Around Amsterdam in 7 strange museums

Like any major city, Amsterdam has world class museums crammed with classic art works that visitors will drop major money to see.

Being a city that has traditionally championed liberal attitudes, it’s no surprise it also hosts exhibitions dedicated to sex and drugs.

Where Amsterdam excels, though, is in its extensive collections of curiosities — museums that celebrate the engagingly odd obsessions of their curators.

Here are seven of the best:

Cheese Museum

In an ideal world there would have been a fifth Indiana Jones sequel in which our hero goes in search of vintage dairy produce buried deep below some ancient ruined temple.

Grabbing his treasure from its booby-trapped resting place, Indy would growl: “This cheese belongs in a museum,” before dashing for safety as a giant ball of Gouda comes crashing toward him.

The museum in question would have to be Amsterdam’s Cheese Museum, a tiny two-floor celebration of Dutch cow creations just over the canal from the Anne Frank House.

Exhibits are thin on the ground but there are enough free Gouda samples to induce a bad case of the cheese sweats before you’re back on the street.

Eccentric exhibit: The world’s most expensive cheese slicer — a diamond-encrusted tool said to be worth $34,000

Cheese Museum, 112 Prinsengracht; +31 20 331 6605

The Cat Cabinet

It’s no secret that people who love cats sometimes love them slightly too much — but they’ve got nothing on Dutchman Bob Meijer.

When the former banker’s much-cherished mog, who went by the name of J.P. Morgan, shuffled off to the cattery in the sky, he decided to transform his home into a shrine to his departed pet.

The result is De Kattenkabinet — several rooms of a well preserved 1880s canal house crammed with cat collectibles and feline-themed paintings and sketches from artists including Rembrandt and Picasso.

Meijer continues to occupy the building’s upper stories, as do four other felines, including Lily, a 19-year-old tortoiseshell cat who enjoys the attention of visitors.

Eccentric exhibit: A massive oil painting that appears to show a wizard casting spells over a giant ghostly cat.

The Cat Cabinet, 497 Herengracht; +31 20 626 9040

Dutch Funeral Museum

It lies some distance out of the city center, but the Dutch Funeral Museum is worth the trip just to marvel at Amsterdam’s absurdly well planned suburbs.

The museum is housed in what’s left of the former home of a cemetery director, close to the entrance of the graveyard he used to supervise.

Despite its gloomy subject matter, the Funeral Museum is surprisingly un-macabre, with informative and matter-of-fact displays on different Dutch burial rituals and the paraphernalia of death.

Just as well, really, otherwise no one would want to visit the rather pleasant and airy cafe at its entrance.

Eccentric exhibit: Black, square noses, designed as the grieving equivalent to a clown’s red nose.

Dutch Funeral Museum, 124 Kruislaan; +31 20 694 0482

Museum of Bags and Purses

Another collection crammed into a grand canal house that justifies the entrance fee almost as much as the items on display.

This serious display of historic handbags and larger luggage starts off sedately with a selection of dainty, metallic numbers favored by royalty.

It explodes into life with more contemporary baggage, some shaped like hats or stags.

There are an eyebrow-raising “Guardian Angel” knife and gun bags designed by Vlieger & Vandam Bags.

Eccentric exhibit: A pre-mobile telephone bag that features a handset, dialer and long cord to plug into the wall.

Museum of Bags and Purses, 573 Herengracht; +31 20 52464 52

Max Euwe Chess museum

Sure, there’s nothing too extraordinary about a museum exploring the checkered history of one of the world’s oldest games — but this goes further, focusing on one single player.

This diminutive facility on the first floor of a notorious former prison charts the life and times of Max Euwe, the Netherlands’ only world chess champion.

It’s an affectionate tribute to Euwe, who died in 1981, and perhaps only one for chess aficionados — but there’s also a great chance to stick your nose into working offices based in the same building.

There’s a giant board outside the building where you can watch talented teenagers wipe the floor with professorial old chessmen straight out of central casting.

Eccentric exhibit: A chess wall of fame featuring grandmasters such as Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky.

Chess Museum, Max Euwe Plein 30A; +31 20 625 7017

MORE: Extraordinary play brings Anne Frank secret world to life

National Museum of Spectacles

A museum for people who enjoy trying on other people’s glasses — and let’s face it, that’s everyone.

Housed in and above a genuine optician’s shop virtually unchanged since customers first squinted through its windows in the 19th century, this shop charts 700 years of serving the shortsighted.

