(...still no Banana Show unfortunately)
Back to the city of psychadelic dreams to help my boyfriend move into his new apartment on the Doppermart[sp?] and see a friend sing her heart out.

I was a bit sad that I could only stay a few days but me and the boy have to take the time we're given sometimes. We moved house Dutch/Maarten style by packing random stuff into a bunch of backpacks and pretending to be tourists for a day. Of course when we got to the apartment we realised that several neccessary items such as SOAP and SHAMPOO had been left behind so next stop was the supermarket. We also discovered that the house didn't come with a fridge! When you have one, you don't realise how much stuff you put in a fridge!

Luckily the place s right next to a thing called the Doppermart, a big outdoor market for everything from underwear to cleaning products to fresh food. So it was easy just to buy what we needed each day. Still, my nanna would not be proud of us throwing away left overs each night. (This woman HOARDS)

On Saturday night we were going to see this lovely Dutch girl called Celine play her guitar and sing at the open mic night at a place called the Sugar Factory. Well, she's very talented but to be honest I wouldn't reccomend the venue. I felt OLD there. Keep in mind that I turned 18 THIS YEAR, I had only just started clubbing in Australia. However, I found out that the age in Holland is 16! I felt like I was at a highschool party! So it's obviously the place to be for a good dose of puberty.

And yes, boredom leads to baking which leads to trying Space Cake (most expensive muffin I ever bought!) which leads to me crossing that off the List :)

Brad and I booked our train from Frankfurt to Amsterdam a solid two weeks in advance. This was probably a good thing, as the Air Force wanted to change our work schedule about the time of our travels, and I just plain "whined" about any such thing (and I got my way as a result!)

The train ride was beautiful! Like the rest of the herd of cattle we traveled with, we followed the leader and got off the train, and just started walking through this beautiful city! We had no agenda. We had no maps. We had no TravBuddy connections, as we had not discovered "The Trav" yet. We just had a full weekend ahead of us. So, off like cattle we started roaming! I was blown away by the amount of bicycles in Amsterdam (really, all over NL!) We really should have rented some bicycles, but it was good to be out walking and simply stretching our legs after such a long train ride.

It should be noted here, that while traveling through western Europe, when approaching a person, I cannot from a distance tell what country that person is from....that is until that individual starts speaking in their native tongue. But since most Europeans speak multi-languages, and us "United Statiens" usually only speak English (I have some broken Spanish and French, and can read German roadsigns!), languages alone did not give away a person's country of origin. My thoughts on the matter...but western europe seems more like a melting pot than my good old US of A...we can agree to disagree on that one!

Back to Amsterdam. Brad and I did have a vague idea of some things we wanted to see. The Museum of the Masters, Van Gogh's Museum, a diamond factory, the Red District, and to eat some of the incredible food that I had heard so much about.

So we wandered the various canals, looking for the perfect photo shot. We found the wax museum, but thought that too touristy, and continued on our way. We found the hotel we had booked online, but since it has been a few years since I have been there, I have no idea of the name of the place. I just remember it was next door to a drinking establishment, and around the corner from a favorite eating establishment that we frequented during the weekend.

So, once becoming fed and well drunken...off we set to find The Masters! I may only sound like a drunken sailor at times (14 years in the Navy, 8 years now as a Fly Boy), I have really found a deep appreciation in paintings...though I have only one I have accomplished personally, and I was just a teenager then! But I really enjoyed the museum, and the pictures seemed to me so lifelike! I enjoyed learning about Netherland history as well.

The Van Gogh Museum....well, I was disappointed. Maybe because I enjoy more the work of the Masters, and Van Gogh impressionism leaves me wanting. I guess not everybody is a Van Gogh groupie!

Brad and I were rather pleased at all the wonderful food in Amsterdam, and that is not just the beer talking! I would love to go back...unfortunatly it will not be for the New Year's celebration, but I can forsee returning some day.

