The Netherlands
“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”—Martin Buber
Day 1 -July 3rd, Haarlem
Because of work commitments I was not able to arrive until the day of our tour. I did make sure I scheduled to arrive early in the morning just in case there were any delays (luckly there were none).
With the clear and detailed information provided by Rick Steves I was able to navigate Schiphol Airport and find the bus to Haarlem. Although this was a quick 35-minute ride it allowed some time to relax and decompress from a long flight and a hectic exit from the airport. I also got early glances of what will be the first of amazing and beautiful views.
I arrived before check-in at our first hotel, Hotel Lion d’Or.
The friendly clerk checked, but my room was not ready yet. He offered to store my bag in a locked room. With my first
“Research is the GPS to Discovery.”
—Steven Magee
tentative steps I went out to explore Harleem. I take note of key landmarks to help me navigate back. Slowly wandering down quaint streets and canals I feel the excitement of what the next three weeks will be. I found my way to St. Bavokerk te Haarlem. With the church bells ringing I am amazed that I am here. After exploring for a time, I make it back to hotel and was able to get checked in.
After a power nap, a shower, and taking my COVID test (with fingers crossed because you never know) I nevously go down to meet our leader and my tourmates.
“As soon as I saw you,
I knew an adventure was about to happen.”
—Winnie the Pooh
After checking in with Andy, our leader, I realized that I had nothing to be nervous about. My tourmates were a friendly eclectic group of adventurers. Once we go over basic tour information, get our whisper guide headset, introduce ourselves, and meet our “buddy” we head out to greet the first of many great local guides.
Our knowledgeable guide started just steps outside the hotel. The first thing we learned about is the bicycle culture of The Netherlands. Did you know there are approximately 23 million bikes in the Netherlands? (Yes....23 million!) We head over to the train station and visited a bike “parking lot.” It was amazing. They even have a ramp to push your bike up and down the stairs. So simple but genius at the same time.
We made our way through Haarlem learning about the city. Stopped by Corrie Ten Boom House (unfortunately closed on Sundays), and learned about how World War II affected Haarlem. We made it to Grote Markt, Haarlems historic market square. The square includes the St.-Bavokerk church, Town Hall, Hoofdwacht (Guardhouse), and the Vleeshal (Meat Hall).
Our final stop was the Grand Cafe Brinkman where we had a Genever tasting.
“You have to taste a culture to understand it.”
—Deborah Cater
After our walking tour, we went to our first of many group meals together. We had a Rijsttafel meal at Restaurant Flamboyant. Sometimes I have a hard time trying new foods. I made a deal with myself that I would at least give everything a try. I am happy I made this deal. Otherwise, there were many times on this adventure that I would have missed out on something delicious.
Our last stop of the night was the first of many, many and I am ashamed to say many gelatos—(pistachio all the way!) As we enjoyed our gelato we slowly wandered back to the hotel for a much-needed sleep. We want to be bright-eyed, and bushy-tailed for our early departure for Amsterdam.
Today we head out to explore Amsterdam. After a colorful breakfast (seriously, pink mini-donuts?—what more could a girl want?) we meet outside our hotel, do a buddy check, and head off. Andy leads us to the train station and teaches us how the transportation system works. After a short ride, we make it to Amsterdam Centraal historic train station and then onto a tram to our first stop, the Rijksmuseum.
Day 2 - July 4th, Amsterdam
You could spend the day at the Rijksmuseum. There are so many special treasures here. Luckily we had a great guide for the museum, visiting and educating us on key pieces. It was fascinating to learn about Operation Night Watch; a research and conservation project of Rembrandt’s The Night Watch.
“A work is finished when an artist realizes his intentions.”
—Rembrandt
Other highlights were Johannes Vermeer's, The Milkmaid the more famous sister painting to one of my favorite paintings that I will see
Our next adventure was a canal cruise. It was a nice way to relax and see the city from a different perspective. The cool breeze was refreshing as Europe was experiencing an unprecedented heat wave (asphalt was actually melting). We learned the fascinating history of the city, canals, and architecture. We saw the different styles of canal houses including some very narrow ones.
“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.”
