On a long drive north from France close to the new year's eve, the two of us set out to visit Belgium and Amsterdam in 2015. As one crossed the border of France and in the direction of Belgium, it was easy to see the shift in cultures. The homes in France are made of stone and look not at all pretty from the outside. But don't be fooled by the rugged walls. Inside they are most upgraded with huge kitchens, pantries and sometimes wine cellars. Belgium, on the other hand, showed more homes made of wood and felt like a bit more out-in-the-wild. Brussels, mind you, went back to looking like France :)
Belgium:
Belgium was a stop on the way to Amsterdam. We grabbed the famous waffles and chocolates in the Grand Place. From here it was close to Mannekin Pis (no wonder - it is a mannequin that appears to be p***ing). We then went to a cartoon museum of famous Belgian cartoons - including Tan Tan (Tin Tin) and the Smurfs. On our way out from here, we crossed Antwerp - which is famous for jewels and jewellers. The diamonds here are arguably the best in the world.
Amsterdam:
Boy, what a city! We had the good fortune of spending 3 days here. Don't ever drive here even if you arrive by car. Parking is non-existant and nearly cost us 30 Euros for 4 hours. We learnt soon enough and used the city Park-n-Ride (we could park here for 2 Euros a day) and take the train from here to most anywhere in town.
We were housed in old DapperMarket which was quite close to the zoo (no jokes please). One of my biggest accomplishments was covering Amsterdam end-to-end by foot. We got off the train near Magna Plaza (mall) and walked in the cold winter wind and drizzles through beautiful canals and shops, farmers markets and boathouses. We rested our feet on a floating garden cafe with some great hot coffee.
This city reminded me of Boston. We fell in love with the houses by the water (which was not a luxury - any house you pick was close to water). I stood gazing at one such beautiful place only to realize there was an old man dancing b*tt naked at one of the windows. No comments.
Speaking of which, on new year's eve, we decided to check out the red light district and I must say I loved how different it is from anything I have ever seen or could have imagined. We were keen to try some 'space' cakes here, but found one that neither delivered nor tasted good.
One the outskirts of the city is Lille, a small village famous for tulip farms (Keukenhof) and windmills. We drove here, but sadly, it was not the season for Netherland's pride.
Amsterdam is one of the cities I can picture myself living in. Something in it for everyone - not to forget old men who like to .. er.. dance ;)
Belgium:
Belgium was a stop on the way to Amsterdam. We grabbed the famous waffles and chocolates in the Grand Place. From here it was close to Mannekin Pis (no wonder - it is a mannequin that appears to be p***ing). We then went to a cartoon museum of famous Belgian cartoons - including Tan Tan (Tin Tin) and the Smurfs. On our way out from here, we crossed Antwerp - which is famous for jewels and jewellers. The diamonds here are arguably the best in the world.
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| Grand Place |
 |
| The Belgian Comic Strip Centre |
 |
| Mannekin Pis |
Amsterdam:
Boy, what a city! We had the good fortune of spending 3 days here. Don't ever drive here even if you arrive by car. Parking is non-existant and nearly cost us 30 Euros for 4 hours. We learnt soon enough and used the city Park-n-Ride (we could park here for 2 Euros a day) and take the train from here to most anywhere in town.
We were housed in old DapperMarket which was quite close to the zoo (no jokes please). One of my biggest accomplishments was covering Amsterdam end-to-end by foot. We got off the train near Magna Plaza (mall) and walked in the cold winter wind and drizzles through beautiful canals and shops, farmers markets and boathouses. We rested our feet on a floating garden cafe with some great hot coffee.
This city reminded me of Boston. We fell in love with the houses by the water (which was not a luxury - any house you pick was close to water). I stood gazing at one such beautiful place only to realize there was an old man dancing b*tt naked at one of the windows. No comments.
Speaking of which, on new year's eve, we decided to check out the red light district and I must say I loved how different it is from anything I have ever seen or could have imagined. We were keen to try some 'space' cakes here, but found one that neither delivered nor tasted good.
One the outskirts of the city is Lille, a small village famous for tulip farms (Keukenhof) and windmills. We drove here, but sadly, it was not the season for Netherland's pride.
Amsterdam is one of the cities I can picture myself living in. Something in it for everyone - not to forget old men who like to .. er.. dance ;)
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