Once you’ve viewed eyewear ranging from early owl-like nose-perchers to the chunkier frames sported by Buddy Holly and Elvis Costello, you can enter the shop and purchase your own pair.

Eccentric exhibit: Masquerade masks with built-in lenses — for those who want to recognize other people, but not be recognized.

Spectacles Museum, 7 Gasthuismolensteeg; +31 20 421 2414

Pipe Museum

In a city where there’s an entire industry based around smoking certain substances, it stands to reason there’s a museum dedicated to the pipe.

This is no novelty head shop though — it’s a serious study of toking devices that hark back 2,500 years to the days when coughing up lumps of tar was considered healthy.

Space in this lovely 17th-century canal house is given over to pipes designed for smoking stuff stronger than a bowlful of shag — and these are out-smoked by elaborate European fumers designed for more pedestrian fare.

Eccentric exhibit: A pipe crafted from the pincers of a crab.

Pipe Museum, 488 Prinsengracht; +31 20 421 1779

(CNN)

The 50-cent accessory that could save your trip

Long hours sitting in an airport or on a train.
Jet lag.
Miles of walking.
Travel is tough on the body.
About eight years ago I started battling pain whenever I traveled.
The large muscles up and down my leg and hip would get hard and tight, making sitting, standing or even sleeping painful.
Massages, Jacuzzi baths, ibuprofen and yoga alleviated the pain, but temporarily.
While all were helpful, no remedy really provided the “release” I felt I needed to undo those tight spots.
A physical therapist suggested pressure point therapy as a way to help the muscles relax.
She used a device called a Thera Cane, a deep-pressure massage device that’s shaped like a large candy cane, to press down hard on my tight spots and help them release.
Voila! I experienced some relief.
However, the bulky Thera Cane isn’t really travel friendly.
And it requires a second person to use.

I wondered what might work while traveling, even alone?
The ends of the Thera Cane are studded with hard, little plastic balls — wandering through the aisles of a sporting goods store one day I stumbled across a possible solution: a Wiffle Ball!
For those who aren’t familiar with them, the Wiffle Ball (there are a number of imitators) is a perforated, rubbery-plastic ball about the size of a baseball.
For kids, especially in the United States, they’re used to play baseball in safe and confined areas.
I bought a three-pack for about $1.50 and tried one out on my legs — it worked great.
Wiffle Balls are lightweight, durable and inexpensive — the perfect accessory for on-the-road pressure point relief.
Following the exercises my physical therapist showed me with the Thera Cane, I came up with five “do anywhere” moves for instant tension relief.

1. Foot relief
Sit in a chair or on the edge of a bed, place the Wiffle Ball under your foot (starting in the arch) and slowly roll your foot back and forth over the ball for about two minutes.
The massage motion will increase blood flow and help release tightness in the arch.
2. Back rub
Lay on the floor (better than the bed, which is too soft) and place the ball under your shoulder blade.
Slowly rock yourself back and forth over the ball, moving it around the large muscles encasing the blade.
3. Hip and upper leg tension reliever
Still on the floor on your back, move the ball under one side of your bottom — place the ball right in the center of the largest part of the muscle and roll around on top of it, letting it move around the entire buttock and up toward your lower back then down to where the buttock meets the thigh.
You should feel tension release down the hip and into the leg.
4. IT Band/outer leg reliever
Runners know the IT Band well — it runs along the outside of the leg, down the thigh and over the outer part of the knee.
Roll over onto one side, prop yourself up on an elbow and place the ball just below your hip in the large part of your thigh.
Slowly move yourself up and down while bracing with your elbow, allowing the ball to roll up and down your leg to relieve tension.
5. Hip flexor release
Sitting for hours can make the muscles at the front of your hip and leg tighten.
To release, roll over on your stomach and put the ball right in the spot where your leg meets the hip and lay flat for about a minute, rolling slightly until you find your tightest spots.
You’ll also access the psoas muscle this way — the psoas is a rope-like muscle that runs obliquely from spine to the femur — releasing additional tightness.

(CNN)

The suitcase you can ride to the airport

Ever wished you could clamber aboard your cumbersome luggage to zoom down a hill or coast through an airport?

Driven by the same desire, Slovenian frequent flier Bostjan Zagar has come up with the answer — a foot-powered scooter-suitcase known as Olaf.

“The idea comes from having to catch the next connection flight in three minutes when the gate is on the other side of the world and you need to move faster than those moving walkways,” Zagar tells CNN.

