TRSW's Trip Report: 3 Amazing Weeks In Amsterdam, Venice, Bologna, Florence and Paris
Nov 15th, 2006, 01:02 PM
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TRSW's Trip Report: 3 Amazing Weeks In Amsterdam, Venice, Bologna, Florence and Paris
After a couple of false starts, I am going to get this trip report started.
This was my second ever trip to Europe. When I first started planning, it was going to be 3 weeks in Italy. But thanks to some nudging and suggestions here, I changed it to include Amsterdam and Paris. And I am so glad that I did!!! I had a great time!!!
I decided to splurge and flew World Business Class on Northwest (just had to see how the other half lives once in my life) I must say, it was really nice to be comfortable for the 9 1/2 hour flight from Seattle to Amsterdam. But now, unless I win the lotto, it will be back to cattle class for my next trip.
You can see the photos from my trip at www.pbase.com/trsw
Day 1 - Amsterdam
The flight arrived right on time. I collected my luggage and headed for the train into town. Once I arrived into town, my infamous map reading skills reared its ugly head again!
After wandering around for about a half an hour, I find Maes B&B. I am met at the door by Ken, one of the owners. He tells me my room won't be ready for about 3 hours, but I am welcome to enjoy breakfast. Talk about a spread! All kinds of breads, rolls, and pasteries. Also fresh fruit, meats and cheeses.
After breakfast I head out to wander the city and take pictures. I come across the Anne Frank House and there is no line and head on in. Talk about a very moving experience. When I exit, the line is around the corner and all the way down the block.
I head back to the B&B, unpack and freshen up. After, I head out to Dam Square and more photos. On my way, I stop and get one of those big cones of Fries with Mayo. A very tasty and cheap lunch.
After Dam Square I just take off and wander for hours and hours taking the city in. I head back to the B&B and make the mistake of laying down for a moment. I ended up falling asleep and woke up at about 11pm. Since it was late, I grabbed a bite to eat and a beer from the kitchen, then downloaded my photos from the day and called it a night.
Tomorrow - Having the city to myself and the'brownie'
This was my second ever trip to Europe. When I first started planning, it was going to be 3 weeks in Italy. But thanks to some nudging and suggestions here, I changed it to include Amsterdam and Paris. And I am so glad that I did!!! I had a great time!!!
I decided to splurge and flew World Business Class on Northwest (just had to see how the other half lives once in my life) I must say, it was really nice to be comfortable for the 9 1/2 hour flight from Seattle to Amsterdam. But now, unless I win the lotto, it will be back to cattle class for my next trip.
You can see the photos from my trip at www.pbase.com/trsw
Day 1 - Amsterdam
The flight arrived right on time. I collected my luggage and headed for the train into town. Once I arrived into town, my infamous map reading skills reared its ugly head again!
After wandering around for about a half an hour, I find Maes B&B. I am met at the door by Ken, one of the owners. He tells me my room won't be ready for about 3 hours, but I am welcome to enjoy breakfast. Talk about a spread! All kinds of breads, rolls, and pasteries. Also fresh fruit, meats and cheeses.
After breakfast I head out to wander the city and take pictures. I come across the Anne Frank House and there is no line and head on in. Talk about a very moving experience. When I exit, the line is around the corner and all the way down the block.
I head back to the B&B, unpack and freshen up. After, I head out to Dam Square and more photos. On my way, I stop and get one of those big cones of Fries with Mayo. A very tasty and cheap lunch.
After Dam Square I just take off and wander for hours and hours taking the city in. I head back to the B&B and make the mistake of laying down for a moment. I ended up falling asleep and woke up at about 11pm. Since it was late, I grabbed a bite to eat and a beer from the kitchen, then downloaded my photos from the day and called it a night.
Tomorrow - Having the city to myself and the'brownie'
Nov 15th, 2006, 01:14 PM
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Yeah! The wait is over!
I have ALWAYS wanted to visit the home of Anne Frank, I am sure it was quite moving. Sounds like the timing of your visit was good.
Looking forward to reading more Tom, and again welcome home.