Some other notable things that occurred to us while in Amsterdam: Let's see....on the first night out, we stumbled upon some sort of festival going on, and a couple of guys in wigs, bras, and painted faces. We found out later that these guys were officers in the US Navy, on some sort of holiday adventure. It seemed to us that these guys were on a "don't ask, don't tell" adventure, and we did not want to know anything more about it!!! We did find a HUGE techno-bar and had a blast dancing and drinking and enjoying the music...and stumbled out of there quite late!

The next day we went exploring in the Red District. Being from a country where most items of smoke are illegal, we wanted to see if one could really purchase various reefer products right in the bar. That answer is a resounding yes! And many different types....way too many to recall. But ours was a look but don't touch, as I am not willing to sacrifice my military career over a few puffs, but it was interesting to find out.

So also was the interesting stroll through the prostitution district. I have been window shoppping before, but seeing all the "ladies in the windows" gives window shopping a new definition. And, it should be noted...don't be caught taking their photos! They will hunt you down and beat you over the head! We saw that happen to other tourists, and laughed our asses off!!! So, thus is why there are no photos of ladies in windows here.

We found a great little mom and pop restaurant, and after a few more beers, were back on our photo trek again. We made our way around more canals, and found the Cathedral. What wonderful stained glass windows and incredible architecture! Ah, all the boats, and beautiful colors...just really incredible scenery in Amsterdam!

We found some more bars that evening, and thank goodness did not have any further run-ins with the Navy officers! Every bar we went into was packed with young college students just getting sloppy drunk, dancing on tables, having a blast. How could we not join in with all the fun???

Before we knew it, we were back on the train heading back to Frankfurt. Just another successful holiday in Europe! 

Took my dad a day out to Amsterdam, playing the tourist in our own country.

It was great!!!

Shelter Jordan is a Christian run hostel that is drug free and alcohol free. As a single woman traveling alone, I felt safe here. The hostel serves hot meals, has a snack bar and a wonderful breakfast. The front desk speaks English as well as many other languages. The rooms are dorm style with bunk beds sleeping 14 or 20. The beds were okay but I didn't like sharing with so many people. It was pretty loud with all the different snoring and people coming and going all night. The hostel does have a curfew, but people would come up late after chatting in the common area and then some would leave early in the morning. I didn't sleep very well and the bathrooms and showers weren't very clean with all the people using them. The location was excellent, though. Just a couple blocks off the tram line and a short walk from the Anne Frank House. The hostel was full because it was summer, so maybe it is quieter at other times of the year.

Today was a wonderful day weather-wise for Donderdag Meppeldag. It was about 25 degrees and this doesn't happen too often. A good opportunity to climb the Church tower for some good views. Reagan, Jordan and I climbed it together. We also saw some choirs and stuff around town, today the theme was "Musicals".

Everybody thought I was crazy traveling to Amsterdam by myself.  But boy did I have fun!  I didn't know anybody when I arrived there.  Within a few hours, I had a crazy crew of 5 Irish and one Canadian new buddies.  Although the Irish guys flew in from Ireland just for the concert, the Canadian girl didn't have a clue why all of Amsterdam was dress in white.  The Irish guys found her a ticket, while I ran her over to H&M for the last available white outfit in A-dam.  Before the concert, we partied at the local pub then headed out with the "Ocean of White" towards the Amsterdam Arena.  I saw all ages of people in the lines to get in...people in their 20's all the way to people in their 60's from all over the world.  A few really bold girls showed up wearing just a white bra, white panties, and a pair of white boots as their outfit.  The show was amazing.  It was like Cirque du Soleil, a white party, and a rave all mixed into one.  The music was great.  I loved the way they incorporated water and fire into the show.  At one point, sparks came shooting down from the ceiling.  The party lasted until 7 am but I crawled back to my bed at 5 am.  I had a great time and can't wait until next year!

It`s a tradition every year in Alblasserdam.

I wrote about int in my blog Alblasserdam.

