Amsterdam and Disney Plans

So I did go to Amsterdam again yay..

Although when I got back I had a horrendous cold and cough so bit late putting up my blog post.

So Amsterdam

This time we went by Train and my mum offered to look after the little one so after nearly 3 years me and the hubby got a child free break together.

Picked up the Eurostar at Ebbsfleet to Brussels Midi, The train was really nice. We did have pre booked seats but when we go to them we found a family with a couple of children both under 3 in tow and were spreading out.

Seeing it was just the two of us and we know the pain of traveling with a little one,  let alone two, we let them keep our seats and we sat int he exit one in between carriages.

Actually wasn't to bad as it gave my DH a lot of extra leg room and being 6'4 that always helpfu,l and it also got us sitting closer to our friends - As they booked before us as we could book on the trip till we knew we definitely had child cover (Ah the joys of parenthood).

And of course we we brought some fizz and some snacks to enjoy while racing through, the English, French and Brussels countryside.

When we got to Brussels Midi Station we had a 50 min wait, so  I enjoyed a Belgium beer, well I've had a Manhattan in Manhattan a Kiev in Kiev and a Singapore Sling in Singapore so had to be done. 

we then had to get a connecting Thalys train - OMG the trains on the continent are brilliant so much better than the UK and from what I can see so much cheaper (UK Sort it out) and in just over an hour we where in the lovely Amsterdam.

So After a great train trip we managed to get slightly lost coming out of the station we found our way to our hotel. 

The hotel looked fab but it had no hot water and they said they'd give me a discount because of it but didn't so I'm not going to plug them as I won't be staying there again.

So after getting in to the hotel and freshening up we headed in the to city center. Had to stop and have one of my favorite beer - Pauliner as you can't get in the UK bummer :(

We walked about taking in the sights and then of course we had to stop for Bitterballen I have had this every trip and I am obsessed. I'm going to try and get some for the Christmas period (I know it's September but I'm already in the planning stages of Chrimbo)

We paired it with some yummy fizz and some chips and dips.

Oh and of course some bread and hummus and yes the diet went right out the window and into one of the canals.

We managed to go back to the sports bar we went to on the first trip. A lovely trip down memory lane and this time instead on just having one customer we must have gone on a busy night as there was about 5 patron and we double the number.

We drunk 43s and reminisced about the crazy of the first trip but as we had hubby in toe we weren't as mental as the first trip lol 

This time we even managed to see Anne Franks house, although as we got there late it was already closed. 

I do plan to have a cultural trip to Amsterdam one of these days and see all the other sight apart from the bars.

After a bit of a pub crawl we headed back to the hotel.

The next day we planned to meet up with our friend who lives in Amsterdam again as we had a boat trip planned.

I spotted this lovely flower outside someones house I love how the city has some many residential spaces and the bit tall skinny houses that I would love to live in.

I could definitely live in this city it's so relaxed.

we went back to Restaurant Cafe in De Wagg - My god I'm a nightmare, I go somewhere and instead of trying something new I do the same things, Must be a creature of habit.

It was a lovely day so we sat outside and I got to have another Pauliner yay.

It was all going so well until the chef dropped ketcup on my leg and a bit got on my friends husband but most of it got on me and they offered him a free drink, the cheek of it all.

Looks like a bad accent but I was okay, a bit sticky, but okay. 

So after I cleaned myself up we headed to a supermarket bought some nibbles and Fizz and headed to the docks to pick up the boat.

This is the life, OMG it was so relaxing and so amazing. Such a great way to see the city and on a hot and sunny day like the one we had it was great,

Now being a parent of a 2 nearly 3 year old is super fun but you don't get a lot of time just to sit and take it all in.

Also just to take break and spending some adult time without wondering what crazy he's got himself in to .

So it was really just what I needed a bit of downtime to shoot the breeze with my pals and let my hair down.

I also found my perfect house look at this house boat it massive and would be a great place to live. Although probably not the best idea with a little one who's obsessed with water lol.

At the end of the trip as it was so hot coupled with the fact there was a lot of booze and I am a mother so tired all the time after we had finished I decided to "relax" (sleep) at the hotel.

Actually glad I decided to stay in as it meant I felt human the next day. We ended up in a great cafe call Bagels & Beans the hubby might have made the wrong decisions by having the carrot juice.

The bagels were amazing, well you would hope if there featured in the title of the restaurant. 

I had an Avocado and cream cheese and it was Nom with a capital Nommy.

So after some good food and feeling restored. The hubby and I took one last stroll around the city.

It is stunning and I can't recommend coming here enough. With my friend living there now I will probably be going every year, although the Hubby and I decided that we going to visit some more European cities.

