What better defines The Netherlands (AKA Holland) than bikes, weed and canals? (Quite the rhetorical question) Realistically speaking, most people identify Holland as a country known for its playful banter in the red light district of Amsterdam...or the absurd amount of bikes that roam around the streets at all times of the day. I usually don't find myself intrigued by these party-hard, tourist-hive like locations, however, after spending some time outside the main hub of expats...I was able to find a bit of hope in discovering some deep cultural roots.
The Netherlands literally translates to 'low-lying' country which perfectly represents a great deal of culture there. Located in the northwestern part of Europe, not far from Germany, the Netherlands is a perfect mix of modernism and traditionalism. You can easily pass a windmill farm with forty cows and an abstract art museum within a five mile radius in the same city.
Eindhoven
I flew directly into Eindhoven which made the rest of my journey pretty manageable considering the efficiency of transportation there (which is essential for someone like me who considers public transport a top requirement on almost any trip, especially when the weather is below 20 degrees). I was able to exit the airport and take the central bus immediately with no delay. After a 20 minute bus ride, I arrived at the train/bus station which has a various selection of restaurants, stores, and even flower shops. From Eindhoven, you have fairly easy access to almost anywhere in the Netherlands, such as Amsterdam or Rotterdam. However, my following adventure lead me to Groningen.
Groningen
A 950 year old city filled with colonial architecture, an abundance of bikes that populate majority of the city, and two Universities that create a "Students Rule" vibe. Getting around Groningen was a piece of cake, due to the fact everyones main source of transport is...bike. Once you exit the station (which happens to be an archeological masterpiece of history in itself) you find yourself immersed in the Groningen city life; hundreds of students, bike racks, the canal, and a brisk cool air. Directly adjacent to the station is the Groninger Museum; lavished with modern, contemporary and abstract art (even interactive, black light art). This museum was exquisite with pieces from renown artists like Alessandro Mendini and Daan Roosegaarde.
Taking a stroll in the city is a bit precarious if you're on a budget, Vismarkt has an extensive amount of stores that vary from thrift and vintage to elegant and chic (which is right up my alley). While you're there you must without a doubt have a Stroopwafel (which is actually two thin waffle cookies squeezed together with a delicious caramel paste). I think that's what attracted me the most, the youthful atmosphere; especially when you constantly surround yourself with people of diverse backgrounds and age groups. It's refreshing (sometimes) to merge with people of the same generation and social normalities.
Hope you enjoyed reading, tune in for my next post!
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