There are certain inescapable clichés when describing the Netherlands, bicycles, canals, tulips and windmills probably topping the list. Dutch cities such as Amsterdam demonstrate amazing construction that embraces water with a series of canals. House boats abound.

The Netherlands has much to offer in terms of outdoor activities with the flat landscape making the perfect place for biking and walking, and the many waterways providing for a variety of water sports depending on whether the water is frozen or not. Ice skating is particularly popular, and if an especially cold winter freezes all the canals, the entire nation stops to watch the Elfstedentocht (Elven Cities Race), a 120 mile skating marathon.

From Amsterdam to Holland, the Netherlands provides a fascinating look at a culture that is both liberal yet proper, embracing the modern and the traditional.