yk's solo trip report: Museum-hopping in London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and so much more! 5/19-5/27/05
May 30th, 2005, 03:22 AM
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a note about the hotel washington...
yk definitely had bad luck with her single but the hotel is far from dismal. we had a double on the top floor which overlooked a small garden at the rear of the building.
the room was really rather spacious by european standards and immaculately clean. the absence of a lift is most assuredly a minus particularly since the stairs are VERY steep and narrow.
while the breakfast is mediocre, it's sufficient to carry thru to lunch. while we were there one could be served at 7:30 but they may have changed that. actually, as yk says, the staff are very accomodating; some of the nicests hosts we've had. anywhere.
many musicians from concertgebouw concerts stay at the washington and often practice in the late morning/ early afternoon. it's a nice atmoshere and the location is excellent for concert and museum goers as it is only a short walk to the museumplein and the concert hall.
i really liked the washington and recommend it (with the caveat about the stairs). i'm sorry yk had a less than satisfactory stay.
yk definitely had bad luck with her single but the hotel is far from dismal. we had a double on the top floor which overlooked a small garden at the rear of the building.
the room was really rather spacious by european standards and immaculately clean. the absence of a lift is most assuredly a minus particularly since the stairs are VERY steep and narrow.
while the breakfast is mediocre, it's sufficient to carry thru to lunch. while we were there one could be served at 7:30 but they may have changed that. actually, as yk says, the staff are very accomodating; some of the nicests hosts we've had. anywhere.
many musicians from concertgebouw concerts stay at the washington and often practice in the late morning/ early afternoon. it's a nice atmoshere and the location is excellent for concert and museum goers as it is only a short walk to the museumplein and the concert hall.
i really liked the washington and recommend it (with the caveat about the stairs). i'm sorry yk had a less than satisfactory stay.
May 30th, 2005, 04:38 AM
#43
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Re: Hotel Washington
I didn't mean to have a "negative" tone in my review. It was fine, and I wasn't surprised by the size of the room. I've stayed at many single rooms before in Germany and Switzerland which are about the same size. What I wanted to point out was that the hotel wasn't that exceptional to be ranked #2 or #3 in tripadvisor for the entire city of Amsterdam.
The location was OK - it is 1/2 way between 2 tram stops (on different routes). Amsterdam is actually more spread out that I thought, so I ended up taking the trams a lot more than I had expected. It is convenient for the museums, but to get to Central Station, it is a good 20-25 min ride. Also, for me to get to the 2 dinners (Bordewijk in Jordaan and Balthazar's), it was a slight hassle. But then, it was my idea to eat at those places.
The 4 pieces of toast for breakfast include 1 piece of white, 1 wheat, 1 "mixed nut", and 1 big biscuit. I normally don't eat breakfast at home, so 2 pieces of toast were enough for me. I still got hungry by lunchtime though. The cereal (3 kinds, including museli) is all you can eat, and so is the fruit.
I may not stay at Hotel Washington again if I can find some other hotel of similar price - just to try it out. I didn't research much on hotels for Amsterdam. I don't think I would want Le Meridien's location, though the Marriott's location is excellent.
Re: MIM
I was disappointed because of high expectations, I guess. Since there was the "wire fence" concert going on, it was very noisy and hard for me to listen to the infrared headset. I also think maybe my headset was defective, as it didn't always get reception. I probably should have gone to exchange it, but I was too lazy.
Re: Le DixSeptieme
It's actually very peaceful and quiet once you step into the hotel. It looks like there's a lot of sitting area inside and a tiny courtyard. I was there for such a short time that I didn't take full advantage of what the hotel has to offer. BTW, it also has free WiFi in the rooms. But as I didn't have a laptop, I asked if I could use the internet, they told me I have to pay them to use their computer in the lobby. I passed.
I didn't mean to have a "negative" tone in my review. It was fine, and I wasn't surprised by the size of the room. I've stayed at many single rooms before in Germany and Switzerland which are about the same size. What I wanted to point out was that the hotel wasn't that exceptional to be ranked #2 or #3 in tripadvisor for the entire city of Amsterdam.
