Curious Wanderlust

Amsterdam is made for cycling. With special bicycle traffic lights and bicycle lanes it is the fastest and cheapest way to travel in and around the city. Biking is also convenient, safe and lots of fun. Whatever your age, you will see more by bike! MacBike rents out top-quality bicycles for you to explore Amsterdam in a typical Dutch way: on a bicycle! Rental prices start as low as 11 euros a day. Link: www.macbike.nl/english


2. Eat Cheese
The Dutch are famous for their cheese and have been producing it long before 400 AD. If you want to buy some cheese during your stay in Amsterdam, you should go where the locals go, De Kaaskamer. This shop has a wide variety of Dutch cheeses and even foreign cheeses. One piece of advice before you decide what to buy; do some sample tasting and have the sales person vacuum wrap your cheese so you can import it into the US without any problems. Runstraat 7 (nine little streets area) Amsterdam.

If you are looking for flowers, there is only one place to go: The flower market at the Singel canal. At this market along the Singel canal you can find any type of flower at very affordable prices. There is also a huge collection of tulip bulbs for sale, which in case you decide to buy some, can be shipped to your home address. Link: Tulips

4. Shop for Artistic Shoes
Jan Jansen Shoes: The shoes at this trendy shop are not just shoes: they're a work-of art, designed by acclaimed artist Jan Jansen. His designs are known throughout the world of fashion and Jan Jansen has exhibited in many museums all over the world. Visiting this shop is almost like going to a museum, only this time you can buy and wear the artwork! Rokin 42 Amsterdam. Link: www.janjansenshoes.com

5. Visit as many Museums as possible
Too many fantastic places to soak up art. Link: museums


That's all for now...

I have a 2 year old Papillon pooch. She's a 10-pounder and fits perfectly in the airline approved travel bag. However, I've always been concerned about taking her on a plane. Mainly for the fact that it's so loud and she'll be stuck in her bag for at least 2 hours.

I came across some of these travel tips for flying with your pooch. Check it out...

From DogAge.com...

Now Boarding: Plane Travel with Your Pooch
Originally published on July 02, 2009

Planning to jet-set with your pup in tow this summer? Before flying the friendly skies, make sure to check the airline's Web site for pet travel policies, or call and ask a representative to give you a rundown of their rules. Here are some key things to know before boarding: Almost all of the major airlines let you travel with pets, but Southwest allows only fully trained assistance animals.

If you plan on traveling abroad, make sure the airline allows dogs on transatlantic flights. You'll also want to contact the embassy or consulate in your destination country to find out about any restrictions.

An airline may not allow "snub-nosed" dogs, like pugs, French bulldogs, or pit bulls, to travel in warm temperatures.

All airlines will only accept pets in good health, and each state has its own requirements for health and/or rabies vaccination certification.

Your dog's carrier should have plenty of small openings for ventilation and be large enough to allow your dog to lie down, stand up, and turn around.

To make your pup's flight as pleasant an experience as possible, get him accustomed to the kennel beforehand. Have him ride in it on car trips -- and make sure to reward him for his good behavior!

Also check out... Traveling with Your Dog by Jet Plane for Dummies.

Ever wonder what you should pack for a trip to Southeast Asia? I've always been that girl that packs too much stuff... like 5 pairs of shoes for a 3-day trip... but manage to stuff it all into my little Roxy suitcase without breaking the zipper. I need to learn to travel light, as they say.

Here's a first step... 6 Pieces to Pack for a Trip to Southeast Asia.

As soon as I saw these I thought they looked really cool... and fun to drive like an enclosed golf cart. Check out that smile! Looks fun to drive and very awesome for the environment.

From the news...

A decade after its launch and with 38,000 zero-emission electric vehicles produced and in use, Chrysler LLC's GEM brand has launched the first of its next-generation designs - the Peapod. Scheduled for production in 2009, the low-speed neighborhood commuter can cover up to 30 miles without recharging at a top speed of 25 mph. In keeping with the company's "lots of love" slogan, the new fully-enclosed pod design uses eco-friendly recycled and recyclable materials in its construction and should keep a lid on road rage by virtue of its smiling facade (both front and rear), as well as keeping those inside the car happy with new ergonomic mesh seating and a freshly designed center console featuring iPod integration and hands-free iPhone support.

I can't wait to see these little babies on the road!