Thinking of staying in Northern Europe especially the Nordic areas as Europe from the UK is so cheap and if the other city are half as lovely as Amsterdam we'll be on to a winner.

We did stop for a bit of Pizza before we headed to the train station it was okay but we should have had something more traditional for our last meal. It was tasty though and 2 slices and two drinks for just 10 euros you can't go wrong.

The train ride back was amazing, we got an upgrade as it was cheaper than the standard fare. 

On the Thalys train which were lovely and clean and really comfortable,

We sat in Comfort 1, very nice, we got some wine and a little treat to eat, which was really great while we where relaxing.

But the Eurostar Standard premium was even better, you get a great light lunch and with wine and a cake for afterwards. The chairs were comfortable and now I know when I travel Eurostar again I'm traveling like this,

Although if can get a deal like I got this time I will need to same up, See that's my problem I have Champagne taste but a value beer budget lol.

I need to find a job where someone will pay me lots of money to eat and drink stuff - yeah in my dreams lol.

So I was back feeling down because I got sick, boo colds!! but my Fast Pass Window open so I could book all my FP ticket.

For those who don't know what Fast Pass Plus  is (What how do you not know lol) is a free disney perk offered to all customer in advance (60 days for onsite guest and 30 days for off site) to book 3 line skip passes per day for your favorite rides.

Basically you pick the time and the ride and you can make sure you can ride all your favs. Well if you're going all that way you don't want to miss out on what you really want to do.

Actually I probably haven't explained it very well head over to the Disney website and they have the proper explanation there.

It meant I got to sort out my plans for my Disney trip this November. By doing this it has made me even more (didn't think it was possible) excited it's going to be such a fun trip.

I managed to get the big rides the new Frozen right and the seven dwarf mine train which are fantastic rides but also fit in with my plans as I needed to pick rides that the little one can go on with us too (well I did get one FP+ for the Rockin Roller coaster for me).

In between then and now, I've got a busy couple of weeks, off to Scotland for a week to visit the in laws then it's the little ones 3rd birthday.

Oh and I might be getting ticket to the Harry Potter play. That on top of the usual craziness that happens in my life so going to have some cool things.

Also will starting my plans for Christmas as I'm at home this year and going to make it as big and chritmassy as possible yay Christmas!!! .

Amok in Amsterdam - Part 2

So we headed out into the city. We ambled through the red light district where the window displays were just opening up. I expected it to be a lot seedier. I actually was more intimidated by the coffee shops (not that I went in any). Naively I thought they’d be like the coffee shops you get over here with people sitting around sipping expensive Latte with a smoke in hand.  But they were dark dingy and some had loud house music pouring out and the clientele seemed to be proportionately male.

The red light windows had “ladies” in their underwear sitting on stools more often than not engrossed in their phones. I did wonder what they were doing I assumed it was just regular things like doing an online shop or texting their mates. I even saw one women eating noodles while waiting on her next customer.  I think it didn’t seem as sleazy as it is legal, so out there in the open; and I hope less likely the women are forced into situation they are not happy with.

We pootled around the streets looking for a bar, it was only around 6pm but due to the sizes of the bars and the number of people (it was Saturday night) we found it hard to find somewhere. We did eventually stumble into a bar where we could get a seat, didn’t catch the name, but from their selection of only Red or White wine I decided on trying another beer.  I tried a palm as we sat around and chatted about what we thought of Amsterdam and it collective array of nightlife and shops. We’d even, on the way, passed the “Condom-ory” a museum/shop dedicated to the wonderful world of the protective aid.

My Palm beer wasn’t very nice, also this is where I decided to taste S salted liquorice at that point the beer tasted a bit better at least when it was taking the foul liquorice taste out of my mouth. Once we’d finished we decided to head over to the less festive part of time to find another drinking establishment (and some pain-kills for J neck as the wasp sting was still hurting). We walked past the station again and headed into a different part of town.

This was a more residential part of the town with lots of houses/apartments. Because of the time of day the lights were on. Also because, as H informed me, in the past the people of the Netherlands used to suspect people of Witchcraft if they shut their curtains, you could see right in to people’s living rooms and kitchens. So of course we had a nose, and I surmised that I could definitely live there although I think I’d need a lottery win to have a house in that part of the world.

Even though we’d only finished eating around 2 hour previously we passed this lovely little restaurant called Duende www.cafe-duende.nl . H thought it might be Dutch tapas (Never did find out what that is) but it was traditional Spanish tapas. The restaurant was quite out of the way and we only found it as we had just wandered aimlessly through the streets. It was beautifully tiled and like the other restaurant a bit cramped we moved 3 times till we all were happy with our table.

