An idea is born

The sun was shining through the black Dutch clouds. We were leisurely having our Saturday breakfast together. Four girls chilling and laughing over cups of steamy cappuccinos and plates filled with yummy chocolate pancakes.

Then, an adventurous idea dawned on us. Why not making the most of this sunny day (really rare in the Netherlands; the sun here is like the unicorns – everybody talks about it, but almost never sees it)?

We didn`t need much convincing. In five minutes, you could see us – four radiant girls who have mounted their old-fashioned omma fiets (Dutch granny bikes), firmly determined to drive them all the way from Groningen to the North Sea (30km).

IMAGE: Kalina Tekelieva (the fourth girl)

Our end destination was the seal center in Pieterburen– the largest seal rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary in the Netherlands, where injured and orphaned seals are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Why going there? Because seals are cute. And what kind of person can resist seals anyway?

Adventure on two wheels

3,2,1…and our little biking adventure was off for a flying start. The sun was shining for two hours straight (wow) and we kept on riding across the bike lanes crossing the endless green Dutch meadows. From time to time, some roaming cows or a windmill showed up to liven up the monotonous landscape.

IMAGE: Kalina Tekelieva

Our first and only stop was at a hipster camping by the canals. It was a pleasure to eat our hummus and cheese sandwiches on a sunny meadow hidden behind a tiny forest. After devouring our food along with a cup of strong coffee, we felt the juices flowing again. A few jokes about how our butts hurt and we were off to continue our ride.

As you may expect in the Netherlands, the sun disappeared from the horizon. Instead, it was replaced by a ferocious wind (riding in a tiny sleeveless T-shirt didn`t look so cool anymore). But we are not quitters, so we continued riding against the wind and managed to reach Pieterburen.

To Pieterburen and back

Playing with the seals is fun. But you should never ever do it, as we were told! Turns out that these adorable creatures are savage beasts that can bite your fingers. Luckily, no one lost a finger and we even got a bonus tour around and got introduced to each and every seal.

IMAGE: Kalina Tekelieva

Each seal had a name and a story. Tommy, for example, was sick and recovering in the sanctuary. Jenny was found injured and helplessly lying on the seashore. Both of them will be released back into the wild once they feel better. What a wonderful thought: it`s never too late for a new beginning!

IMAGE: Kalina Tekelieva

It was getting darker and colder. Our plan was to take the bus back to Groningen and pay extra for the bikes. Freezing in our T-shirts, we were impatiently waiting for it to arrive. When it did, we got a nasty surprise: bikes were not allowed! Switching to plan B, we rolled our (short) sleeves up and rode 30 km in the fierce wind and freezing temperatures.

Lessons learned

You might be wondering: did you learn something from your bike trip to Pieerburen? Yes, we did:

• Lesson 1: Never go on a biking trip in the Netherlands without a jacket!
• Lesson 2: Bikes are not allowed in buses and Dutch drivers make no exceptions even for a group of freezing girls. So, plan your trip carefully, having that in mind.
• Lesson 3: Life`s better with friends. And a little adventure won`t hurt. Riding long distances in the cold is bearable if you talk about the meaning of life and play associations and mystery-solving games.

IMAGE: Kalina Tekelieva

All this thigs up… plays the role of rehabilitation 🙂 of the soul.

 Over to you

Why not embarking on an adventurous journey? What could possibly go wrong? And don`t forget to share your fun experiences in the comments down below!

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If you are searching for spots with a beautiful view over Delft in the Netherlands, search no more. Head to the central square and climb the spiral staircase of the tower of the New Church. It is the second highest tower in the Netherlands and the view from above will make you feel like you are some kind of god looking over his possessions. On a clear day, you can see Rotterdam and the Hague from the top of the 85-m (280-ft) tower.

