Work vs. Trip Report
Oct 16th, 2003 | 01:10 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 937
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Work vs. Trip Report
Work has won so far 
Here is a short version and I hope I can get a detailed one done soon.
First of all I want to thank everyone who encouraged me to take the trip alone. It was an amazing experience that I enjoyed.
My first stop was Amsterdam. I love this city. The bikes, canals, museums, and liberal thinking makes it a great city. I walked and took trams to every area. People were so nice and friendly. This is a place I will come back to again and again.
I stayed at the Westertoren Hotel. It was 71 steps up to my room
The staff was wonderful and the room was clean and nice. I would stay there again.
The food was great in the sandwich shops. I have names and addresses for anyone who wants to know which places I really liked. The breads and ingredients were so fresh and healthy. I didnt feel guilty buying chocolates for dessert. I also purchased fruit and deli foods from the grocery store and ate in my room several times to save $$. No regrets.
The Van Gogh museum was fabulous. I was thrilled to see paintings I had seen my whole life in books. The paint was shiny and sparkled. I love Vincent !! Sadly "Sunflowers" was on loan to a museum in China. Hey, a reason to go back !!
I took a night wine and cheese canal cruise. It was wonderful and I would recommend it. The canals lit at night were so charming.
Overall.... I LOVE AMSTERDAM.....
On to Venice..........
ENCHANTING
BEGUILING
HYPNOTIC
There are too many words to describe "My Venice". This continues to be one of my favorite places on earth. I could wander the little back canals forever. I am in a trance when I am there.
I have a new addiction. Make that 2. One is Spritz Aperol. A great drink that is yummy.
The second is the whole Ombra y chichetti thing. I went to several places for this ritual. My favorite being Cantina do Mori, 429, Calle dei Do Mori, San Polo. I met a fellow Fororite, Jennie, there and we had a great time. I went there 2 other times during the day. Jennie was such a great gal who was in Italy for the first time. She loves Venice as I do and we had a fun sharing notes. I highly recommend meeting up with people on this board. I did try to meet up with another in Rome but we never found each other in the mob !!
I stayed at the Antico Capon in Campo Santa Margaurita. My room was in another building across the square. It was very nice and the bathroom which I shared with 2 other rooms was the nicest I have seen in Europe. It had a huge bathtub and seperate shower. The bathtub was a real treat. Soaking these old tired legs was heaven after all the walking I had done. The management staff was so friendly and nice. I would stay there again.
the campo was wonderful. There is a restaurant/bar called Margaret Dechamps. The people were a kick. They treated me so good and I went there almost daily for Spritz Aperol. Perfecto.
St. Marks Basilica never disappoints. The mosaics call my name and I run. The floor is overwhelmingly beautiful and I sat for over an hour staring at it. Then my neck got a workout staring at the ceiling for a long period of time.
I could go on and on about how much I love Venice and how I feel when I am there.
I will post this and then continue with Florence and Rome......
Here is a short version and I hope I can get a detailed one done soon.
First of all I want to thank everyone who encouraged me to take the trip alone. It was an amazing experience that I enjoyed.
My first stop was Amsterdam. I love this city. The bikes, canals, museums, and liberal thinking makes it a great city. I walked and took trams to every area. People were so nice and friendly. This is a place I will come back to again and again.
I stayed at the Westertoren Hotel. It was 71 steps up to my room
The staff was wonderful and the room was clean and nice. I would stay there again.The food was great in the sandwich shops. I have names and addresses for anyone who wants to know which places I really liked. The breads and ingredients were so fresh and healthy. I didnt feel guilty buying chocolates for dessert. I also purchased fruit and deli foods from the grocery store and ate in my room several times to save $$. No regrets.
The Van Gogh museum was fabulous. I was thrilled to see paintings I had seen my whole life in books. The paint was shiny and sparkled. I love Vincent !! Sadly "Sunflowers" was on loan to a museum in China. Hey, a reason to go back !!
I took a night wine and cheese canal cruise. It was wonderful and I would recommend it. The canals lit at night were so charming.
Overall.... I LOVE AMSTERDAM.....
On to Venice..........
ENCHANTING
BEGUILING
HYPNOTIC
There are too many words to describe "My Venice". This continues to be one of my favorite places on earth. I could wander the little back canals forever. I am in a trance when I am there.