I have ALWAYS wanted to visit the home of Anne Frank, I am sure it was quite moving. Sounds like the timing of your visit was good.
Looking forward to reading more Tom, and again welcome home.
Nov 15th, 2006, 03:03 PM
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Day 2 - Amsterdam
Since I had got so much sleep the night before, I woke up around 6am. I decided to shower and take off in the general direction of the Van Gough museum to get an idea of how far away it was.
It was a very peaceful walk. Nobody (or bikes) on the pre-dawn streets. It was nice to watch the city come to life. Since breakfast at the B&B won't be served until 9, I pop into a bakery that is just opening and grab a danish. It is just out of the oven and still warm! Tasty!!
After walking around for a couple of hours, I head back to the B&B for breakfast. At breakfast I meet Vlad, the other owner and Steve and Sally, a vey nice couple from Arkansas who are in Amsterdam for a week. Vlad tells us about the Jordaan Maarket not too far away.
After breakfast I head to the maarket, which is a big series of tents and stalls that is held every Saturday. There is everything under the sun to be found here. Fresh produce, seafood, cheese with lots of free samples. It reminds me of the Pike Place Market back in Seattle.
After the market I go in search of the Red Light District (no, not for the reason you think LOL) There is (was) a fountain that a friend at work wanted a photo of. I find the spot where the fountain is supposed to be, but it is not there. So I ask the doorman at the theatre of a live sex show where it is. He tells me that the city had deemed it obscene and it was removed.
Obscene? I am standing in front of a live sex show, there are 'coffee' shops all around. Not to mention all the scantily clad women standing in the windows. Both I and the doorman got a good chuckle out of this one.
This next part could be titled either 'You can't relive your youth' or 'What the hell was I thinking?'. After another lunch of fries, this time with a very tasty curry sauce, I decide to pop into a 'coffeeshop' and buy a brownie.
Okay, the sign on the cooler and the wrapper on the brownie said to only try a small piece and wait 45 minutes to judge the effects. I was given the same advice from the budtender. Did I listen? Oh hell no!!! I ate the whole thing at once. But to play it safe, I headed back to the B&B and hang out on the garden terrace.
True to form, about 45 minutes later the effects start to kick in. And it was intense!!! It amplified all the sounds around me. Every little nuance was intensified. It was like listening to real life in High Definition Stereo!!
Needless to say, when I crashed, I crashed hard and was out for the night. I have now been in Amsterdam for 2 nights and have yet been to dinner.
Tomorrow - Hanging out with new friends
Since I had got so much sleep the night before, I woke up around 6am. I decided to shower and take off in the general direction of the Van Gough museum to get an idea of how far away it was.
It was a very peaceful walk. Nobody (or bikes) on the pre-dawn streets. It was nice to watch the city come to life. Since breakfast at the B&B won't be served until 9, I pop into a bakery that is just opening and grab a danish. It is just out of the oven and still warm! Tasty!!
After walking around for a couple of hours, I head back to the B&B for breakfast. At breakfast I meet Vlad, the other owner and Steve and Sally, a vey nice couple from Arkansas who are in Amsterdam for a week. Vlad tells us about the Jordaan Maarket not too far away.
After breakfast I head to the maarket, which is a big series of tents and stalls that is held every Saturday. There is everything under the sun to be found here. Fresh produce, seafood, cheese with lots of free samples. It reminds me of the Pike Place Market back in Seattle.
After the market I go in search of the Red Light District (no, not for the reason you think LOL) There is (was) a fountain that a friend at work wanted a photo of. I find the spot where the fountain is supposed to be, but it is not there. So I ask the doorman at the theatre of a live sex show where it is. He tells me that the city had deemed it obscene and it was removed.
Obscene? I am standing in front of a live sex show, there are 'coffee' shops all around. Not to mention all the scantily clad women standing in the windows. Both I and the doorman got a good chuckle out of this one.
This next part could be titled either 'You can't relive your youth' or 'What the hell was I thinking?'. After another lunch of fries, this time with a very tasty curry sauce, I decide to pop into a 'coffeeshop' and buy a brownie.
