake at a coffeeshop. Amsterdam is a very easy city to get around in by using the trams too. We just went North for 5 minutes, got out and ate our cake on the patio seating of the coffeehouse. Talked for a long time and then went back to our Hostel bar to relax. She was extremely cute and we ended up hanging out together until it was 3am. She was supposed to wake up early and take a train to Brugge, but overslept and when I woke up at 11, she was just checking out. It was funny because at the bar, we ran into an American girl who had arrived into town and said "I think Im out of my league here" - her big thing was drinking lots of beers.

That was yesterday. Now it is Saturday and I am in a 8-person room with no shower. Its a little too much for me, but that was the best they could do. Tomorrow however, I move to the Luxor hotel which is right near the train station and then Monday morning I take off early. Already planning on coming back.

So what did I do today?

After changing rooms, I quickly washed up and walked to an Indonesian restaurant called Sama Sebo for lunch. Pretty good - kinda like a mix between Thai food and Indian food.
Then after, I rented a bike for the day. I have been cruising around almost the entire city today. Went through Vondel Park, which is comparable to Central Park in New York. Lots of people enjoying the sun, in groups lying in the grass, very old and tall trees line walkways and bike parts. A Prominade is almost a better word for the paths there. Much better for my ankle than walking. I cruised back to through the Albert Cuyp Market and had lunch in the middle of it all sitting outside of an Italian Restaurant/Bar. I went north from there and biked through the red light district and then headed West to the Jordaan, where I am now at an internet cafe called Mad Professor. It is currently 7:44 here and the sun is still out - Im in a nice part of the city where things are quieter and quainter, many small canals and tall trees.

Cool restaurants. People are hanging out in the outdoor seating everywhere. I think I will stop in one before heading back to the hostel for a shower and see whats happening for tonight.

back in Amsterdam

Because I have been walking around a lot, and undoubtedly carrying too much luggage, the achilles tendon in my left ankle is totally swollen. Im taking a lot of ibuprofin for it right now. I hope that it doesnt interfere with the trip but walking from the Leidzeplein to the Flying Pig. Anyhow - I took the taxi to Haarlem's train station instead of walking like I had done when I arrived.

I finally got back to the pig hostel and into my new room - this time only 4 people to the room. I think I planned that way-back-when, but I forget. Anyway its great and I have a window right near my bed.

Anyways - back to the story. I did perform at Boom Chicago's improv jam tonight. I did two scenes. One in which I played God and was arguing with the devil.

The people at Boom said that the Jam tonight was one of the top five in recent memory. I dont think that had much to do with me. Everyone there is pretty good.

A show at Boom Chicago. Christina is on the left.

Haarlem

A typical canal scene in Haarlem.


There is too much to see here. It is like a smaller more easy-going Amsterdam. Today I ended up checking out of the Carillion. I looked up a laundramat listed in Rick Steve's Guidebook, and I did a load of laundry. And ended up walking around some more. In the laundramat on Boter Market, was a girl, a woman, named Gabriele. She was a little older and had a child, but still very beautiful. We ended up talking and she is working there part-time and is a designer as well. She designs purses and other things for women out of PVC and latex using different hardware rivets and fasteners to hold everything together. She was very cool. And it seems that there is a beach not too far away from here that she said I should visit. Tomorrow its supposed to be warm out....

I did my laundry and while it was being done, wandered across the street to a cafe for lunch - a hamburger. But with two different sauces and cheeses and some kind of bacon. In any case it was awesome. Half and hour passed and my wash finished just in time. Gabriele showed me how to operate the dryer and we talked more for another half-hour.

I ended up wandering over to a pub called the The Melkwoud and trying a couple of trappist brews. And talking with the owner about all things Haarlem and Dutch, and it was really awesome. One trappist brew can put me under - as it is about 10% alcohol. The owner let me in on where to look for a furnished apartment should I want one. Overall very cool. I also met Paul there who is a painter of frescos and he wanted me to explain the "Windy" City. Why is it windy? what happens? There is an interesting notion amongst people from Europe that the reason it is called the Windy City is because the city's skyscrapers were built facing the wrong way and therefore causes the wind to become amplified in certain areas of Chicago as it blows across the city.

The Melkwoud . A bar with great Trappist brews.