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

History in short – the beggar and the vision

The central square of Delft has two churches facing each other – the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the Old Church (Oude Kerk). The New Church is not that new at all – it was built more than 600 years ago after Symon, the beggar, and Jan Col, a citizen offering him something to eat, suddenly had a vision of a golden church dedicated to Mary. It took Jan Col 30 years to convince the city council to built the church because at the time Delft already had a church, the Old Church. But he did and the citizens of Delft believed it would last forever. They even put a golden apple on top of the tower to symbolize eternity. Little did they know that the tower would be burnt down twice and it would even be struck by lightning.

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Climb the tower

If you are a bird’s-eye view fanatic like me, you know beautiful views often require (a lot of) effort. Take a bottle of water, stretch a bit and climb the 376 stairs leading to the top of the tower. You will be granted not only a view of the rooftops of Delft, but also a look from inside at the clock mechanism of the tower.

Learn the secrets of the tower

Well, actually you can’t learn that much. For more than 400 years almost every member of the royal family of the Netherlands has been buried in the crypt of the New Church (that makes a total of 46 bodies according to the church’s official website). The crypt is not open to the public out of respect to the royal family and the keys are kept by the mayor of Delft.

Hear the bells

You can hear the carillon on Fridays (from 7 pm to 8 pm), on Tuesdays and Saturdays (from 11 am to 12 pm) and if you are lucky, you might come across a summer night concert.

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Useful information:

Children under 5 years old are not allowed inside the tower, while those under 17 are welcome if they are accompanied by an adult. You can buy a ticket for the church (5 euro), for the tower (4 euro) or a combined ticket for both (8 euro). You can see the opening hours here and keep in mind that the tower closes an hour earlier than the church.

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If you are planning a trip to one of Europe’s most fun capitals, make sure to check out our list of useful insider tips. Here are 8 things you need to know before traveling to Amsterdam for the first time:

#1 Try Dutch street food, it’s cheap and tasty

Don’t miss on Dutch street food like frites (fries that are typically served with mayo) and kibbeling (deeply fried cod that is usually dipped in fresh garlic sauce). Find it on food stalls and carts that are spread all over the city. Some of the best fries I have tasted in my life were bought from a street stall in the city center and covered with a rich and creamy cheese sauce.

Speaking of cheese, Dutch gauda is excellent and you can try some varieties for free on big markets like Albert Cuyp Market and Saturday’s Farmer’s Market. My personal favorites are the ones stuffed with fresh green pesto and filling walnuts. Sweet lovers should definitely have a bite of the typically Dutch stroopwafels (a delightful waffle made of two sheets of baked dough and caramel in the middle). Combine it with a cup of strong black coffee or hot tea for a perfect taste of melting caramel.

#2 Go on a canal cruise

Guided boat tours of the canals are a good way to experience Amsterdam’s quirky side. Changing the perspective will help you see the city in a different light while learning a bunch of historical facts. Most boats pass by famous sites like Anne Frank’s House, the Skinny Bridge, and the Hermitage Museum.

There are many types of canal cruises – from one-hour options to practical hop-on-hop-off tours and romantic evening boat trips for couples. Some of the most popular boat operators include Blue Boat, Lovers, and Stromma.

Tip: For a free ride, hop aboard the ferry behind the Centraal Station.

#3 Cannabis is legal, but only from licensed coffeeshops

The famous Dutch coffeeshops are not serving coffee but cannabis. It`s completely legal to enter and browse through the menu that is offering different types of weed. But look for a green-and-white sign on the door, which proves that the place is certified. When choosing cannabis, ask for recommendations because some varieties can be much stronger than others.

#4 Don’t walk on bike lanes

Cycling in the Netherlands is much more than a means of transportation. The locals worship their bikes that are used to commute to work, carry groceries or meet a friend for a drink.

Never walk on bike lanes as you can easily be hit by an impatient cyclist. As a person who has lived and studied in the Netherlands, I was riding a bike literally everywhere. I can assure you that my least favorite thing was careless pedestrians walking on the bike lanes. Dutch cyclists are always in a hurry and can get exceptionally rude. To avoid scolding and accidents, watch your feet and avoid the bike lanes.

