|
Post by lagatta on Apr 10, 2012 23:16:10 GMT
There used to be a Circletram - I loved that. The trams are very nice, and I highly suggest tram journeys for anyone who might have trouble walking a long way. Obviously, it is better to avoid the rush hour, or go in the opposite direction of the majority of travellers. There are also canal buses - shuttles on the streets, not boats - though alas I don't remember the particulars. They are either free of charge or debited from a normal public transport pass.
And of course canal boats are one touristy thing that is definitely worth it, as they give an idea of how canals were working routes before they became something more leisurely and decorative. The hoists in front of old canal houses were practical as well.
|
|
|
Post by apres on May 5, 2012 15:58:32 GMT
Ohhh, I'll add my name to the list of those who appreciate these tips on Amsterdam!
|
|
|
Post by ninchursanga on May 5, 2012 17:23:13 GMT
Sorry guys, I didn't log in here for some time cause uni kept me busy. It'll be too late for tod2 I guess but I'll add the other stuff I have anyways.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 5, 2012 19:00:08 GMT
Well, we can count on tod2 to bring back a wealth of experience (and photos, I hope) from her visit to Amsterdam once she finally returns home.
|
|
|
Post by ninchursanga on Jun 1, 2012 22:26:36 GMT
Now that it's summer, I remembered one of a unique band in Amsterdam called Johnny & the Gangsters of Love. They drive around in their old timer, the motor cap is their stage and everything else you need to play rock 'n roll music is kept in the trunk. Their standard introduction goes "We are on the run from the police and we'll play until they come." Funny guys, and often the crowd gets upset when the cops turn up to chase them away.
|
|
|
Post by onlymark on Jun 13, 2012 16:28:04 GMT
I have spent just one weekend in Amsterdam and I admit I don't recognise any of these places. However, Frankfurt Airport and its train station I've spent far too long in.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2012 17:39:47 GMT
I really love Amsterdam, too, and it is a joy to look at your pictures. I was last there two years ago when the Thalys train was celebrating an anniversary -- its 10th anniversary, I think, with tickets from Paris to Amsterdam for 10€! How could I not go? It rained all day, but I didn't care. I do need to go back in nice weather one of these days, though. Also, the whole station area was being ripped up for major construction and I would like to see how it looks now.
The food in Amsterdam is indeed nothing to write home about except for the frites and new herring. Otherwise, the only thing to look for is a good rijsttafel.
|
|
|
Post by fumobici on Jun 13, 2012 21:41:41 GMT
Really fantastic addition to the thread Tod, lovely pictures. Isn't A-dam fun?
I'm not sure why airlines want to funnel everyone through Frankfurt, must be cheap for them or something.
|
|
|
Post by mich64 on Jun 13, 2012 21:45:52 GMT
Great photos so far Tod! My my, I knew there were bicycles everywhere there, but that garage area really is massive. Enjoying this very much.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2012 17:09:32 GMT
The tulips -- and all of the other flowers -- are beyond fabulous. I absolutely need to go to the Netherlands during tulip time, hopefully as early as next year.
When you think that tulips were first imported only as food, it seems absolutely incredible.
(And that has me wondering -- does anybody actually eat tulip bulbs in the 21st century? And what do they taste like? Onions, shallots, garlic....?)
|
|
|
Post by fumobici on Jun 15, 2012 15:15:37 GMT
More lovely pictures. I too found Leiden charming, a nice sized little Dutch city with a very nice central district.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2012 19:39:11 GMT
I am still in shock from the slice of bread.
|
|
|
Post by mich64 on Jun 16, 2012 1:05:06 GMT
I would like to have seen Tod's face when she spied that plate! When I was working, a staff with Dutch heritage would tell us how much he enjoyed croquettes and one day brought everything in to the office to make us some. I felt badly because in all his exuberance and hard work, he could tell that I did not really like the taste or consistency of them. I usually enjoy most food and love trying anything new and perhaps if I ever go to Amsterdam, I will try them again there. I love how comfortable the locals are on their bikes in your photos Tod.
|
|
|
Post by lugg on Jun 16, 2012 9:09:22 GMT
Fantastic photo essay Tod. You certainly saw so much in your three days. I too love Holland and Amsterdam but have never been to Keukenhof, I would love to go one day.
|
|
|
Post by tod2 on Jun 16, 2012 14:21:39 GMT
Many thanks - Our hotel was within walking distance of Keukenhof but apart from the hotel restaurant and bar lounge/cafe`, there is nowhere else to go for a meal. Staying in the town of Lisse means a bus ride of about 20min, but the restaurants look good and even have an enormous Chinese eatery.
Yes Mich - my face was a picture! Ha Ha! the croquettes had the teeniest specks of meat inside.
|
|
|
Post by patricklondon on Jun 16, 2012 15:25:48 GMT
Teeniest of footnotes. I think the name "De Bijenkorf" (Beehive) was originally a term applied to Amsterdam itself back in the seventeenth century Golden Age, as a place of productive industry generating plenty of "honey" for the Netherlands.
|
|
|
Post by tod2 on Jun 16, 2012 17:12:55 GMT
Thank you for all your lovely comments on my photo essay - Please follow it under a new thread: Amsterdam in April - Trip Report
Thanks, Tod.
|
|