DREAM ADVENTURE NUMBER 19: visit the Netherlands.
I've already been kinda planning it out in my head for 2011. I'd need enough time to save up money because I'd go in Novemeber and that's kind of short notice now; especially because a couple of my friends said they'd be down to join me.
Looking up airfare (of course I wouldn't be buying it for another year or so but just for an idea at the moment) but the cheapest I found was under $1000 roundtrip so that's not that bad. Plus I already have my passport but you don't even need a visa to get in the country... or a return ticket... :P
I've had a layover at Amsterdam when I was travelling to Ghana. Schiphol is an amazing airport with a whole mall, casinos in it and of course Heineken...
First thing, I'd get a pint of Heineken -- from tap.
Secondly, attend Qlimax -- an annual event held by the Dutch entertainment enterprise, Q-Dance. It is considered one of the leading hardstyle events on the calendar and a major attraction of Q-Dance and contains some of the most sophisticated production and setup for any event AKA zOhMyGawd LAZERS!
I'd be a judge in the Cannabis Cup.
"The High Times Cannabis Cup is the world’s preeminent Cannabis festival. Founded in 1987 by Steven Hager, the High Times Cannabis Cup takes place each November in Amsterdam. The event allows judges from around the world to sample and vote for their favorite marijuana strains. These judges-at-large decide the Cannabis Cup (overall winner in the cannabis strain competition), best new product, best booth, best glass, best hash and best Nederhash. A team of VIP judges decide which seed company has grown the best marijuana. The High Times Cannabis Cup also includes live music, comedy and an expo for marijuana-related products from cannabis-oriented businesses. Beginning with the 6th Cup, Hager began fusing counterculture spirituality into the event and using the time 420 (cannabis culture) as an important ceremonial moment. "Most of what I learned about spirituality came from Stephen and Ina May Gaskin and from attending National Rainbow Family Gatherings," says Hager.
The event is widely endorsed by activists who fight for decriminalization of marijuana.
Marijuana use is decriminalized in most parts of The Netherlands. Much of the marijuana present at the Cup is from the different coffee shops around Amsterdam. Usually the High Times Cannabis Cup features a surprise strain of marijuana that is new to the culture and will be tested by the judges. Many tourists go to Amsterdam specifically to attend the festival."
Visit the Red Light District.
and the erotic museum.
Visit the Artis Zoo.
"A regal entrance detailed with gilded eagles and ornate gates welcomes visitors to this intriguing zoo, which was instituted in 1838 and still boasts a 19th century ambience. With more than 6000 animals representing 700-some species, the zoo offers a glimpse of wildlife from around the world that's sure to prove enlightening to kids and adults alike. On the grounds, you'll also find (at no extra charge) an aquarium, planetarium, botanical gardens, and two museums devoted to zoology and geology."
Shop for an amazing piece.
Eat breakfast with an amazing view on the Euromast.
Have a few more pints of Heineken.
and perhaps visit the Heineken museum.
Visit the Floating Flower Market.
"The flower market on the Singel between the Munt tower and the Koningsplein is one of the most colourful, sweet-smelling sightseeing attractions in Amsterdam. The Singel is one of the oldest canals in Amsterdam. Of special mention are the goods which are set out on floating stalls. A tradition stemming from the time when all flowers and plants were daily transported by boat, fresh from the horticultural regions around Amsterdam. The flowers are still delivered daily but trucks have now replaced the water transport.
Since 1862 this market has developed into one of the most famous flower markets in Holland. Everything that grows or blooms can de found here - from Dutch tulips and geraniums to indoor cypresses and 'mano' bulbs from the Easter Islands."
excerpt from www.bugeurope.com (FANTASTIC SITE!!)
Visit the Anne Frank House.
Visit Hortus Botanicus.
"The modern incarnation of an early medicinal garden cultivated for physicians, Hortus Botanicus has been in existence at this location since 1682. Seafaring traders brought from their journeys exotic plants, which found their way to the garden and were the beginnings of a collection that now numbers 8000+ species. Visitors will find both outside and within specially-built greenhouses rare palms and plants representing tropical, sub-tropical and desert environments. Abundant flowers, water features, mature trees, and plantings for herbs and roses also fill the garden's pastoral acreage. Be sure to step inside the small greenhouse full of live butterflies."
Visit Giethoorn- a place in Holland, where you will never find a single road, because all, I mean it all transportation are done by boats alone.
Visit the Hash, Marijauna and Hemp Museum.
Visit the Van Gogh Museum.
