Category Archives: Holland
Holland, The Netherlands
Amsterdam 2 – what really impressed me
Thanks to everyone who dropped in and commented about my first post on Amsterdam. Really appreciated the discussion. But before I move on to the next city along the Chocolatour, I’ve got to share a bit more about the city of 165+ canals with you. We had a terrific 3-hour walking tour with Bobien van Aalst, a most knowledgeable guide who speaks 5 languages and was fun to be with. If you do find Amsterdam in your plans, I highly recommend getting in touch with her to arrange a customized tour. You may contact Bobien at: [email protected] Bobien is a terrific example of the cosmopolitan nature of the Dutch. Everyone learns English in the public school system, as it is part of the curriculum. And with 42% of Amsterdam’s residents originating from another country, you can really sense the multi-cultural layers of the city. Yet, English is widely spoken, making Amsterdam a traveller-friendly place for North Americans, Brits, Australians and residents of other English-speaking nations. I mentioned the physical beauty and charm of the city, the abundance of bicycles, and the culinary delights in the last post. This week, I’d like to feature 2 things for which Amsterdam (and Holland) are widely known: the beauty and abundance of tulips and the worldclass airport that greets you upon entering the country by air. I’m not much of a gardener. Having bad knees that prohibit me from kneeling or squatting for any length of time have me doing most of my gardening in raised planters and flower pots. But I couldn’t resist the abundance of tulip bulbs we saw in the amazing flower market — known as the Bloemenmarkt and located along the Singel Canal between Dam Square and Rembrandtplein. I’m told there are 600,000 bulb flowers planted in parks and public gardens …
Amsterdam was Amazing!
First of all, let me say thanks to British Airways (BA) for bumping us up to Business Class for our chocolate adventure. Having that extra bit of comfort really made a difference for us being able to hit the ground running — or should I say … tasting! Much appreciated, and I can say with all sincerity that BA really knows what customer service is all about. They remain my first choice for overseas travel to the UK and northern Europe. Now, for what you’ve been waiting for. A report on Chocolatour II. I must say it was wonderful in every way. Hats off to my friend, travelling companion, researcher and navigator extraordinaire, Virginia Heffernan, for getting us on the right trains at the right time to the right place. For having the most refreshing and encouraging smile on the planet, and for being able to stuff more chocolate (and other edible items) in her cheeks to make even the most enterprising squirrel envious with wonder. I would not be able to attempt a project of this magnitude where it not for the assistance of dedicated colleagues. (Thanks again to Kathe Lieber for being my tasting sidekick on the maiden voyage of Chocolatour.) We were also blessed with wonderful weather. Blue skies and above average temperatures were prevalent throughout the two-week, three-country chocolate extravaganza. We began our adventure in Amsterdam. Although the Dutch are known for making fine chocolate, I must admit I was not overly excited about visiting Amsterdam. Why? I don’t know. What I do know is that the city blew me away! It is strikingly beautiful. I was awe-struck by the extensive canal system. And by the number of bicycles! I’ve never seen so many bikes in my life, and was amazed at how the Dutch have …
