Bike safety

A conversation today popped up regarding safety here in the Netherlands. No one wears helmets bar the professional cyclists, yet there are more accidents and deaths by the daily cyclist compared with the professionals. The bike is a great mode of transport, cheap to maintain, (mostly) reliable, and no need to wait on public transport - yet we all are aware of how blase we all get after a year of cycling the same pavements. We all agreed, what we all need is a well designed, fashionable helmet that shows the famous locals wearing them to try and influence the hip and trendy residents to do the same.

Lets hope it might come soon!

Party Time

So for any and all people needing to throw a party I have to say my favourite shops to pop into are:
1) Action
2) Xenos and
3) Blokker.

Action has the cheapest and alternative groupings for decorations, and even some snacks to add in! Xenos just has everything of anything, a little more expensive and Blokker just finishes it off for any lightening or whatever you need.

With the variety of nationalities in the city, you have a great opportunity of choosing your food theme! Greek, Italian, Moroccan, Spanish are all possible, as is Polish, American and Indonesian! Everything is possible here with the variety of shops and small local delis!

Whatever area you live in, there is a party everything Friday and Saturday night in someones apartment, but no one needs a reason for it. Just invite friends over, grab some drinks and food and go for it!

Live a little

For however long you will be in Amsterdam, do one thing for yourself. Get talking to a local. If just in your hotel, local bar, or a work mate, get to know someone from here. Hear their stories, go where they recommend, just do something they do to look at the city from their point of view. No matter how many books for travellers you read, remember they are written by people to travel and have to find out about these places from other people too!

Working and Living

The Netherlands has the highest amount of part time workers in Europe, with 40% of women choosing to work part time (20-32hours a week over the 40 hour typical week) They are said to have the best work to living ratio around EU, dressing well for the work offices, enjoying a drink after work with their co-workers, and the rest of their time is to live stress free. 

When the sun is out, enjoy it. Pack a picnic and get to your nearest park and enjoy the hours we have left as September is just around the corner, and that means Autumn falls soon!

Things to do

If you are wanting something a little different check out these upcoming things to do:

September
Jordaan Festival: This little area of the city comes more alive with music, children's mini festivals, opera, theatre, and anything vibrant. A great time to check out the area and get involved in local tradition. From 14th - 16th  September

Inside Design Amsterdam: takes place in Westergasfabriek but also in some participating stores, as most design shops are involved. Its a show case with a different angle, from interior, to modern designs, and some free workshops and idea shops to help you design at home!From 21-23rd September


National Restaurant Week: A great opportunity to try out some amazing restaurants for a set price of €27.50 for 3 courses (exl drinks). Places are limited so it's best to book early and keep an eye out on the last minute options!

October
The 37th edition of the ING Amsterdam Marathon takes place on October 21st. Maybe you take part, maybe you observe, but you will notice the disruption if you live in the city! Be careful and take note of the changed routes if you have plans that day!

Amsterdam Dance Event: For those into night clubs, dance music and all things related, the Amsterdam Dance Event rungs over the weekend of the 17th - 21st October, when all nightclubs are involved and some 700 artists can be playing around the city. Be sure to check out the website to check out your favourite DJs and buy tickets, as most are sold out quickly!

Gay Pride

Tomorrow is Gay Pride and the city is already prepping for the occasion. Lots of street parties and boat parties! Enjoy the day everyone! There shall be sun!