From the bizarre to the Nazar

Where for art to get a good feed:

When you're out and about in the city and the time beckons for you to fill your tum, I recommend trying out the tasty treats at cafe Nazar. This is situated in a row of three cafe/restaurants just off the West Blaak, Schiedamse Vest 12, so if you don't fancy what's on offer you can always try the other two :0) The left-most offers Greek fare, the right-most Italian and in the middle is the Nazar, a Turkish delight giving a cozy and relaxed ambience to bring you in from the night.

As in most restaurants, as there are so many to choose from, there's no need for a reservation and usually a good flow of custom in and out. The warme and koude starters start from 3.50 Eur and slide up to 8.50, mainly comprising of a selection of Turkish yoghurts and cheeses, lambs' and calves' meat with salads, all served with bread and dips to die for. There is a vegetarian menu, a wide selection of donor dishes and the fresh mint tea should definately be sampled.

There's a large turkish community here and so a few Persian/Turkish restaurants to choose from, two of them just at the Schiekade. So far I haven't tested these out but when the time comes I'll be sure to write them up for comparison.

How to make a martini...bars and nightlife

Are you a night owl? Just where do you find the best martini in town? Does "cocktail hour" actually involve cocktails? How happy is the "happy hour"? All these questions and more will be put to the test.

Golfing in the polderland

Given that it rains so often here, it is surprising that it is possible to play golf. I remember not long after arriving here, hearing from another golfing expat a story of when she went to a golf shop to purchase new shoes. It was coming into winter and the assistant bought out wellingtons with sprigs and was quite insistent that these were the most appropriate footwear in the Netherlands. Having come a recent post in Houston, it was quite a shock to my friend. She declined to purchase wellies.

It is however, possible to play without wellingtons, but you may want to take an umbrella and wet gear just in case you get caught short.
Another unexplained variation on golfing tradition is the number of players. Three.
So, here we'll review courses in the Randstad area.

Cakes and tasty treats

Moving on from the Dudok Apple Tart, if you are wanting something specific to your occasion, then there are several speciality cake decorators in Rotterdam to choose from. This review is for these bespoke cake specialists. The criteria is for more than cream filled sponge cakes, a place where you order your perfect cake, tart or sweet treat. I'll look at creativity, service, time, cost and the all important customer service.

Quest for beauty

With so many salons, spas, institutes and clinics around Rotterdam, it is difficult to know where to go and who is the best at what they do and offer.
I have tried a few and do have a favourite but will review those I have tried before. I'll be looking at training, skill, price, treatments offered, size of clinic, ambience; not necessarily in that order. Do you have a favourite?

Internet & phone providers

Moving away from restaurants, cafes and shopping, time to review the telecommunications providers in Holland and the customer service they offer. The actual services each company offers is almost the same, so I will look at the people side of the equation, for some difference in how each company treats its customer.
There are so many providers of calls and internet all vying for each other's business and your custom, so what exactly are you getting apart from a cheaper line rental or an all round "home package"?

Banking and foreign currency

Did you know you are not able to obtain a cash advance on your credit card at a bank? Did you know you are not able to exchange foreign currency at a bank? Did you know that you cannot exchange euros for smaller denominations unless you have an account at the bank and a receipt issued at time of withdrawal? Did you know that there is only one currency exchange in the entirety of Rotterdam?

I would like to say that these questions are all untrue but I can't. These are just a few of the strange practices in the banking and currency system in the Netherlands.

Getting your hair cut

After living in Rotterdam for three years now, I have tried out quite a few hair salons. During my search for the perfect stylist, I have had some pretty odd results. However, I can happily report I now have a marvelous stylist not far from my home. I no longer looking like a shaggy, boufant puppy. This is where trials and tribulations of finding that perfect stylist, and the best and the worst are reviewed.