I have a new addiction. Make that 2. One is Spritz Aperol. A great drink that is yummy.
The second is the whole Ombra y chichetti thing. I went to several places for this ritual. My favorite being Cantina do Mori, 429, Calle dei Do Mori, San Polo. I met a fellow Fororite, Jennie, there and we had a great time. I went there 2 other times during the day. Jennie was such a great gal who was in Italy for the first time. She loves Venice as I do and we had a fun sharing notes. I highly recommend meeting up with people on this board. I did try to meet up with another in Rome but we never found each other in the mob !!
I stayed at the Antico Capon in Campo Santa Margaurita. My room was in another building across the square. It was very nice and the bathroom which I shared with 2 other rooms was the nicest I have seen in Europe. It had a huge bathtub and seperate shower. The bathtub was a real treat. Soaking these old tired legs was heaven after all the walking I had done. The management staff was so friendly and nice. I would stay there again.
the campo was wonderful. There is a restaurant/bar called Margaret Dechamps. The people were a kick. They treated me so good and I went there almost daily for Spritz Aperol. Perfecto.
St. Marks Basilica never disappoints. The mosaics call my name and I run. The floor is overwhelmingly beautiful and I sat for over an hour staring at it. Then my neck got a workout staring at the ceiling for a long period of time.
I could go on and on about how much I love Venice and how I feel when I am there.
I will post this and then continue with Florence and Rome......
Oct 16th, 2003 | 01:23 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 0
Grazie, Janda; I've been waiting, and am looking forward to more. So your place was right on the campo, eh? Glad you liked it. We ate at the Capon one night (good pizza, and a friendly little "restauant dog"
and I checked into it as a possible future place to stay. Also glad to hear that you liked the people at the DuChamp and that they treated you well.
and I checked into it as a possible future place to stay. Also glad to hear that you liked the people at the DuChamp and that they treated you well.
Oct 16th, 2003 | 01:48 PM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
Hey Janda:
Glad to see you made it home OK, too. I'm in the same boat with my trip report. Am trying to squeeze it in between bursts of productivity. After almost a month out of my office, a lot has piled up!
I look forward to reading your report when you get a chance to post it. I promise that mine will be forthcoming ASAP.
Jennie
Glad to see you made it home OK, too. I'm in the same boat with my trip report. Am trying to squeeze it in between bursts of productivity. After almost a month out of my office, a lot has piled up!
I look forward to reading your report when you get a chance to post it. I promise that mine will be forthcoming ASAP.
Jennie
Oct 16th, 2003 | 02:16 PM
#5
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,627
Likes: 21
Jennie and JandaO,
It's good to see some people are reliable workers. I spent so much time on that trip report, now I'm three and a half weeks behind. The good part is, it's almost like going back on vacation when you relive the memories.
Looking forward to both of your reports.
It's good to see some people are reliable workers. I spent so much time on that trip report, now I'm three and a half weeks behind. The good part is, it's almost like going back on vacation when you relive the memories.
Looking forward to both of your reports.
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Oct 17th, 2003 | 06:33 AM
#10
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
Janda: So glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip, but was really disappointed that we didn't find each other in Rome. There really was quite a mob that evening at the Trevi Fountain. Did you see the newlyweds having photos taken and strolling past the fountain?
Looking forward to more details of your trip.
Looking forward to more details of your trip.
Oct 17th, 2003 | 08:18 AM
#11
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
I will try and work on the Florence/Rome part this weekend.
Clifton,
I loved the Campo Santa Margaurita area. There were some tourist of course, but alot more locals. The area is in a good location with a vaperetto stop only a few minute walk away. There are plenty of stores and restaurants, a good grocery store and a general store with sundry items and such. Your usual tourist stands are in the campo. I will stay in this area again. No bad points I can think of regarding this area. I loved it.
Welcome back Gena and dln.
Clifton,
I loved the Campo Santa Margaurita area. There were some tourist of course, but alot more locals. The area is in a good location with a vaperetto stop only a few minute walk away. There are plenty of stores and restaurants, a good grocery store and a general store with sundry items and such. Your usual tourist stands are in the campo. I will stay in this area again. No bad points I can think of regarding this area. I loved it.
Welcome back Gena and dln.
Oct 19th, 2003 | 10:50 AM
#14
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
Cont........
Finally a free moment to write some more of this..
