Category Archives: Amsterdam to Budapest

Day 5 – Miltenberg on the Main River in Lower Franconia, Barvaria

04 Friday Oct 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam to Budapest, Germany, Miltenberg, River Cruising, Travelling in Europe, Uncategorized

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D.B. and I in Miltenberg, Germany

D.B. and I in Miltenberg, Germany

After leaving the splendour of  yesterday’s  Castles  in the Middle Rhine Area of Germany, we’d sailed on into the night.

By early morning we’d found ourselves passing through the small villages and vineyards of  Bavaria in Lower Franconia.

We were now in the second river of our Grand European Journey….           the Main River.

A great light hearted little read about Germany

A great light-hearted little read about Germany

With some free time to ourselves, before we reached our next scheduled UNESCO World Heritage destination of Miltenberg, we’d decided to take advantage of a relaxing opportunity to just kick back and enjoy some time to ourselves.

We wanted to mellow into this most magnificent  holiday; after all we were totally enjoying our new home-away-from-home on Longship Tor. We were also enjoying being pampered and spoilt; it was truly so lovely not having to do anything for yourself…..well not very much for ourselves anyway!

This must be the most luxurious way to Journey through Europe!

To wile away a few hours this morning I’d chosen to spend time reading. I’d recently  picked up a very light-hearted, yet humorous little book on modern-day Germany entitled “Those Crazy Germans” by Steven Somers.

It  filled in a couple  of  hours nicely (actually triggered several lively conversations and a few hearty chuckles along the way)….Really it did help me to start to differentiate the “bergs” from the “burgs”; it developed my understanding  of  tipping and even clarified the appropriate etiquette for eating out at a local German tavern.

It  also did a great job of acquainting me with some of the other less-well-known cultural aspects of every day life in today’s Germany.

As the morning passed, it was also delightful just watching the river and all of  the little Bavarian villages pass by; lovely to see the green of the countryside in all of its new Spring leaf and most enjoyable to take photographs of yet another new day.

A swan on the Main River in Germany

A swan on the Main River in Germany

I loved watching the graceful, white swans as they swam just out from our stateroom windows.  

I recall there seemed to be so many beautiful white swans; they were  on all of the rivers throughout Europe and most wonderful to look at. I could have sat and watched them for hours if I’d had time.

But the morning soon disappeared and we were again off and away to sightsee and explore.

We spent the afternoon in an absolutely delightful township called Miltenberg (population about 10,000).

It was just magical.

Coming from Australia we’d never seen a township with so much history or so many traditional medieval buildings before. Initially I thought them to be some sort of Tudor architectural style but I was quickly corrected.

After all Tudor is English….most definitely not German.

Out and about in Miltenberg Germany

Out and about in Miltenberg Germany

Metal sculptures outside a shop in Miltenberg, Germany

Metal sculptures outside a shop in Miltenberg, Germany

Fachwerk Architectural Style, Miltenberg, Germany

Fachwerk Architectural Style, Miltenberg, Germany
Scarf shopping Miltenberg, Germany

Scarf shopping Miltenberg, Germany

More of the "Fachwerk" Architectural style in Miltenberg, Germany.

Main street in Miltenberg, Germany.

They are, in fact,  great examples of what is known as the “Fachwerk” architectural style.

Though do be most  careful how you say that. It’s a little tricky for the English speaker and should always be pronounced with the very guttural European tone. (Please remember…. it’s not to be confused with any sort of poor English enunciation!)

Actually many people, including the helpful Viking team,  just seem to call it the half-timbered façade style.

Whatever you prefer to call it, I found Miltenberg a most magical little village. It was filled with the kind of charm, architecture and history that we just don’t have in our land down under…… in Australia.

Once again I found myself thinking that perhaps Walt Disney or one of those Grimm’s brothers might just materialize as we were rounding a medieval corner or passing one of those very traditional timber doorways in this amazing little place.

Beautiful old doorway with flood levels on wall beside, in Miltenberg,Germany

Beautiful old doorway with flood levels on wall beside, in Miltenberg,Germany

One very old cottage in particular reminded me so much of that Fairy Tale about Hansel and Gretel. Take a look…isn’t it just so charming. I do so love, love, love  it!

Charming old cottage in Miltenberg, Germany

Charming old cottage in Miltenberg, Germany

After our educational Viking info-walk, looking at the culture and history of Miltenberg and the Lower Franconian region in general, we’d had some free time to explore on our own.

Dearly Beloved (D.B.) had been hoping for some yummy traditional Apple Strudel. How could we possibly eat any more I questioned?

D.B. outside the cafe that sold the longed for Apple Struedel

D.B. outside the cafe that sold the longed for Apple Struedel

Somehow I recall I managed to talk him into a pleasant little uphill stroll to explore the scenic views from up on high at the Miltenberg Castle.

Like all castles it was perched on one of the highest points overlooking the little township. The views were breathtaking and so well worth the slightly strenuous walk uphill to see them.

