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NetherlandsINTRODUCTION Holland, or the Netherlands, offers numerous sightseeing options for tourists -- and not all of them revolve around windmills. Amsterdam is the country's capital. Amsterdam, like the rest of the country, is very socially liberal. Many activities, illegal in the United States are legal or ignored in Amsterdam, such as prostitution and the possession/consumption of marijuana. The Hague is the seat of the government and the International Court of Justice. Groningen is one of the country's largest cities, which offers breathtaking views of the countryside. HISTORY KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Climate: Pack a jumper ("sweater" to non-UK residents) as Holland is usually a cool country that boasts cool summers and mild winters. Languages: Dutch and English Time Zone: DST +0200 UTC Capital: Amsterdam Currency: Euro Power: 230 V, 50 Hz ATTRACTIONS Keukenhof Gardens The Keukenhof is the world's largest garden. It is seen by 800,000 people each year, but its beauty is something of an enigma, unfurling for just two months each year. Nature's talents are combined with Dutch precision to create a garden where millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths bloom every year, perfectly in place and exactly on time. Hoge Veluwe Hoge Veluwe is the country's largest national park and home to the wonderful Kröller-Müller Museum. The park itself covers 5500 hectares (13,500 acres) and is a strange mix of forests and woods, shifting sands and heath moors that provide a sense of isolation (if not actual isolation) found nowhere else on the Dutch mainland. Red deer, wild boar and mouflon (a Mediterranean sheep) roam here. The Kröller-Müller Museum has 278 works by Van Gogh, as well as smaller collections of Picasso and Mondrian. Hoge Veluwe is accessible by bus from Arnhem. Van Gogh Museum One of the best Impressionist galleries in the world, the Van Gogh Museum houses about 200 paintings, predominantly by the world's favorite tortured artist, including famous works such as The Potato Eaters and The Yellow House in Arles. Also on display are paintings by Monet and Gauguin. The Hague The Hague is home to over 60 foreign embassies, the International Court of Justice, and the capital of the province of Zuid-Holland. Amsterdam Debaucherous romps and decadent behavior run abound in this unique and liberal city. The decriminalization of marijuana and government regulated prostitution are major draws for tourism in Amsterdam. But don't think it's all sex, drugs and rock ’n roll here. Lots of museums, the Anne Frank house and serene canals around every corner make for a wonderful day of sightseeing. RESTAURANTS LODGING Tulip Inn This 3 Star Hotel can be found on the edge of Amsterdam and is a short drive into the city center. The hotel offers an in house bar and restaurant. Hotel Vondel Located in heart of Amsterdam this 4 Star Hotel is impressive and offers an inhouse bar and restaurant and is in short walking distance to everything. Hotel Van Walsum This Hotel can be found in Rotterdam and is conveniently located close to many attractions and has its own bar and restaurant. PERSONAL STORIES 
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