#5 Rent a bike or walk around the city

Amsterdam`s city center is quite compact, so the best way to explore it is either on foot or on two wheels. As you already know, biking in the Netherlands is an adventure of its own but it is also the most authentic way to discover the city. Bike rentals can be found on most central locations– near the Centraal Station, Vondelpark, Leidsplein, and more. Check out bike rental companies like Yellow Bike, Bike4U, and A-Bike Rental. Most of them are offering guided tours or customized bikes to rent on your own.

And why not hopping on the luggage rack of a Dutch cyclist? It’s a bit like Couchsurfing, on a bike, but more fun and without the smelly socks in your living room.

#6 If biking is not your thing, buy an OV-chip card

If you are using the public transport, be sure to purchase an OV-chipkaart. It is valid for all kinds of transportation and will save you lots of money. The cards are refillable and can be bought from the Central Station, as well as almost all tram and bus stations, and tourist offices. Go online to plan your journeys using the Dutch Public Transport Data that is also available in English.

#7 Bring a rain jacket

One thing I learned while living in the Netherlands is that it’s raining all the time. And sometimes you get some heavy wind as a bonus. Therefore, be sure to pack some warm clothes, rain-resistant shoes and an extra pair of socks. Even if you are visiting in summer, don’t forget to take with you a reliable raincoat.

#8 Visit on King’s Day and party like a local

King’s Day is a national holiday marking the birth of King Willem-Alexander and celebrated on April 27. This is the time when both locals and international visitors are up to some wild parties, concerts, and various outdoor activities. Wearing orange clothing, dying their hairs in orange and consuming some orange-colored alcoholic drinks, people are celebrating on streets, squares, and even on boats in the canals. The party is as crazy as it can get in the Netherlands, so it’s a shame to miss it.

But keep in mind that Amsterdam gets heavily packed in that period. There are almost 1 million visitors coming for the celebrations, so it might be difficult to move around and go sightseeing during the day. Also, note that the city center is closed to cars and public transportation.

Hungry for more adventures? Become a bag and purse expert by visiting the Tassen Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam. Or go off the beaten track and travel to the picturesque village with no streets – Giethoorn.

***

A passionate writer, journalist, and explorer, Yoana Hristova (www.yoanahristova.com) has worked and studied in Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. Currently based in Bulgaria, she is always on the lookout for great stories that inspire us to travel, grow and discover what life has to offer.

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A 16th century fanny pack with 18 secret pockets. Bridal purse from the 18th century composed of glass beads, each the size of a sand grain. A Versace purse Madonna wore. A muffin-shaped bag covered in shiny rhinestones.

These are just a few of the heaps of designer bags and famous purses that await in the largest museum exhibition, dedicated to women’s vanity and style – the Tassen Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam.

Awarded the title of one of the 10 Best Fashion Museums in the World, this is the best place in the world to make yourself familiar with the history of handbags.

The collection includes over 5000 women’s handbags. As you go through the exhibition, you will track the evolution of Western women’s favorite accessory – from 1600 AD, to contemporary shapes, colors, and icons. The phone accessories is too important for women.

Housed in a historically significant building, the museum is located at the very shore of a canal, in a home that used to belong to the 1664 mayor of Amsterdam, part of the UNESCO World heritage Canal Ring Area. Ceiling murals and elaborate fireplaces, from the 17th and 18th centuries decorate the house.

Useful information: The museum is open every day, from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Ticket: 12,50 euro. You can find more information here.

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Why do I say “unique”?

The village of Giethoorn is located in the province of Overijssel, in the municipality of Steenwijkerland (I know, I can’t pronounce those either). But those tongue-twisting names don’t make it unique – the fact that there are practically no roads and people use boats as their main means of transport, on the other hand, does.

That is also the reason why it is often called “Venice of the Netherlands”, with the difference that instead of Venetian Gothic buildings, you can enjoy views of thatch-roofed farm houses and over 180 rustic wooden bridges – sounds a bit like a fairy tale, doesn’t it?

Dinghy, canoe or punt boat?