Disappointed with available luggage solutions to this problem, Zagar used his background as an automotive engineer and his time waiting for flights to sketch up an alternative.

Now, after three years of “testing, testing, testing,” and a soon-to-finish fundraising campaign on Kickstarter, the Olaf is ready to hit the streets.

It’s available in three models: an airline-approved carry-on suitcase with a built-in kick scooter; a backpack with kick scooter and a kick scooter that can carry another bag.

All three feature wheely suitcase-style collapsible handles and can double up as a hand trolleys.

‘Hardcore engineering’

Zagar, who describes himself as a “hardcore engineering guy,” says he grew up preferring scooters to skateboards because he liked being able to control the speed.

Needless to say, his suitcase scooters are all fitted with brakes.

Even with this sensible feature, Zagar says travelers in some parts of the world may be wary to step aboard.

“What we learned is the typical reaction in Europe was ‘oh cool, I want to have one, but how will I look? People are staring at me.’

“This is the problem in Europe, people don’t want to stand out from the crowd. For sure, it’s not for the shy ones.”

Olaf clearly has considerable appeal though.

With the final hours ticking down, Ljubljana-based Olaf’s Kickstarter campaign has raised well in excess of its $27,000 target.

The scooter-suitcase, it seems, is already on a roll.

(CNN)

Servives on Ha Long Bay

Currently, there are 8 route regulated on the Bay, of which 6 sites are for overnight on the Bay including Bo Nau – Sung Sot; Hang Luon, Trinh Nu, Dau Xuoi channel, Cong Do and Ba Ham lake.

There are some attractive sites on the Bay such as wine party at Trong cave; bathing, climbing to Titov island; enjoying eco-tourism at Soi Sim island; get to know about Ha long culture at Cua Van, Tien Ong cave, Me Cung grotto; kayaking; rowing at Luon cave, etc.

According to the Plan of conservation and promotion of Ha Long Bay to 2020, Ha Long Bay will be developed with diverse of tourism products.

Meals on the Bay:

A meal of fresh seafood on the boat is one of life’s great pleasures. Meal should be booked in advance before leaving wharf. Fresh seafood (fishes, crabs, shrimp, langoustines, etc) can be bought on Bay. Meals can be cooked on boat. Drinks such as wine, beer, mineral water also can be sold on boat.

Souvenirs:

Local arts and crafts made of coal; wood, horn items, brocade and embroidered items, glassware, porcelain, etc are available and sold in shops at caves or Bai Chay souvenirs’ shop.

Some shopping sites along coastal of the Bay:

– Bai Chay trade Center: Vuon Dao street, Bai Chay, Ha Long.

– Thanh Nien Mart: Bai Chay post office round-about, Ha Long city.

– Bai Chay night market: Daily open from 18h00 to 23h00 at beach area, Youth Tourism Company.

– Ha Long I market: Bach Dang ward, Ha Long city.

– Ha Long II market: Yet Kieu ward, Ha Long city.

– Ha Long supermarket: Le Thanh Tong Street, Ha Long city.

The world’s friendliest cities

A warm smile on the street, a happy “hello” in a public park or the cheery sound of your name at the neighbourhood bar – it doesn’t take much to feel at home in a busy metropolis. And in the world’s 10 friendliest cities – as ranked by Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Survey – these gestures are second nature, with locals who are quick to welcome visitors and neighbours alike.

Location, political perception and size were among the factors that played in readers’ responses – but since the evaluation of a place’s friendliness can admittedly vary, we went to the source and talked to residents in five of the top 10 cities to find out what living there is really like. Whether rural or urban, big or small, these destinations have one thing in common: the people who live there cultivate a community-wide sense of happiness, hospitality and openness.

Dublin, Ireland
As any traveller who has joined in an Irish sing-along knows, Dublin is home to some of the warmest people on the planet. “I think a major part of [our] friendliness [comes] down to an inferiority complex,” said Martina Skelly, a native of the Irish capital. “We constantly want to make sure that visitors like us and are having a good time.”

One of Europe’s smaller capital cities, Dublin also benefits from a low crime rate and a widespread feeling of security, so residents are more likely to lend a stranger a helping hand. That said, locals speak in hushed tones in public and are quick to notice foreigners who talk too loudly on trains, buses or in coffee shops; doing so comes across as being careless at best, and rude at worst.