I wanted to add the name and address of a place I really liked to eat at in Amsterdam, "Croissanterie d'Oude Brug" (Oude Brugsteed 28) had a great selectin of fresh wholesome snadwich and pizza choices. Whole wheat breads with tons of veggies and meat. Real nice people running the place and behind the counter. It is small with a few seats but excellent for take away. One of the best values for the dollar I found there.
Another store not to miss is "Oud Amsterdam" (Nieuwendijk 75) A liquor collection to beat all. A must see in my opinion. Look up to be totally blown away. A perfectly clean shop that is beautiful.
On to Florence.....
I stayed at the Hotel San Lorenzo. Located right by the San Lorenzo market. It was a clean and nice place with very nice people running it. It was 50 euros a night wih bathroom across the hall. I was moved to the top floor to a big room with an air conditioner at no extra charge because the person working at the desk talked all night ( in a very loud fast voice!)on a pay phone right out side my room on my first niht there and I didnt get any sleep and complained the next day. They happily moved me without a single arguement. I would stay there again..... My favorite place to eat was "La Canlinella" (Via BorgoSan Lorenzo 14/r) There was a red headed girl behind the counter that was so friendly that I kept going back. I felt like a regular after the second time. They have combo plates that are a great value. One salad I got had tomatoes, carrots, green beans, artichokes, and a big round of fresh mozzerella on it for 6 euros. One pasta combo plate had canniloni with perfect pesto filling, fetticini with a heavenly creamy garlic alfredo sauce and a penne with tomato basil sauce. ( This is one time I wish I would hav been with someone because I would have loved to have half the salad plate and half the pasta plate together. I had them at seperate times alone. They also have a wide range of oher dishes and paninis. All ingredients were really fresh. It was right by my hotel and it was excellent. I highly rcommend it for a casual, simple, & tasty meal.
Florence has so many vehicles that I think it is a shame. Even in people only zones vehicles would whip by you. I dont want to get started on this subject so I will just say that in my personal opinion they should really limit vehicle access in the central area of Florence.
Florence is a living museum. The art treasures are worth the trip anytime. The Duomo and David are 2 of the most beautiful things to see in Florence. David is the most magnificant sculpture in all the world. I sat for at least one hour, looking in awe at this masterpiece. It draws me in and I cant turn away. I dont want to leave him. He is not cold and unmoving. He breathes and is alive to me. I feel a presence.
I went to Michelangelos grave in the Santa Croce church and thanked
him.
The Bargello ROCKS !! A absolute must see. It was my first time visiting it It is loaded with a stunning collection of sculpture, weapons, & ceramics. The building is like an old castle. Kids would love it.
Oh my should this be where I go off on my tangent about traveling with small children. Ok here goes. This is my person opinion and anyone is free to disagree. Kids under 4-5 ARE NOT HAVING HAT MUCH FUN. Kids under 4 ARE MISERABLE, most of the time. Once again I saw these toddlers being dragged crying through countless sites that they could have cared less about. LEAVE THEM HOME WITH A TRUSTED CAREGIVER WHERE THEY ARE IN FAMILAR SORROUNDING, PLAYING WITH THEIR TOYS. When they are 6-7 start introducing them to travel. The parents arent having fun dealing with these unhappy kids. They are missing out on relaxing. Dont feel guilty. Leave toddlers at home. Ok, now everyone is free to give it to me with both barrels
I am going to start a seperate thread for the other thing that irritated me the most on this trip. Beware !!
Lorenzo market is fun to scout out. There are hundreds of outdoor stalls selling everything imaginable. Leather being # 1. There is all prices and quality. Shop around for the best deals and the hghest quality. It really runs te gambit. I got a really nice pair of brown leather sandals for 32 euro. They are so soft and comfortable. At this point I had 7 blisters and needed to upgrade my shoes. I had worn the other sandlas for a month before the trip, but they didnt hold up well. Inside at the San Lorenzo is all the food stands. The choices of things to buy are endless. Another must in Florence.
Piazza Michelangelo was really a great place to visit. I took the bus. It as simple. The views were stunning, looking over Florence, The Arno, & the hills all around. The heart of Tuscany calling from the distance. I could see some vineyards on the hillsides.
Overall I was glad to see Florence for the 2nd time and I know I will return to see David and the Duomo again.
I will post this now and work on my Rome report.
Ciao for now....
Finally a free moment to write some more of this..
