If you're feeling nostalgic for some 4th of July fun on your Amsterdam visit, look no further than the Hard Rock Cafe to help you celebrate. The quintessentially American chain will host a canal cruise party Friday, July 4 at 8 p.m. (be there by 7:30). Tickets (€ 37.50) include food and drinks on board the hour and a half cruise, plus a drink token back on land. Come dressed to win the prize for best red-white-and-blue outfit. Surely you could get creative with all the Dutch national flag schwag leftover from the Euro 2008 tournament!

The Consulate General of the United States in Amsterdam will be closed this Friday, July 4, for the observation of Independence Day.

As a reminder, the US Consulate maintains a mandatory appointment system for non-emergency American Citizen Services (ACS) when the office is open. This replaced the walk-in visit system in February 2008. Operating hours for ACS are 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Visitors may make appointments online up to three months in advance.

Non-emergency American Citizen Services concern:

• Applications or renewal of passports;
• Applications for extra visa pages in passports;
• Consular Reports of Birth Abroad;
• Notarial services;
• General advice.

Americans needing emergency assistance from the US Government when the Consulate is closed should call 070-310-2209 (as dialed from a local phone).