Through the tunnel and up the hill to the castle, Miltenberg, Germany

Through the tunnel and up the hill to the castle, Miltenberg, Germany

The path to the castle in Miltenberg, Germany

The path to the castle in Miltenberg, Germany

Flowers in our travels around Miltenberg. German

Flowers in our travels around Miltenberg, Germany.

The view from the Miltenberg Castle, Germany

The view from the Miltenberg Castle, Germany

D.B. and I with the view of Miltenberg, Germany in the background

D.B. and I with the view of Miltenberg, Germany in the background

HAVE A LOOK AT THESE OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS OF CASTLES ALONG THE MIDDLE RHINE ON THE LOVELY ADINPARADISE BLOG – IT TOO HAS A GALLERY OF BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS SHOWING MANY OF THE CASTLES FOUND IN THIS AREA:

Just click on this link  http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/2013/08/23/thanks-for-the-memory-castles-on-the-rhine/ and it will take you there.

OR MAYBE CHECK OUT THESE OTHER INTERESTING BLOGS ABOUT THE MIDDLE RHINE AND MILTENBERG:

And thanks for dropping by my Blog.

Day 4 – Koblenz and the Middle Rhine

02 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam to Budapest, River Cruising, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

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Today we were excited about exploring Koblenz and the castle district of the Middle Rhine in Germany.

View to the Rhine Germany

View to the Rhine Germany

Early this morning we’d tied up in the Deutsches Eck or German Corner which sits majestically on a headland at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle Rivers in Germany.

German Corner in Koblenz Germany

German Corner in Koblenz Germany

We’d looked out to see the most wonderful equestrian statue; an historical monument depicting the well known German Emperor, William the 1st that was initially erected in the late 1800s.  Sitting grandly right on the tip of the headland it signalled yet another historical window into Germany’s past. It is now viewed as a dedicated landmark to the continued unification of Germany.

We were on the outskirts of the city of Koblenz (Population approx 110,000).

Tulips at a church near the German Corner Koblenz

Tulips at a church near the German Corner Koblenz

It was green and it was spring.

We’d soon be heading off to explore the medieval past with our scheduled visit to Marksberg Castle this morning.

Marksberg rises high above the small town of Braubach on the banks of the Middle Rhine. Amazingly,it still remains firmly intact despite the two world wars and the significant turmoil and destruction of the 20th century. It’s one of the very few castles that remains in original form despite the centuries of battle and the civil calamities that are all part of early German history.

This castle’s survival provides a kind of lens through which we can view our affluent German ancestors, their enemies, their servants, their goals and their daily lives in days of yore.

Viking Coaches to take us to Marksberg Castle

Viking Coaches to take us to Marksberg Castle

As we disembarked our Longship Tor, we saw that Viking had organized their very own….. very modern Viking Fleet of Buses to Transport us in comfort up to the Castle for the morning’s sightseeing.  (We weren’t aware they owned a fleet of company buses prior to this.)

Well anyway once again there would be many wonderful travel photo opportunities and I was looking forward to them all. My battery  was charged  and my beloved camera was close by. Dearly Beloved (D.B.) was kindly helping to carry the photographic paraphernalia as he often does.

First we saw the neat traditional outside structure of the castle itself.

Marksberg Castle Germany

Marksberg Castle Germany

Then there was the well maintained historical inner core.

The painted ceiling Marksberg Castle

The painted ceiling Marksberg Castle

Four Post Bed Marksberg Castle

Four Post Bed Marksberg Castle

The Kitchen Marksberg Castle

The Kitchen Marksberg Castle

The Armoury Marksberg Castle

The Armoury Marksberg Castle

Another ancient wall painting Marksberg Castle

Another ancient wall painting Marksberg Castle

Finally there was the wonderful view down to the river.

The Middle Rhine Germany

The Middle Rhine Germany

After our morning’s  immersion in daily castle life, it was once again back to our Longship Tor for lunch.

As usual, the Viking Chef’s had very been busy in our absence. (I still occasionally wonder what life may have been like if I could’ve actually taken one or two of those wonderful chefs home with me! Anyway enough with the daydreaming). They had  prepared yet another delicious buffet.

For today they’d naturally chosen a variety of the more traditional German recipes such as wurst, sauerkraut, salads and freshly baked pretzels. The dishes were made from the very freshest of local ingredients which had again obviously been sourced from the surrounding bakeries and farming areas along the Rhine.

Castle on the Middle Rhine

Castle on the Middle Rhine

After a fairly busy morning we were now able to relax up on the beautiful Aquavit Terrace with our fellow travellers as we watched in awe of the surrounding scenery on this lovely Spring Afternoon.

There seemed to be castles everywhere…well at least castles every couple of kilometres or so. They perched high on the hills overlooking the river. There were times when there seemed to be castles everywhere you looked…and sometimes  they were even on both banks of the river in the same area.

Same castle on the Middle Rhine in Germany

Same castle on the Middle Rhine in Germany

I recall that the the weather that afternoon was delightful…not too hot, not too cold……..just right in fact.

With the soft white clouds floating across the beautiful blue sky, our chilled glasses of German Moselle were adding an even more magical quality to the fairy tale vista unfolding before us……It was yet another glorious afternoon sailing down the Rhine… one to savour and just enjoy.

