Our journey began flying over from Manchester England on a one hour flight which was smooth and quick but the journey on train and through the Manchester airport was not fun at all. If you take the same trip be sure to give yourself enough time to take the train and get through that airport. It was exhausting. But upon arriving to Amsterdam we took a cute picture and grabbed a cab.
The ride to our Airbnb was a long one but our location was amazing. We drove through crowds of people and after that trip the cab cost was 78 Eros which was 88.00 US money. We couldn’t believe it. We stayed in the Red light district which was perfect location and right in mix of everything. Not a place to bring your kids but for adults it’s perfect.
the host of our Airbnb was very nice and welcoming and the small apartment was spotless and comfortable. The big balcony was nice and private but no chairs to sit on which was disappointing but we enjoyed it. The only bad thing was the staircase you are required to climb. It was very steep but we did it. Do not bring anyone who is afraid of heights or unable to climb steep stairs.
The streets are all old red brick and beautiful. Very unique buildings and canals were everywhere. It was amazing. We walked everywhere and took so many pictures.
Everyday we walked for miles. Everywhere you look it’s amazing. I loved the many alley ways and all the little shops and crooked buildings. The cobblestone streets were not easy to walk on but I love them. Such history here. We chose this Airbnb because of location. We were right in the Red Light District, which was crazy but fun. The women literally stand in a window barely clothed and there is a red light on and clear glass so when you walk by, boom! We got used to it eventually but it was definitely strange.
People from all walks of life, young and old, visit Amsterdam. We loved just sitting street side drinking our margaritas and watching people walk by.
Exploring Amsterdam was interesting everyday finding more great buildings and shops but we decided to ride the public transportation which only cost 8.00 Eros each for one day or 28.00 euros for two days to busy outside of the city central. We decided to go see a windmill which was a nice long walk after the train tracks end out in the country. We found ourselves walking through some pretty back streets where we finally found this windmill and a cute little village. Took a few pictures and sat down a drank a beer from a local brewery and finished our little exploration off with a wonderful ice cream cone. It was different than American ice cream, lighter and creamy.
Headed back to Amsterdam Central we were exhausted and decided to grab dinner. There are not many large restaurants that we ran across, most are small cafe/bar type places with some outside seating some don’t even have that but they are quaint. We chose one called Mas Y Mas which was an Argentina restaurant and it was great. I would highly recommend going if your in Amsterdam. There are several around the city. Great margaritas!
We decided to endulge in dessert which was not as good as it appeared but we had to try it!
An important thing to know also is that you don’t tip in Europe they told us. We didn’t know and we tipped a bartender and waitress then we were told by some locals you don’t tip because it’s in the check. Would have liked to know that earlier.
So we decided to exchange our money periodically when we needed to instead of a lot at once. It costs to exchange money each time and our US dollar isn’t more than the pound or euro so you lose money each time!
Use your credit card instead of your debit because our bank charges 3 percent for each transaction you use. So we used our credit card a lot and we prepared online before we left for all hotels, trains, and flights, as well as, baggage charges for checking your bags. We planned on one backpack but it wasn’t holding all we wanted so we brought one large suitcase and one carry on size. Our baggage was expensive because we paid 25.00 each bag for all small flights and 60.00 each leaving from Tampa. So plan I’m taking trains anywhere you can especially if you got time. We are jumping around every few days so need to fly mostly. Taking few trains where it was a 3-4 hr only adventure.
We visited this beautiful Roman Catholic Church one day. So beautiful inside and out. Very very old.
The best part of our trip in my opinion was of course our boat ride through the canals of Amsterdam! I went live for my friends to be with me so check out my Facebook page if you want to see it! But here are a few of a thousand, lol, that we took.
The boat ride was an hour long and very entertaining. There are many boats to choose from from closed to open and big and small. Just choose which you prefer and they are all close in price. Ours was 15 euros each. We bought few beers on board which were only 3.50 euros each. It was beautiful warm but not to warm, day. Our captain was great and very informative. This was a great experience and allowed us to see some areas we would have missed otherwise.
Another important thing you must know if you haven’t traveled here before and I know it’s this way all over Germany too and not sure of the rest of our trip, but you will pay to go to the restroom! Yes, I said pay to pee! So bring change with you because you have to look for places that will allow you to use their restroom and most make you pay or if your lucky by a beer to use their restroom. For some of us who need to pee more often, this was not fun. We took a few more pictures you might enjoy then we are off to Germany!!
This last picture I’m sharing with you was a special area called The Seven Bridges. If you look you can see all the small bridges in a row which was really cool.
Enough pictures. I have so many but I will keep all in my memories and hope you all enjoyed this blog and will leave comments and follow me to my next destination which is Germany!!!
Happy Travels!!
Weekend Getaway Travel Company 