Amsterdam Restaurant Week 27 August - 4 September

When in Amsterdam....Restaurant Week happens twice a year. This is your chance to visit top food establishments for bargain prices. A set 3 course menu is offered for 27.50 euros dinner and 22.50 for lunch!  Restaurants with a Michelin star are allowed to charge an extra 10 euros per star. The price does not include drinks.

If you are visiting Amsterdam during this period book early to get your place in food heaven. http://www.restaurantweek.nl

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!


When in Amsterdam... - Blogged

August in Amsterdam: festival month

When in Amsterdam....August is festival month. Every day of August there is something exciting and new.

The first week of August Amsterdam is pink and proud. Amsterdam has always been a city of tolerance and the gay and lesbians are free to be themselves in the city. Once a year this freedom is celebrated. The annual Pride festival culminates in the canal parade. This year on August 4th for the 17th time 80 boats will float through the canals and finish at City Hall. Gain a good vantage point along the Prinsengracht or the Amstel. Music stages are located at the City Hall, Rembrandtplein and also Zeedijk.

Pride Parade 2011 (photo by Anne Vanels)


The Canal Festival (10-19 August) is When in Amsterdam's favorite festival of the year. The historical canals come alive with the sound of classical music. One highlight is the sound of grand pianos floating through the city being played by professional musicians. The Festival culminates in the concert on Prinsengracht in front of the Pulitzer Hotel. Be sure to get early for a good vantage point.



World Cinema Amsterdam (8-19 August) brings international cinema to the outdoors. This year the theme is Brazil. If the weather is good expect energetic post film party.


Uitmarkt (24-26 August) is one of Amsterdam's largest cultural festivals. It is the official opening of the cultural season hundreds of acts are on display. Check out Museumplein for the hottest cultural acts of 2012.


When in Amsterdam...enjoy!


When in Amsterdam... - Blogged

Ajax and Adidas Prank Fans for Season Release

When in Amsterdam.....there is only one team, Ajax. The most successful football team in the Netherlands, Ajax Amsterdam also has the largest supporter base in the country. Each year the new team outfit is eagerly awaited. The launch of the new shirt is a media moment.

This year Ad Agency Iris Amsterdam created a campaign for Ajax and Ajax's clothing partners Adidas. Adidas's new slogan is 'all in...Adidas'.

To launch the new Ajax shirt for the 2012/13 season fake walls and cameras were built into the changing rooms of the only official fan shop in Amsterdam's city center.

As the fans try on their new season shirt the wall is pulled away and they are surrounded by players from the team.

For many this may seem creepy and lawsuits might ensue but for Amsterdammers and Ajax supporters this goes to the heart of our sense of humor. Watch the youtube clip don't miss the guy who was so scared he ran into the door.



When in Amsterdam.....support Ajax.




When in Amsterdam... - Blogged

William Kentridge's Black Box at Amsterdam's Jewish Museum

When in Amsterdam... visit William Kentridge's "Black Box". The Amsterdam's Jewish Historical Museum has on display the 'Black Box/Chambre Noire' (2005) and pieces associated with the making of this moving piece of art until 25 November 2012. 



The wonderful piece is expressionist in style in that form alludes to content and vise versa. The medium is multi-media, music, charcoal, theater and puppets.



To understand this art one must be aware of the history of European colonial powers and of Africa's southern region. Black Box tells the story of the Genocide of the Herero and Nama people from 1904 to 1907 in today's Namibia. 

Formally, known as German South West Africa the genocide resulted in over 100 000 people murdered. 75% of the Herero and Nama people were killed and the remainder were placed in concentration camps to work as slave labor.

This genocide has been recognised by the United Nations and the German Republic. To remember the 100 year anniversary Kentridge was commissioned by Deutsche Bank which resulted in the mechanical theatre 'Black Box'.

Kentridge is a South African artist of Jewish heritage. He uses the country's and region's history to socially connect his work to the audience. Kentridge has won numerous artistic awards including the 2009 Association of Art Critics Award. His background in theater and opera is evident in 'Black Box'.

Black Box is a puppet stage. Mechanical puppets move to a backdrop of art that has been created from charcoal and material that Kentridge gathered during research. Kentridge uses the backdrop of Mozart's Magic Flute as a structure but unlike the Magic Flute is not set in 1791 but 1904. The theme of the Magic Flute, the struggle between benevolence and authority, is evident.

Benevolence in 'Black Box' is colonialism and the brotherhood of humankind that European enlightenment developed. The enlightenment is still celebrated today and lays the foundations of western universities. Black Box reminds us that this knowledge developed to a back drop of violence, discrimination and extortion.

Black Box is a piece that can transcend time. The example of the Herero Genocide can be replaced by the Dutch in Indonesia, the English in Kenya or today's killings in the name of state sovereignty. 

For those that question the meaning of modern art Black Box connects you socially through history. The piece is emotional, morals are questioned and beauty realised. Well worth the Admission Price.




Jewish Historical Museum (JHM) in Amsterdam exhibits William Kentridge's work from 16 July until 25 November 2012. The JHM is also teaming up with the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam to organise an events programme




When in Amsterdam... - Blogged