Our trip started after landing at the Eindhoven airport.  While there, we found out that they didn’t have a currency exchange place.  The lady at the info desk said we can get currency exchanged at the Eindhoven train station and pointed us to the direction of the bus stop.  There is a bus (#401) that takes you straight to the Eindhoven Centraal Train Station from the airport.  It’s about a 20 minute ride.  At the train station, you have access to currency exchange facilities, shops, cash machines, eating joints, etc.  You can either purchase train tickets at any available ticket kiosk machines they have placed everywhere in the station, or you can purchase a ticket from a ticket clerk.  A one-way ticket to Amsterdam is 17.90 euros and is good for that entire day.  The train ride from Eindhoven to Amsterdam is roughly 1.5 hours.

After our arrival at the Amsterdam Centraal Train Station, we encountered someone who greeted us outside the station, and asked if we needed help with anything.  We asked where our hotel was situated in Amsterdam and he cheerfully pointed us in the right direction.  We arrived at the hotel a little too early.  Check-in was at 2pm and we got there roughly after 12pm.  The front desk clerk (named Ulod…not sure of spelling) went out of his way to help us out, and wanted us to leave our bags there so we can look around until it was time to check in.  After doing so, we decided to check out the walking tour aptly named, “New Amsterdam Tours”.  The walking tour is free and roughly 3 hours long.  The tour guide (Kevin) was both informative, yet very entertaining.  He wasn’t long-winded and wasn’t one to come across as trying hard to be funny...my kind of tour guide.  At the beginning of the tour, we walked from the Centraal Train Station to Dam Square.  From there we all gathered together for a group picture shot.  All group pictures from New Amsterdam Tours are posted on their website.  We saw a lot of monuments and landmarks throughout Amsterdam (Anne Frank’s house…actually a business front where she and her family hid for 2 years, etc.)

After the tour, we stop by a few shops before heading back to the hotel to collect our bags and to check in.  I couldn’t believe the never-ending assortment of bongs and pipes they had in these smart shops.  They came in all shapes and sizes.  After resting for a few minutes from the long, walking tour, we took off again.  We ate at “Teasers” (kind of a Hooters type of joint) which was within a stone’s throw from our hotel.  Afterwards, we looked around taking pictures along the way and checking out the smart shops, coffee shops, and souvenir shops.

We proceeded back to the centraal train station for the Red Light District walking tour.  The cost was 10 euros and there was a good group of us.  The tour was a few hours long and we had complimentary drinks at one of the bars.  After the tour, we walked around the Red Light district admiring some of the view and keeping the digital cameras hidden for obvious reasons.  After having a good time out during the evening, we headed back to the hotel to crash.

The next morning, we got up and checked out of the hotel.  Our first stop was a visit to the Sex Museum.  The entrance fee was 3 euros and we were allowed to take pictures.  My friend and I laughed at a few things in there and had a few “oh wow” expressions with some of the exhibits we looked at.  Afterwards, we looked around some more and then headed towards the Hard Rock Café.  The Hard Rock Café was near a few souvenir shops, a pub, a canal boat tours place, and a casino.  We took a few pictures before going in to eat lunch.  I bought a couple of items from the Hard Rock Café gift shop before proceeding to our next destination….the Van Gogh Museum.

After paying a 12.50 euro entrance fee for the ticket, we entered the Van Gogh museum and were told to hand over our bags at a bag collection point.  We were handed a ticket and we were off check out the paintings and sculptures.  I didn’t know too much about Van Gogh until after we left the museum.  I have a better appreciation for the man and his work.

Our next stop was the Heineken brewery tour but unfortunately they were closed for renovations and won’t open up until September 2008.  We were really looking forward to this tour.  This is all the more reason to come back to this great city…LOL.  We decided to head back to the Centraal Train Station taking pictures along the way.  We made it back to the Red Light district again.  I don’t know why, but it seems we were drawn to that place for some odd reason…J

My friend and I leaned on the bridge railing staring at the canal and the boats that went by and wished we would stay there for a very long time.  We sighed and it was back to reality.  We stopped at one liquor store where my friend picked up a bottle of whiskey then we proceeded towards the Centraal Train Station to head back to Eindhoven for our flight back to the UK the following day.

I love the fact that folks can bike everywhere. You have to keep on your toes when crossing streets and bike lanes because you will more than likely hear a “dinging” noise from bikers kindly telling you to get the hell out of their way.  I highly recommend visiting Amsterdam.

Hi Everyone!