It was a really relaxed atmosphere and the staff were brilliantly helpful giving us English menus so some Cava we ordered meat, cheese and Olives, deep fried cheese, Spanish meatballs, Tomato and herb topped bread, garlic prawns and my favourite calamari. At first we were worried that this would not be enough for the 4 of us. Although after digging in we all were feeling full again but did manage to finish ever last bit of food J. It was delicious and I would recommend anyone heading that way if you can find it eat there. H said she would definitely bring other visitors out that way. Giving it a 9/10 only 1 point off as there wasn’t enough sauce with the deep fried cheese lol..

Having our stamina levels topped up we walk all of 5 building before we found another restaurant/bar with outside seating. It did boast the appearance of blankets and heaters so we decided to sit outside. After ordering a bottle of Pinot, we discovered that the there was only one blanket, luckily J and myself was already under it, so we were in no mood to give it up. Also the heaters even though they were put on after a horrendous noise and a burst of flame from the gas powered monster, both us and the bar staff agreed that they were better off than on.  So we sat in the cold clear evening chatting and drink wine.

While we were half way through our glasses in between our shivers. Some of the group wanted to go home, I pointed out it was only just gone 8pm and I insisted that we stayed out till at least 10pm lol. J spotted another bar across the street, our next destination. We crossed the deserted road, toward the deserted bar, unsure it was open due to the lack of patrons. Finding the door open, Im sure there was an unnatural creek and I hear a distant crow caw, we wandered in.  The walls from ceiling to floor were adorned in framed football shirts and it smelt of beer and broken dreams.  The bar boasted a barman and a lone drunk sitting slumped over the bar. The rest of the girls were in a merry mood, I was slightly worried we wouldn’t make it out alive.

It was my turn and we decided to have aperitifs S & I had “43” and J&H had Drambuie. I got the order while smiling and nodding when the drunk on the bar started talking to me in Dutch even though I ordered in England. I paid my money, grab the drinks and made it back to the table. 80s music was kicking out over the PA system. We sipped our cold warming liquid and bopped along to the sounds of yester year. We were definitely started to get more relaxed and H now has some singing evidence on her phone. The girls wanted to stay on as we neared the bottoms of the glass. I was starting to get worried about our safety as I looked over my shoulder back at the bar.  I have never seen a man clean a glass in a more sinister way. So using my great power of persuasion and the fact they were all a bit merry we headed on.

One more street then another bar, back to fizz and we plotted making our fortune, by writing our story of how we met. Think of the famous five with four, drinking and talking nonsense.  As it had gone 10 we could head back to the station. Even thought there was a sign pointing one way in our infinite wisdom we turned and went the other way. A couple of street later we ended up at another bar up the stairs and had wine. We got chatting to some locals who recommended we try the local Gin “Jenever” it was horrid, burnt all the way down. Although I did manage to finish it off.

Next thing we knew it had gone 12 and we didn’t know what time the trains ran too so we high tailed out of there. We had an interesting time getting back, one of the crew decided to lie down in the street for a photo. We flagged a cab when we realised the GPS was broken and we ended up even further away from the station. We had 7 minutes to make the train he drove like the wind got us there with 3 mins to spare.

I leaped from the cab like a Gazelle followed closely by another one of the gang. I darted across the road dodging cars and Trams. Turned around to see where the rest of the team were. One was hot on my heels the others…. Well all I’ll say is one was on the floor tried to get up only to end up back up on the floor when my other friend oblivious to what was going on right next to her was calling to us over the busy road. Needless to say we missed the train and had to wait 45mins. So I had some more fries covered in Mayo and Ketchup, think there was more Mayo and Ketchup than there was chips.

End of the night we got back to Utrecht couldn’t get a train back to Hilversum so flagged down a cab. After leaving by the steepest train step in the world seriously they must have built it on a side of a cliff. Go in turned to our host and asked her where she lived, which at the time she was unsure of. Luckily as the chips had soaked up some of the booze we managed to him to take us aback to a Hilversum landmark and directed him from there.

So finally back after a brilliant day. I scaled the mountain of the stairs got a huge glass of water and fell into a drink induced sleep.   

Amok in Amsterdam - Part One

I spent this weekend (7/8/9 Nov 14) in Amsterdam with some girly friends. It was my first trip away from the little man. I’ve had the odd night away from him but never in a different country. Actually I was okay thought I’d be a blubbering wreck. I did miss him but as I kept myself busy I only felt the pangs when I saw other family with their little ones around the town.

Left around 3pm Friday and met up with my friends  (AKA S & J) on the Gatwick expressed (actually we all became friends on our commute from London to Kent so it only was fitting we started our trip to meet another member of the “Train Gang” on a train). Treated ourselves to some Moet before departure, then we were off. Can’t believe how quick and easy the flight is we were up and down before we knew it.

The main reason for the trip was to visit a friend (aka H) who had just moved over. She picked us up and whisked us to her lovely new home in the Hilversum area of the Netherland about 30 mins outside Amsterdam.