While friendly Dubliners are easy to find almost everywhere in the city, those who love nightlife often live in the city centre; families seeking good schools tend to live in the suburbs. Either way, most people live in houses, not high-rises. “Dublin is a very flat and wide city,” Skelly said. “We grew out rather than up, so apartments are much less common than in our European neighbours.”

Siem Reap, Cambodia
With its year-round mild weather, relatively small size and peace-loving Buddhist residents, Siem Reap cultivates a friendly and welcoming environment. “There’s a real sense of revitalisation,” said John McDermott, a photographer who moved to Siem Reap from the United States in 2004. “Cambodians have come out of the dark days of war and chaos. Now there is peace, and money coming in, and everything is interesting and new.”

The community tends to be quiet and retiring. In other words, this is not a city for expats who crave nightlife. But for those looking to escape noise and pollution without sacrificing the creative energy often found in urban centres, Siem Reap can be a viable option.

McDermott lives in a “chilled out” area called Wat Damnak. “Even though we’re close to the centre of town, cows graze by the side of the road,” he said. “It feels completely rural compared to Bangkok or Singapore.” But not all neighbourhoods in Siem Reap are sleepy. Christian de Boer, an ex-pat from the Netherlands who moved to Siem Reap six years ago, suggested Wat Bo as an “up and coming area” for its plethora of trendy restaurants, cafes and bars.

Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand’s biggest city is also the country’s friendliest, perhaps because many of its residents are immigrants. “People have come from all over the world and understand what it is like to have relocated, so it is welcoming for tourists and new residents,” said Elle Armon-Jones, who moved from England in 2003.

Brad Kirner, a New Zealand native from Golden Bay on the South Island, credited Auckland’s range of outdoor activities. “The city is surrounded by amazing scenery and things to do,” he said. “That’s got to make people a bit happier, and therefore friendlier.”

Both Armon-Jones and Kirner said Auckland has a reputation for “hustle-and-bustle” compared to the rest of New Zealand, but the city is still laid-back in comparison to London, Los Angeles or Sydney.

In terms of neighbourhoods, Auckland has a wide range to choose from. The North Shore on the Pacific Ocean is surrounded by parks and is popular with families. Hikers should consider living in West Auckland, where it is easy to hit the trail and see abundant wildlife. Those looking for a more urban experience should consider Grey Lynn, Ponsonby, Parnell or Mt Eden, where bars, boutiques and restaurants give the neighbourhoods a hip vibe. Kirner also suggested Kingsland, just over the motorway from Grey Lynn. “It’s one of the up-and-coming little villages, has some great night spots and is still reasonably affordable,” he said.

Charleston, United States
With oceans, marshes and rivers at every turn, this South Carolina city has a tranquil outdoor environment that helps keep residents in good spirits. “In some cities, rudeness is contagious,” said Michael Shemtov, originally from Israel, who has lived in the city on and off since 1996. “You have to fight for everything, no one smiles, and it just rubs off on you. In Charleston, it’s the opposite. Even when you go to the department of motor vehicles, you get a smile.”

Like many southern US cities, Charleston moves at a slower pace. People take time to sit outside, talk to neighbours and walk to dinner. Many people from bigger US cities are moving to Charleston, Shemtov said, transforming the city into a creative town with strong support for the arts.

These new arrivals often buy houses in the expensive and exclusive “South of Broad” district, known for its antebellum mansions. “Many people will sell a house in a bigger city and find that they can purchase a much bigger property in Charleston,” Shemtov said. People seeking a neighbourhood close to downtown with shops and restaurants might consider Elliotborough. Those looking for a yard and more outdoor space should look farther out in Hampton Park or Wagener Terrace.

Victoria, Canada
A popular tourist destination with a busy cruise port, the capital of British Columbia is known for top-notch customer service and gracious hosts. “Even the post men and women are super friendly and often say, ‘good morning’,” said L Farrah Furtado, a writer, yoga teacher and Victoria native. “It’s got a small town and big city feel all at the same time.”

The city is also an old one—the British first settled here in 1843, and English roots persist today. “From the English pubs to the tutor houses and high tea at the Empress, English culture is alive and influences many aspects of life,” Furtado said.

Though winter months can feel a bit sleepy without the influx of tourists, the university district ensures year-round nightlife with a concentrated collection of nightclubs and bars. The neighbourhoods of James Bay and Fernwood have a “funky vibe”, Furtado said, and are close to downtown. Those who want a bit more privacy and ocean views should consider living in the Uplands, where hiking and biking routes offer coastal views.

