Europe 2013 Day 13 & 14: Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans
DAY 13: 25 MAY 2013
It was time to say goodbye to Italy.
The Italians we met during the trip were really friendly and nice,
and I am really thankful for all the help we received in times of need.
We headed to Milano Centrale to board the Malpensa shuttle we pre-booked online,
and it costs 10 euros per trip.
An alternative way to get to the airport is to take the metro.
Our flight was scheduled to depart at 2pm.
As we were taking an easyjet flight, we wanted to arrive at the airport earlier
since they are known for being strict with their one carry-on luggage (inclusive
of your handbag or laptop case) policy.
We panicked a little when Michelle mentioned that we have to print our boarding
pass instead as the counter will charge a fee for each print.
The rule did not apply to us though, since there wasn't any such clause stated in the
email sent to Amanda.
As we bought a 20kg check in luggage when we were booking the flights,
I checked in my bag since it was the biggest bag out of all our luggages.
I then used my duffle bag as my carry on to hold our handbags, and so
each of us had one carry-on!
So we finally arrived at Amsterdam Schiphol airport at 3.30pm.
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| Mandatory I amsterdam shot |
We purchased a train ticket for 4.40 euros that will bring us to
Amsterdam Centraal station, and from the station we took a bus just right
outside of the station to our airbnb.
The bus ticket was a major heart ache as it costs 2.80 euros.
We concluded at that moment that transportation in Holland is really expensive.
Our airbnb is located in Jordaan, which is a really nice area to take a stroll
and have a cup of coffee by the canal.
This is by far our best bnb, as the apartment is really nicely decorated
and it has all the necessary amenities we require for three nights.
In addition our host, Stephan, is really kind and friendly!
As it was close to dinner time when we arrived at our bnb,
we decided to head out for some pancakes at The Pancake Bakery,
ten minutes walk away from our apartment.
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| Brasilian Poffertjes with Walnut ice cream, Amaretto and whipped cream |
As the pancakes are well-known to be huge, we ordered two traditional pancakes
and one mini sweet pancake.
Out of the two traditional pancakes, I definitely preferred the chicken and cheese
pancake, probably because of the cheese.
The dessert pancake was delicious too!
It has a chewy texture compared to the ones we usually eat.
Also, I am not a fan of whipped creams but this one blew me away.
It is light and has a unique sweetness that is not too overpowering!
I will definitely order this poffertjes again when I return to Amsterdam someday.
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DAY 14: 26 May 2013
Our plan for the day was to do a day trip to Zaanse Schans,
twenty minutes away from Amsterdam Centraal.
Zaanse Schans is famous for its windmills, which is the icon of Holland.
A return ticket to Koog-Zandijk costs 6.30 euros by the way.
We spent close to four hours in Zaanse Schans.
Everything is of close proximity so we just kept walking!
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| First windmill sighted on our way to Zaanse Schans |
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| Nicely decorated backyard |
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| Clock museum |
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| Albert Heijn museum |
Albert Heijn is a household-known supermarket in Holland.
Since Michelle loves grocery shopping, she insisted on visiting this museum
when we do a day trip here.
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| Functioning windmill |
Since we are in Holland, we definitely must visit a clog factory!
Most of the indoor workshops are free for viewing, and they usually
have demonstrations catered to tourists mostly done in English.
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| Stroopwaffles |
You can find stroopwaffles everywhere in Amsterdam, from cafes to
supermarkets like Albert Heijn.
Right after the clog factory, we headed back to Amsterdam Centraal for our
red light district tour with Sandemans.
Each of us paid 10 euros for a student ticket, and the tour lasts for two hours.
Due to some enthusiastic participants within the group, she brought us to watch
a two minute peep show at Casa Rosso, which costs 2 euros per person.
Basically, patrons will enter booths which encircle a centre stage.
To create that sensual vibe, smoke will appear at the centre stage and the girl will appear.
The show will start and the girl will gradually strip and do her standard moves.
One thing to note is that, the patrons will be able to see each other.
So, sometimes it is much more entertaining to watch the other patrons' expressions
than admire the girl on stage!
Overall, our tour guide did a great job at introducing the red light district and its practices.
Although I did not manage to snap any window photos, the walk down the
red light district was a whole new experience indeed!
That sums up a day in Amsterdam!
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