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BIKE RIDES
If you want to check out the Dutch country side, here are some suggestions for bike rides.

BIKE RIDE TO VOLENDAM
Backpackers experience from Karen
Dougherty from Wollongong, Australia. “I started at the Central Station, and from there the white/red signposts will lead you to Volendam and Edam. You will cycle
along the picturesque coastline passing by lush green paddocks with sheep and cattle, lakes and overlooking windmills in the distance. You will pass the Irene Hoeve cheese and a clog factory on your way which is an excellent stop. Any cravings for ‘Old Holland’ cheese, as well as many other delicious cheeses, in that case you will be satisfied with free cheese-
tastings. Watch the skilled craftsmen shape wooden clogs and prepare mouthwatering cheeses. Continuing along your trip towards Volendam you will pass an old-

Even considering our recent unhealthy living we had a blast and managed to do it without any difficulty. from here you can either continue north and explore a bit more of Holland’s coastal area, or enjoy a At the end the trail joins up with the main bike path a few kilometres from Noordwijk; leisurely ride back to town as we did. We had a great time and couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day at the Beach Hostel. Mountain bikes and ordinary bikes can be rented via the reception of the Flying Pig Beach Hostel at reasonable prices.

BIKE RIDE TO WATERLAND
You start at the Waterlooplein and follow the Plantage Middenlaan down to the east. When you see café Koosje at your left hand side, you should turn left, go straight ahead, cross the bridge and turn right. Now you are biking at one of the most beautiful streets of Amsterdam, Entrepodok. (Look at those amazing lofts!). Turn left at the end of this street and when you see the windmill (time forsome pictures!) turn right.At the traffic lights you should turn left again and then straight ahead for at least 3 km. You will end up at the outskirts of Amsterdam, close to the park/swimming pool Flevoparkbad. When you have passed the two big red bridges just follow the signs to Durgerdam, Ransdorp and Waterland. This is the polder. If you’re in good shape you can ride all the way to Marken or Volendam on the dyke. But remember you will have to go back as well!

FOLLOW THE RIVER AMSTEL
The other route to Abcoude, is fairly easy. You start at the end of Rokin, at the Munt, and just follow the river Amstel. Keep the river at your left hand side and look for the white/red signs. You will pass small towns like Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, Nes aan de Amstel and you will find Abcoude at the end. You can ride all the way to Utrecht. But that’s only if you have the legs of Lance Armstrong!

fashioned windmill, still spinning. (So watch your heads). Volendam is a quaint fishing village where you can eat fresh fish and look out over the fishing boats and yachts. Plenty of small shops to buy souvenirs too. People are friendly. Just wave and say “hello!”

MOUNTAIN BIKING @ THE BEACH
Dean and Sarah couldn’t resist the challenge and had to ride the mountain bike trail near the Beach Hostel.
Dean: “After hearing how good the mountain bike trail is just north of Noordwijk, we decided to give it a go. It was a sunny Tuesday morning when Sarah and I set off through the pleasant setting of Noordwijk; past the beach, the flower fields and up the bike path through the woods. Just off the main bicycle path we found a little sign of the mountain bike trail. The trail was better than I expected, a narrow little sand trail leading through a small forest area, then into the sand dunes. After hearing all the time how flat Holland is, we were surprised to find ourselves flying down hills and managing to ride up the other side. Luckily there were quite a few nice spots to rest for a while and catch our breath. Not that you need to be in great shape to enjoy the ride, you could race through it or do it at your own pace.

THE GREAT NOTHING

What started as an easy morning stroll, turned into hard work after four hours of walking. The mud sticks more and more to my boots and every step sucks me further into the wet soil. Despite this, our whole group (2 Ozzies, 1 Kiwi, 1 Japanese, 1 Canadian, 1 American) seems to keep on having fun.

Three days ago we left Amsterdam, we started at the Flying Pig to see the ‘real Holland’ with our Dutch guide/cook/driver Theo.

We saw many tulips and other flowers, at least more than 30 windmills of the 975 which are still shattered around the Dutch countryside. Cold shivers
were there when we visited the concentration camp where Anne Frank stayed before she was deported to the gas chambers of Nazi Germany. We smoked a bit after to catch our breath and we heard many funny and interesting stories about the Dutch history. But his latest idea,
a walk across the Wadden Sea, is by far the most interesting challenge I have ever endured in my entire life. This morning we left early for a walk from the mainland of Groningen towards the island of Schiermonnikoog. These two pieces of land are divided by a stretch of sea of more than 6 miles! And although there’s a ferry which goes on a regular base, we decided to take the short cut. Through the mud of the Wadden sea!
The landscape we encounter along the way is overwhelming. We’re surrounded by the…great nothing. The deep blue sea is as far as we can see around us. Above us are great light blue and grey clouds that seems
to be untouched since Vincent van Gogh has left planet Earth. I feel like a dwarf now, although I’m six foot three (1.86 meter). Up to my waist into cold sea water, I’m making my way slowly towards the island. It took me a couple of minutes to get used to the cool water temperature, but then I find my rhythm again quickly. The only spectators of my happy mood are a lost seal and some curious sea gulls. After four hours of walking we reach the island of Schiermonnikoog. Exhausted, but feeling great we cross the dyke. There is no way you can do this walk alone. You have to have a guide. Even Theo, who has done this walk for more than 50
times, doesn’t know the exact way for it keeps on changing every time. Depending on the tide, wind, currents and so many factors you don’t have a clue of. So save yourself some hassles and book this stress-free,
witty tour around the not so well known parts of Holland.
Tom Waijers, NY, USA.
Lowlands Travel Tours leave every Saturday (09.00 am) and Tuesday (1.00) pm from the Flying Pig Hostels in Amsterdam.
More information: www.flyingpig.nl >> “things 2 do” >> “Tours”

WHAT TO EXPECT, WHERE TO FIND THE RIGHT DEALS AND SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES
COUGH, COUGH ,COFFEE SHOPS

TAKE A PICK
Having said that, there are something like 280 coffee shops in Amsterdam, so just because these are the closest doesn’t mean you should patronize them exclusively. Do a bit of exploring and see what you find - you might be surprised.
If you’re in for a full Dutch smoker experience, then try to avoid the chain coffee shops in the city. Places like these can be overpriced and the quality of the weed is said to be less. The bottom line is that coffee shops, the best ones anyway, are ‘gezellig’ little places that offer something different.

Again and again I can’t stress enough; look for deals. Coffee shops Picasso for instance offers a free breakfast when you purchase a certain amount, the Noon, around Leidsesquare, has its weekend specials and most of the coffee shops in the Red Light District and around the Central Station offer all kinds of deals.
So, what are you waiting for? Off to your (first) coffee shop you go, there’s no time to waste! <<

Don’t be ripped off!
Most places are very meticulous in weighing out their goods and you don’t have to worry. However some ofthe touristy places will sell pre-rolled spliffs that maybe aren’t quite what they should be. The
Dutch roll their joints with tobacco and the amount of tobacco in these pre-rolled spliffs might be more than you bargained for.
Most places that offer prerolls
offer pure joints as well, just ask.
Marijuana is generally sold in grams, from two on up. (between 6 and 8 euro’s) The one exception to this rule seems to be The Grey Area, started by two American ex-pats. They sell the typical American Dime and quarter bags here and they have a wide selection of bongs. My advice
though, if you’re not used to them go Dutch and stick with the spliffs.

DEALS AND PRICING
Prices of weed vary depending on the quality and the place where you buy it. The same rules apply to hash. In some shops you can buy space cakes as well, though they’re becoming rarer these days.