Well is a small town in Limburg situated between two larger cities, Nijmegen and Venlo (both have major train stations), and about 2 hours (by car) from Amsterdam.

The land is flat and covered in farms. There's a horse paddock across from the castle (though the horses aren't always there), a little goat pen in the center of town, and if you walk far enough, a horse barn with an adjacent fenced in area that actually has deer (and chickens and goats). Most families in town own dogs, which is exciting when they go for walks down the paths and we can pet them. The castle, surrounded by TWO moats, is inhabited by many varieties of ducks, a few black swans, a pair of white geese, and two gorgeous peacocks...and some tiny fish (the village children often fish in the moat, really cute)

You'll notice right away the excessive amount of bikes and bike riders. I've heard that there are as many bikes in the Netherlands as there are people. It's cute to see everyone riding around, esp. the children riding to and from school and the elders speeding around town.

The center of town has a lot of charm. There are a lot of stores, which is surprising for such a small village.

            The Vink- The famous pub. Theres always a group of students who go every night. The owner, Joos, and his three lovely daughters run the place, and if you go enough you'll get to know them well. There's a pool table. They also serve food, which is pretty good, especially when you get sick of the dining hall. Try the tomato soup (my favorite), and the toasties are great.

          All Under One Roof- It literally has anything you want. It reminds me of a CVS sized Walmart, because it has lots of random things, most of which youll actually need at one point or another, and the prices are very fair. You can buy anything from candy to toiletries to gifts to hardware to school supplies and so on. It's also where the post office is located.
                        Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs: 9am- 12:30, 1:30 - 6pm 
                                    Tues: 9am- 12:30 
                                    Sat: 9am - 12:30, 1:30 - 4pm

            The Meer Market- A great little grocery store, also with good prices. You'll love all the different foods, the foreign granola cereal Cruseli (with varieties like chocolate) is a favorite here.
                        Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs: 9am- 12:30, 1:30 - 6pm 
                                    Tues: 9am- 12:30 
                                    Sat: 9am - 12:30, 1:30 - 4pm

            Cheese/fish/butcher truck- There are three moving stores, one which sells cheese, the other fish, and the last meat. It sounds odd, but the students here love them. All of the food is extremely fresh and tasty, and again, relatively cheap.

            Bakery/fruit-vegetable market- a cute store with mouth watering baked goods and fresh fruit and vegetables.  
                        Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs: 9am- 12:30, 1:30 - 6pm 
                                    Tues: 9am- 12:30 
                                    Sat: 8:30am - 4pm

            Clothing store- there's an interesting clothing store, which I have yet to explore. From the looks of it, and some castle gossip, it's not even up to par with the Salvation Army. But, to each his own.

            Bike shop- Each semester the owner rents 20 bikes to the students. Often 2 or 3 students will share one bike, which costs less. The deposit is about 100 euros, but you receive more or less 80 back when you return it at the end of the semester. You can also rent a bike for a day, for approx. 5 euros.

            Under the Linden- Well's second bar on the other side of town, aka the alternative to the Vink. Smaller than its alternative, but a completely different atmosphere. Most of the locals go here, but you'll find an occasionally Castle Dweller there as well. There's a dart board and they play good music. Professors Karen Lindsay and staff member Doina (and the adorable Anna) live above the bar.

            Crystal store- Little known store that sells crystals/minerals, stones, and lots of pretty gifts, and it's in the midst of the cute little part of town to the left of the Under the Linden. Webite: http://www.die-steenen-haeghe.nl, or visit http://www.freetranslation.com/web.asp to translate the site into English
                        Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs: 10am- 12:30, 2 - 6pm 
                                    Sat: 10am - 4pm
                                    Sun: 12pm- 5pm

            There are a few more stores that aren't so popular, including a fritter (fried foods) with a discothèque, so I advise you to walk all around Well and seek them out. Plus, there are several neighboring towns that you can bike or take the bus to, with just about everything else you'll need.

TIP about the stores: try to learn the hours as quickly as possible, they're kind of random. Plus, every area in the Netherlands (and perhaps all of Europe) closes its shops on a certain day. Most of the stores in Well are closed on Tuesdays. And Sundays.