LONDON -> AMS

From London to Amsterdam we go!. You can’t go around it, got to go through it….Yes indeed our train took us underneath the English Channel to France and then to Brussels  on EuroStar and then changed trains (Thalys) to get to our final destination.  (No need to book tickets separately…the EuroStar site does it for you.) The train ride was great – we enjoyed the countryside and our cabin company for a total ride of 4 hours.  The 21 minutes underneath the English Channel wasn’t a big deal…a couple ear pops and loss of cell phone reception and we made it to the other side! In typical T.W.O. fashion… we brought snacks for the train ride – sandwiches + salads + rosé!

New Years Eve

We arrived to Amsterdam on New Years Eve.  After checking in at our Airbnb apartment, we walked around before we got ready for the big night.  We stumbled upon a cheese shop and a bakery that sold oliebollens (delicious round doughnuts coated with icing sugar) and ‘appelflappen’ (tasty apple fritters). And they sure were good-good-good!!  After cruising a couple of The Nine Streets we headed home to get ready for our NYE out! We had dinner (will discuss in  Amsterdam Eats post) and then headed to a local pub where we watched the fireworks. Oh and ‘minor’ detail….Trigere did the NYE countdown for the entire audience present in the pub! haha.. IN ENGLISH!! Needless to say we danced the night away and had fun with our new Dutch Friends.

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a must see in Amsterdam….get your tickets before hand though.  The lines are long and not worth it if you don’t get your tickets HERE.  Arrive on time and you will be let in a side door where you can immediately start your tour.  It’s a very interesting tour about Anne and her family during 1925-1947.  Being in the same house that was their hideout was pretty incredible and unnerving at the same time.  This is a MUST see while in Amsterdam. Please note – there is no photography allowed in the museum.

Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh …the post-Impressionist Dutch painter whose work was notable for its rough beauty, emotional honesty who was a big part of 20th century art. While in Amsterdam we had to stop in the Van Gogh Museum which houses the most prestigious paintings and drawings from Vincent along with his artist friends.  Before you go, make sure to get your tickets HERE, so you avoid the long lines.  After visiting the museum you can take pictures in front of one of the three “I amsterdam” sign.  (Pictures were not allowed in this museum, expect for designated areas.)

VondelPark

The VondelPark is the Central Park of Amsterdam.  Its where people have picnics, take walks, ride bikes, run and kick a soccer ball around.  We enjoyed strolling around this park after a couple hours in the museum.  Take note of the lost and founds that are around the park…you never know what you are going to see hanging on them!

Canal Walks

T.W.O. enjoyed walking around The Nine Streets popping into stores and pubs occasionally.  The Nine Streets is home to many restaurants, pubs, cafes and boutiques.  It was the area we stayed and would suggest staying here to any one….Jordaan region.   There is no place in this city that has a bad view.

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Tot ziens,