It is possible to rent the kind of boat that most appeals to you, with day rates around 30-50€.

And if you don’t feel comfortable grabbing the paddles with your own hands, you can always join a guided boat tour for less than 10€.

Another option to help you sail your way around the canals is to rent an inflatable ball, allowing you to ‘walk on water’ – though it is not exactly sailing, it sure is a fun way to get around.

Enough with the water, but not enough with Giethoorn

Though boating is the main tourist attraction in the town, it is not the only way to spend some quality time.

Bearing in mind that this is, after all, a Dutch town, you can be sure that the bike scene won’t disappoint you. There are, of course, many opportunities to rent a bike or join a bike tour to explore the town and the picturesque Dutch countryside.

And if you prefer good old walking, set out on the 15-km Giethoorn Walking Route, which will lead you to another nearby water village – Dwarsgracht.

You can also easily reach several museums, including “ ‘t Olde Maat Uus”, which is actually a typical farm where you can see how life in Giethoorn has changed over the past 100 years. There’s also the stone and minerals museum called “The old Earth”, and “The Histomobil”, which displays a great collection of old cars and motorcycles.

And if you believe that trying the local food is a must for every trip, worry not – there are more than enough restaurants here. You can sample a dish that is even harder to pronounce than the name of a Dutch city!

Interesting facts:

• When the first inhabitants of the town first arrived, they found thousands of horns of wild goats who had died in a flood. That is the story of  how the town got its name, which literally translates as “goat horn”.
• The town was the set of a famous 1958 Dutch comedy: Fanfare. Watch the black-and-white movie masterpiece for some more Dutch vibes.

 Not so interesting, but helpful facts:

• To get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam by train takes about 2 hours. From Amsterdam Central Station you take the train to Steenwijk station (the fare costs about 20€). From Steenwik station take bus 70 to the center of Giethoorn (there are buses every hour from 6.25 to 18.25 Monday-Friday; from 8.51 to 18.51 on Saturday and from 9.26 to 18.26 on Sunday).
• You can check the train timetables on this site.
• You can find an organized day trip from Amsterdam for about 100€.
• Arrive as early as possible, especially during the high season, to be sure that you can find a free boat to rent.

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Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

What to do at Keukenhof

Before you head to the gardens, charge your batteries and bring a second memory card, because you’ll want to take thousands of photos. Besides walking around the flower beds (outdoors and in several pavilions), you can also take a flower photography course, take a canal boat tour or join a guided walking tour around Keukenhof. There’s also a retro-style labyrinth where you can lose yourself.

A special corner is dedicated to the favorite Dutch children book character Miffy the rabbit, and there’s even a mini zoo. Don’t miss the more than 120-year-old mill, whose squeaking stairs lead you up to a beautiful view. If you’re obsessed with treasure hunts like I am, take a map from the entrance and enjoy discovering the secrets of the park.

History in five sentences

Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut in the 15th century, loved horticulture and had a special garden with herbs and spices for her castle’s kitchen. That’s where the name Keukenhof came from – meaning the ‘kitchen garden’. After changing ownership a few times, the area became an English-style garden in 1857 and a tulip garden in 1949. It was the idea of the then-mayor to create a special place where Dutch growers could showcase their tulip hybrids. Nowadays, more than 800,000 visitors tick off Keukenhof from their bucket list every year.

The 120-year-old mill in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Best time to visit Keukenhof

Keukenhof is open only two months a year, when the spring flowers bloom – usually between the end of March and mid-May (2018 dates: March 22 to May 13). The best time to visit is in the middle of April, because in March many of the flowers are still buds.

Three challenges for Keukehof:

1. Find the tulip Walk of Fame.

2. Climb the mill for a panoramic view of the park.

3. Find your way through the labyrinth.

Practicalities

If you’re coming from the Hague or Schipol Airport in Amsterdam, look online in advance to buy a combined bus and entry ticket (Keukenhof is a perfect day trip from Amsterdam). You’ll get a free map of the park from the ticket office. There’s free Wi-Fi all over the park, so you can share your photos as you explore. The walking lanes are 10 mi/15 km long, but you can’t ride a bike in the park. You can, however, rent a bike and explore the surrounding tulip fields outside the park. More information here.