Another meet up in the Netherlands but this time in a different city.
If you want to explore Leiden, the famous university city of the Netherlands come to this meet up!

WHEN: SATURDAY August 30TH and SUNDAY August 31TH 2008!!!!
TIME: Saturday from 2pm till ???
WHERE: Central Station Leiden in front of the restaurant La Place

Saturday: The idea is to have a walk through the historical city, afterwoods in the afternoon drinks and tapas at the bar restaurant Olo Roso Grande Catina. Diner at restaurant La Bota and then partytime in Leiden.
Sunday: we might try to get a boattrip through the canals of Leiden.

Come along!Go to the forum: http://www.travbuddy.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=4209&p=1

See ya! Anna

Look for more detail about Olo Roso and Leiden at my blogs and reviews:

http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/27338
http://www.travbuddy.com/Leiden-v10688

http://www.travbuddy.com/De-Bruine-Boon-v191495

http://www.travbuddy.com/Annies-verjaardag-v191493

http://www.travbuddy.com/Etablissement-Einstein-v191667

I have reserved in option till this thursday 5 rooms for 4 persons per room. Cost are Euro 129,= per room, that is Euro 32,25 per persoon including breakfast. Please everyone how whats a room in this hotel let me know by sending me a PM before thursday 12.00pm.

Thnxs!

People who are coming:
1   Dolfijn (Anna)- comfirmed  NL     (http://www.travbuddy.com/dolfijn)
2   Ape (Nicsander)- comfirmed      NL     (http://www.travbuddy.com/Ape)
3   Biedjee (Bart Jan)- comfirmed NL    (http://www.travbuddy.com/biedjee)
4   Jos-Nijenhuis (Jos)- confirmed  NL  (http://www.travbuddy.com/jos-Nijenhuis)
5   Joost1976 (Joost)- confirmed  NL       (http://www.travbuddy.com/joost1976)
6   Relayer (Derk)- confirmed  NL           (http://www.travbuddy.com/relayer)
7   Imorespicy (Louise)- confirmed  UK      (http://www.travbuddy.com/1morespicy)
8   Belgian_Tom (Tom)- confirmed (first meet up)  Belgium   (http://www.travbuddy.com/belgian_Tom)
9   PMS70 (Patricia)- confirmed  NL             (http://www.travbuddy.com/pms70)
10 DanielOostdijk (Daniel)- confirmed  NL  (http://www.travbuddy.com/DanielOostdijk)
11 sonja227 (Sonja)- confirmed  NL           (http://www.travbuddy.com/sonja227)
12 cvanzoen (Carla) - confirmed NL      (http://www.travbuddy.com/cvanzoen)
13 Globevoyager - confirmed (first meet up)  NL  (http://www.travbuddy.com/globevoyager)
14 Dieforu (Mehmet) - confirmed (first meet up)  Greece      (http://www.travbuddy.com/Dieforu)
15 jessica0606 (Jessica)- confirmed (first meet up) NL        (http://www.travbuddy.com/jessica0606)
16 rinievp (Rinie)- confirmed (first meet up) NL               (http://www.travbuddy.com/rinievp)
17 Marieke (NEW, friend of Dolfijn, no TB member) NL
18 Liekevo (Lieke) - confirmed NL               (http://www.travbuddy.com/liekevo)
19 Anouksreizen (Anouk) - confirmed NL    (http://www.travbuddy.com/Anouksreizen)
20 Bluesilver84 (Jorien)- confirmed NL        (http://www.travbuddy.com/bluesilver84)
21 johan0604 (Johan)- confirmed NL          (http://www.travbuddy.com/johan0604)
22 Dennis_d (Dennis) - confirmed NL          (http://www.travbuddy.com/dennis_d)
23 gclaessen (Guido) - confirmed NL           (http://www.travbuddy.com/gclaessen)
24 Edsander - confirmed  NL                    (http://www.travbuddy.com/edsander)
25 Marloesetman (Marloes)- confirmed NL (http://www.travbuddy.com/marloesetman)
26 Bart- Husband of Marloes- confrimed NL