Haarlem is definately a liveable easy-going alternative to Amsterdam. I wish I could spend more time here and also in Amsterdam as well. Obviously a 2nd trip is required - or something....



Here is Boter Market. with Laundramat on the left and great burgers on the right.


Now I go back to Amsterdam to the Flying Pig. Tonight I perform at Boom Chicago.

The Haarlem Shuffle

On the train to Haarlem.

Well this is the first part of my time in Haarlem anyways. I got a late start walking around after a much needed rest. Being a Wednesday and not in tourist season necessarily, there wasnt many people out at night, but it did have a very laid-back, safe, quaint, feel to it. And there were people out - just not masses. I walked over a third of Haarlem, along canals, and skinny streets that radiate out from the Grote Market. There are cool pubs and shops all over the place. Streets that are as skinny as sidewalks, alleyways that suddenly you see a cool local store half-way down it.



This is another view of Grote Market in Haarlem. The same square as in the next photo. My hotel is on the left, just to the left of the green statue. My Hotel window on the 2nd floor, looked right out at the church.  


part of Grote Market in Harlem. The main Square. My hotel was a little to the right of this photo. 


A typical side-street in Haarlem 



Grote Kerk - the Church in Grote Market


after a walkabout, I ended up behind the huge church in Grote Market and recognized a steakhouse called Wilma And Albert's that I read about. Ended up getting Steak in mushroom sauce, French Fries with mayo, and a salad, oh and also a couple of beers that I never had before. It was extremely awesome. And after a couple of coffees, I was ready to move on. I walked around a bit more and the sun didnt set until 10pm. Eventually I hit a bar near the hotel called Cafe Studio. It was really the only one that night and I ended up talking to some of the people that work there. This guy Dimitri told me about a DJ party that was going on till 3am, but I was too tired to stay up past 2am. He said that the weekends are better here and when it is warm out the entire Market square gets filled with patio seating for all of the bars and restaurants that line it. It would be great to come back. The Hotel Carillion where I stayed was a great little place, and it would have been cool to explore more of the nooks and crannys here. The great thing about this hip place is that the church in the middle of the Market is so big, that you can always find your way home just by looking for it.


More of Haarlem




look for the church and you will never get lost in Haarlem.


Today - I so far have checked out of the hotel, but am going to walk around some more and see some sights. Definately taking a cab back to the train station anyhoo.

Red Carpets for Bikes

Well

I did the same thing twice today. I went from the hostel - past the museums and headed further east to a park called Sappharic(sp) Park. A completely different neighborhood that is on the edge of the centrum in the south. Another giant park that I walked around the outside of. I actually got lost on the way there and asked an older Dutch woman with a baby for directions. When I said Ï'm Lost" I guess that sounds like something else in Dutch that translates to something like "I'm uncomfortable" or at least thats what the lady told me. We laughed -cause I said yes it is making me uncomfortable.

Amsterdam rolls out the red carpet for the bicycle. Take a regular city street in Chicago for instance, say a big boulevard like Michigan Avenue, and then divy up the center of it for tram tracks, (the tram - an electric train) Then the lanes to each side are for cars, then you have a really wide sidewalk which is mostly designated bike lanes-- and then some thin parts are for walking. Other parts of the sidewalk are for parking your bike, and there are areas where there are 100's of bikes all locked up. But the parts of the street and sidewalks that are for bikes are indeed red brick.


The red part of the street is for bikes only.

I was told by a Dutch girl that it would be a disaster if I rented a bike and started riding before learning the ins and outs of the bike lanes. Well since my ankle is bothering me a little now, I think I will be renting one soon.... I cant really do all this walking for six more days. adventuer! HAHAHAHAHAH

I ended up walking from the hostel once in the afternoon to this Sapphoric Park- about 25 minutes in one direction - stopping in a Shwarma restaurant to refuel, then on the way back, I discovered a new Ped-mall area in De Pjip (the overall name for that neighborhood), more bars, restaurants, and no access for cars on the streets. I recognized a place called Katsu and stopped in. A very clean neighborhood coffeeshop with a Carribian atmosphere. I was greeted by a young girl in her early twenties who was from Aruba and it was her first day working there. Her mom actually runs the place. She was cool too. We talked for a little bit and soon our conversation was joined by an almost elderly Dutch guy who actually was born in San Francisco. He looked like an old fisherman. I didnt stay there too long, but I plan on returning. We began to talk about the Dutch language and how I would be enjoying myself much more if I understood it. The Arubian spoke perfect english with an American Accent. Aruba to you.

