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After London, I left for Amsterdam in the evening. Using the Eurolines 15 day pass (Euro$240), I took the first Eurolines bus (one way bus ticket was 38 pound but return ticket was 30% lower) from the Victoria Coach Station to Amsterdam (10 hours) . The bus left London at 20.00 and arrived Amsterdam at 05.30 in the following morning. From London to Amsterdam, the traditional way is to cross the English Channel by ferries. However, with the completion of a 32 mile rail tunnel (called Euro Tunnel) beneath the English Channel in 1994 and at a speed of 100 miles per hour, we were able to arrive at the French end (Sargatte) in 30 minutes. It costs Euro$21.0 billion to build this tunnel, 700 times more expensive than the cost to build the Golden Gate Bridge ! What a civilized wonder of the world ! When our bus parked stationery inside a large rail compartment, passengers were allowed to come down from the bus to stretch their legs. So indeed it was an unique experience taking this rail tunnel ride from Folkstone (British end) to France.
After exited the Tunnel, we arrived at an Immigration check point (French territory), our passports were processed and stamped and we continued our bus journey towards The Netherlands. At mid-night, our bus passed the port of Rotterdam to pick up a few passengers. I was very pleased to see this ultra modern Rotterdam port by night even though it was a short time.
After exited the Tunnel, we arrived at an Immigration check point (French territory), our passports were processed and stamped and we continued our bus journey towards The Netherlands. At mid-night, our bus passed the port of Rotterdam to pick up a few passengers. I was very pleased to see this ultra modern Rotterdam port by night even though it was a short time.
On arrival at the Eurolines bus terminal in Amsterdam (at 05.30), I supposed to take a Metro from the Amstel station to Centraal station in the city center for my hostel check in. However, I met a backpacker from USA and together, we ended up walking from Amstel to the city center covering a distance of 3-4km. But it was a pleasant walk due to the cool weather and we passed a number of cobbled streets and canals along the way.
I stayed in Shelter City hostel (Euro$24) for 2 nights. This hostel is presently managed by a Christian association, located in the heart of the city center.
My two days in Amsterdam were mainly confined to visiting the major tourist sites in Amsterdam and nearby places.
1) Amstel Station, Amsterdam - A modern, artistic, cozy, bright and user friendly Metro station next to the Eurolines bus terminal.
2) Centraal Station, Amsterdam - The main railway station which serves the Metro lines & also the international rail services to other European countries.
3) Dutch Specialties in popular demand - Dutch Gouda cheese, cut Turnip flowers and the colorful Dutch wooden clogs. What else ? Windmills but not for sale.
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4) The red light district of Amsterdam - A man's paradise by night ! You have to be very skillful in haggling the price before charging into the small cubicle to perform your naughty acts.
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5) City of canals & bicycles - crisscrossing the Amsterdam city - a tourist delight. Excellent place for photography works and to unleash your artistic skills. Keep a watch out for cyclists if you are walking around Amsterdam.
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6) The Dam Square - This is where the Amstel river was dammed in the 13th century to prevent flooding. Tourists flocked here to take pictures & entertained by street performers for a penny or two !
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7) Bio-Market - Bus loads of tourists come here to shop for souvenirs. Turnip bulbs, cut flowers, wooden clogs, vegetable and flower seeds, horticultural produce, art paintings are on sale here .
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8) Vondel Park - A large recreation park for locals to relax and picnic.
9) Rijks Museum - The famous art museum. Long queue for tickets so be patient. The Van Gough Museum is also located nearby.
10) China Town - How about a 9 course Dutch style Chinese cuisine to celebrate your arrival in Amsterdam ?
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Something to ponder in Amsterdam: This eatery outlet served a special Dutch food for your mood . What was the secret recipe ? Moody people, please make sure you patronize this outlet when you are in Amsterdam !
" The Netherlands VS The Neverland - Michael Jackson's fantasy ranch in USA. Go Dutch, The Dutch courage, Dutch barn - so do have the courage to go Dutch when you are eating in a group. A great city and I enjoyed my stay very much.
The secrets of Life - Let the doctors handle your body; let god and nature handle your life. But be in charge of your mood ! "
Amsterdam, Netherland - walkabout in downtown Amsterdam
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