Heineken is cool, frothy and Dutch. Heineken smiles at you. Take a Heineken can or bottle and have a good look at the letter ‘e’. The slight slant makes it into a smiling letter. What other Dutch beer brand do you know, Amstel? I was surprised to find Heineken: The City Store in Amstelstraat. Not...

When you think of Amsterdam several things come to mind. Most likely you will think of windmills, tulips, clogs, sex and drugs (and not necessarily in that order). Often overlooked are the world-class museums, quaint streets, romantic canals and 17th century architecture. WHY AMSTERDAM Amsterdam is a...

When you think of Amsterdam several things come to mind. Most likely you will think of windmills, tulips, clogs, sex and drugs (and not necessarily in that order). Often overlooked are the world-class museums, quaint streets, romantic canals and 17th century architecture. WHY AMSTERDAM Amsterdam is a...

When it comes to shopping, Amsterdam is full of surprises. Golden Bend Tableware, Dorothee Verdaasdonk’s Dinner Plates Paradise is one of these. Her basement shop is cluttered with stacks of plates, all sizes. Dorothee sits right at the back behind her desk, overlooking her Nirvana. When I asked her...

Carved stone tablets identified dwellings until 1795, when Napoleon introduced house numbers. Many of these stone plaques still adorn the facades of houses in Amsterdam. Not only did they identify houses, they also reflected the owner’s occupation, religion or trade. A cooper lived at Nieuwe Leliegracht...

After a few days in hectic Amsterdam, you may like to slow down in a quieter place. Amersfoort is a medium-sized, typically Dutch city and your perfect escape from Amsterdam’s tourist scene. The city has preserved its medieval character and is a showcase of historic sights. Wander along idyllic...