Amsterdam

Despite getting sick during my trip to Amsterdam last year, I really liked the feel of the city.  I think I would enjoy it even more in the summer.  After getting the hang of watching out for bikes, the city started to grow on me, fever and all.  Some highlights of my stay included: a concert at the Concertgebouw, the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank's house, the floating flower market, wandering the endless canals, and finally, a (centuries-old!) quirky pharmacy right near our hotel.  I went in for cough drops and came out feeling like I'd traveled back in time.  I definitely want to return to this shop, Jacob Hooy and Co., next time I'm in town.  For more on Amsterdam, check out this post on a delicious local bakery, and here for a recap of a tasty Indonesian-influenced meal.  Below are some pictures I took.

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport

 On my way home from Greece, I had a 4.5 hour layover at JFK.  As expected, it wasn't the greatest.  I kept thinking back to my 4 hour layover in Amsterdam at the beginning of the trip.  I'd only been to Amsterdam by train before, but after spending time at Schiphol Airport, I can't think of a better place to make a flight connection.  It all started with the shockingly friendly and polite folks at passport control and things went uphill from there.  As we walked the terminal to kill time, I noticed how bright and clean everything looked.  We were hungry and right in front of us stood a beautifully designed cafe with tempting lunch items.  There I enjoyed the best airport sandwich of my life (made-to-order smoked salmon with red onion) and a glass of fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, although there were more interesting combinations as well including kiwi and even sangria.  After a leisurely lunch, we used the free wireless internet and stretched out on recliners facing a floor-to-ceiling window.  Then we wandered up the escalator where we were transported to an airport oasis of green lushness.  There was an indoor park, complete with artificial trees and grass, bird sounds, charging stations of course, and beanbag chairs to boot!  We enjoyed a little pause, taking in the zen atmosphere, before I noticed a sign for hourly/overnight bookings at a hotel-shower space starting at 35 euros. 

I can't think of how many times I've wanted a nap or quick shower during a long layover and if I ever return to Amsterdam in that situation, I would definitely check it out.  We continued on our exploration, this time going outside to an outdoor space where there was a picnic area, more greenery, and a nice view of the airport to watch planes take off and land.  

This was the highlight of the airport for me.  I don't know of another airport where you can go outside to relax once you're past security.  We enjoyed the fresh air and wandered around a bit more until it was time for our next destination: Athens!

Rijsttafel at Tempo Doeloe in Amsterdam

Appetizers, including prawn crackers

S. and I wanted to eat at an Indonesian-influenced restaurant during our time in Amsterdam.  After a little research, we decided on Tempo Doeloe, not far from Rembrandt Square.  Rachel from our hotel made us a reservation and to our pleasure, all the had available that night was the table in the back by the bar.  What a treat it was!  It was almost like we had our own private room and I had a straight view of the kitchen and all the goings on.  I knew I wanted to order the rijsttafel (rice table in Dutch) which is essentially many small dishes that are to be eaten one at a time (from mild to spiciest) with rice.  S. found a chicken randang item on the menu that called out to him.  It had +++ next to it, meaning very spicy. We thought nothing of it, since we've been raised on spicy food due to our Tunisian heritage, but I suppose we should have known when our Indonesian waiter asked, "Are you sure?" not once, but on two separate occasions before he finally brought the plate out.  It was a zinger- by far the spiciest thing either of us had ever eaten in a restaurant.  While S. later admitted to me that he was suffering the entire meal, he finished the dish, and we now have a story to tell.  I have more respect for him since that night for sure.  I snapped some quick pictures but they are blurry because I took them quickly as not to be a distraction in the small restaurant.

My rijsttafel

The spiciest chicken I've ever tasted

The best cinnamon ice cream and chocolate sauce, mixed fruit, whipped cream

Amazing dessert- mango trio (sorbet, mousse, and fresh) topped with passion fruit

Tempo Doeloe is located at Utrechtsestraat 75 in Amsterdam

Hotel Misc in Amsterdam

On my first trip to Amsterdam, I decided to stay at the Hotel Misc (Eat Drink Sleep) after reading about it online.  The location was great- it was a relatively easy 10 minute walk from the train station to the hotel.  My three favorite things about the hotel were: the breakfasts, overall comfort, and the location.

Insanely comfortable beds

 Unlimited complimentary mini-bar

Peaceful garden view

 Delicious daily breakfasts (amazing granola, toast and jam, cheese and meat, croissants, bacon and eggs, fruit, fresh-squeezed OJ, etc.)

Hotel Misc is located at Kloveniersburgwal 20 in Amsterdam