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I Amsterdam We Amsterdam
Itâ€™s already dinner time in Amsterdam by the time we arrived from Brussels. On the positive side, thatâ€™s also the time where the city truly comes alive. While Amsterdam is known for countless bridges and endless canals, the capital city is also synonymous with drugs and sex. In fact, some of the crazy things to do in Amsterdam include a visit to the Red Light District or getting high on magic mushrooms. Together with Super Mario Bros tunes, maybe?
But Amsterdam is much more than that of course. The bicycle haven takes pride in its beautiful tulips, windmills, wooden clogs, Delftware, Van Gogh and etc.
Dining at Restaurant Hap Hmm
Dinner was at a local restaurant which I am unable to pronounce. Hap Hmm was highly recommended for a taste of traditional Dutch food and so we went. The cosy restaurant was packed and we have to wait for seats. We finally got our seat by sharing a table with a friendly elderly gentleman.
The service is fast and friendly at this no-frills locals’ hangout. In no time, we are already munching away.
Good food and great atmosphere make the experience at Hap Hmm a wonderful one.
Amsterdam Red Light District and Sex Museum
We went to the famed Red Light District of De Wallen after dinner. Strolling around the Red Light District is one of the unique things to do in Amsterdam. There are many tourists around the whole area. Everybody is busy checking out the sexily dressed ladies behind those windows. It is kind of interesting to see how potential customers negotiate a deal. The curtains will be drawn upon reaching a deal and what goes on behind is up to your imagination.
Do not attempt to take the photo of the ladies up close. Or else they will certainly make a big scene and hurl vulgarities at youâ€¦
Then there is the Venustempel Sex Museum. This is the first and oldest sex museum in the world. On display, is an extensive collection of erotic pictures and stuff. Everything is sex-related, very fitting for its theme anyway. Itâ€™s frankly not that interesting but more for a good laugh.
The City of Canals
People often referred Amsterdam as â€˜Venice of the Northâ€™ for their similarity. However, the fact is that Amsterdam has got more bridges and canals than Venice. Anyhow, both cities are equally beautiful and charming in their own ways.
The best thing for me is a stroll along Amsterdamâ€™s charming canal ring. And the skinny canal houses lining alongside complete the picturesque setting. There are lesser water activities after dark and the reflection exudes a sense of tranquillity. Itâ€™s just so DAM nice! So I am hoping that the following pictures are able to provide some of that feel.
Itâ€™s really amazing to be here. And to think that the area was swamplands before replaced by the canals.
STAY: Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre review
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre is situated in the middle of almost everything which is a super plus for me. It is easily accessible to and from Amsterdam Centraal station. This is an excellent base location since it is near to Dam Square and most of the major attractions. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the vicinity.
The decent-sized double room comes with a comfy bed that ensures a good night rest. The hotel itself is very clean and the friendly management staffs make our stay a very pleasant one. I will not hesitate to stay here again.
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What are your thoughts about Amsterdam? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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December 15, 2016
Blitz Visit to Brussels
Moving on to the Low Countries and Brussels is our next destination. A rail workersâ€™ strike effectively reduced our time in Brussels from 1.5 days to a mere day trip. As a result, my planned visit is disrupted and to make do with the given time instead. Not going to let this setback affect our holiday mood, though. But rather, this perhaps gave me one reason to come back here again in the future.
The Eurostar train bound for Brussels departs from the stunningly beautiful St Pancras Station. And sharing the red-brick building is the posh St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London.
We arrived at Brussels Midi two hours later, locked up our luggage at the storage facility before heading out.
The Grand Place of Brussels
The Grand Place (Grote Markt) is an iconic cobbled town square surrounded by beautiful historical buildings. While constructed in different architectural styles, the unique blending coexists rather nicely and visually stunning. There is also a bi-annual event happening around Mid-August where a huge flower carpet will be displayed. But itâ€™s unlikely for me to see that since I have never thought of visiting Europe during summerâ€¦
One of the most noteworthy buildings is the imposing Town Hall (Hotel de Ville) being used as a civil-building. The whole building is decorated with a great abundance of statues and ornaments which outshine the others.
Facing the Town Hall on the opposite side is the Kingâ€™s House (Maison du Roi), although no king has ever lived there before. The building now houses Museum of the City of Brussels (Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles) where the original Mannekin Pis and his extensive wardrobe is kept.
In addition, the numerous beautiful guildhalls elevate the charm of the Grand Place to yet another level. The popularity of the town square makes it tough to take a photo due to the crowds.
Somewhere in between the street leading from Grand Place to Manneken Pis is this Waffles Factory, and their waffles are quite good.
Manneken Pis
Unlike other famous statues of prominent historical figures, the beloved statue of Brussels is a naked little boy peeing into the fountainâ€™s basin. The cheeky Manneken Pis statue is among the cityâ€™s best-known landmarks. There are many explanations about why the statue was erected but nobody seems to know for sure.
Whichever the case, Manneken Pis is well-loved and has received many costumes to dress up for different occasions. But we only get see his birthday suit that day.
Many of the souvenir and chocolates all around Brussels come in the form of Manneken Pis.
Belgium Chocolates
Finally, how can we not to talk about Belgium chocolate? This speciality of Belgium is renowned all over the world for its fine quality and taste. But there are countless chocolatiers in Brussels till we are literally spoiled for choices. Hence I decided to go with chocolate brands not found in Singapore and ended up in Pierre Marcolini Chocolatier.
And wow! The chocolates at Pierre Marcolini are goddamn good!! While itâ€™s on the pricey side but the quality totally makes up for that. Maybe thatâ€™s why it is called luxury chocolate?
We explored the area a little more before itâ€™s time to return to Brussels Midi. If only we have more time, there are still so many things which I would like to see especially the street arts. Next time ya, Brussels?
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What are your thoughts about Brussels? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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November 20, 2016