Amsterdam Local tip for weekend 27-29 November

You want to do something different this weekend in Amsterdam. Here is a thing to do, visit the Food Trucks at a food festival. Yes, yes, I know its cold outside.

The Food Trucks are inside 'smiley face'. From 26th through to the 29th of November some 70 Food Trucks will descend on Amsterdam RAI Centre

It is easy to get to from central Amsterdam. Take Tram 4 or Metro 51 to the RAI convention centre and then follow your nose. You can't get lost as the RAI Centre is the largest in the Netherlands with a really big sign "RAI" and lots of little signs on the roads around the centre saying "RAI". If you are a little or a lot OCD it is in the Europahal or Europe Hall of the Centre.


What could be better than a food festival? I hear you say. Entrance is FREE!

They open at 5pm until 11pm. Sorry, no sneaky food truck lunch.

Now your first drink is going to cost you 2.50euro for the container. When you return it you get your 2.50euro back.

The festival will run on coupons instead of cash so you will have to go to the cashier to get these coupons.

There is to be music, drinks and lots of locals. There is a kids friendly area so don't be afraid to take the little ones to enjoy the tasty treats.


Our Tip:

Dikke Bertha any thing from that cooker is fantastic.

They are already set up.

Any questions check out the Amsterdam Food Festival Facebook page or website

Have fun.

Asia in Amsterdam: a Rijksmuseum exhibition

When in Amsterdam...the Rijksmuseum has an exhibition on Asia from the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1599, expeditionary ships return from Asia to Amsterdam laden with goods. This arrival hailed the beginning of Amsterdam as a world power and the arrival of the Dutch Golden Age.

The Return to Amsterdam of the Second Expedition to the East Indies.
Hendrik Cornelisz Vroom, 1599.

The exhibition Asia in Amsterdam: Luxury in the Golden Age demonstrates the grandeur of Amsterdam and its elite during this period.

The Dutch East India Shipping Company (VOC) filled Dutch homes with treasures from Asian settlements. Porcelain, diamonds, spices and silks. From locations such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China, Japan and of course Indonesia. 

The influx of these new goods was overwhelming. Local artisans were influenced by these new goods. They adopted Asian techniques and styles creating works of art that today are considered icons of Dutchness. Delft Blue porcelain is the obvious example.

The volume of goods from trading merchants of the East attracted an influx of immigrants  from surrounding European countries. Knowledge and experience accumulated. Advancements were made particularly in ship building and cartography. Amsterdam became the place to go in Europe for Asian goods.

This exhibition displays imported Asian luxury goods along side local art. Demonstrating the the clear influence the Asian works had on Dutch life and art during the 17th and 18th Centuries.

What the exhibition is missing is artifacts or stories of the normal sailor, trade worker or prostitute. An acknowledgement of the vast number of people associated with this trade that did not possess these luxury items.

It is the National Museum of the Netherlands but in this time of austerity an exhibition of luxury and grandeur would have greater impact with a tale or two of those that did fully enjoy these treasures from the other side of the world.

Nonetheless, a worthwhile exhibition to visit. Our favorite pieces of the exhibition are below.

Letter of safe conduct with its original box. Japan 1609.

This letter was one of four issued by the military leader of Japan (Shogun) to the most important member of the Dutch trade delegation. The Dutch were the only European country to trade with the the Japanese for almost 200 years. This relationship can be seen today with Dutch influence in the Japanese language and pieces of Van Gogh's art.

Breast Ornament, c.1630 gold, diamonds, enamel.

Rough, uncut diamonds found their way to Amsterdam. Amsterdam became the center of Europe's diamond industry surpassing Antwerp. During the 17th century diamonds could only be found in Asia.

Plate, Japan, c. 1680 - 1700

This plate with the monogram of the VOC (Dutch East Indies Company) was made in Japan. Europeans knew little of the making process in the early 1600s. The process would be learned and perfected to become an icon of the country today, Delft Blue porcelain.

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The exhibition Asia in Amsterdam: Luxury in the Golden Age runs until January 17, 2016.

Details to plan your visit can be at the website of the Rijksmuseum

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Related post:

Rijjksmuseum looks to ban photos

Rijksmuseum critics: What you need to know before you visit

November in Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam...November the weather turns and the days shorten. There are an array of activities to warm your heart and soul. Here is a list of things to do in Amsterdam in November.

Museumnacht - Museum Night 
7 November 2015

One night of the year Amsterdam museums are open from 7pm until 2am. Filled with music, drinks, food and special events a great night is had by all. For a full description of this event visit our blog on the issue Museumnacht 2015

International Storytelling Festival 
31 October - 8 November 2015

Local and international storytellers gather in Amsterdam to share in a week long program of activities and performances. Pllek on the north side of Amsterdam is the center for this festival however performances are at different locations through the week. Visit there website for a full list of activities and ticket prices at Storytelling Festival Amsterdam.

Rooftop Movie Nights Swimming Pool Edition
14 November 2015

For the first time Rooftop movies takes their event to Marnixbad swimming pool. take your swimmers and enjoy food, cocktails, drinks and a movie. Movies are in English. There re only 80 tickets available so get in quick. Tickets can only be bought on line at Rooftop Movie Nights.

Sinterklaas and hist helpers Zwarte Pete (Black Pete)

Arrival of Sinterklaas 
15 November 2015

On the Sunday in the middle of November Saint Nicholas arrives in Amsterdam. This famous Saint whom has become Father Christmas in other countries arrives in Amsterdam in preparation for his birthday on December 5. Thousands of children and their guardians line the streets to catch candy and a gilmpse of the man. Each year 5 tonnes of candy is thrown to the children of Amsterdam on the parade through the city streets. For a full explanation of this strange Northern European Festival that yearly creates controversy visit Dutch Christmas: Racist or Family Affair?

IDFA - International Documentary Film Festival of Amsterdam 
18 - 29 November 2015

One of the world's leading documentary film festival is held in Amsterdam during November. Innovative documentaries that are highly topical create an internationally diverse and politically committed program. There is an English program for films in the English language or with English subtitles. The full program is announced at the end of the first week of November.

Turn on the Lights
19 November 2015

Each year Amsterdam's leading department store turns on their lights for the holiday season. The Bijenkorf on the Dam Square holds an entire event with fireworks and light installations on the square in a countdown to the turning on of their building's lights. The event starts at 7pm.

Amsterdam Art Weekend
26-29 November 2015

A 4 day contemporary art fair. Amsterdam Art weekend brings together galleries, museums and art institutions who offer exhibitions and events. The best of the country's contemporary art scene. Activities are also co-hosted  with IDFA the international documentary film festival held at the same time in the city. For a full list of activities visit Amsterdam Art Weekend.

Amsterdam Lights Festival
 28 November 2015 until 17 January 2016

Every year in the heart of Winter Amsterdam's old city is transformed into a city of light. 2015's theme is Friendship. Light exhibits of contemporary art are placed throughout the city and can be seen from land or water. For a full list of activities and the light installations visit Amsterdam Light Festival.

Meesterlijk
27 - 29 November 2015

A 3 day event for design, applied art and food. Sounds fantastic. Meesterlijk is a design fair that celebrates Amsterdam artisans and independent craftsmen and women. The event is held in the Westergasfarbiek in the Western Park of Amsterdam. Unique handmade items will be displayed with food and music. Many items are available for sale. For more information visit Meesterlijk Design en Ambacht


When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

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