On the walk back, I stopping in at a local bar for a small beer and also to take a piss. For one reason or another, I didnt feel comfortable in there - I think there was a drunkard in there who was looking at me a little sour and started pounding his fist on the bar. Of course I think he was just Drunk because later he was serinading the tall blonde bartender and being intoxicated in his ways. I left anyways feeling a little insecure and not knowing if anyone was saying anything about me. Paranoia perhaps.

and then back at the hostel, after I had some food, some salmon, I ended up changing my shoes and socks and walking back towards Sapphoric Park(sp) again. I couldnt take a nap because there were just too many people in my room. By this time it was 10pm. This city is totally safe. Walking around alone at night, there were young people out everwhere, many also on their own. Biking down dark streets, etc. Hey the other thing about this city I should point out is that the sun never has set before 9 or 10 pm. Pretty crazy - to head out at 10pm and the sun is just setting. I walked home at 1am.

The night walk involved stopping in a bar and being the only person in it. And I ended up talking to the bartender for a couple of drinks before heading on. I asked him if tourists ever wander into here and from there he started giving me advice about what to see and what to do. I guess there is another cool comedy club in town and after I told him that I do Improv he insisted I go there. He was a good guy and I will probably stop in there again too.

Im starting to realize that already I will not get to see all the city. The best way to experience it is to just wander around and see the neighborhoods and the shops, etc. With only a few days left, I have to keep the pace going.

But now at this very moment I am now in Haarlem, at an internet cafe in Grote Market Square. Yes.. Its time for the Haarlem Shuffle!!! Lets see - well I got here around 11am, but I took it easy in the HOTEL!! for a little bit. How great it is to stretch out and have a room to yourself. I almost want to stay here more than one night, but tomorrow night is the Jam at Boom Chicago. So anyhow now after napping, showering, eating, and this typing, it is almost 5pm. Im kind are-energized - although my ankle is killing me. Time to do some sight seeing here and then some nightlife, perhaps more here tomorrow early.

No more posts, eh??

Things are going well here - and I have been doing so much that I usually get to the computer after midnight when it is a little less busy.

Today I visited North Amsterdam, which is seperated by water from the rest of town. There is the audio recording school SAE there, and I had my tour. It was pretty cool, and there was even a student there from Chicago too whom I talked with for a long time. The school is known for giving the students lots of hands-on experience with the equipment, progressively larger studios until you are recording bands in (my estimation) a mid-sized surround sound studio in Chicago. Overall pretty cool. They have 6 month certificate degrees in Electronic Music Production and a 1 year degree in Audio Engineering. As well as more stuff.

So far I have taken about 100 pictures all over town.

At the hostel, we have had another batch of people come in. Sarah from Australia left for London. My roommate from Finland left for Berlin. In her place, three spunky girls from France, and two from the US (possibly Detroit?) There are a lot of people from Canada here because I guess school just let out.

Hanging out at the Flying Pig

(Photo by Mike Orlando)

In my walking over the last couple of days, I wandered through the Jordaan and the 9-Streets area which are over on the West side of the city. Extremely cool areas, your stereotypical Amsterdam looking small streets lined with shops and cafes. If you like to walk, then Amsterdam is the place to be. I have walked the entire diameter of the city several times now and down every little street is something new. I have not seen a "bad" or "unsafe" area yet- even late at night. Most areas can be compared to Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and the nicer ones like Old Town, of course with the "culture" added.

Tomorrow I am staying overnight in Haarlem, which is a smaller city about 20 minutes away, and almost right on the Sea, (the North Sea). It is supposed to be quiet, so we will see how it goes. Then after that I am returning here.

Yes yes, I skipped over what I did the last two nights. I ate at a Tapas bar, had Duvel (sp) ale. Had Dutch Pancakes at a real authentic Pancake House called the Pancake Corner. Ate at a great coffeeshop around the corner from the Hostel.. Just telling you this because the day before I didnt eat anything except for a bag of chips.

Visited a coffeeshop called Rokerij that is nearby. It was extremely wild. A den of iniquity. Kinda like a hip opium den with electronic music. Surrounding the Liedzeplein, the entertainment district near where I have been staying, there are many little streets lined with bars, cafes, restaurants, coffeeshops.. And reminds me of Burbon Street in New Orleans very much.


