(18JULY22) My summer holiday has got me back on touring the Schengen zone and I started in The Netherlands—FINALLY! It has been one of my plans to visit this country for such a long time since it is near the UK (*NB: I used to plan in touring Europe based on its proximity from the UK but apparently, my trip choices nowadays turn out to be…random. Hence, I kinda let the element of surprise lead me to my next destination instead.) and after 3 cancellations due to COVID and work schedule, it happened. This free country is certainly made for the youth with most attractions scream that YOLO. 🤟🏻
Let me share how our 4 days in Amsterdam passed by quickly in the middle of that deadly heatwave. That weather was so unbearable and I hope that it won’t happen again!
TRANSPORTATION
Super thank you to Eurostar for my travel vouchers since I wasn’t able to use my past booked tickets during the COVID era. It’s a first for me to ride thru Standard Premier and it felt like being in an airplane’s Premium Economy.
The seats are more comfortable with better legroom along with free meals during that 4-hr ride to Amsterdam CS. Compared to the route towards Paris, the train has stopovers to Brussels and Rotterdam.
Navigation around Amsterdam can be absolutely tricky! Most of the signs are written in Dutch although you can always ask the locals for directions if needed as they are fluent in English. I used a 4-day transport card that gave me unlimited rides to GVB trams, buses and metro. Just don’t forget to tap in (AND OUT) on every ride.
ACCOMMODATION
I stayed at Hotel Atlanta that is situated at Rembrandtplein. I would highly recommend to lounge in this area for 1) it’s easily accessible to trams, 2) You can go to places like De Wallen, Rokin and Dam Square on foot and 3) It is the centre for pubs and food kiosks.
By the way, some hotels that has a resto-bar on ground level do not have a lift/elevator;so I had no choice but to carry my big luggage for 3 floors. 😑 Having said that, I can rate my room as a 3/5 for a 3-star hotel in which I got to say that their branch in Vienna is much better.
THINGS TO DO
Join a free walking tour by Sandemans to know more historical features of the Netherlands!
In a glance, Amsterdam boasts for its beautiful building structures that form a mirage over their canals streams. Cycling is totally everywhere whether they ride through tram lanes or sidewalks.
This Dutch nation is also known for having a rich art history with various museums around the metropolis. And this was what we actually did during the heatwave---museum-hopping.
The main museum we went on was Van Gogh’s. This 3-storey gallery introduces the works and life of the famous painter.
What struck me the most was how he began to draw and learnt different shades of color through painting. I am in awe of his flower portraits so much💝
Our ticket also includes a 1hr canal cruise by Blue Boats. Amsterdam is called as the “Venice of the North” for the place is rich with historical canals.
And just look at the beauty of how their houses/infrastructures are built! Yep, they are meant to be crooked, tilted or lean-forward as they stood in wooden piles preventing them to lay on the swampy ground.
We didn’t get to enter these ones anymore but do go for it if you have a lot of time in the city! The Rijksmuseum is popular for art exhibits by well-known Dutch artists while The Anne Frank museum tells the gem of her story during the World War period. They sell tickets every first Tuesday of the month.
Another museum that we visited was Ripley’s Believe it Or Not! It displays a collection of unbelievable knowledge from the hit TV show. Y’all got to enjoy these 5 floors filled with peculiar yet interesting mind-boggling facts!
Apart from creativity, what makes this place alive is the liberty that they give to their people. They live with the mantra that you are free to do everything as long as you do not harm others.
Moreover, you can only say that you got an amazing trip here if you have been to De Wallen—-The Red Light District. I was cringing when I first walked through there like it’s a living pornhub library. But don’t get me wrong! The way this area is filled with sex shops, live shows, pubs and ladies are safe. Though, caution is still a must! Photography is strictly prohibited as well. PS: check out the Erotic museum for more horny entertainment! (entrance fee: €21/person)
As most of the pubs are located here, we once joined a Pub Crawl and it was fun!
You cannot also say that you went to Amsterdam without trying their “special treats”! Everyone is in the hook of cannabis let it be in the form of smoke, truffle, coffee (try to differentiate a ‘coffeeshop’ and a ‘café’ there) or sweets. I have to admit that it gave me some very good sleep after taking a space cake in medium dose ;p Though it actually tasted like a normal brownie or a chocolate! Some stores will say that it is legal to take them as a souvenir as long as you are not bringing the weed itself. But still, pack them carefully!
And besides exploring the capital, you can also go to some side trips to know more about the Dutch specialties. On our third day (20th July), we went on a guided tour by Chameleon Tours going to Zaanse-Chans, Edam, Volendam and Marken.
Zaanse-Chans is known for its green windmills and clog workshops.
I sadly missed this part of the trip as I got lost at the meeting point. I was even looking forward to learn more about these pretty wooden shoes! ;(((
The cheese town of Edam makes all kinds of delectable cheese besides the ever popular Edam and Gouda in the country. I have never seen such a variety of cheese from the ones mixed with herbs and spices to those pastured from goat or sheep milk! I favor the pesto flavor.
After that, we had lunch on Holland’s famous fishing village, Volendam. We literally had lunch at De Lunch. I know that I can be tired of having fish and chips in England but the Dutch’ kibbeling is a must-try!
Well to be honest (and they said it themselves), there is not much of a specific Dutch food besides making a delicious pancake that can be served all day and this breaded fried beef snack called Bitterballen.
This is also the place where I did my shopping for souvenirs and I highly recommend it as they have more selections than the ones in Amsterdam.
Then on our last stop, we had a short stroll along another harbour town called Marken. The whole community is filled with ferries together with its uniformed green wooden houses. And overall, this quaint part of Holland reminds me of being in Farmville or Harvest Moon. I admire how the people lived a simple, pretty laidback life there.
It's amusing how they formed bridges across the town in honor of their former Dutch queens. 💝 But have you ever thought the difference between Holland and the Netherlands? Basically, whatever you call it is the same with the Netherlands as a whole means "a low-lying" country and its largest state is Holland.