Another castle on the Middle Rhine that was an hotel

Another castle on the Middle Rhine that was once an hotel

Another Middle Rhine Castle in Germany

Another Middle Rhine Castle in Germany

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Day 3 – Cologne and its Grand Gothic Cathedral

27 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam to Budapest, Cologne, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

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I never weary of great churches. They are my favourite kind of mountain scenery. Mankind was never so happily inspired as when it created a great cathedral.    – so said Robert Louis Stevenson 1850 – 1894

On reflection, there must have been inspiration aplenty surrounding the building of the gorgeous Cologne Dom.

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One of the enjoyable things about our recent Viking holiday was the informative sightseeing walks. We would usually explore a little of each day’s new territory on foot learning about the culture and history as we went.

There were always cities, villages, castles or other historical landmarks to acquaint ourselves with ……..and walking actually seemed to allow us more time to really get to know an area as we burnt off some of those extra kilojoules we’d been consuming (mind you this was probably deemed more important by those of us with the weakest willpower; unfortunately that would have to include me I’m afraid!)

Stained Glass-Cologne Cathedra

Stained Glass-Cologne Cathedra

Well for today’s walk we’d soon be visiting the enormous Cologne Cathedral. We would then view and discuss the surrounding old-town areas of the Cologne city centre, with its cobble-stoned streets and its many centuries of German and early Roman history.

Interior of Cologne Cathedral

Interior of Cologne Cathedral

Cologne is currently Germany’s 4th largest city. Built right on the banks of the Rhine, it is said to have been established by the Romans back in the 1st Centrury A.D.

Tragically, it suffered major damage during World War II. This necessitated a painstaking and costly rebuild in the post war era. The Cologne Cathedral or DOM took many hits from bombers during the war years. However, it actually remained standing despite much of Cologne being flattened around it.

Small Side Altar Cologne Cathedra

Small Side Altar Cologne Cathedra

Today, Cologne DOM is ranked up there as one of the tallest gothic cathedrals in the world. It is graced with much elaborate detail and quality craftsmanship. You really have to stop to contemplate how difficult it must have been to build a structure such as this…and especially way back then. Without access to any modern day technology it would have been an enormous challenge for the early artisans. Today it is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can actually choose to go right on up to the top of the structure if you wish. You need considerable perseverance though, as I believe there are some 500 steps to be negotiated in all.

Earlier that morning, and prior to our scheduled daily walk, dearly beloved  (D.B.) and I had actually contemplated this climb (rather enthusiastically I recall at the time). Unfortunately we’d then run out of puff……. After the informative morning walk, we’d decided to head right on back to the Longship for one of those delicious Viking lunches. Sadly, I have to report that by the mid afternoon we’d totally lost our earlier resolve. However…. I believe others did manage to climb to the very top. Those that did were justly rewarded for their efforts with the most splendid views out over the city and river.

My D.B. was quite taken with some of the DOM’s early building history. I noted he was showing greater than usual levels of interest….actually paying attention – especially in relation to the fact that the cathedral build was said to have been finally completed by a team of Prussians in around the mid 19th century.

Well…… being of (possible) Prussian heritage himself, D. B. truly enjoyed this minor detail (even today he continues to put much more emphasis on it than one would expect).  He still holds his head rather high as he states with considerable (possibly) Prussian pride “well you know it was actually my mob that finally got this whole job finished!”

Afterall, the cathedral had been “under construction” for a total of some 650 or so years in all. I guess that does seem like a mighty long time to be building anything. It is truly an amazing structure with unbelievable architectural detail. As is often said….. they just don’t build them like this anymore!

And we certainly don’t have any of them in Australia…AKA God’s own Country! (Now explain that!)

Later the same afternoon (with free time to explore Cologne on our own), we’d headed back into town. By now, we were feeling somewhat weary after having walked in the morning and eaten yet another delicious Viking lunch back onboard the ship (soup, salad, savoury dish and sweets).

Spring Pansies Cologne

Spring Pansies Cologne

For the rest of the afternoon we simply opted for a relatively relaxing way to see a little more of this lovely German city. We boarded one of those rather charming, but I must also say….. rather extremely bumpy, little sightseeing trains. This allowed us to explore a little further out from the main cobble-stoned old-town areas which we’d meandered through earlier in the day.

Then it was back to our longship for cocktails and another lovely dinner before sailing away.

Sightseeing Train Cologne

Sightseeing Train Cologne

Old Town Centre Cologne

Old Town Centre Cologne

Lovers locks on the Bridge Cologne

Lovers locks on the Bridge Cologne

Kaiser Friedrich III Equestrian Statue Cologne

Kaiser Friedrich III Equestrian Statue Cologne

Cherry Blossoms Cologne

Cherry Blossoms Cologne

Other Great Blogs WITH POSTS AND PICTURES OF COLOGNE:

Day 3 – A Magical Sunrise on our way to Cologne

25 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam to Budapest, Heading for Cologne, Sunrise, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

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It was dawn on day 3…..and there to greet us as we’d pulled back our stateroom curtain was the most amazing sunrise. It lit up the whole sky with the most beautiful colour display.

