Ten Things to do in the Netherlands (Part 2)

There are just so many things to do in the Netherlands; you can't fit them all in one week. Here's the second part of the ten activities we did during our stay there! 

6. Stand over a Dike

Since Amsterdam is a flood-prone country, water is the locals’ greatest foe. Stringent measures are taken to protect the citizens and tourists from potential water-based hazards. One of these measures is the building and maintenance of dikes.

Dikes are long walls that are built around the sea, to prevent flooding. During our trip to the rural north, we stood over the Southern Dike, which overlooked a lake that used to be a sea. Sometimes, we would see locals biking over the gravel pathway of this man-made dike.

THE VIEW FROM ABOVE: The author stands on top of the Southern Dike.

SMOKED FISH ON THE DYKE: Vroegindeweij explains the different types of Dutch fish: cod, trout and salmon.

7. Ride a Tesla car

Amsterdam is known for its sustainable lifestyle, which is highlighted in the abundance of bicycles and Tesla electric cars.

Unfortunately, we were not able to ride a bicycle around the city. But I assure health buffs, that they will find many bike-friendly activities to do in the city, while improving their health.

When we went to the rural north, we rode a Tesla electric car, a breakthrough innovation that runs on clean energy. The car that we rode could go as fast as 150 kph in three seconds.

Vroegindeweij, who drove the Tesla car, told us that Amsterdam had a lot of lithium battery charging stations- so it was very convenient to own a Tesla there.

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT: The author in front of a Tesla Electric Taxi

8. Pay homage to European painters

We now go back to the center of the city, where the Rijksmuseum is located. The Rijksmuseum is home to many painters who made an impact in Dutch culture. One of the most famous pieces there is The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn. Underneath the painting is a secret escape path that leads outside the museum. In case there was a fire, the painting would be saved, but it would still sustain gashes in the process, according to Vroegindeweij.

A block away from the museum is Vincent van Gogh’s museum. Interestingly, visitors are not allowed to take pictures there, for commercial purposes. Van Gogh’s exhibit, enabled by the marketing genius of his sister-in-law, details the Dutch painter’s life of sadness and isolation. Yet in his misery and confusion, he was able to produce eight hundred paintings throughout the course of his life.

When we went to the exhibit area, we were surprised that the popularStarry Nightwas not included in the museum’s extensive collection.

The painting that put Van Gogh in the spotlight, Hanneke explained, is in the Museum of Modern Art at New York City.

The Night Watch features a group of militia men who are tasked to protect the city. Two interesting characters in the painting include a lady shrouded in light, and Rembrandt himself (third figure on the topmost row).

9. Try some fresh cow’s milk, dispensed from a machine!

Having lived in an urban landscape, I rarely get to drink fresh milk straight from the udders of a cow. But my family and I were fortunate to have been able to buy fresh cow’s milk dispensed by a machine, in the countryside.

A half liter of fresh milk costs about 0.30 Euros (19 PHP). A whole liter of fresh milk costs 0.85 Euros (54.39 PHP).

Hanneke said that fresh milk machines like these were quite uncommon, but were frequented by locals and passersby.

Vroegindeweij purchases a liter of fresh cow’s milk.

10. Bring home some Tony’s Chocolonely as pasalubong.  

If the Dutch had a Willy Wonka bar, it would be this. Designed in a childlike and colorful manner, Tony’s Chocolonely is made with 100 % pure Dutch chocolate, and it advocates slave-free labor. Its motto is: “Crazy about Chocolate, Serious for People.”

The pattern on the Chocolonely bar is unique, as it does not follow conventional chocolate bar patterns. There are several flavors to choose from: Milk Chocolate, Extra Dark Chocolate, Dark Almond Seasalt, Dark Coffee Crunch, Dark Pecan Coconut, and Milk Caramel Sea Salt.

The small bars were priced at 1.50 Euros (95 PHP), while the large bars were priced at 2.50 Euros (160 PHP) at the Albert Heijin supermarket. 

An IG-worthy sight.

Photo gallery