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| We love Stroopwafels! |
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Keukenhof - The Tulip Gardens in Holland
We booked our tour and transportation to Keukenhof at Schiphol Airport. You can buy a combi-ticket at the Keukenhof desk inside the airport that includes a roundtrip bus ride from Schiphol to Keukenhof and entrance into Keukenhof for €23. I recommend packing a lunch and bringing an umbrella. Below are some of my favorite pictures (Thanks again to Aunt Lisa for some of the photos.).
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Amsterdam - Sleeping, Transportation, Canal Tour, and the Anne Frank Museum
Amsterdam was an interesting place. Here are some tips and previews for you (Thanks again to my Aunt Lisa for some of the photos):
From the airport, we took a bus (199) to our stop for the house. We bought our ticket from the bus driver, who has change if you need it. It was €5 for the trip. For the rest of our stay, we bought 3-day transportation passes for €16.50 each that were good on GVB buses, trams, and trains (this did NOT include any transport to the airport - FYI).
We found our place to stay on AirBnB. Look early because many of the places in the city book quickly. We ended up staying pretty far away. It was a 30-40 minute tram ride to get downtown. :(
One day we took a tour of the canals (they pronounce it in the way Americans would say "camel".. that kind of annunciation.. hehe). We used a tourist desk to book the tickets, and it only cost us €10 each for one hour. I really enjoyed it. It was the boat with the word "Love" on it.
I didn't realize just how many canals there are in Amsterdam!
I also didn't realize that they claim they are famous for french fries (chips), which you can cover in any of about 15 different sauces.
Near the Anne Frank house, you'll find a cozy place called bistro Bij ons. It's a really good Dutch restaurant!
*Note - Many places charge you for water so either order something else and share a water to save money or bring your own bottle. They won't give you tap water.
Just for fun:
I thought the sign on the right side of this restaurant was so funny! Maybe it's just me...
From the airport, we took a bus (199) to our stop for the house. We bought our ticket from the bus driver, who has change if you need it. It was €5 for the trip. For the rest of our stay, we bought 3-day transportation passes for €16.50 each that were good on GVB buses, trams, and trains (this did NOT include any transport to the airport - FYI).
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| It had VERY steep stairs! |
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| This was our room. Steve and I pushed the beds together. |
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| Back down the scary stairs... |
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| Largest floating Chinese restaurant. |
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| We ordered the small size. What is the large???? |
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| Coffee and a cheese stand??? Heaven. |
The Anne Frank Museum
See the pictures below? That is the queue (line) for the museum. ORDER YOUR TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME ONLINE. That's what we did. Give yourself 3-4 weeks ahead of when you plan to visit. Tickets on-line were €9.50 each. I think it was worth it. Pictures weren't allowed inside, which is fine because I wouldn't want to ruin it for you.*Note - Many places charge you for water so either order something else and share a water to save money or bring your own bottle. They won't give you tap water.
I thought the sign on the right side of this restaurant was so funny! Maybe it's just me...
Monday, May 19, 2014
Free Museum in Aberdeen - The Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Okay, so maybe the Aberdeen Maritime Museum doesn't sound very thrilling to you, but let me tell you, it was great and FREE! I really enjoyed it. The top floor explains Aberdeen's harbor development over time and oil exploration. I learned so much. Of course, it helped that I had my own personal geophysicist to explain things. :o) Thanks Aunt Lisa for some of the photos!
In summary, there is plenty to see, several hands-on activities, lots to read, and lots of videos to watch that explain things more in depth if you want more. They have a cafe on the ground floor so you can have a coffee or grab a bite to eat while you are there. There is also a spot to donate money. I strongly recommend donating something so the museum can continue to operate.
Parking:
I think it's easiest to park at the Union Square Mall if you are going to drive. Otherwise, you can take a bus and have it drop you off near or at Market Street where you have a short walk to the museum.
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| Uncle Jim, Aunt Lisa, and me! |
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| Steve saw this and said, "This looks like my data." Then he explained it all to me. Thank goodness for Steve because those little paragraphs to the side didn't help at all! |
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| Steve is now explaining it to Jim and Lisa. How great! |
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| Man-submarine |
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| Look! They mention the Association of American Women (AWA)! So cool. |
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| I got to drive the little rover! |
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| I had to photobomb Jim's picture... hehe.. see me? |
In summary, there is plenty to see, several hands-on activities, lots to read, and lots of videos to watch that explain things more in depth if you want more. They have a cafe on the ground floor so you can have a coffee or grab a bite to eat while you are there. There is also a spot to donate money. I strongly recommend donating something so the museum can continue to operate.
Parking:
I think it's easiest to park at the Union Square Mall if you are going to drive. Otherwise, you can take a bus and have it drop you off near or at Market Street where you have a short walk to the museum.
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