Sunrise Day 3

Sunrise Day 3

It  illuminated the entire landscape as it reflected magnificently in the tranquil waters of the Rhine. Oh and I do so love a beautiful sunrise.

I watched in awe at its unfolding beauty, just marvelling at the wonders of nature while capturing these precious moments on my beloved camera.

Such a Magical Sunrise

Such a Magical Sunrise

Back at home we usually arise early. Afterall, we often have to rush to get organized for a busy day at work.

Here on the Viking Tor Longship we knew we could be sleeping in. Mornings were very relaxed and so far we’d been having the most wonderful holiday; a time where all we really needed to do was simply reflect on the days weather, leisurely dress in some comfortable clothes (thankfully Viking promotes casual dressing) and saunter off down to the Main Dining Room, or alternatively, up to the Main Lounge/Aquavit Terrace for some breakfast.

But on this particular morning, the first light of the day was doing an extremely good job of distracting us and putting on a most spectacular display.

We were currently sailing towards Cologne (Koln as it’s called in Germany) which I believe is about the fourth largest city in Germany (Population of about 1.017 million; land Area 405 kilometers square).

Our breakfasts on Viking were friendly social events; there were fellow travelers to greet, dining preferences to be decided, a day’s itinerary to be pondered and many new interests to be explored.

Our food choices allowed for either a light continental or full cooked breakfast (the choice of course was up to you). A delicious buffet was always at the ready especially if you just wanted to save time rather than ordering from the more extensive menu.

Personally dearly beloved and I always liked to mix it up a little. Sometimes we’d simply choose from the buffet. At other times we liked to choose from the main breakfast menu.

I recall the “Eggs Benedict” was simply delicious.

Although you know, when I think about it now, I really do believe I may have caused those poor Viking waiters a wee bit of grief. I always like to order my “Eggs Benedict” rock hard…no runny yolks for me thank you very much. But as everyone knows a hard poached egg always takes much longer to cook….. and especially when someone wants it as hard as I do.

Now in hindsight, I think perhaps those lovely waiters may  have actually preferred to duck for cover when they saw me coming!! Ah but in reality they were always so gracious.

Despite this it was always breakfast with a smile even if they were moaning under that polite outer shell!!

We really enjoyed the magical slowness of these mornings on our Longship. Many of us just liked to simply sit, to catch up on the daily news from back home, pen a post card or two, or simply chat……..we’d often wile away an hour or so just watching the river go by as we anticipated what lay ahead.

Amazing Colour

Amazing Colour

Soon after this it would be off with a WHOOSH as we readied for the “soar and explore” sightseeing agenda of this new exciting day.

Day One: Viking Grand European Tour: A Diamond Day

18 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Budapest, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

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Greenery on Viking Tor

Greenery on Viking Tor

The sparkling brilliance of this long-awaited day had been radiating through our veins long before the sun’s first golden rays had even filtered through the early morning cloud.

To say we were excited by the wonderful experiences that lay ahead would certainly be an understatement.

Today we’d be leaving Amsterdam; heading off on our 15 night “dream of a lifetime” European River Cruise.

We were going to be travelling on one of Viking’s newest Longships,  the  “VIKING TOR”.

This comfortable ship was about to become our new “home-away-from-home.” It would transport us in complete luxury through 5 different European countries (Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary), 3  major rivers (the Rhine, the Main and the Danube) and through many, many significant historical sites.

By nightfall…we would “OFF AND AWAY.”

Before leaving our hotel in Amsterdam, we sourced some last minute information regarding Tor’s whereabouts from the ever helpful Viking crew (I’d have to say that Viking were always very helpful).

We excitedly packed the last of our (way too many) belongings, ate a yummy continental breakfast in the Holiday Inn Express Hotel lobby (these breakfasts had been light but oh so tasty and oh so conveniently included in our accommodation price over the past few days).

Once everything was finalized, we piled into a taxi with all of our paraphernalia and sped off towards the IJ, which, of course is the name of that very large body of water right in the centre of Amsterdam City, around which all of the smaller canals in Amsterdam are interwoven.

Viking Longships in the IJ.

Viking Longships in the IJ.

Truly, I mean it when I say some days are diamonds! And for the two of us this was truly one of them….right up there with the very best of the best….probably surpassed only by those other really major events in one’s life such as births, weddings, graduations etc.

Our mood was certainly upbeat. Our minds were abuzz with wildly racing and blissful thoughts as we anticipated the beautiful days about to unfold…a whole delightful 15 of them in all.

As we drove along in our Taxi, we found ourselves pondering what might lay ahead. I recall our prattle may have gone something like this:

“Hey, I wonder if our room will be ready when we get there?”

“I don’t know…sure hope so. It certainly would be just great to get everything sorted so we can then sit back and really enjoy the rest of the day.”

“It’ll sure be good to find a home for all of this luggage and STUFF  we’ve been lugging around.”

“Do you think the Longships can be as comfortable and agreeable as they appear to be in those ‘oh so glossy travel brochures’… You know, like the ones we were given by those Viking Reps back home?”