We got there around 10pm and she’d put out a lovely spread of bread, meats and cheese. I really love this tapas-y finger food type stuff.  Goes great with good conversation and a nice bottle of fizz (or 3)

 

The next morning after waking up slightly dry mouthed. We had some lovely Danish Bacon sandwiches before starting to head out. So 2+ hours later after it took 4 women to get ready using 2 bathrooms (I know, I know, but in my defence I was the quickest and spent most of the morning watching Saturday Kitchen, my friend gets the satellite feed).  We headed out. Our first stop was Hilversum town centre I was very keen to get into Amsterdam itself but the rest of the group wanted a mooch.

I’m so glad we did J as they have a market in the town on Saturday and it’s amazing. I love fresh food markets. Unfortunately in England I can’t see to find ones as good, I love Borough Market but compared to its European counterpart it’s a bit too expensive and more trendy than functional (but you can get pink Fizz on Tap so I’ll forgive it). It was so full of colour and life, just normal people doing their weekly shop getting fresh ingredients to take home and make something fantastic and healthy. I have to say that apart from being shocked at the number of people smoking, I found it really hard to spot an obese person on my trip, (whereas the sad thing in the UK is it a bit too common) and with all the healthy cheap fresh food you can see why. All the colours and the smells along with the range availble was just amazing.

 

Right there and then I could have blown off the rest of the day done some serious shopping and then some serious cooking. Gave me so many ideas of what to make, which will probably disappear when I go to the supermarket and see the tired old stuff I always see. (If anyone knows of any hidden market Gems in Kent I would love to know).

But the day was a-wasting so we moved on. After one of the group bought Salted Liquorish, which hands down is the most awful thing ever, although I didn’t know that at the time that treat came later over a nice glass of beer.

We headed back to the station, waylaid by a Kamikaze wasp that attacked J only one in the group who was allergic. So a trip to the Hilversum Pharmacist, who was so lovely and helpful, we were back on track.

Got the train from Hilversum to Amsterdam there’s usually a direct train but we picked the weekend with engineering works (fitting for an English commuting Group) so we had to change at Utrecht where we picked up an Germany “ICE” train. OMG it was immaculate I was so impress.

For the trip, as it was nearly 2pm and we’d last eaten at 9am I got some Fries with Curry Sauce from a little outlet. It was nice and definitely filled a hole.

 

So at last we got off at Amsterdam Central and started heading down the narrow street crossing the canals of this fair city. Our first stop like all good tourists was the China town then into the Red light district area. 

Having been the only one that was fortified with the fries I had we started looking for a place to eat.  The friend we were visiting recommended “In De Waag” www.indewaag.nl the cities old gate house, built in 1428, which had lovingly been converted into a nice little if somewhat squashed (which is, as I found out, the norm) restaurant.  They had hanging chandeliers of candles which they lower twice a day to change and relight.

 

We started out at the bar, found this lovely beer called “Gulpener”, the rest of the gang on white wine, before being taken to our table. We all ordered the Hotdogs and some fries to share.  It was amazing. A German sausage with tiny onions and I wasn’t 100% what was in the sauce on top was but it tasted lovely; went especially well with the beer. 

 

S &H opted for some mulled wine after the meal, after spotting the people at the next table drinking it. I, myself, am not a big fan of hot drinks and especially hot alcohol. So after another beer when they finished supping on their warms grapes our thoughts turned to dessert. 

S has spent most of the day before and the morning talking about “Poffertjes” as H who lives there didn’t seem to know what she was talking about. I thought it must have been from a fevered dream of a mad person. But low and behold they did exist and they were selling them in a shop a stone’s throw from the Gate House Restaurant. It was a very popular shop serving Waffles and Crepes along with the Poff we were planning to feast on.

We waited patiently for the hordes of people to get served all manner of gooey goodness in front of us.  Deciding on what topping, of which there was a few, we would have on top. We all opted for Ferrero Roche yum. When it was my turn I strode purposefully to the counter and ordered 4 lots. The assistant said they were no longer serving them. I must have had a look like thunder as the person doing the cooking of the tasty treats said he would prepare us some.

He hot buttered the cooking apparatus and poured in 24 little bits of pancake mix and got to work. They took about 4 mins to cook and in the meantime crushed up 4 Ferreros for the topping once they were done he put them in little serving trays, put the chocolate on and dusted them with icing sugar. As for the taste they were lovely nice and small but sweet enough to hit the spot and leaving you full (well after a meal with wine). We ate them outside looking over one of the many canals.

Once we had all finished, which took about 60seconds, we decided to head out into the desending twilight and look for a bar and that's when the fun really began!!!!  – (Part 2 coming soon)