Okay, the sign on the cooler and the wrapper on the brownie said to only try a small piece and wait 45 minutes to judge the effects. I was given the same advice from the budtender. Did I listen? Oh hell no!!! I ate the whole thing at once. But to play it safe, I headed back to the B&B and hang out on the garden terrace.
True to form, about 45 minutes later the effects start to kick in. And it was intense!!! It amplified all the sounds around me. Every little nuance was intensified. It was like listening to real life in High Definition Stereo!!
Needless to say, when I crashed, I crashed hard and was out for the night. I have now been in Amsterdam for 2 nights and have yet been to dinner.
Tomorrow - Hanging out with new friends
Nov 15th, 2006, 04:35 PM
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Day 3 - Amsterdam
Due to another early night, I wake up again at 6am. So once again, I shower and head out into the pre-dawn morning and watch the city awake.
At breakfast, Steve and Sally tell me if I have no plans, I am welcome to hang out with them for the day. I take them up on the offer.
First we head down to Dam Square. From there, after some really bad map reading from all three of us, we finally find the Jewish Historical Museum.
Even with part of it closed for remodeling, it is truely amazing. There are many interactive displays, imformation kiosks and a lot of religous artifacts.
After the museum we head back to the heart of the city and have a real lunch. We end up going into St Peters Cafe. It has the feel of an English Pub. I had a large bowl of Tomato and Bread soup, a hamburger and an ice cold beer. The hamburger is served as a patty on hogie roll with all the condiments on top. It is built in such a way that you have to eat it with a knife and a fork. I only mention this because apperently part of my plate is hanging off the edge of the table and when I go to cut into it, the thing plops over into my lap. Talk about embarrasing!!
After lunch, we head over to the Hash Marihuana Hemp Museum. An interesting little place. They even have a grow room.
After more exploring of the city we head back to the B&B and decide to meet up later for dinner.
Vlad has recommended we try Cafe De Reiger, a locals place that serves new twists on traditional Dutch cusine.
I have the Chicken Mousse and Bread for a starter. Very very good!!! For the entree I have the Venison (riendeer) with red cabbage, roasted potatoes all in a Cardamom Sauce. The meats was so tender and delicious. Dessert was vanila ice cream in a chocolate/cardamom sauce. A very satisfing meal to say the least. With a beer before dinner and wine with dinner it was 30 euro.
After dinner we all call it a night. And with a blink of an eye, my time in Amsterdam is already over.
Tomorrow - I return to Venice
Due to another early night, I wake up again at 6am. So once again, I shower and head out into the pre-dawn morning and watch the city awake.
At breakfast, Steve and Sally tell me if I have no plans, I am welcome to hang out with them for the day. I take them up on the offer.
First we head down to Dam Square. From there, after some really bad map reading from all three of us, we finally find the Jewish Historical Museum.
Even with part of it closed for remodeling, it is truely amazing. There are many interactive displays, imformation kiosks and a lot of religous artifacts.
After the museum we head back to the heart of the city and have a real lunch. We end up going into St Peters Cafe. It has the feel of an English Pub. I had a large bowl of Tomato and Bread soup, a hamburger and an ice cold beer. The hamburger is served as a patty on hogie roll with all the condiments on top. It is built in such a way that you have to eat it with a knife and a fork. I only mention this because apperently part of my plate is hanging off the edge of the table and when I go to cut into it, the thing plops over into my lap. Talk about embarrasing!!
After lunch, we head over to the Hash Marihuana Hemp Museum. An interesting little place. They even have a grow room.
After more exploring of the city we head back to the B&B and decide to meet up later for dinner.
Vlad has recommended we try Cafe De Reiger, a locals place that serves new twists on traditional Dutch cusine.
I have the Chicken Mousse and Bread for a starter. Very very good!!! For the entree I have the Venison (riendeer) with red cabbage, roasted potatoes all in a Cardamom Sauce. The meats was so tender and delicious. Dessert was vanila ice cream in a chocolate/cardamom sauce. A very satisfing meal to say the least. With a beer before dinner and wine with dinner it was 30 euro.
After dinner we all call it a night. And with a blink of an eye, my time in Amsterdam is already over.