The location was OK - it is 1/2 way between 2 tram stops (on different routes). Amsterdam is actually more spread out that I thought, so I ended up taking the trams a lot more than I had expected. It is convenient for the museums, but to get to Central Station, it is a good 20-25 min ride. Also, for me to get to the 2 dinners (Bordewijk in Jordaan and Balthazar's), it was a slight hassle. But then, it was my idea to eat at those places.
The 4 pieces of toast for breakfast include 1 piece of white, 1 wheat, 1 "mixed nut", and 1 big biscuit. I normally don't eat breakfast at home, so 2 pieces of toast were enough for me. I still got hungry by lunchtime though. The cereal (3 kinds, including museli) is all you can eat, and so is the fruit.
I may not stay at Hotel Washington again if I can find some other hotel of similar price - just to try it out. I didn't research much on hotels for Amsterdam. I don't think I would want Le Meridien's location, though the Marriott's location is excellent.
Re: MIM
I was disappointed because of high expectations, I guess. Since there was the "wire fence" concert going on, it was very noisy and hard for me to listen to the infrared headset. I also think maybe my headset was defective, as it didn't always get reception. I probably should have gone to exchange it, but I was too lazy.
Re: Le DixSeptieme
It's actually very peaceful and quiet once you step into the hotel. It looks like there's a lot of sitting area inside and a tiny courtyard. I was there for such a short time that I didn't take full advantage of what the hotel has to offer. BTW, it also has free WiFi in the rooms. But as I didn't have a laptop, I asked if I could use the internet, they told me I have to pay them to use their computer in the lobby. I passed.
May 31st, 2005, 05:54 AM
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I decided to refrain from reading yk's report until I had time to blog about meeting yk. I see that yk was pretty charitable. 
Anyway, I'm still writing my report, but for those who want to read about my meeting with yk, you can find more detailed versions here:
http://makeashorterlink.com/?V1D522C2B
http://makeashorterlink.com/?I2F523C2B
There were a few funny complications -- I suppose that's not unexpected when I'm in the picture.
Bottom line -- I enjoyed meeting her!
Anyway, I'm still writing my report, but for those who want to read about my meeting with yk, you can find more detailed versions here:
http://makeashorterlink.com/?V1D522C2B
http://makeashorterlink.com/?I2F523C2B
There were a few funny complications -- I suppose that's not unexpected when I'm in the picture.
Bottom line -- I enjoyed meeting her!
May 31st, 2005, 06:15 AM
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Just skimmed the Brussels bits -- sorry you found the MM museum disappointing. I did enjoy it (but as I said, an hour was plenty).
Re ATMs in the train station -- don't know if there're any. But there's a Citibank right nearby, and I usually go there (well, I've only been in Brussels like three times?) since I bank with Citibank anyway.
I'm looking forward to more chocolates review.
Re ATMs in the train station -- don't know if there're any. But there's a Citibank right nearby, and I usually go there (well, I've only been in Brussels like three times?) since I bank with Citibank anyway.
I'm looking forward to more chocolates review.
May 31st, 2005, 11:39 AM
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I'm taking a break from writing my report and reading yours. I'm at Day 5 or so.
Yes, didn't I tell you Verso was a waste?
I see that you weren't able to find Lazar Berman's CD (1958/9 recording of Liszt "Transcendental Etudes"
at Concerto.
Yes, didn't I tell you Verso was a waste?
I see that you weren't able to find Lazar Berman's CD (1958/9 recording of Liszt "Transcendental Etudes"
at Concerto.
May 31st, 2005, 12:03 PM
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I've skimmed the entire report -- maybe I'll read it more carefully when I get a chance.
Congratulations on making some new friends during your dinner!
Maybe Winston would have been a better choice (cheaper, anyway). Your experience reminds me a little of my experience with Guldsmeden in CPH in a way, but I'd still recommend that hotel.
Seeing the "Holy Kinship" in Rotterdam would have been interesting. Now I see why I didn't see it in Amsterdam in February. I saw the painting in 2001 and found it interesting. I believe that I saw the Geertgen in National Gallery when I was on my mad rush last week.
Congratulations on making some new friends during your dinner!
Maybe Winston would have been a better choice (cheaper, anyway). Your experience reminds me a little of my experience with Guldsmeden in CPH in a way, but I'd still recommend that hotel.