I wanted to add the name and address of a place I really liked to eat at in Amsterdam, "Croissanterie d'Oude Brug" (Oude Brugsteed 28) had a great selectin of fresh wholesome snadwich and pizza choices. Whole wheat breads with tons of veggies and meat. Real nice people running the place and behind the counter. It is small with a few seats but excellent for take away. One of the best values for the dollar I found there.
Another store not to miss is "Oud Amsterdam" (Nieuwendijk 75) A liquor collection to beat all. A must see in my opinion. Look up to be totally blown away. A perfectly clean shop that is beautiful.
On to Florence.....
I stayed at the Hotel San Lorenzo. Located right by the San Lorenzo market. It was a clean and nice place with very nice people running it. It was 50 euros a night wih bathroom across the hall. I was moved to the top floor to a big room with an air conditioner at no extra charge because the person working at the desk talked all night ( in a very loud fast voice!)on a pay phone right out side my room on my first niht there and I didnt get any sleep and complained the next day. They happily moved me without a single arguement.
I would stay there again..... My favorite place to eat was "La Canlinella" (Via BorgoSan Lorenzo 14/r) There was a red headed girl behind the counter that was so friendly that I kept going back. I felt like a regular after the second time. They have combo plates that are a great value. One salad I got had tomatoes, carrots, green beans, artichokes, and a big round of fresh mozzerella on it for 6 euros. One pasta combo plate had canniloni with perfect pesto filling, fetticini with a heavenly creamy garlic alfredo sauce and a penne with tomato basil sauce. ( This is one time I wish I would hav been with someone because I would have loved to have half the salad plate and half the pasta plate together. I had them at seperate times alone. They also have a wide range of oher dishes and paninis. All ingredients were really fresh. It was right by my hotel and it was excellent. I highly rcommend it for a casual, simple, & tasty meal.Florence has so many vehicles that I think it is a shame. Even in people only zones vehicles would whip by you. I dont want to get started on this subject so I will just say that in my personal opinion they should really limit vehicle access in the central area of Florence.
Florence is a living museum. The art treasures are worth the trip anytime. The Duomo and David are 2 of the most beautiful things to see in Florence. David is the most magnificant sculpture in all the world. I sat for at least one hour, looking in awe at this masterpiece. It draws me in and I cant turn away. I dont want to leave him. He is not cold and unmoving. He breathes and is alive to me. I feel a presence.
I went to Michelangelos grave in the Santa Croce church and thanked
him.
The Bargello ROCKS !! A absolute must see. It was my first time visiting it It is loaded with a stunning collection of sculpture, weapons, & ceramics. The building is like an old castle. Kids would love it.
Oh my should this be where I go off on my tangent about traveling with small children. Ok here goes. This is my person opinion and anyone is free to disagree. Kids under 4-5 ARE NOT HAVING HAT MUCH FUN. Kids under 4 ARE MISERABLE, most of the time. Once again I saw these toddlers being dragged crying through countless sites that they could have cared less about. LEAVE THEM HOME WITH A TRUSTED CAREGIVER WHERE THEY ARE IN FAMILAR SORROUNDING, PLAYING WITH THEIR TOYS. When they are 6-7 start introducing them to travel. The parents arent having fun dealing with these unhappy kids. They are missing out on relaxing. Dont feel guilty. Leave toddlers at home. Ok, now everyone is free to give it to me with both barrels
I am going to start a seperate thread for the other thing that irritated me the most on this trip. Beware !!
Lorenzo market is fun to scout out. There are hundreds of outdoor stalls selling everything imaginable. Leather being # 1. There is all prices and quality. Shop around for the best deals and the hghest quality. It really runs te gambit. I got a really nice pair of brown leather sandals for 32 euro. They are so soft and comfortable. At this point I had 7 blisters and needed to upgrade my shoes. I had worn the other sandlas for a month before the trip, but they didnt hold up well. Inside at the San Lorenzo is all the food stands. The choices of things to buy are endless. Another must in Florence.
Piazza Michelangelo was really a great place to visit. I took the bus. It as simple. The views were stunning, looking over Florence, The Arno, & the hills all around. The heart of Tuscany calling from the distance. I could see some vineyards on the hillsides.
Overall I was glad to see Florence for the 2nd time and I know I will return to see David and the Duomo again.
I will post this now and work on my Rome report.
Ciao for now....
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