Tomorrow - I return to Venice
Nov 17th, 2006, 06:04 AM
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Thanks for the report on Amsterdam, Tom. We're leaving in less than a week and also staying at Maes. I looked at your pictures when you posted them originally, and they are wonderful. I think I'll go back for a second look today to get myself in the mood (much more fun than the article I'm trying to write 
).
).
Nov 18th, 2006, 12:41 AM
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Sorry for the delay in getting back to the report. Theres this pesky thing called my job that keeps getting in the way. But hey, I need to start padding my vacation bank for next years trip!
Day 4 - Amsterdam/Venice
Once again I wake up early and head out and walk the city before everybody is up. Watching the sunrise is just too cool!
After breakfast I pack my bags and head to the train station for my trip to the airport.
I was originally booked on a flight on Smartwings, but 3 weeks before my trip they canceled all thier flights from Amsterdam to Venice (with a layover in Prauge) for Oct 15-18. So thanks to a headsup on a thread about Transavia from LoveItaly, I rebooked a direct flight to Treviso.
Two things about Transavia. First, it is a very nicely run airline. Second, when checking prices, it is best to check on the weekend. I booked my flight on a Thursday at 69 euro. But when I looked the following Saturday it was only 29 euro.
While waiting for my luggage at Treviso, they bring in drug sniffing dogs and pull 3 people from my flight to search them and thier luggage.
After a 45 minute bus ride, I am back in Beautiful Venice!! And once again, my map reading skills fail me miserably!! LOL But this is not a bad thing. I get to see many parts of Venice that I did see on my first trip last year. After about an hour I finally find my hotel, Locanda Novo.
I check in and instead of unpacking, just head out to reaquaint myself with the magic that is Venice! Of course I get lost right away. Ahh, I am BACK!!!
Just like last year, when hunger strikes, I start looking at menus and choose a place for dinner. I don't remember the name of the place or even where I was. But the Pizza Picante Salame (spicy ham) was just what the doctor ordered!!
After dinner I walk into the first gelato place I see. And what do I see, a flavor called 'El Diablo'!! I have traveled halfway across the world and can't seem to escape my dog (Diablo) LOL!! It is a concoction of dark chocolate gelato, chocolate chunks and chunks of cookies!! The perfect ending to dinner!
After the gelato I find my way to St Marks Square to check out the 'dueling orchestras'. This is just so peaceful and serene. And it will be a nightly ritual during my stay in Venice.
From here I head back to my hotel and call it a night.
Tomorrow - Another early morning and the mosquitos from hell!!!
Day 4 - Amsterdam/Venice
Once again I wake up early and head out and walk the city before everybody is up. Watching the sunrise is just too cool!
After breakfast I pack my bags and head to the train station for my trip to the airport.
I was originally booked on a flight on Smartwings, but 3 weeks before my trip they canceled all thier flights from Amsterdam to Venice (with a layover in Prauge) for Oct 15-18. So thanks to a headsup on a thread about Transavia from LoveItaly, I rebooked a direct flight to Treviso.
Two things about Transavia. First, it is a very nicely run airline. Second, when checking prices, it is best to check on the weekend. I booked my flight on a Thursday at 69 euro. But when I looked the following Saturday it was only 29 euro.
While waiting for my luggage at Treviso, they bring in drug sniffing dogs and pull 3 people from my flight to search them and thier luggage.
After a 45 minute bus ride, I am back in Beautiful Venice!! And once again, my map reading skills fail me miserably!! LOL But this is not a bad thing. I get to see many parts of Venice that I did see on my first trip last year. After about an hour I finally find my hotel, Locanda Novo.
I check in and instead of unpacking, just head out to reaquaint myself with the magic that is Venice! Of course I get lost right away. Ahh, I am BACK!!!
Just like last year, when hunger strikes, I start looking at menus and choose a place for dinner. I don't remember the name of the place or even where I was. But the Pizza Picante Salame (spicy ham) was just what the doctor ordered!!
After dinner I walk into the first gelato place I see. And what do I see, a flavor called 'El Diablo'!! I have traveled halfway across the world and can't seem to escape my dog (Diablo) LOL!! It is a concoction of dark chocolate gelato, chocolate chunks and chunks of cookies!! The perfect ending to dinner!