“You know, I think they will be..…they sure appear to be comfy and they look really good in the Viking videos I must say.”

“I wonder what our longship crew will be like?”

Somehow I just think this’ll be really memorable experience? At the very least I’m sure looking forward to seeing all this culture and history throughout Europe… You know, we’ve come so far to do this and we just don’t have anything like it back home in Australia do we?”

“No we don’t. We’ll have to make the most of it while we’re here.”

“I’m actually getting hungry again. I wonder what delicious morsels they might offer us for lunch today.”

“Well so long as it’s all tasty I don’t think I really care. It’s just going to be sooo good to have someone else getting it all prepared…..instead of me having to do it all!”

“Yes I’m really looking forward to just sitting back……it’ll be great to be spoilt for a change!”

Viking Tor Reception

Viking Tor Reception

All in all, I seem to recall that our check-in procedures that day turned out to be TOTALLY EFFORTLESS on our part.

There was a lovely pesto chicken and salad lunch at the ready, with all of the freshest of greens plus breads and rolls laid out in convivial buffet style to greet us up on the Aquavit Terrace.  With views overlooking the Amsterdam IJ, we topped off our lovely lunch with a couple of complimentary glasses of chilled chardonnay.

Oh my what a day. And here’s to the Viking crew was all I could say!

Viking Tor downstairs lounge area

Viking Tor downstairs lounge area

Viking Tor Lobby Area

Viking Tor Lobby Area

The ambiant décor was so pleasing and our Longship was certainly comfortable. It was actually rather refined and stylish and all soooo new…You could literally still smell the paint drying on the walls and the newness of the carpets under foot.  We were both on cloud nine and we knew we were going to have the most amazing time. Our room wasn’t quite ready but our luggage was already checked and long forgotten! Time now just to sit back and enjoy.

Viking Tor main lounge

Viking Tor main lounge

Amsterdam - Last of the tulips

Amsterdam – Last of the tulips

Amsterdam – Last Photos before joining our Viking River Cruise

13 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Budapest, River Cruising, Uncategorized

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Anticipation elevates the excitement of the journey to another level.

                                                                                              Kidazzleink, 2013
Floral Arrangement Keukenhof

Floral Arrangement Keukenhof

With last opportunities for sightseeing in Amsterdam swiftly drawing to a close, our restlessness was once again building. We’d been so looking forward to this wonderfully luxurious 15 day Viking River Cruise. We’d originally booked it so many, many months ago…some twelve months or more in fact; an absolute eternity ago. Ah but finally the big day was drawing near. We would soon be sailing off down the Rhine. Less than 24 hours to go now. We couldn’t wait!

Macro of Tulip Keukenhof

Macro of Tulip Keukenhof

We would soon be boarding our practically brand new Viking Longship called “Tor”. And it had only just been christened in Amsterdam one short month ago. Indeed, Viking had evidently broken all records on March 20, 2013 when they’d christened a total of 10 brand new Longships on the same day. This was reported to be on the back of them having also christened an incredible 8 Longships the previous year in 2012. I believe they’re now striving to break their own record yet again in 2014, when they hope to christen a further 14 Longships.

The world is obviously  hooked on cruising…or so it would appear. Only having to unpack the once as you travel luxuriously through the meandering waterways and in and out of so many different countries certainly adds to the appeal for us.

Viking makes no secret of the fact that they are hoping to introduce a total of 100 new Longships by 2020. They evidently have more and more people seeking to cruise through Europe than ever before.

As a lead up to this exciting Holiday (my very first holiday in Europe), dearly beloved and I had already been surfing, bookmarking and watching many of the Viking promotional videos as well as the Longship christening ceremonies of 2012 and 2013. Isn’t the internet such a wonderful medium (when its working properly that is!) It makes it just so easy to get all the information you could ever possibly want within the comfort of your own home. (I’ve actually included some of the Viking promotional video links here for anyone who, like myself, would like to pursue a little armchair travelling.)

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More Tulips Keukenhof

More Tulips Keukenhof

I often try to include links to interesting videos, Wikipedia Information and many other major tourist destination websites in my blogs. I do this especially for those of you who might enjoy the comfort of the armchair travel scene. I myself often love to travel to the other side of the globe and back without having to even leave my street let alone the country.

Anyway for today’s blog I’m simply posting the very last of my favourite photos from our sightseeing in and around Amsterdam and the beautiful Keukenhof Garden. I hope you like some of them as well! I’d really love to hear which ones happen to appeal to you the most and perhaps why. Drop me a line …… let me know.

Amsterdam- National Maritime Museum

Amsterdam- National Maritime Museum

Amsterdam Maritime Museum

Amsterdam Maritime Museum

Globe at National Maritime Museum

Globe at National Maritime Museum

Amsterdam Pancake Boat -Yummy

Amsterdam Pancake Boat -Yummy

NEMO Science Centre

NEMO Science Centre

NEMO Science Centre in Amsterdam

NEMO Science Centre in Amsterdam

NEMO Science Centre - Amsterdam

NEMO Science Centre – Amsterdam

Beetles Exhibit Keukenhof

Beetles Exhibit Keukenhof

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Willet-Holthuysen Canal House – A window into the past

11 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Budapest, Holidays, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized

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“Windows on the past strengthen our understanding of the present and
   act as a guide for our decision making well into the future.”