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A piglet at the mini zoo in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

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Not every garden in the world is just well-shaped bushes and trees + fountains + benches. Sometimes gardens keep interesting stories, tell the tales of the Universe or provide inspiration for the paintings of famous artists. Choose your next fairy-tale trip in one of these stunning colorful spots.

Keukenhof, the Netherlands

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/203challenges

This garden sees seven million flowers, hand-planted every year. There are more than 100 varieties of tulips alone. Almost one million people a year visit the park. It is located not far from Amsterdam, near the town of Lisse. Open only March – May.

The Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Scotland

Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Scotland | John Lord/Flickr

If Alice’s Wonderland did exist, then it would certainly be in Dumfries, Scotland under the name of the Garden of Cosmic Speculation. Inspired by science and mathematics, black holes, DNA molecules and parallel universes, the architect Charles Jencks has created this unusual space as living proof that logic and creativity are not always mutually exclusive. The garden is private but usually opens on one day each year through the Scotland’s Gardens program and raises money for Maggie’s Centres, a cancer care charity named for Maggie Keswick Jencks, the late wife of Charles Jencks.

Miracle Garden, Dubai

Miracle Gardens, Dubai | Srilatha Sharma/Flickr

It is hard to imagine that the biggest flower garden could appear in the middle of a desert, but for years now Dubai has been showing the world it is a land of paradoxes. Dubai Miracle Garden spreads over an area of 72,000 sq. m (775,000 sq. ft) and features more than 45 million flowers, 4 km (3 mi) of passages and walkways among the flowers, and a 1 km(1,000 yd) flower wall.

Monet’s Garden, France

Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, France | David Alexander Elder/Flickr

If you’ve seen the painting with the lilies by the French artist Claude Monet and you wish to see it in real life, visit the artist’s house just outside Paris. Water lilies blooming or not, sitting in the garden of the father of Impressionism is like becoming part of one of his paintings: the Japanese footbridge is just before you, the house and the garden have been restored to their appearance from Monet’s time. 

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Here are our top 3 reasons to visit the Netherlands this spring:

#1 Cycling adventures

Cycling in Holland | © NBTC

One of the most important components of life in the Netherlands is cycling. Locals literally live on their fiets (bike). Bikes are used to get around in the city and between cities, transport your groceries, furniture, pets and even children.

So, it would be a shame not to explore the country on two wheels. It is indeed the only way to feel the true Dutch spirit. Rent a bike from one of the numerous rentals and hit the road. Whether you want to roam around big urban centers like Amsterdam and Rotterdam or discover the charms of the blossoming countryside, you can easily do so on a bicycle. The Netherlands has to offer 32,000 km of cycling paths that are waiting to be explored. Choose among the endless cycling roads and plan your trip with a handy cycle planner that is also available in English.

If you are in the mood for something new, why not try bicycle hitchhiking in Amsterdam? All you have to do is look for a bike with a yellow backie and shout “Backie!”.

#2 Endless fields filled with flowers

Cycling among tulips in Holland | © NBTC

In spring, the Netherlands turns into a paradise for every flower lover. March is the start of the crocus season, followed by the gentle daffodils and the fragrant hyacinths. Don’t miss on the iconic tulips that show their enchanting colors from mid-April to mid-May.

The best place to enjoy Dutch tulips is the Keukenhof or the world’s biggest flower exhibition, which is just 30 minutes away from Amsterdam. The garden is gorgeous in spring, showcasing over 7 million blooming bulbs, with a total of 800 varieties of tulips. The place is also hosting various flower-related events like a roses show, freesia show, and the world’s biggest lily show. Other major tulip farms are located in the Noordoostpolder and along the coast of the Hague and Leiden.

