Animal Planet

During summer I was discovering the nice forests around Breda, unaltered in any way, where you can still feel the smell of grass, trees and enjoy a quite walk or bike ride.

But who would have thought that just 30 min a bike ride from my house, I would discover a bit more than just a forest?

In an Arizona like landscape, munching but otherwise motionless, were nothing else than bisons (yes, that exact animal that you would expect to find in a reservation). Just 2 meters away from me. That's actually what I love about this country, that despite having the highest density per square km and being highly industrialized, you can still fine a few km from the cities places like this. 

Not to make it too long, definite it's worth making a visit to the Dorst forest!

Holland loves haring

There is no doubt about it. Even if the season for Hollandse Nieuwe (Holland's New, the name given to the young herring that is usually fished between May & July, when it's getting fatter and it's yummiest) is long gone, you can still find in the middle of Amsterdam the easily recognizable  kiosk with the Dutch flag and the unmistakable traditional dish. 

Definitely a must do in Holland*, served with onion and eaten by its tale. Don't forget to say "lekker" at the end!

 

*Most probably once, as unless you are Dutch or into strange tasting, silvery grey and slippery things, there's a slim chance you will do it twice,

 However Dutchies love it so much, that they also get their kids to start eating it since an early age -- and really, how can kids know better at that age?

The day I started to like Amsterdam

Unusual as it may sound, Amsterdam was never my cup of tea. Until today, when in a lazy Sunday morning, with the September sun warmly filtering its rays through the green-brown-orange & reddish leaves, the city of canals showed me it's charms.

Random canal view

It is actually the first time that I went alone in A'dam (the abbreviation commonly used by its inhabitants), without friends coming to visit, so there was no pressure to check all the turistic landmarks. So I took it easy, alongside the canals, which much to my surprise were not invaded by turists (at least that's why I thought until reaching Anne Frank's Huis, where the was a queue of aprox. 25m at 11 AM).

But I could't let that spoil my good mood, so I went to my favorite brunch place, Bagels & Beans, for a delicious bagel, a flavor-full cappuccino & and people watching.The day continued in the same relaxed way, with shopping, museum-seeing and wandering around, just enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, trendy people, cool boats and amazing reflection on the dark brick houses in the canal green waters.

Favourite brunch

Amsterdam's Museum was ok, with a few nice movies about the city during different areas of it's development, but I would not say it's worth paying the 11 EUR entrance (but if you have a Museumkaart, then why not?). However, although I didn't try it, the Mokum Cafe in the inner courtyard of the museum looked quite nice, and taking into account the many people occupying the tables, I assume food should be good as well.

Cafe Mokum

The other one I saw was Van Gogh's Museum, where I got to meet Vincent. I am not really into art (though I'd like to know more about it), but I enjoyed the cosy museum displaying more than 90% of the painter's works of art and also getting to know more about his short but full life. Apparently on Fridays the museum opens its doors for hip events, like workshops or DJ evenings. Definitely a must try at some point!That was about the cultural part, but my favorite part was still rambling along the streets (I especially liked Negen Straatjes Area & Museumplein) and tasting the local life. Proof of that below ;)