Hi everyone! I'm a journalism student from the Philippines and I'm part of a student exchange program. I'll be going to the Netherlands in May to write several feature articles. I've been trying to look around for cool/outdoorsy things to do that I can make an article about. I'd really prefer something that's unique and that involves me actually trying out the activity (not just conducting interviews or research about it).
Suggestions will be much appreciated, thank you! :)
Hello and welcome to the forum, a place for (sometimes) wisdom and (often) irony.
Activies that you could try yourself? Well, I had been told that smoking pot is popular in Amsterdam. Or trying one of those lovely ladies that sit in the windows of the Red Light District. You're not amused? How can you tell if you didn't try it? That's exactly what you should know if you want to become a journalist: Never only try to report about anything if you haven't at least made your own, tiniest experience with it. Otherwise, there are search engines on the Web that do not require any field studies...
Or sit in one of those windows yourself a night or two.
I remember Amsterdam as a city where street artists/performers thrive. An in-depth article about this life-style is something I'd be interested in. If you have no spectacular skills yourself, maybe you could be a side-kick for someone else.
Mud walking on Wadden Sea could be a quite unique activity.
-Another vote for the mudwalking experience.
-You travel in May, if you'll be here the 2nd of June: dauwtrappen (cycling very early in the morning, whole country)
-Fierljeppen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYIwwTMJ6lc
Mudwalking was the first thing that sprung to my mind as well.
Seems like the Japanese and Koreans just beat you in promoting Fierljeppen: I can't seem to find the documentary I saw on Japanese tv back in 1999, but here's how this wonderful activity is introduced in Korea: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb-RAail1Jk&feature=related].
Ha ha the Korean fierljeppen is great, Aribo!
Yes, another vote for mud walking and fierljeppen, both of which I have never done myself even though I'm Dutch.
And though it's not typically Dutch you could take sailing lessons in the province of Friesland, or windsurfing lessons (lots of places all over the country), or surfing lessons or kite boarding lessons on the waves of the ice cold and grey North Sea.
You could also go abseiling off the Euromast, a tower in Rotterdam.
Or kayaking or rowing in Amsterdam. For example at Roeicentrum Berlagebrug you can take seperate rowing lessons (without being a member of a rowing association) and row in the Amstel river.
In Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) you can rent kayaks. That forest also has a treetop experience. You may find more info on IAmsterdam.
Veel plezier, have fun!
Aargh!, now I really want to see the Korean fierljeppens, too, but outside the Netherlands, Youtube only offers an unsatisfying This video contains content from NPO, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds. Sorry about that. :-/
Great aribo, after korfbal typical Dutch sports (?) are conquering the world.
I'm curious about kaatsen.
And when will it be in the Olympics?
For windsurfing - as Cecilia is indicating - come to the lake near this campingsite in Bornerbroek
It's free for non-Europeans. Two half days instruction, catering and overnight.
It is a bit more researchy than do it yourself but a day trip to Zaanse Schans, which is a windmill park of historic working windmills is fun, interesting and very Dutch.
Canal trips;
1)you can rent a boat
2) canal bike is fun if it's warm enough
3) St Nicholaas boat club = canal tour but with a twist.