After the gelato I find my way to St Marks Square to check out the 'dueling orchestras'. This is just so peaceful and serene. And it will be a nightly ritual during my stay in Venice.
From here I head back to my hotel and call it a night.
Tomorrow - Another early morning and the mosquitos from hell!!!
Nov 18th, 2006, 08:04 AM
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Hi Tom, yes work can get in the way at times can't it??
I am loving your report! And I am glad flying into Treviso worked out well for you. I think the reason the airfare is so much lower on the weekends Tom is because a lot of business people in Europe fly into Treviso as they have business in the region of Veneto and no doubt do not fly on the weekends.
Now onto the tale of the mosquito! Yikes.
I am loving your report! And I am glad flying into Treviso worked out well for you. I think the reason the airfare is so much lower on the weekends Tom is because a lot of business people in Europe fly into Treviso as they have business in the region of Veneto and no doubt do not fly on the weekends.
Now onto the tale of the mosquito! Yikes.
Nov 18th, 2006, 12:51 PM
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Very enjoyable trip report. Can't wait for the rest! I had a very minor run-in with mosquitos last April in Venice and I can imagine much worse. I am planning another trip to Italy in March and I will be very interested in the Bologna portion of your report. Thanks for sharing.
Nov 18th, 2006, 11:32 PM
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Day 5 - Venice
For the fourth day in a row I wake up between 6 and 6:30. This time it is not because I got a lot of sleep. No, it is to a very annoying buzz in my ear!! Seems that during the night I became a feast for some very hungry misquitos. I head into the bathroom and am greeted by a not so pretty face in the mirror. The bloodsuckers were pretty busy. I have 5 bites on my forehead, 2 on my left cheek and 6 on my left hand!!!!
I figure since I am up I might as well explore the city before the hoardes of daytrippers decend upon it.
First I head to St Marks Square. Other than the cleaners, it is completely empty. If you ever get the chance to experience this, trust me you will really enjoy it! Just you and your thoughts, what a way to start a day.
It is here that I decide to turn off all the auto settings on my camera and use only manual settings. It is also where I take one of my favorite shots of the whole trip
www.pbase.com/trsw/image/69031708
I then head out towards the Ponte Rialto where I meet a couple of ladies who are also up early taking pictures. Turns out they are in Venice for 2 weeks for a photographers workshop. Oh how I envy them!! We talk shop for awhile.
From here I head over to the Rialto Market. They are still setting up but don't seem to mind the intrusion. As a chef (glorified line cook) and an avid photographer, this is just too cool! The seafood selections are just amazing.
After this, I head back to the hotel for breakfast. Part of the charm of Locanda Novo to me is, they ask you what time you want to eat and it is delivered to your room. It is a simple breakfast, but a great way to start the day.
After breakfast I head tom an internet cafe to send out some emails and my 'Shot of The Day' to some friends.
After dropping off my laptop at the hotel, I am off once again, camera in hand, to get lost and just explore Venice.
I end up walking endlessly and aimlessly through Castello and the Arsenale. Having grown up in a Navy family, the Arsenale, and especially the Naval Museum were a treat to me.
I eventualy head back to St Marks Square around sunset. Although I had been to the top of the Campinale last year, I go up again just for the photo ops. The view is just soooo beautiful!!
Now I am off to find the restaurant Agli Artisti, which was recommended to me by fellow Fodorite 2Italy. I had found it earlier in the day, but now coming from another direction, and my poor map reading skills, I am hopelessly lost! So I head back towards my hotel in the Cannaregio district.
After checking out many menus, I choose Tattoria dai Peochi. I highly recommend this place!! The Gnocchi in a Tomato and Duck Sauce is just out of this world!!!! I followed this with Seared Lamb and Polenta. Just perfect. For dessert I had Hazelnut Gelato with a shot of espresso poured over it. All this with a starter and a half liter of the house red for 40 euro. An amazing dinner.
I head back to St Marks Square and check out the 'Battle of the Bands' while sipping a Limoncello. Life doesn't get much better than this! (but it will while I am Florence)Time to call it a night.
