Saturday - Farmers market in Rotterdam

The Hague's weekly farmers market was the topic of an earlier post and I have now discovered that Rotterdam has its own (larger) version as well, although a monthly one, with some extra dates for special events.

The good people of Uit Eigen Stad are there too, together with several other producers and vendors from the area of Rotterdam, including fishmongers, a mustard maker and a mushroom grower.

http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl

Friday - To the woods!

Foraging is the mot de jour in these, to use the abused cliche, times of austerity.

I have however always been a fan and when I was still living back home we went often to the woods: wild asparagus, blackberries, mushrooms, flowers and herbs were among our fare.

There's a certain peculiar satisfaction in picking your own food and you always have the impression that it tastes better than shop bought one.

So I was very pleased to discover, while reading the Coop magazine, that a lady called Ria Loohuizen, author of several books on foraging, is offering guided tour into the nature in the area of Groningen to teach how to pick edible local plants. The tour ends with a dinner which includes dishes prepared with the foraged food.

Some information about a previous tour and contact details are available here and according to the Coop magazine, Ms Loohuizen can also be directly contacted at the rialoo@XS4all.nl, mentioning "plukwandeling" (= picking walk) in the subject of the email.

Thursday - Non boring guided tours of Amsterdam

My friend A. did this tour on Monday, was quite enthusiastic and warmly recommended it.

Here's what she had to say:

"No need for booking, just pop up in Dam square at the start time (we made the tour in the afternoon).
Stephanie, our guide, was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Amsterdam, she told us plenty of stories and anecdotes!
perfect for cheese lover`s (not for me!), during the tour they even got cheese tasting.
and of course you pay what you want, Stephanie deserves a good tip :o)"

It's almost free, save for the 3 euros of the booking fee and covers, in a funny and entertaining way, the history of the city through its main sights.

The tours departs from the Dam twice a day.

http://www.newamsterdamtours.com/daily-tours/new-amsterdam.html

Wednesday - Book launch: the metropolitan polder

The polder metropool is the Randstad, the agglomeration in the north west of the country including the main Dutch cities which, given the chronic lack of space in this part of the country, will one day become one large urban and semi-urban entity: a metropolis.

The author Pieter Maessen, a journalist and adviser to the municipality of Rotterdam, will present (in Dutch) his book at the Paagman on the Fred this evening at 19.00. For the uninitiated, the Fred is how people from The Hague call the street Frederik Hendriklaan.

Entry is free but reservation is advised.

http://www.paagman.nl/metropool

Tuesday - Katwijk: Remembering the fallen at sea

A very touching monument at the end of the boulevard in Katwijk remembers the town's fishermen who perished since 1919.

"Gone to the sea for their daily bread, oblivious to death. No farewell given to the loved ones, only the names and memories remain".

Monday - Motel Mozaique is coming to town

There is still some time to buy tickets for Motel Mozaique, the itinerant music festival kicking off in Rotterdam this Friday.

Two nights of music, events and performances in big and small venues scattered all over town: bring your confy shoes!

We went on Saturday last year and had an awesome time, discovering some new cool acts and singers. So much so that this year we bought tickets for both nights.

On my list, Aluna George, Laura Mvula and the Milk Carton Kids (I don't know them, but I do love the name).

http://www.motelmozaique.nl/program

Sunday - Happy Easter!

Not much open today, in terms of museums, shops or cafes, so the best is actually to go for a walk on the beach, weather permitting, or else stay at home and indulge in a day long brunch.