Seeing the "Holy Kinship" in Rotterdam would have been interesting. Now I see why I didn't see it in Amsterdam in February. I saw the painting in 2001 and found it interesting. I believe that I saw the Geertgen in National Gallery when I was on my mad rush last week.
May 31st, 2005, 05:51 PM
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111op-
It was good to meet you also.
There is no ATM in Brussels' Central Station. I know the Citibank you're talking about. It's right across the street from the station (at the Le Meridien). For some reason, it wouldn't take my debit card (Bank of America). I tried both ATMs inside and both spitted it out. It got me concerned for a while as I thought something might be wrong with my card (and I only had 1).
I finished all the Galler and Wittamer chocolates during the trip. I prefer Galler to Wittamer. Galler's chocolate has more intense flavor. I haven't opened the others yet. I've gained almost 5 pounds on the trip and need to lose them before indulging myself on more chocolates.
Yes, I forgot to tell you, Concerto didn't have your CD. The guy at the store said he may be able to order it, but I told him that wouldn't be necessary.
If you hadn't mentioned about "The Holy Kinship," I would have just walked right past it without given it another thought. His "Glorification of the Virgin" was interesting too (I have a link to the painting on my blog.)
It was good to meet you also.
There is no ATM in Brussels' Central Station. I know the Citibank you're talking about. It's right across the street from the station (at the Le Meridien). For some reason, it wouldn't take my debit card (Bank of America). I tried both ATMs inside and both spitted it out. It got me concerned for a while as I thought something might be wrong with my card (and I only had 1).
I finished all the Galler and Wittamer chocolates during the trip. I prefer Galler to Wittamer. Galler's chocolate has more intense flavor. I haven't opened the others yet. I've gained almost 5 pounds on the trip and need to lose them before indulging myself on more chocolates.
Yes, I forgot to tell you, Concerto didn't have your CD. The guy at the store said he may be able to order it, but I told him that wouldn't be necessary.
If you hadn't mentioned about "The Holy Kinship," I would have just walked right past it without given it another thought. His "Glorification of the Virgin" was interesting too (I have a link to the painting on my blog.)
Jun 1st, 2005, 02:57 AM
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I know that the Rotterdam Museum has a Geertgen (it's in one of my art books) -- wonder if it's the one you're referring to.
Anyway, as I told you, I bought a book on the restoration of "Holy Kinship" when I was in Amsterdam in 2001 (from the museum). It was fascinating. If I remember right, the painting had just been restored. The book says that the work was misattributed in various times -- finally it was compared to another known Geertgen at the Kunsthistorischesmuseum.
Will have to check out Galler chocolates on my next trip. I thought that Wittamer was good when I tried them in February.
Has Pierre Marcolini fallen out of favor?
We've been enjoying the Tina Jacobsen chocolates from Copenhagen.
Anyway, as I told you, I bought a book on the restoration of "Holy Kinship" when I was in Amsterdam in 2001 (from the museum). It was fascinating. If I remember right, the painting had just been restored. The book says that the work was misattributed in various times -- finally it was compared to another known Geertgen at the Kunsthistorischesmuseum.
Will have to check out Galler chocolates on my next trip. I thought that Wittamer was good when I tried them in February.
Has Pierre Marcolini fallen out of favor?
We've been enjoying the Tina Jacobsen chocolates from Copenhagen.
Jun 2nd, 2005, 03:01 AM
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I know. It's about twice as expensive in Paris -- and then NYC is about twice as expensive as Paris (if you can imagine it).
A *piece* of chocolate at Richart or PM in NYC is about $2.25-$2.50.
I think that Maison du Chocolat is the best bargain in the city for me (if one can think of premium chocolates as bargains).
A *piece* of chocolate at Richart or PM in NYC is about $2.25-$2.50.
I think that Maison du Chocolat is the best bargain in the city for me (if one can think of premium chocolates as bargains).
May 17th, 2006, 09:32 PM
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Wow! Didn't think this thread will resurface after almost a year!
universitylad - No, I didn't think the IAMsterdam card was worthwhile for me. The Museumkaart was an excellent deal.
universitylad - No, I didn't think the IAMsterdam card was worthwhile for me. The Museumkaart was an excellent deal.
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