—Hilaire Belloc
After our cruise we had free time get some lunch. Upon the recommendation of Andy, I ventured over to Gastrovino De Mannen van Kaas. What a beautiful shop. I ordered a sandwich, a lemon cannoli, and a pistachio cannoli. So good! Would highly recommend to anyone
Once lunch was over we meet for our walking tour with a very colorful local guide. The first place we went to was The Begijnhof of Amsterdam. It is one of the oldest hofjes (almshouse) in Amsterdam. We continued through the city center learning about the history of the city, including how religion, politics, economics, and social
conventions effected the city. This included discussions on coffee shops and prostitution. We did go through the red light district which has been drastically reduced since the last time I was there.
At the end of our walking tour, we were free to explore more of the city on our own. After walking through the city and seeing many sites and finding a shop full of rubber ducks I decided to head back to Haarlem. Using the information and skills that Andy gave us I was able to find my way back to the train station and make my way back. I picked up some sweet and savory crepes and had some quiet time at the hotel.
later in Paris, and the amazing desk by Abraham Roentgen. Seeing artwork that you only ever seen in pictures can change your perspective on that art or artist.
visiting Amsterdam. I sat at an intimate little sitting area in the back of the shop and did some people-watching.
Today we head out to Bacharach, Germany with a stop at Nederlands Openluchtmuseum (Netherlands Open Air Museum) in Arnhem. Before going down I had everything packed and did my dummy check to make sure I did not leave anything behind. I also left my little “thank you” gift that I made for each hotel.
Day 3 - July 5th, Arnhem
After breakfast we meet our wonderful driver Peter and boarded our rolling home for the next three weeks. As we pulled out Andy went over the expectations of traveling in the coach. As we traveled Andy gave us more information about the area, including pointing out the flower warehouses and how the flower auctions work at Aalsmeer Flower Auction.
Once we arrive at Nederlands Openluchtmuseum, Andy gave us a brief overview. However, before we were let go to explore, we did the name game to help us get to know our fellow adventurers and learn their names.
“Focus on the journey, not the destination, joy is found not in finishing the activity, but in doing.”
—Greg Anderson
This open-air museum has gathered historical buildings and relocated them to the approximately 109 acres. The buildings scattered throughout the property consist of barns, farmhouses, homes, shops, and workrooms. There are even bridges and a historic tram and a tramline you can ride.
As you slowly wander through the museum you are able to go in and out of the buildings and explore different time periods and economic levels. One of my favorite details in the homes are the sleeping cupboards. I would love to have one of those. It makes me wonder if they were an inspiration for capsule hotels (mmm….just a thought). Throughout the museum, you can visit working workshops —ironwork, weaving, and washing.
Yarn oxidation happens once the dyed yarn is removed from the dye bath and exposed to the air. (Yellow to Green)
Our group met up on the grounds at Inn de Hanekamp for one of our tour lunches. The restaurant is known for their pancakes, and I can understand why.
After lunch, we were given time to make our way back to the coach. In the garden outside the restaurant, I came across some wonderful ladies dyeing yard.
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.”
—Anita Desai
As we make our way to Germany and the town of Bacharach, we view stunning countryside through the window of our couch. With the sight of the Rhine River, we know we are close to our destination.
We have made it to Bacharach and have checked into our hotel, Altkölnischer Hof. After a little time to get settled in and take a quick nap, we meet for dinner at the hotel restaurant.
It was delicious. I am normally not a soup person, but their Carrot Ginger soup was one of the best things I have ever had. If I could have gotten away with it, I would have stolen bowls from my fellow adventurers.
Day 1 Well we made it to the Netherlands. Mom met her group and went out and explored Haarlem. I decided to just hang out in the hotel. She said the Rijsttafel dinner was delicious. But she didn’t tell me that she was getting Gelato. I wonder if they had banana flavor.
Day 2 Mom and I toured Amsterdam today with some really nice people. They all keep talking about this guy Rick Steves. Not sure who he is. I wonder if he is as famous as The Man in the Yellow Hat.
I couldn’t read this sign but I think it was about the big metal room that went really fast. We saw a lot of things. My favorite was the canal ride. I got to sit next to the window and see everything. We went to this big building where people stood and stared at pictures and things. People were getting really excited about a lady pouring milk. I don’t get it; mom does that for me every day. We walked around with a really colorful guide. It was really nice that they renamed an area for me. I don’t know if this was official. It looks a little sketchy to me. We went through an area called the Red Light District. Mom made me close my eyes though. (I may have peaked once or twice) We ended the day having crepes. Mom said we needed both sweet and savory but she did not realize how big they were so I had to help. They were good, but I think the Nutella one would have been even better if it had bananas.