– KidazzleInk, 2013.

Windows on the Past

Windows on the Past

In an earlier blog entitled “Bad Gastein – R n R in the Hohe Tauern National Park”, I  talked bout how you can sometimes be lucky enough to turn up a real “GEM”, even when you’re just muddling through with your own passionate, yet haphazard, “Seek and Discover” system for identifying preferred sightseeing hot spots.

Well yes….BINGO! We’d now found TWO SUCH GEMS and both during the same journey through Europe. First there’d been beautiful little Bad Gastein and now, here we were at this interesting 16th Century Manor Home called Willet-Holthuysen Museum.

Ceiling probably painter by Jacob de Wit

Ceiling probably painter by Jacob de Wit

And we’d literally just stumbled upon it …. what a surprising little “find” it turned out to be! Like many people, we usually spend way too much precious time trying to sort through the chaff from the wheat, so that we can make the most of our precious sightseeing and locate the finest of what’s on offer. For Amsterdam, we’d already been through this somewhat extensive exercise and yet still carefully selected many of the usual Amsterdam activities (because they are just so good). Unfortunately, we’d been unable (well perhaps that should read…. unwilling to ….negotiate the extremely long queues required) to see either the Anne Frank House or the newly opened Rijk’s Museum.

So initially, knowing nothing at all about the treasures that lay within this manor home museum, we casually paid the minimal fee (no long queues here, no precious hours spent waiting), grabbed our “oh so convenient”, English Audio Tour Guides and ambled very sleepily off to begin exploring.

Let me just say we got way more than we were expecting! The historical treasures and memories cocooned within these walls were a truly remarkable surprise! My dearly beloved and I still continue to talk about this delightful experience and the historical charm of the home.

Beautiful Clock

Beautiful Clock

Willet-Holthuysen Museum boasts a quality fine art collection and an historical art library, an eclectic range of historical furnishings, beautiful silverware and antique German porcelain as well as Venetian glassware collections. But the absolute best part of all this, is presentation…it is all so well presented and maintained, with a lot of it’s historical tales still intact. We initially thought that he home was completely original. However, on further review, we find it was largely refurbished with a rather eclectic range of original pieces from the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries.

Art works everywhere!

Art works everywhere!

Yet the home is made even more interesting by the fact that it also provides an historical window into the private lives of the rich and affluent in Amsterdam in the 19th Century. We enjoyed the traditional neo-classical ambiance and learnt so much about this grand era. We were able to wonder through the old tiled kitchen, the ballroom, the “Blue Room” (Men’s Room), an enormous pantry, bedroom, sitting room, formal dining room, drawing room, garden room, hallways, stairwells and so much more. It was an amazing four floors of Manor Home, three of which were open to the public.

The Garden Room

The Garden Room

We’d felt like we’d been transported back in time!

And you know….. I didn’t even see that “Dr Who Chariot” outside anywhere…. Errrr, I think I mean “Tardis” (well you know the time-transport thingy anyway). I know it just has to have been out there waiting somewhere near this wonderful home; just waiting to beam us way back into the past as we crossed the threshold… way back an amazing couple of hundred years or so ago! Yes i must have been there….or how else could we have had a time warp experience such as this??

Red Room

Red Room

But on a more serious note, for those of us who do like to explore the history and stimulate  our “grey matter” (aka cerebral connections and synapses), here are a few of this home’s details:

The Willet-Holthuysen Home is thought to have been built around the 1680s for a Mr Jacob Hop, the then Mayor of Amsterdam. Later of course, it was bought by the young Louisa Holthuysen’s Father. Shortly after he passed away, Louisa finally married her beau Abraham Willet. It is said that  Louisa’s father never actually wanted to give his blessings to this marriage. However, despite this, Louisa and Abraham (who had been quite serious sweethearts for a long time prior to old Mr Holthuysen’s passing) went on to spend many years together as husband and wife. They carefully restored the old family home and amassed the most wonderful collection of art work and  European treasure.

Meet the Willet-Holthuysens

Meet the Willet-Holthuysens

I’ve recently read that they may also have owned another equally luxurious residence in France… However, I’m not quite sure about this. All I can say is that their Amsterdam home was most remarkable. We just loved it. What a wonderful sightseeing GEM and a lovely little window into the past!

The Blue Room

The Blue Room

The Formal Dining Room

The Formal Dining Room

The Grand Bedroom

The Grand Bedroom

Going up the Stairwell

Seen from the Stairwell

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Amsterdam – Venice in Northern Europe

04 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Budapest, Uncategorized

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Hop on Hop off Canal Boat Amsterdam

Hop on Hop off Canal Boat Amsterdam

“Life’s like a Labyrinth…..always a beginning, always an end. In-between, there lies
before each of us, a truly intriguing maze of interconnected experiences and
influential relationships; But really it is all up to us.  We CAN choose.