Tomorrow - More geting lost and the best Brushetta on the planet
For the fourth day in a row I wake up between 6 and 6:30. This time it is not because I got a lot of sleep. No, it is to a very annoying buzz in my ear!! Seems that during the night I became a feast for some very hungry misquitos. I head into the bathroom and am greeted by a not so pretty face in the mirror. The bloodsuckers were pretty busy. I have 5 bites on my forehead, 2 on my left cheek and 6 on my left hand!!!!
I figure since I am up I might as well explore the city before the hoardes of daytrippers decend upon it.
First I head to St Marks Square. Other than the cleaners, it is completely empty. If you ever get the chance to experience this, trust me you will really enjoy it! Just you and your thoughts, what a way to start a day.
It is here that I decide to turn off all the auto settings on my camera and use only manual settings. It is also where I take one of my favorite shots of the whole trip
www.pbase.com/trsw/image/69031708
I then head out towards the Ponte Rialto where I meet a couple of ladies who are also up early taking pictures. Turns out they are in Venice for 2 weeks for a photographers workshop. Oh how I envy them!! We talk shop for awhile.
From here I head over to the Rialto Market. They are still setting up but don't seem to mind the intrusion. As a chef (glorified line cook) and an avid photographer, this is just too cool! The seafood selections are just amazing.
After this, I head back to the hotel for breakfast. Part of the charm of Locanda Novo to me is, they ask you what time you want to eat and it is delivered to your room. It is a simple breakfast, but a great way to start the day.
After breakfast I head tom an internet cafe to send out some emails and my 'Shot of The Day' to some friends.
After dropping off my laptop at the hotel, I am off once again, camera in hand, to get lost and just explore Venice.
I end up walking endlessly and aimlessly through Castello and the Arsenale. Having grown up in a Navy family, the Arsenale, and especially the Naval Museum were a treat to me.
I eventualy head back to St Marks Square around sunset. Although I had been to the top of the Campinale last year, I go up again just for the photo ops. The view is just soooo beautiful!!
Now I am off to find the restaurant Agli Artisti, which was recommended to me by fellow Fodorite 2Italy. I had found it earlier in the day, but now coming from another direction, and my poor map reading skills, I am hopelessly lost! So I head back towards my hotel in the Cannaregio district.
After checking out many menus, I choose Tattoria dai Peochi. I highly recommend this place!! The Gnocchi in a Tomato and Duck Sauce is just out of this world!!!! I followed this with Seared Lamb and Polenta. Just perfect. For dessert I had Hazelnut Gelato with a shot of espresso poured over it. All this with a starter and a half liter of the house red for 40 euro. An amazing dinner.
I head back to St Marks Square and check out the 'Battle of the Bands' while sipping a Limoncello. Life doesn't get much better than this! (but it will while I am Florence)Time to call it a night.
Tomorrow - More geting lost and the best Brushetta on the planet
Nov 19th, 2006, 02:22 AM
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Awwww Tom I am so glad to read that you have taken another wonderful trip. My dh and I were in Venice a few of weeks ago and I really miss it. We also stayed in the Cannaregio area this time and loved it so much we wouldn't stay anywhere else next time. Your photos are AMAZING and it is such a good idea to get up early and to get great photos before breakfast. Your photo of St Marks Square is sensational. I am enjoying your trip report so much. Sigh - I left my heart in Venice.
Nov 19th, 2006, 06:39 AM
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This is so good Tom, I am really enjoying it. My heart just aches for Italy.
Mosquitoes so late in the year? Yet another reason I am grateful for our Jan/Feb visit. Living in Minnesota, I avoid them as much as possible as I swell up horribly and they don't go away for weeks, so I feel for you. They are just plain yucky, lol.
Can't wait to read more. Thank you for this beautiful report!
Mosquitoes so late in the year? Yet another reason I am grateful for our Jan/Feb visit. Living in Minnesota, I avoid them as much as possible as I swell up horribly and they don't go away for weeks, so I feel for you. They are just plain yucky, lol.
Can't wait to read more. Thank you for this beautiful report!