Hey so what are your questions? I will try to answer them and add another post tonight.

What happened next....

Day 3

I woke up early and went downstairs for breakfast. Two pieces of toast and jelly, and some coffee. I ended up not eating the entire day and instead went to Boom again, this time for a 4 hour workshop. Basically a level 1 class, but for me, a chance to exercise the improv muscles; This Thursday is the jam and I will be getting on stage.

Typical Amsterdam, it was sunny when I was getting ready to go to the class, but poured on me as I was walking there. Then during the class the weather flip-flopped again, and I ended up getting rained on on my walk home.

The rest of the day and night ended up being dry and warm. I ended up breaking down and visited a Mongolian restaurant next to Boom. It was really tasty and it was good to have a huge meal finally.

Wandered around the city and ended up later going to an Indian restaurant with one of my roommates, Marika, a girl from Finland, and Sarah, from Melbourne Australia, and Wes, a guy from Canada, and Mike from San Jose. The food smelled awesome, but the waiter gave us some attitude because two of us didnt eat and only ordered wine.

"Ordinarily we dont do that, but I will make an exception this time.."

After that we walked back to our general area and around the Leidesplein, to a small lounge-club that is only 4 weeks old and ultra hip called Njoy. We hung out for one drink and listened to electronic music and admired the sleek interior, all white, design. There werent too many people in the place, actually we were the only people in the downstairs bar, so once we grew bored of the custom sound system, we walked back to the heart of the Leidesplein and to the Bulldog - a famous or rather infamous coffeehouse and bar. Let me tell you, I dont understand the reason it is so well known, other than they must be doing a lot of advertising. Because the place truely is to be avoided. Its a bland tourist trap, just like Excalibur in Chicago is. You know the place that is trying to appeal to everyone and ends up turning most people off (except for the tourists.) The Hard-Rock Cafe type, hang-out, dance club, pool hall, sports bar combo. In a word - yukk.


The Bulldog in the Leidseplein



Mike and Sara at the club Njoy



one of the many streets around the Leidseplein


I ended up staying up till 5am back at the hostel talking with some of the people who work there. Some Americans, a guy from Australia, and another guy named Eric from Ft. Myers, FL, who has been living in Amsterdam for 4 years.

to be continued....

(I am a day behind now - Its already almost 9:30 Day 4)

First Night in Amsterdam

Well - after a nap, I was able to get my head together and went over to Boom Chicago to see the Jam.  It was good, but  I didnt participate because I didnt recognize all of the games at first. 
After the show I stuck around and talked with the performers.  The host of the Jam, Rachel, was cool and introduced me to everyone.  And I had inquired about staying in a cheap hotel instead of the hostel.  Well one of the student performers, a Belgian girl named Christina, offered to put me up in her guest room at her place.  And give me the key for the week.  I guess they are used to it here.  In this way Amsterdam is cool and chaotic with visitors coming in and looking for a place to stay - no reservations - just wandering around.  I have seen many come here to the Flying Pig just walking in off the street as they backpack around Europe.  I just checked the policy at Flying Pig and if I will have to wait a day to make any moves.  I might plan to do it after I get back from Haarlem.  

Today its warmer, and the sun is shining a little.  There is a rain cloud overhead though.  Often it will suddenly rain here for a half-hour - that seems to be the norm. 

 

After Boom Chicago, we wandered over to a music bar next door called the Watering Hole.  It was dark and smoky, and Dave, the head promoter at Boom bought a round for everyone.  Met another Boom employee from Wisconsin over here studying international finance. 

Dave, the Head of Promotions at Boom Chicago partying it up at the late-night bar next door called The Watering Hole.

So Today is Friday and there is a show at Boom tonight.  I have a ticket waiting for me at the box office. 

 

Well the young Argentinian couple left today.  Half of the sleepers there are gone for the day, and right now things are kinda quiet. Its a good time to take a quick nap.  Im going to look for a internet cafe today and visit a museum or two.  I took some cool photos - I'll see what I can do.

Another happy couple at the Flying Pig

Hello From Amsterdam

Well,

 

I am talking to you from the basement bar/breakfast room/internet cafe here at the Flying Pig.  So far I have met someone from Austrailia, Argentina, London, Wisconsin, and New Orleans.  It is actually near capacity here and there are a lot more people around.  Overall, it is pretty cool, although the room that I am sleeping in, which is about the size of a standard college dorm room, holding 8 people. 

