So we went to dinner at some Indoneisan Restaurant, because according to our tour guide (who is a foodie btw, yay!) the Dutch don't really have a signature style when it comes to food. Except for the "pancakes". So the Indonesian food was yummy, family-style:
We had a walking tour with a local named Gogi. She was super cute (and stylish) and gave some cool insight into the history of Haarlem and the architecture.
For instance, back in the day most people were illiterate and were unable to identify the other people's residences when the population started to grow. So to solve that problem, the residents started to put plaques above thier doors that represented who they were or their profession. Later, when people were able to read, some added thier names to the plaques.
Also, Gogi pointed out the difference between a Cafe and a Coffee Shop. One sells weed and one sells, well...coffee. So marijuana is not legal here in Holland, rather it is tolerated. Meaning, you may smoke weed inside of Coffee Shops (they sell weed and seeds there) and walk around with a blunt in your hand, but if you grow more than 4 plants in your home--you will be jailed. Shops that sell weed are called Coffee Shops rather than Weed R Us or something, becasue it is tolerated--not legal. So you can't be all overt with it. Gogi informed the group that if you want a coffee or hot chocolate, go to a Cafe. Noted.
Our local tour guide for the day:
hahahaha. love that you're blogging
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