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