 

Most of the people here seem to be just out of college or at least still in their twenties, but two of my roomates appear to be 19, and another one appears to be 50.  I see different people coming and going here all of the time. 

 

Anyways, I will also be looking forward to getting a hotel room once in a while for just myself. 

 

I landed in Amsterdam this morning around 7am (which was actually 1am Chicago time) and eventhough I was pretty tired, I still did a little walking around the neighborhood.  Saw the Leidseplein (sounds like Lied-supply-n) in person and walked all the way south to the Heineken Experience past the Museums.  Then somehow on my way back, I overshot the hostel and had to backtrack quite a few blocks.  Got to see more than ever though. 

 

Amsterdam has a colorscheme: Think olives, blacks, charcoal, mud, creme, and many rich leafy greens.  splashes of red and other colors thrown in here and there.  That goes the same with the clothes people are wearing too. Lots of high contrast stuff, and less yellows.   same colors  

 

You will have to keep in mind one thing when I describe what I see, and that this is the first trip to Europe.

 

I think that these posts are going to be short and sporatic - this place is kinda busy.  Please overlook any bad spelling I'll look for an internet cafe during the day tomorrow so I can spend more time. 

 

gotta go

There are many funny little cars here.



A happy couple at the Flying Pig

Crunch time - 15 hours to go

Well tonight is going to be a late night as I continue last minute packing (or start depending on how you look at it). Im just going to dump some of the remaining links on here - they will be useful to me when I arrive. Sorry for the merely utilatarian effort here.


Getting from the airport to where I need to go

Strippenkaarts

Bars

Bars and stuff

Here is yet another pub guide that I read a month ago. A practical Guide to pubs and this pubs reviewed

Supermarkets and food

Supermarkets and food

Best Indonesian Food

A crazy Austrailian restaurant called Coco's Outback
Coco's

Authentic Dutch Food... here

where to go etc


renting a bike

guitar stores

getting a prepaid cellphone:

1

2

Getting to Haarlem:

from central station

--------------
Well folks, that about covers it. Enough preparation. Now its time to throw some things into a suitcase and get some zzzzzzzzz's.

41 Hours to go...

Im psyched.

Havent really started to pack yet. Doing some laundry, and was running errands earlier..

Hmm... did you ever stop to wonder where in the heck you can have your drycleaning done in Amsterdam? http://www.stomerijen.nl/indexeng.htm
more here
and more here
See, how prepared I am!?!? Do they give PhDs for this?

As you can see, I am relying heavily on an Amsterdam forum located online at www.channels.nl I have found that the nicest people hang there and are willing to offer information an anything you could think of. And they really have a true interest in everything Amsterdam. Because of this Im expecting Amsterdam to be really welcoming, friendly, laid back, and cool.

When I am over there, I plan on posting a day-by-day trip report. Hopefully - hopefully I will be able to also upload photos too. That will take some leg-work as I will have to find a internet cafe that will allow me to connect my camera to their computer with my USB cable. I've learned that isnt often allowed. This place supposedly allows it though.. Cyberlounge
hmmm... I decided not to bring my laptop with just because it would be such an easy target for thieves, and besides, I will have enough on my mind.

Something I wish I would have spent more time on is learning some phrases in Dutch. I might try some cramming on the plane. This page is helpful too Sights and Sounds But anyway, time is ticking. And I am looking forward to what I will find once I get there.

some thoughts....

Well it turns out that I was wrong about the AES meeting being at SAE. I could have sworn I saw something on that but no - its in Barcelona, Spain at the end of May. Well no biggie, I wasn't going anyhow....

This week Ive also been going down a checklist of things to do. Got some clothes last night. some liquid soap, a small tube of toothpaste, etc etc. Lined up a hair-cut appointment, etc etc. These things take time.

My schedule is shaping up pretty well. There are a few things lined up for the middle of the week, with the weekends being left open at the present. Visiting a nearby city called Haarlem which is supposed to be laid back, and I've heard, even more progressive than Amsterdam. However that can possibly be accomplished, I dont know.

I hear that the stores are all closed on Mondays, but that day is a great day to visit the museums, because shorter lines.