#3 Dutch café culture

A cafe in Holland | © NBTC

Dutch cafés are laid-back and social spaces to talk, drink and celebrate life. Most of them are located right by the famous Dutch canals or have a gorgeous green garden. Soak up some sun (which is rare and highly valued in the Netherlands) while enjoying a tasty snack and a cold beer. Opt for a traditional Heineken or one of the exquisite Belgian varieties that are among the local favorites. When food is concerned, locals worship the taste of deeply fried kibbeling (cod) that is dipped in a fresh garlic or tartar sauce. Sweet lovers can enjoy a delicious stroopwafel (a waffle consisting of two sheets of baked dough and a syrupy caramel layer in the middle) that is best washed down with a latte.

If your mouth is watering and you long for a trip across the flat and colorful fields of the Netherlands, it`s high time to start planning your Dutch trip. Happy traveling!

***

A passionate writer, journalist, and explorer, Yoana Hristova (www.yoanahristova.com) has worked and studied in Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. Currently based in Bulgaria, she is always on the lookout for great stories that inspire us to travel, grow and discover what life has to offer.

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Yellow Backie is a unique possibility for visitors to experience Amsterdam through the eyes of an Amsterdammer, and for Amsterdammers to meet new people from around the globe. It’s a bit like Couchsurfing, on a bike, without the smelly socks in your living room.

As we wanted to know more about the idea, here is what Martin Luyckx from Yellow Backie shared with us:

Yellow Backie is… Amsterdam style hitchhiking. An initiative to spark some love between Amsterdam locals and its visitors with a famous Dutch custom: riding on the luggage rack of a friend s bike.

Riding on the luggage rack of a friend s bike in Amsterdam is… very common and also a lot of fun.

Locals take part because… they want to show foreigners that they are open to meeting new people, and that we are not afraid of tourists.

Hitchhiking a bike in Amsterdam is better than other transport because… it is free and your Backie Driver will provide you with information only locals know about!

What tourists usually don’t understand about Amsterdam’s cycling culture is… our bicycle lanes! Also traffic regulations are quite the same for bicycles as they are for cars. For instance, we have to wait for traffic lights, have right of way when we come from the right and are not allowed to cycle on the sidewalk.

You can get a free bike ride in Amsterdam by… shouting BACKIE! as loud as possible.

You can become a Yellow Backie driver by… sending us a good motivation through our website.

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Alkmaar is well-known for its numerous well-preserved medieval buildings, most notably Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk tower. The other main attraction, especially in the summer, is Alkmaar’s cheese market at the Waagplein. 

Courtesy of Julia Dimova

The cheese market

After the old-fashioned tradition of the hand clap, traders and carriers start weighing the cheese. The demonstration takes place in front of the medieval weighing house, which is surrounded by stands where you can buy local cheese. Pay special attention to the ceremony; you probably won’t see it elsewhere, as Alkmaar is one of only five remaining traditional cheese markets in the Netherlands.

It is quite a challenge to take nice pictures here, as the cheese market is packed with tourists and shoppers. You don’t need more than an hour here, and if you need a break, simply embark on a city boat trip – it’s a whole lot of fun and it’s the best way to take kick-ass photos of the city.

If you are passionate about museums and culture, you can also visit the Beatles Museum (dedicated of course to the legendary band), the Dutch Cheese Museum and the National Beer Museum “De Boom”.

Practical information:

The cheese market takes place every Friday morning between 10:00 am and 12:30 pm from April to September. For more information about when, where and how the Alkmaar cheese market is held, visit its official website.

To check times for the train from Amsterdam to Alkmaar, visit this website. 

If you are curious to know more about the other typical cheese markets in the Netherlands, check this website. 

This is a guest post submitted by Julia Dimova, a 30-something Bulgarian currently living in the Netherlands after having sampled several other countries and beautiful cities. French language and culture are her passion and her love, as well as books, cooking, eating, drinking wine with friends, visiting museums and of course travelling. In her free time she writes in her blog about everything that crosses her mind. For more info, please check it out at OrpheeWay and have fun!

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