AMSTERDAM

During our stay in Amsterdam, the temperature was around 9 to 12 C with showers on and off most of the days. Though we were not use to such uncomfortable weather condition,  we managed to visit some of the places we planned to see.   

According to the guide book, there are more than one hundred kilometers of canals in Amsterdam, along with about 1,500 bridges.

One of the retractable bridges for boats to cruise through.

I was a bit confused initially as all the canals, bridges and streets looked alike at a glance.

  A city with many unique buildings.

There are many historical buildings around. This Landmark Hirsch building is one of the historic preservation.

The most fashionable urban boutique hotel - the Park Hotel in Amsterdam

 One of the oldest way for a ride in the city.

Trams provide the best way to get around Amsterdam and they run regularly until  midnight.

This Rijks museum is the largest museum in the Netherlands with a collection of a journey through Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages and Renaissance until the 20th century.   Each year, they have more than a million visitors.   

   As we came closer to the museum.

There are many cyclists in the city. I believed it is one of the main modes of transportation in Amsterdam. I noticed that bicycle riders have their own roadways, signs, traffic signals, and have the right of way in many situations. 

Cars have to make way for riders when they were in the bicycle lane.

Many of the designated bicycle parking like this one can be seen in the city.

  
We also visited the Waterlooplein Flea market. This outdoor bazaar has almost everything for sale, from second hand clothing to food, flowers and all sorts of merchandizes. Traditionally it is the oldest and most interesting market of Amsterdam,

A cheese stall. 

Home made chocolates

Colourful traditional wooden shoes.

End of the market place.
.

 We had lunch in the a Dutch caf'e consisted mainly sandwiches and burgers.

It's 10 EUR for this burger set with coffee.

My choice was this 13.5 EUR all day breakfast.

 

A typical Dutch burger-white coffee set - the beef was almost raw!

Amsterdam is a beautiful city with a lot of attractions. Dutch people are very friendly and they speak English. We planned to visit the "Keukenhof Gardens" for the tulips on our last day.  

 

LONDON TO AMSTERDAM

We moved from London to Amsterdam via Harwich and Hook of Holland - our first experience using the rail and sail services.

Traffic was heavy on our way to the Liverpool street station in London.

The main entrance of the station.

 Inside the station.

We boarded this train for Harwich International. 

 

The train was almost empty and took an hour + or so to reach Harwich International.

Checking-in at Stena Line counter for the scheduled departure of 23:15.

This Stena Britannica Super-ferry measures 240 metres in length and has a capacity of 230 cars, 300 freight vehicles and 1200 passengers.

Our en-suite cabin - good for 4 people.

On board there are variety of restaurants and bars with menus to suit all - the Taste restaurant, Metropolitan restaurant, the Riva and the Taste wine bar. 

A corner of the Metropolitan restaurant.

The Taste restaurant and bar.

A slot machines room.

Stena line shopping offer a wide range of well known brands at competitive prices including  duty free, souvenirs for family and friends.

 

However, the cigarettes are not cheap!

Before arriving Hook of Holland, we had buffet breakfast at around 07:00. It was a good start for the day before we take the 2 hours train journey to Amsterdam.

The main course -  bacon, sausage, baked beans, hatch brown and scrambles egg.

Hook of Holland in sight. The ferry was preparing to dock.

Waiting for our train to Amsterdam Central.

 

The countryside of Holland - mostly farmland.

Arriving Amsterdam central station at about 10:00.

Amsterdam Central - picture taken from our cab.

Later, we checked in at one of the 2 bed room units on the 3rd floor of this building. 

Overall, It was a convenient, comfortable and hassle-free way to get to Amsterdam - a very good experience for me and my wife. Thanks to my daughter for planning the train and ferry trip.  We would never have thought of travelling this way! 

EATING OUT IN THE UK

Our best dining experience was in the Pheasant restaurant near Heathrow. The service was good and the food was delicious.

 It's just 10 minutes drive from our hotel. 

My choice was this prime 280g fillet steak served with mushrooms and fresh vegetables and potatoes.

My wife had this slow roasted half shoulder lamb served with mashed potato, fresh vegetables and  gravy.

One afternoon, we enjoyed a coffee break in Le Pain Quotidien in Westfield London.

White coffee with an organic rich cheesecake.

  A plate of scones with jam and cream, and a cup of English tea. 

We were told that the UK has excellent Indian food, which is possibly even better than in India.  

 

This Sipson restaurant was highly recommended.

 Papadums served with chutney.

Onion bhaji.

Tandoori mixed grill - chicken tikka, lamb tikka, tandoori chicken and sheek kebab..

Chef's recommendation - Chicken cooked with aromatic spices.

On our last afternoon, we stopped at this typical English pub and beer garden.

Classic English-style pub

To my delight, this pub served Chinese Food !

We ordered Chinese tea instead of beer.

Dry fried rice noodles (Kuay Teow) with beef slices

Indonesia Curry chicken!

There was also Malaysian fried rice!

.....and fish and chips too!