It was a lovely morning in Eindhoven. Then when we drove to Amsterdam the sky began getting darker and as we got to Schipol Airport the rain started to pour. We parked our car in the airport because we learned that it is hard to get a parking spot in Amsterdam on the weekend. The parking spot at Schipol ranged from 17 Euros and more for 24 hours, so it depends on how long you intend to park and where. From Schipol Airport we took a Sprinter Train to Amsterdam Central. The ticket cost 5 euros each. There are two cabins to choose if you are riding a train in Netherlands. The First class costs more and is less crowded and has more leg room. On the other hand Second class is cheaper, and opposite of what I described on the first one. Both has WiFi and Air-conditioning. Unlike in Singapore, you can eat and drink inside the train, they even have table and a trash bin under it. People here use public transportation quite frequently since its not really spread out and it is really a pain to drive in a small street (especially in Centrum) with bus and bike lanes that you have to be mindful about. The gas cost more here than back home.
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| 2nd class Cabin |
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They have toilets/restrooms inside the train too. It is obvious that they really plan and design it well.
The restroom in Holland train station has this sign. It is abbreviation for "water closet". Dames is for Women and Herren is for Men. I swear you'll get confuse cuz I sure did. I entered twice in the wrong door. You have to pay 50 cents to use the restroom.
After an hour and half we finally set our foot in Amsterdam. I couldn't believe that my childhood dream had just come true. It's been my sister and I's dream to live and have our own clothing business here. And now I am here with my own family. I still hope to bring my sister and my parents here. We came out the train station and this lovely building greeted us.
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| Part of Amsterdam Central Station |
You would thought that a gloomy and rainy day will make people stay home and we would have the city all to our self. But we were wrong! We forgot that the Dutch are good at handling water as well. I imagine that many tourists had their itinerary planned as well, which means it includes rain or shine. My advice is ask your hotel's receptionist if they have Amsterdam Central map so you dont have to buy them.
There was a carnival the day we went there. It was rather crazy fun. There were booths and street foods around. There were couple of very scary rides.
We had some very delicious apple donut and cronuts at this stall.
Our main goal that day was to go and see Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum but there was a lot of people who lined to go inside
The lane going to Anne Frank house and the line of people waiting to get into the museum.
He won´t remember that we came here but I have this picture to show him.
Front view of Anne Frankś actual house.
Amsterdam might be a little intimidating at first because like any other capital it can be really crowded with quite a bit of stuff are going. But I think when you further inside of the city out of the main street, you will find some little cool shops and cafeteria that are really cozy.
