Location:
Almere, Kingdom of the Netherlands, often referred to as Holland. 
Capital:
Amsterdam
Population:
16 million.  Holland is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
Official Language:
Dutch.  However, English is widely spoken as are German and French.

One of the youngest (its first inhabitants arrived in 1976) cities in The Netherlands, Almere is quickly building a reputation as an event city. Almere currently hosts the Heineken Music Festival, the Below the Sea Almere event, the Theater Festival and the Almere Harbor Festival, as well as the Almere Holland Triathlon and the World Cup Powerboat Races.
Perhaps the biggest gem in the city’s crown is its stunning scenic beauty, many beaches and spacious natural surroundings. Each of the various walking and cycling paths take you to the most beautiful spots in and around Almere.

Passport/Visa Requirements
Persons holding a valid U.S. passport do not require a visa to enter the Kingdom of the Netherlands.  For more information on passport/visa information, visit:  http://www.cibt.com.  Please note:  your passport should be valid throughout your stay in Holland.  

All major credit cards are accepted widely, but not everywhere. If in doubt, ask in advance. Cash a-on-card services are available from selected American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa locations. These cards are also accepted by all GWK currency exchange outlets and Change Express Offices. If you are unsure about the compatibility of your card, contact your credit card company or local bank.  It is always a good idea to let your credit card company know you will be traveling out of the country to avoid any usage problems. 

Time
The Netherlands is located in the Central European Time zone. This implies that the time difference with EST is +6 hours and with PST +9 hours.  Daylight saving period 2008: starts on March 30 and ends on October 26.

Electricity
The voltage in Holland is 230 volts. Hotels may have a 110-volt or 120-volt outlet for shavers, but travelers are advised to bring a power converter and an adapter for two-prong, round-prong plugs with side grounding contacts.

Water
Water is considered safe to drink throughout the Netherlands.

Climate
Average temperatures for August range between 68–77 ° F. Rain is spread pretty evenly throughout the year, but August typically sees more rain than most months.  Be sure to pack your rain gear, just in case.   

Communication
The region is very well developed in terms telephone communications. The international access code is 31.  

Transportation
Travel within the Netherlands is easy and fast, with excellent international and national links that are cheap, reliable and frequent. Cycling is the best way of pottering around within built-up areas, and you will be using the most common form of transport in the Netherlands. It's ideal terrain for bikes too, as most of the country is flat. Bike rental shops are very accessible.  One caveat, bike theft is commonplace, so make sure your bicycle is locked when unattended. 
PPS has organized all the pertinent transportation to get the group to various functions, training & race venues.

By Train - Dutch trains are excellent. There are trains to and from almost anywhere at very reasonable prices, and on the whole they are so frequent that there is no need to book in advance. If you plan a lot of trips, consider getting a Euro Domino pass, which will allow you a limited number of days travel within a calendar month. The pass is available from all major transport ticket outlets.

The Netherlands also has good train connections with most European countries, including England via the Channel Tunnel and overland routes to neighbors Germany and Belgium. Trans-continental trains are ultra-modern high speed affairs but journeys can still take a long time. Couchette or sleeper carriages are offered on most long distance journeys but demand always outstrips the number of berths available. Book early if you require one.

By Car - If planning to drive while in the Netherlands, you will need to bring your valid driver’s license. A special driving license is not necessary. If, however, your license is not in English, it is advisable to hold an International Driving License. Although handy for getting from A to B, cars are a liability in the Netherlands's older cities and towns, which were not designed with automobiles in mind.

Points to consider:

Traditional Fare
When in Holland, eat like the Dutch the daily eating pattern of the Dutch: round the clock breakfast, lunch and dinner and in between the Dutch cup of coffee at 10.30 a.m. followed by the ‘borrel’ at 5 p.m. sharp. 

BREAKFAST
Start your day with a wholesome Dutch breakfast: fresh bread with butter, jam, cheese, ham or chocolate sprinkles (hagelslag). Yes, you’ve read it correctly: Scatter chocolate sprinkles on your buttered bread. You might also want to eat a slice of Breakfast cake (ontbijtkoek), a cake containing cinnamon and cloves as well as ground ginger. Be sure to drink lots of coffee or tea!

COFFEE
At 10:30 a.m. it’s time for the traditional cup of coffee. ‘A cup of coffee’ is not just a cup of coffee in Holland. The small, but strong, cup is to be savored while reading the newspaper or conversing at length with friends. Coffee is given as much time and consideration as a full meal! It is served and 'observed' everywhere: at home, at the office, in shops or at school.

LUNCH
Lunch is another bread and butter meal, the same as breakfast, perhaps served with thinly sliced cold meats. More coffee, tea, milk or buttermilk. An ‘uitsmijter’ will satisfy your hunger pangs. It consists of bread with slices of cheese or meat, topped with fried eggs. In winter a simple order of Dutch pea soup (erwtensoep) will satisfy your hunger and re-charge your batteries. Look for these specialties on the menu.

TEA TIME
At 4 p.m. it's time for tea. Be sure to try a delicious Dutch pastry (‘gebak’) or a piece of ‘vlaai’ from the province of Limburg. If you walk past a cafe‚ or small restaurant that advertises ‘poffertjes’, be sure to walk in and try these mini pancakes with lashings of butter and sugar. If you’re in the mood for a snack while on the move, grab a cone of French fries (patat) smothered in mayonnaise or sate sauce. Try it before you judge!

THE 'BORREL'
At 5 p.m. it's time for a "drink", a ‘borrel’ as the Dutch call it. A glass of beer, a nip of Dutch jenever (Dutch gin), a glass of wine or sherry accompanied by cheese, nuts, or crackers. A favorite snack is 'bitterballen’, deep-fried breaded meat balls, eaten by toothpick and dipped in mustard. 

DINNER
Come dinnertime, the choice of food in Holland is as varied as the weather. Restaurants representing Holland’s multicultural backgrounds have mushroomed all over, ranging from French to Indonesian to Thai to Pakistani. However, in Dutch homes old traditions die hard and the simple, substantial meals of potatoes, fresh vegetables, meat, chicken, fish or salad, followed by a milk-based dessert, are still favorite. If you ask a Dutch man or woman what is being served for dinner, he or she will first mention the vegetable being served. The meat, fish or chicken takes second place.

AFTER DINNER
After dinner, the Dutch enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. In fact, if you are invited to someone’s home after dinner, you’ll first be served coffee or tea with a piece of cake or pie. This is followed by a drink. Visiting friends and family in each other’s homes is part of traditional, fine Dutch hospitality. It’s a way of life.

Tipping
In The Netherlands, Value Added Tax and service charges are included in your check in hotels, shops and taxis. Tips for extra service are always appreciated, but not necessary. It is customary to give taxi drivers and waiters a tip of about 10 percent. Many public restrooms have an attendant, who is usually tipped 0.50 (EUR).

Related Links:
Tri Long Worlds – Official Event Site
Holland Tourism