Liz & Dan

Mike’s Bike Tours Countryside bike tour is a great way to explore the Dutch landscape. The majority of the tour is spent riding along the Amstel River beyond the edge of town where we’ll pass by funky houseboats, rowing clubs and people fishing. Then we’ll see one of the few remaining authentic windmills and visit an entertaining Dutch farmer at his cheese farm/clog factory, where he will demonstrate the traditional art of making wooden shoes.

Amsterdam's canals have been awarded UNESCO's World Heritage status. This 75-minute City Canal Cruise, passing all of the city's highlights, is simply the most relaxing and fun way to see the city.

After we stole eachothers hearts, we realized that our real goal was steal art from national institutions. Just like this couple in the horrible clipart. Fund the first step by aiding and abetting our admission fee to the Rijksmuseem - Amsterdam's amazing art museum. Home of The "Night Watch," amazing Delft pottery, and other valuable trinkets that will surely go for a mint on the black market.

Help us explore the city while supporting the smaller family-owned businesses & enjoying local stories and Dutch "gezelligheid". It's more of an interactive food adventure. discovering a city together with traveling food lovers from all over the world

We'll have a drink or two on you at the local bar or at our favorite saloon. Cheers!

Did you know that Copenhagen regularly is ranked as one of the happiests places on earth in poorly cited articles in sources like the Huffington Post or according to the Earth Institute of NY's Columbia University? These articles actually reference to "eudaimonic" happiness, a term meaning happiness more based on overall life satisfication. What better way to spend our time in happy Copenhagen by going to the oldest amusement park in the world, Tivoli Gardens, to partake in some hedonistic happiness (happiness defined by pleasures of the senses)? We will tour the rides and grounds that served as one of the inspirations for the original Disneyland. Liz has assured me she likes rollercoasters and we will see if this is still true when we ride on the Rutschenbanen (translation from Dutch - "roller coaster") that has been operating since 1914.

While we gallivant in Europe, our pups, Kenzie and Wilbur, will be left in Maryland. To make sure they have the attention and love they need we will be getting them special care while we're away for this extended period. This gift will help us make sure they are showered with walks, treats, and hugs.

Ahoy all you land lubbers! The Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark all have one thing in common - they are constitutional monarchies! Also they have an amazing network of canals, harbors, beaches, and water privileged land spots. While in Copenhagen or Amsterdam we plan on renting a boat for ourselves to tour the canal system. Like the Goboat in Copenhagen.

We'll enjoy an evening by the sparkling Spui, located in the heart of Amsterdam, filled with vibrant entertainment, great restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere.

Essentially a giant greenhouse where you eat the produce grown there, de Kas is one of Amsterdam’s finest restaurants and offers diners an unforgettable culinary experience based on fresh, seasonal produce. And we mean really fresh – menus are created daily depending on what’s been picked from the garden that same day. The glass building dates back to the 1920s when it was used as the city’s municipal greenhouse, and retains its old-fashioned charm despite its conversion into a super-stylish restaurant. http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/what-to-do/eating-and-drinking/dining-out-amsterdam/restaurant-listing/restaurant-de-kas

Did you know that the Netherlands and Sweden rank number 1 and 3 in coffee consumption? Did you know that there is a whole concept of convivial coffee consumption in Sweden called "fika?" Did you know that Dan loves the stuff, and Liz makes squinty faces when she drinks coffee? This gift will go for a nice break for Dan as he consumes a fine coffee from a nice neighborhood cafe while Liz maybe partakes a delightful pastry or tea.

For a limited time during the summer, adventurous diners can take a boat to a nearby deserted island and enjoy a four-course meal in a specially constructed greenhouse. http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/what-to-do/eating-and-drinking/dining-out-amsterdam/restaurant-listing/vuurtoreneilands-zomerrestaurant

After a few days in Amsterdam we will be traveling to Copenhagen. The most expeditious route is to fly. Your gift would be a welcome contribution.

We plan on biking for transportation around both Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Sweden. Your contribution would help us get into gear!

Any help to get to and from our destination is a wonderful gift. We will be thanking you long after take off.