Food to Serve:

• Stroopwafel – This is a classic cookie that is famous throughout the world! The ‘stroopwafel’ originates from Gouda, a place south of Amsterdam. It was first made during the late 18th or early 19th century by a baker using leftovers from the bakery, such as breadcrumbs and sweetened it with syrup. Find them here to order.
• Kroket – The Netherlands is not known for its fabulous cuisine. But regarding to snacks, nobody can beat the Dutch! The ‘kroket’ is a deep fried roll with meat ragout inside, covered in breadcrumbs. The common English translation of’ kroket’ is croquette. The original Dutch ‘kroket’ is made from beef or veal, but there are many different flavors like chicken satay, shrimps, goulash or even a vegetarian ‘kroket’. Find a recipe here, or order frozen!
• Beer – If your residents are able to drink, grab a pale lager from the store to serve!

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Things to do:

• Dance! Here is a simple dutch dance to get people moving.
• Make some tulips! Here is a link to 25 various craft ideas to inspire any artist.

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Fun facts:

Via Hotels.com

1. The city has more canals than Venice. Amsterdam’s 17th-century canals are so frequently compared to Venice that it earned the Dutch capital its nickname, the “Venice of the North.” In fact, Amsterdam is home to 165 canals with a total length of 50 km, while its Italian counterpart has only about 150.
2. Amsterdam has more bicycles than people. Amsterdam has a long-running reputation as a cycle-friendly city, so it’s not surprising to hear frantic bells ringing from cyclists throughout the day. Over 60% of its residents cycle every day, and there are about 3 bicycles for every car on the road. Some cyclists can be rather reckless, so be sure to stay on the right path when sightseeing in the city.
3. The world’s first capital to legalize same-sex marriage. Arguably one of Europe’s most liberal cities, Amsterdam (and the rest of the Netherlands) was the first to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2001. Since then, the city has been a favorite tourist destination among the LGBT community. The annual Amsterdam Gay Pride brings dance parties, film screenings, sporting events, debates and the world-famous Canal Parade.
4. Tobacco is banned in cafés and restaurants. Cannabis joints may be legal in Amsterdam, but smoking tobacco has been banned in cafés and restaurants since 2008. You are also prohibited from smoking in all trains, stations and waiting areas. If you’re caught by authorities, expect to pay a fine of €25 or more.
5. You can only buy/smoke cannabis in coffee shops. While many tourists come to partake in Amsterdam’s cannabis culture, it’s actually illegal to smoke joints in public. There are over 200 coffee shops in the city for you to enjoy this substance privately and, most importantly, safely. Exploring the bike-crowded streets and canals while high often leads to disastrous situations.
6. Amsterdam has over 2,500 houseboats… There are more than 2,500 houseboats in Amsterdam, many of which you can stay in instead of a typical hotel. Located along the canals and Amstel River, these floating homes are built on a concrete pontoon and have all the features of a normal house, such as restrooms, kitchens and bedrooms.
7. …including a houseboat for abandoned cats. Poezenboot often draws a crowd of cat lovers as it is the only houseboat in the Netherlands (and possibly the world) for abandoned cats. Also known as Catboat, this floating sanctuary is about 650 meters southwest of Amsterdam Central Station. It’s open to the public and entrance is free, but donations are welcomed to provide for the cats’ welfare.
8. The ‘ladies of the night’ pay tax. A stone’s throw from Amsterdam’s Central Station, you’ll find the curious sight of row upon row of glass-fronted rooms filled with a variety of scantily clad women (and sometimes even men). These ladies of the night are selling their services completely legally – they even pay tax, just like factory or office workers. But there’s more to the De Wallen neighborhood than its unusual window displays. The Erotic Museum is home to some interesting exhibits on human sexuality, while Oude Kerk (Old Church) is worth visiting for its 14th-century architecture and public square.

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