Travel Diaries: Holland

I was invited on a girls only excursion to Amsterdam and jumped at the chance to cross another country off of my Bucket Travel List. On Friday we departed from Luton Airport and after a short flight of about 40 minutes, we landed in Amsterdam. Our first night we planned to stay with friends who live just outside the city, in beautiful Maarssen. Joelle and Jorik were great hosts who made us feel at home. On Saturday morning, we made sandwiches and enjoyed breakfast on Jorik's boat as we toured some of Holland's MANY canals. It was a bit chilly but the sun was shining and the landscape was lush. 

Saturday afternoon we made our way to Amsterdam and checked into our hotel, The Conservatorium (sounds too much like Crematorium, I think). The hotel is located in an old building but has a  contemporary interior. Our suites were AMAZING, with 2 floors, 2 bathrooms and great views! It was at this point, after a concierge had given me a tour of my suite, overwhelming me with instructions on how to work all of the gadgets in the room, I looked out the huge window onto the busy Amsterdam street, and thanked my very lucky stars for this opportunity. If anyone had told me last year at this time that I would be married to the love of my life, live in England and travelling to all of these stunning places I would NEVER have imagined it. It is beyond crazy, galaxies beyond. 

  On Sunday we walked around the city including the Museum district, Leiden Square, The Jordaan, and did a little shopping in the Nine Streets area. Later in the day we enjoyed a boat tour of the canals of Amsterdam. After dinner we ventured towards the Red light District. Unable to find it earlier in the day, by the time we did stumble on it the sun was going down, which provided the perfect setting. With the glow of the red lights and their reflection in the canals, the district didn't feel seedy but rather subtly sexy.

During our last day in Amsterdam we had the great fortune to enjoy spa treatments and then headed to the museums. Unfortunately the two that I were interested in visiting (Van Gough museum, and the Ann Frank house) had incredibly long queues (lines), instead we opted for the Rijks Museum. It is a Dutch national museum and features art, and history. 

Stay tuned for My Favorite Bits of Holland blog post....

 Our hosts' home in Maarssen. The exterior, although new, is in traditional Dutch style.

With so many canals, it isn't any wonder that Holland is a boating culture. 

 Apparently most of the homes located along the canals and accessible only by boat, are holiday homes. I'll take this one please!

picture courtesy of Ingrid Hann

During our boat trip we stopped off at a park where the kids swam and enjoyed ice cream. Note Indah with her cone, sitting behind my two travel companions, Ingrid and Sadie with Joelle, one of our hosts.

The Royal Palace is located in Dam Square in the center of Amsterdam and was built in the 17th century. Although it is open to the public, we didn't tour it.

Photo courtesy Ingrid Hann

 Our Dutch captain.

 With the incredible weather, the canals were filled with people enjoying their Monday.

  

 My apologies for the quality of this picture in particular, but at least you can see the glow of the Red Light District, and the light reflecting in the water.

photo courtesy of Ingrid Hann

That's all folks! Thanks for taking a look! 

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