Beep Beep!

They have an Amsterdam Pass that is put out by the (Board of Tourism) there and it is good for many touristy things like a canal tour, entery to museums, and discounts at restaurants, etc. You also get free access to the Public Transportaion System, the Trams. The trams look cool, but I also hear that they are difficult to hear, and if you are not paying attention when you cross the road, you might find one right behind you.

cool record stores and the such

I belong to an electronic music email list and put out some feelers on where to go to find some cool music in Amsterdam. ian O wrote back and told me the following:

Amsterdam - great place for record shops - they let you listen before you buy - what an astonishing concept!

Boudisque - Haringpakkerssteeg 10-18 (near Central Station) http://www.boudisque.nl/

Concerto Records Ultrechtsestraat 54-60 http://www.concerto.nu/ [HUGE record store -
Classical, pop-rock, blues-jazz, ambient IDM sections]

Get Records Ultrechtsestraat 105 http://www.getrecords.nl/

Staalplaat Records Staalade 6 http://www.staalplaat.com/ (sometimes unpredictable hours - a must visit if you're keen on Muslimgauze)

Sounds like some fun for me. Plus I might even bring a load of my own CDs and see about putting a few in these stores. Actually, wise man say that it would be very wise for me to keep the energy going between now and when I fly out there to set up some moments of business between all the fun. Not only to further my music, but also so I can write off part of the trip as a business trip.

Travel Itinerary - SAE

They say that after the first day in Amsterdam all plans go out the window. Hopefully I will make it to the next destination on my list. SAE. No, not a fraternity. The SAE Institute is a world class audio/video school located in Amsterdam. I plan on taking a tour of the facilities and perhaps pick up on a one-day workshop, depending on my schedule.

www.sae.nl

As you may know, Recording music is just as interesting to me as performing and writing it. Unfortunately I will be in and out of Amsterdam a week before a huge gigantic worldwide AES meeting. AES stands for Audio Engineering Society, a professional organization for audio engineers- of which Chicago has a chapter, as well as every major city I'm sure.

What SAE stands for Im still not certain. School of Audio Engineering? Well I am sure that it will be cool none-the-less.

Now to further cover my musical interests, I have found a bar near Boom Chicago that has an open mic night a few nights during the week. This bar is called The Last Watering Hole, or known as the Waterhole Leidseplein.

http://www.waterhole.nl/

http://www.amsterdamhotspots.nl/cgibin/reviewbrowse.cgi?01352

I already found a few guitar stores so Im looking forward to it. Incidentally The Leidseplein is a square in the southern region of Amsterdam known for its nightlife-- as in bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. I will get some pictures going here in a lil bit. It appears that many of the bars here are set up similar to Melvin B's in Chicago, where the patio seating spills out into the square. Hey for all you Hawkeyes out there, I think that the "square" might be similar to the Ped Mall, but hey who am I to say. Then again Sedgewick's is like Mickey's, right? oopse


a square

What is Gezellig?

Gezellig is a Dutch word that refers to the feeling of "chilling out, relaxing, and unhurriedly enjoying yourself." Perhaps it also speaks to the idea of "being in the moment" That is the overall vibe to Amsterdam, so I am told.

As a chance to get some R&R and a dose of European culture, I chose to explore Amsterdam. For some time I have had an interest in visiting. Seeing some of the city in an old James Bond movie, and more recently in Ocean's Twelve, only added fuel to the fire. Amsterdam is a cosmopolitan city and a major hub of travel, somewhat less expensive to visit than London or Paris. Hundreds of years ago, it was built on top of a watery marshland near where the Amstel River empties into the North Sea. Buildings were built on top of dozens of tree trunks sunk into the mud, and the water was drained, a dam was erected, canals built....


An aerial view of Amsterdam. Looks like a spider web.

For me Amsterdam has some other plusses. The Netherlands is generally a peaceful country, and most everyone speaks fluent English as their second language. There really isnt any Anti-American sentiment there, and everyone is friendly.

Secondly, it is home to Boom Chicago, an Improv theater company that was originated by a number of Northwestern students about 10 years ago. It is now a very well established and well known company, and many hundreds of people audition for roles each year. Naturally, it seems to have a strong connection with Chicago in another way too: quite a few of their performers crossed the pond from Improv Olympic and Second City. http://www.boomchicago.nl/

More on this later...