Baby zoo animals: Where to find them this fall

While springtime births seem to get the most buzz, fall is an equally opportune time to spot adorable newcomers at zoos nationwide. From elephant calves to mountain lion kittens and baby baboons, there are plenty of cute new faces to visit this season.

YOUR TAKE: Share your adorable zoo pics

In early September, four African lion cubs made their public debut at the Philadelphia Zoo. Mali, Kataba, Sabi and Msinga were born in June to mom Tajiri and dad Makini. The first lion cubs born at the Philadelphia Zoo since 1996, the cubs are now on exhibit at the Zoo’s First Niagara Big Cat Falls.

Oakland’s two baboon troops always draw a large crowd to their viewing deck, and this May they welcomed a new addition: Mimi. The baby hamdryas baboon, named after the Swahili word for “I am,” is the third to be born at the Oakland Zoo within a year and a half. Siblings Kodee and Mocha are curious about their little sister, who they welcomed into the family along with parents Martjin and Maya. The baboons can be seen daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Baboon Cliffs exhibit.

On Aug. 20, the city of Tucson, Ariz., celebrated both its own 239th birthday and the birth of a brand new African Elephant calf at the Reid Park Zoo. The 245 lb calf, born to mom Semba, is the first ever to be born at the zoo. Newly named Nandi made her public debut on Sept. 19, and she is happily fitting in with the rest of her herd, including her dad, Mabu, and siblings Punga and Sundzu. The calf is allowed access to the public-facing side of the elephant exhibit daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The newest resident at Hershey, Penn.’s ZooAmerica has a slightly different background story than most zoo babies. Rainier, a mountain lion kitten, was found abandoned and malnourished on a porch near Spokane, Wash. After the Department of Fish and Wildlife made unsuccessful attempts to reunite the kitten with his mother, he was taken into veterinary care and transferred to ZooAmerica. Though he weighed less than five pounds upon arrival, he was named for the tallest mountain peak in Washington State in hopes that he’ll grow big and strong.

On Aug. 23, mother Dhati and father Madhu welcomed a baby Indian pygmy gosling into the world at Palm Beach Zoo. While most of the species’ hatchlings born in zoos over the past few decades didn’t make it to adulthood, zookeepers are optimistic about this little one who loves to swim and paddle. Visitors can spot the gosling in the Beuttenmuller Asian Aviary.

Archibald the red panda cub was born in June, and unfortunately, as the runt of the litter, he was rejected by his mother. Mill Mountain Zoo staff stepped in to hand-rear him, bottle feeding the little guy, and taking him home at night. Now they are setting up a panda nursery for him and another orphaned red panda cub that will be arriving soon so he can learn to socialize with his own species. Archie will only remain in Roanake until he is 9 months old, and then he will be placed in another zoo via the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan. While he probably won’t be on public display at the Mill Mountain Zoo, his sister has made her debut in the panda den and has been spending a few hours a day in full view.

Kya, a Chinese muntjac fawn, was born on Sept. 19 at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, N.Y. Muntjacs are the oldest known deer, with fossilized remains from 15-35 million years ago recorded. Native to the forests of southeastern China and Taiwan, they feed on low-growing vegetation, fruit and nuts and are predominantly solitary by nature. Muntjacs stand no more than 20 inches tall and can weigh up to 30 pounds, and they’re often referred to as “barking deer” for the sharp, bark-like call they produce. Kya and the other muntjacs can be found at the Rosamund Gifford Zoo’s Wildlife Trails across from white-lipped deer and adjacent to the red pandas. Kya is on exhibit with her mother, father and brother, Fang, who was born in 2013.

The zoo is also welcoming an adorable baby snow leopard, Asa. This is a very special addition considering there are less than 7,000 snow leopards left in the wild and only about 144 in zoos across the nation. Head on over to watch a hand feeding.

Born on Sept. 5 to first-time mom Grace and dad Travis at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, giraffe calf Jabari was named after the Swahili word for brave and strong. Since giraffes give birth standing up, newborns get an abrupt introduction to the world by dropping up to 6 feet to the ground. Jabari weighed in at about 140 pounds and was 6 feet tall when he was born. He joined half sibling Adia, who is 3 months old, in the African Savanna exhibit where they can both be seen now. The Zoo participates in the Masai giraffe Species Survival Plan of the AZA, working to successfully breed this species that is native to Kenya and Tanzania.