We need to carefully navigate our own boat through all of life’s ups and downs.

Sometimes we may veer off course and steer down dry gullies, row up dead end
creeks. At other times we’ll sail around in lovely tranquil bays.  Occasionally,
we’ll have storms to battle; sometimes we’ll venture into bright, and maybe even
diamond days. Just be thankful for the journey and a chance to steer your boat.
Always navigate well, consider all your options carefully and try not to mope
or dwell!

Musings of KidazzleInk, 2013

Remember to steer your boat well

Always steer your boat well

We were now in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam to be precise, which is also often known as the “Venice of Northern Europe“.

We were trying to consider our newly presented options carefully…..trying to make the most of opportunities before us. But I must admit we were also both somewhat tired and travel weary.

After all we had just spent the past few days going from place to place. We’d been rushing here, rushing there, driving on the wrong side of the road, running late, getting lost, battling a new Sat Nav,  negotiating the electronic airline ticket dispense stations, carrying too much luggage and moving between our travel destinations. All so hectic…well yes!!

We’d now moved on from that exhilarating first leg of our European journey, through the enchanting Bavarian region and the oh so beautiful Austria.

For now were hoping to spend the next few days acquainting ourselves with the Netherlands before we started our amazing Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise. We both really wanted to explore this historical, yet modern canal-city called Amsterdam that we’d recently been reading about it back home in Australia.

However, I’m afraid we were also travel weary; you probably know the feeling…… it’s like you need just one rejuvenating day….. “a diamond day” ….to rest, to reflect, to rejuvenate and consider all the new options. Oh for such a perfect day!

With only three and a half days to explore this interesting “Venice of the North”, we wondered how best to make good use of our days. We wanted to be able to relax and yet to be able to see plenty of the city at the same time!!

Amsterdam Canals

Amsterdam Canals

The lovely receptionists back at our hotel (Holiday Inn Express) had thankfully told us about the cost advantages of buying a ‘Holland Pass’. It seemed like a really good option and I have to say we weren’t disappointed. In fact we even ended up buying a second one before we left. Everything was cheaper with this pass. It was also great to have the little book that we could flick through to help us with all of Amsterdam’s sightseeing options.

Well first choice for us today was going to be relaxing one way or another, so we opted for lazing in the labyrinth of Amsterdam’s historical canals. What a great way to see Amsterdam……from its interesting web of convoluted waterways. And the bonus was…… well ….there was really  little effort required on our part.

Hop On, Hop Off Canal Boats

Hop On, Hop Off Canal Boats

Lot’s of R & R (Yes! rest and relaxation).

Lovely Spring Leaf

Lovely Spring Leaf

We could actually spend hours meandering our way through the geography, landmarks, history and culture of this modern canal city. And all from the comfort of our little Hop on, Hop Off canal boats. “Just perfect we thought. We’ll only have to get off about once every hour or so and change boats. After all, that shouldn’t require too much effort should it!!”

Just imagine our surprise when we found that we didn’t even have to get off at all. At the end of each of the routes (Red route, Green route, Blue route and Orange route through the maze of Amsterdam’s canals, the captain of the boat would just change his little coloured sign.……then the Red route would actually became the Green route, which would then become the Blue route, which would then become the Orange route and so on). Now how gentile was this for the travel weary.

All we had to do was simply supply ourselves with some lunch at one of the stops which might I add, my dearly beloved did admirably in-between route change-overs at around 1.00pm.

Historic Building in Amsterdam

Historic Building in Amsterdam

We saw so much of Amsterdam City that day from it’s labyrinth of relaxing canals.

We could have chosen to hop off and then hop back on wherever we wished, but just for now, we were oh so happy to simply soak up the atmosphere of this Dutch capital from it’s maze of waterways. We learnt much about the history, the culture and the landmarks of the city without even leaving the canals that day. It was truly a “Diamond day“ for us.  A time when everything came together so well and even with so  little forethought or prior planning!

An Enormous pair of Dutch Clogs

An Enormous pair of Dutch Clogs

Resident tending his houseboat.

Resident tending his houseboat.

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Keukenhof Garden – A Kaleidoscope of Spring colour

30 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam to Budapest, Keukenhof, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Travelling in Europe, Uncategorized

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Double Peach Blossom Tulip

Double Peach Blossom Tulip

Tulips blossom

birds sing;

Keukenhof’s pretty magical every spring

With petals delicate,

And colours bright

There’s always so much to delight

For all who visit

These flowers incite

A “joy de verve”… AND spirit light.

Playing with rhyme – A Ditty: KidazzleInk, 2013 (Inspired by a recent visit to Keukenhof in Spring).

More Colourful Peach Blossums

More Colourful Peach Blossums

Every year from around late March to mid May the Internationally acclaimed Keukenhof Gardens burst into their kaleidoscope of spring colour, with millions of tulip flowers, themed pavilions, fun family activities, musical events and a grand manifesto of different exhibitions. International visitors flock to these gardens from all around the world to visit the colourful floral displays and spectacular array of other activities on offer, which at different times have included Cultural Tributes, Folkloric Groups, Bird Exhibits, Easter Fun and lots more.

