twiggers

bdokeefe: DH won't post on here He's just not a big internet guy. The car thing is interesting though. He mentioned that several times, and I"m thinking that maybe the trip to Germany we'll rent.

bdokeefe

Driving in Germany is pretty easy; good roads, signage, etc. Don't blame you for not driving in Rome, that is insane at best.

If your DH liked the Roman ruins he'll have a good time in Italy...take him to Pompeii.

twiggers

Thanks bdo. Hmmmm....I"ll have to look into possible day trips to Pompeii. I'm hoping he'll like Rome, plus my brother-in-law will be coming along so he'll have someone to hang with during the day.

cafegoddess

twiggers,

Great trip report!

"I did get him to agree to a 2 week trip in May 2011."

Great, there is hope he will eventually enjoy traveling, fingers crossed.

twiggers

Yes cafe....I hope to get him to enjoy it more. I try to mix in things he wants to do with things I want to do. Fortunately, he is content to relax at the hotel, and I've learned to stop bugging him when he has no interest.

countrychick

I thought I'd ask your DH about one of his main interests, which seems to be the coffee houses. In Amsterdam, which did he think were the best; the most atmospheric, the best menus, friendliness of staff? We are going to many of the same places in April: my DH and I are both interested in museums, history, art, food, botanical gardens, castles, but also the coffee houses, as they are unique to Amsterdam. I like to take taxis too after long days of walking--my feet hurt--or if you have suitcases to drag. I also like the better hotels, because you usually get better beds. My DH gives in on these things, and I often do what he wants. You build travel compatibility over the years--we've been together for 33 years and we love to travel; I'm the planner, he's the one who navigates once we're there. It all works out if you both try. It sounds like your DH could give some pointers on where to experience the best coffee houses of Amsterdam. Also, where you rode the white bikes, is it hilly?

artstuff

Congratulations, twiggers, on finishing your trip report! Great job. My husband got up early this morning and ended up reading and enjoying your report also. Thanks for taking the time to post.

countrychick - When in April will you be in Amsterdam? I'll be there between the 13-22, and plan on organizing a GTG (get together) at some point. I hope you will be able to attend.

Check out the following link for a really great interactive coffeeshop map, as well as other info.

www.coffeeshopdirect.com

Robyn

twiggers

Robyn: I"m glad you and your hubby enjoyed the report! Yours was such a big help for me

countrychick: The white bikes in Armhem are all flat land!!!!

As for coffee shops: I will say that his favorite was Dampkring. He loved the atmosphere and apparently the product was good too. He really didn't like the ones in really touristy areas like the Red Light District (too jam packed with young kids) and the Leidseplein. We also stopped by Dutch Flowers one evening and he liked that because you could sit outside and smoke (which I also appreciated since I don't smoke).
He didn't really have a lot of comments about good vs. bad product. He said it was all better than anything over here in the US and comparable to some product he's tried in Canada.
We were there a month before harvest, so he was a little bummed about that!

I really appreciate your insight regarding travel compatability. We have made some progress. I used to nag him in the past to visit things he didn't care about. Now I'm fine with just leaving him at the hotel and bringing him something back (food, etc.). I am just not cool with driving past things and saying "I've seen that now." I need to get out and walk around. DH likes the sitting back and not getting out. So I'm contemplating maybe doing some type of driving tour in Rome and then going off myself to really see things. DH wants to rent scooters, but I'm not comfortable with that in Rome.

countrychick

Twiggers: Thank you (and DH) for the info about coffee shops. It must be quite the scene. I can't imagine anything stronger than what we have here in Northern California (in the dispensaries). I would need something far weaker or I might not make it out of the hotel at all! Also, thanks for your comments re: Anne Frank house. I think I'll re-read it before we go. Any other must-do for you?

Artstuff: We plan to be in Amsterdam April 1 - 6. Then maybe move around. Has anyone been to the coast near The Hague? I think it's called Scheveningen? Not sure of our itinerary until I've got plane tickets in hand. Van Gogh is definitely on my list of paintings. Also LOVE the early Flemish painters, like the Brueghels, Jan Van Eyck, H. Bosch, and later, Magritte. Can't wait!

twiggers

Country: DH is originally from Northern California...he said it was very comparable to Humboldt County stuff.

In Amsterdam I think the Van Gogh was a must-do because he is my favorite artist. Also, a stroll through the Red Light District was an experience...not just the girls, but the entire atmosphere. Finally, a canal cruise with St. Nicolaas was an absolute must. Probably the favorite part of our trip!

misty_in_stl

Thank you for the detailed trip report! I'm bookmarking it for a possible trip in April 2011.

twiggers

Your very welcome misty!