People who are thinking of coming:
1   Ketmeister - waiting Impatiently NL                  (http://www.travbuddy.com/Ketmeister)
2   Beerbiker- waiting impatiently    NL                   (http://www.travbuddy.com/beerbiker)
3   Suat- waiting impatiently            NL                   (http://www.travbuddy.com/suat)
4   Wendyveer- waiting impatiently NL                   (http://www.travbuddy.com/wendyveer)
5   Metsbwd - waiting impatiently   USA                 (http://www.travbuddy.com/metsbwd)
6   Robbel - waiting impatiently (NEW)  NL             (http://www.travbuddy.com/robbel)
7   Martin_Austria - waiting impatiently  Austria     (http://www.travbuddy.com/martin_austria)
8   PK313 - waiting impatiently  Italy                      (http://www.travbuddy.com/PK313)
9 Londonstudent- waiting impatiently  UK            (http://www.travbuddy.com/londonstudent)
10 kelvincheah523- waiting impatiently  Malaysia  (http://www.travbuddy.com/kelvincheah523)
11 f0ster- waiting impatiently (NEW) NL
12 KeikoCreative (NEW)  NL                                  (http://www.travbuddy.com/KeikoCreative)
13 yekcoh (Eric)- waiting impatiently USA              (http://www.travbuddy.com/yekcoh)
14 mypictures4u- waiting impatiently                    (http://www.travbuddy.com/mypictures4u)
15 Jennethm - waiting impatiently   Philipinnes     (http://www.travbuddy.com/jennethm)
16 friend of Jennethm
17 racekarretje- waiting impatiently NL                 (http://www.travbuddy.com/racekarretje

When you visit Rotterdam, you should definitely not miss the chance to visit the Cube Houses (Kubus Woning). You can go inside one of the Cube Houses and take a look, too! The admission fee is 2.50 euros for adults and 2.00 euros for students. You can easily walk to the Cube Houses from Rotterdam Central Station or take the metro to Blaak. Right beside the Cube Houses you can find the interesting looking Central Library and on certain days also a market. Visit http://www.kubuswoning.nl/introkubuseng.html for more information.

If you plan to visit Amsterdam and the many museums there, you should purchase a Museumjaarkaart (Museum Year Card). You can use it in more than 400 museums in The Netherlands. It costs 17.50 euros plus 4.95 euros administration and handling fee for youth (24 or younger) and 35 euros plus 4.95 euros for adults. You can get the Museumjaarkaart at the main museums. Unfortunately, the website is only in Dutch.

In the old famous church of Dordrecht is a lot to see, it`s very impressing,

also the tower of the church is really great.

I visited the tower and walked 275 steps where I had a wonderful view at Dordrecht from a height of 75 meters.

The view was really great!

When I was there the Carrilion player began to play his melody, he invited me in his room, so I could see how to play a Carilion.

It was very heavy because he did it not with his fingers but with his fists.

Then I walked the 275 steps again, but that was much better than upstairs .

After the church I walked to the Simon van Gijn museum and before the museum there was a restaurant called Bacchus, where I drank delicious coffee with a chocolate cookie, I needed coffee after 550 steps up and down, because the museum Simon van Gijn also had a lot of steps and I`m not 20 any more.

Simon van Gijn is a house museum.

Simon was a collector of a surprising collection of arts, crafts and toys from the 19^th century.

When he died he left his house to Dordrecht, to make a museum of it.

When you walk into his house,  you  get a taste of how the upper classes lived a hundred years ago.

The rooms are packed with collected items, just as in Simon van Gijn`s own lifetime.

I saw a lot of beautiful things from the kitchen, the bathroom and wonderful toys!

It was not allowed to take pictures, but I took a few when nobody was looking at me.

After the museum I drank a cup of coffee in the garden of Simon van Gijn, a beautiful garden and again very nice coffee with a cookie called Simon van Gijn.

The museum is open year round from 11.00 - 17.00 every day exept Monday.

It`s really worth a visit, adults pay 6 euro and kids are free, so when you have a lot of kids its a cheap trip!

You can look at the windmills on different ways, from other places and they will continue to surprise you.