| Tulips, windmills and wooden shoes might | | | | through an education exchange program the |
| still be a draw to this Dutch region for some | | | | Surinamese population remains predominant in |
| travelers; however, Holland is a far more | | | | Amsterdam. The cultural flair adds richness |
| versatile locale with an international and | | | | to the city in the form of contemporary |
| maritime history extending farther back than | | | | music, art and exquisite cuisine. Make sure |
| most of the rest of Europe, including the | | | | to dine in a Surinamese restaurant at least |
| establishment of New Amsterdam as a major | | | | once! |
| trading city, which became New York when the | | | | |
| British took over. Holland, particularly | | | | Amsterdam is also notorious for its Red Light |
| Amsterdam, is also well known for its diamond | | | | District and Coffee Shops. Stroll through the |
| manufacturing and polishing industry. If that | | | | winding streets at night for an incredibly |
| tickles your fancy, make sure to visit the | | | | diverse experience and stop at one of the |
| Amsterdam Diamond Center located in the | | | | bustling pubs for delicious locally brewed |
| center of the city. | | | | beer. Also, many visitors enjoy seeing the |
| | | | city from the water. There are boat tours |
| Before you continue with this informative | | | | offered on an hourly schedule during the |
| guide to Holland, make note that although the | | | | summer months that take you through the |
| name "Holland" is used commonly in everyday | | | | picturesque canals and past charming old |
| language, the country is strictly called The | | | | façades. |
| Netherlands and internationally recognized as | | | | |
| such. | | | | Timeless and Traditional |
| | | | |
| Red Lights and Rembrandt | | | | Even though Amsterdam is a modern hub in the |
| | | | globalized world, there is still an |
| Besides being the capital city, Amsterdam has | | | | incredible amount of tradition and history |
| enough to offer to fill your entire vacation. | | | | prevalent throughout The Netherlands. Visit |
| The unavoidable multiculturalism has brought | | | | the nearby town of Alkmaar in the summer to |
| Amsterdam to the forefront of controversial | | | | take part in the centuries-old cheese market |
| equality and human rights issues. Muslims, | | | | and festival. Locals don traditional dress |
| Jews, Dutch and Surinamese all have a very | | | | and haul giant rounds of cheese through the |
| active role in the life and politics of the | | | | town square for weighing. After your fill of |
| city. The Anne Frank House is an extremely | | | | diary, wander through this seaside town's |
| popular sight with a new exhibit at the end | | | | canals and shops. Travel through central |
| that discusses the modern day conflict | | | | Holland to the medieval town of Utrecht, |
| between freedom of speech and respect for | | | | established around 47 AD. The 14th century |
| cultural and religious diversity. Amsterdam | | | | wharves, cathedrals and Roman architecture |
| is also home to the Van Gogh Museum and the | | | | are sure to transport any traveler to another |
| newly restored Rembrandt Museum. | | | | place in time. |
| | | | |
| The Dutch acquired an extensive collection of | | | | For international travelers, Holland exists |
| colonies during the 18th and 19th centuries, | | | | in a class of its own. Whether you enjoy the |
| one of which was Suriname, located on the | | | | bustling urban experience or the intimate |
| northern coast of South America. Suriname | | | | countryside adventure, you will find what you |
| finally gained its independence in 1975 and | | | | are looking for in Holland. |