Red Tulips

Red Tulips

I’m told Keukenhof has now been opening to the public every year for just over sixty years. It was first established way back in 1949 and is believed to be the biggest garden in the world.

Being located in Southern Holland near the small town of Lisse, it is only a short journey of just under an hour from Amsterdam. The garden was created on what was once a 15th Century hunting ground. Back then it also provided a source of herbs for the gracious Countess Jacqueline who lived at nearby Hainaut’s Castle. Today this same Castle is known as the Keukenhof Castle and it too is open to public at different times.

Keukenhof on a Wet Day

Keukenhof on a Wet Day

My dearly beloved and I travelled out to see the garden on a very bright and  colourful, flower themed “tulip bus” that conveniently left right from the centre of Amsterdam.

Despite the chilly, wet weather that day, I totally enjoyed the whole experience. Mind you, my dearly beloved was probably not quite as enthusiastic as I was! But even he showed some amazement at the enormous variety of tulips on display. I absolutely loved the Double Peach blossoms. Everyone back here in Australia is amazed that they actually belong to the tulip family as they look more like a delicate rose!

Red and White Tulips

Red and White Tulips

Oh and I must say dearly beloved, seemed  quite taken by the dark velvety richness of  the Black Tulip.

As you can see, I took sooo many photos. And I could truly have taken a whole lot more had it been a nice sunny day. I would have liked to have been able to photograph more of the outdoor garden as well, but never mind.

Pink Tulips

Pink Tulips

It was fabulous and  I know I’ll go back again one day. I’ve already started planning on a visit for Floriade (another Netherland’s spectacular) in 2022! Yes I know it’s some way off  but I’m learning it pays to plan ahead! Takes my mind of the more mundane things in life!!

Daffodils and Hyacinths

Daffodils and Hyacinths

Gorgeous Red and Gold

Gorgeous Red and Gold

White and Yellow

White and Yellow

So soft and delicate

So soft and delicate

HERE ARE SOME Other Recent Tulip BLOGS I FOUND IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHECK THEM OUT ALSO:

Keukenhof, Amsterdam (retired2travel.wordpress.com)

Nick Lucas (American jazz musician, 1897-1982) – Tiptoe through the Tulips, 1929 (fincheswings.wordpress.com)

The secret to growing tulips (metalroofingcolorshq.com)

What to do in Amsterdam (pressedwordsat.wordpress.com)

Singapura and a very comfy transit hotel

31 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam to Budapest, Holidays, River Cruising, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, travel, Travelling in Europe, Uncategorized

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3.15am and the alarm trilled in the darkness but we were already wide awake. Little sleep had been achieved by either of us during, what had seemed to be, the long and never-ending night before.

1-Michelle Davies_Foggy Morning on the Gold Coast_Light Aware_2

Our big day had actually arrived and our enthusiastic anticipation was now filling the pre-dawn air with an exciting and magical quality.

Today was the day! We were leaving our home on the ever beautiful Gold Coast (in Queensland, Australia – aka God’s Own Country as can truly be seen in the photos both above and below.)

Michelle Davies_Gold Coast 2

We were heading off on our extended four-and-a-half week adventure through Europe to visit the historical, culture-rich, northern hemisphere. Our minds were alive with all of the coming adventures….Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Keukenhof, Slovakia, Hungary and, of course, our grand 15 days of river cruising along the Rhine, the Main and the Danube.

Within 20 minutes we were locking our doors and heading off to the Brisbane Airport  for our long-awaited departure. First stop would be the multi-award winning, Changi Airport in Singapore.

Michelle Davies - Orchids in Singapore

Sad to say, it wasn’t long before we found out that we had way too much luggage. As always, trying to juggle it though the airport and customs was the usual agitating and nerve wringing experience…. Surely this part of a journey has much room for improvement in these modern times! With all of our 21st century technologies and scientific advancements, the airport experience and, particularly customs experiences, could be greatly refined and improved I believe. Perhaps someone just needs to give it a little thought and then give it all a major overhaul.

Anyway, before long we were up in the big blue vastness and being totally spoiled by our gracious air hostesses. We were catching up on movies we’d missed, discussing places we could visit, enjoying just having our meals brought to us for a change and trying to catch a little shut-eye whenever possible. The later, I must say, proved to be a bit difficult to achieve with all of that was going on.

Nevertheless, time passed quickly and soon we were landing at Changi.

Michelle Davies - Changi Airport Tropical Garden Singapore

So many beautiful orchid displays, water features and even goldfish. Changi is always a delight to visit. There were new technologies to explore and entertain us, along with the many bright and bountiful shops and Duty Free Outlets.

But after yet another tasty meal, and a brief sticky beak around to see what was new, it was certainly time to head for our transit hotel which was right within Changi airport itself. There were no windows at all in our room, but what a delight it was! And even more so, as it had only cost us just one Aussie dollar each for the next six sleep filled hours! There was a comfy bed, clean soft towels, in-room amenities for showering and glorious fresh sheets and soft pillows. At last it was time for a little bit of shut-eye!