Light It Up!

© 2017 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Each year, around Christmastime, Amsterdam offers up beautiful lighted artwork throughout the city…

If you haven’t been to the Amsterdam Light Festival, mark your calendars for next year!

Having heard about and seen some of these lighted art installations near Central Station, I decided that I wanted to see what this festival was all about.  Discovering that we would be there for its final night, we decided to purchase tickets for one of the boat tours which cruise along one of the routes.

Two routes are offered each year…this year’s routes, Watercolors, the boat route and Illuminade, the walking route.  The artwork presented along these two routes during the two month time span is selected from groundbreaking submissions by light artists from 93 countries and displayed throughout the city’s canals and the city’s Plantage neighborhood.

IMG_6295Since we had been out walking most of the day, we decided that it would be nice to relax on one of the boat tours.  Booking a five o’clock departure, we had hoped to be completed in order to have an early dinner.  Starting out near the front of Central Station, we cruised along the front of the station and out into the IJ before circling back to our starting point.  Finally, we headed into the canals and admired the beautiful pieces along the way.

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Though we thoroughly enjoyed the tour, there are some things I would like to point out.

Doing a bit more research after my tour, I discovered that there are some companies that offer boats with open top.  Although it may be a bit too cold for some, they do offer blankets and warm drinks.  Our boat was packed to capacity and sometimes hard to get a photograph through the boat windows.  We were, however, allowed to go out to the back of the boat and take photos in the open air.

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Next year, I do think that I would book a different boat company, but also take advantage of the Illuminade route.  Being able to take your time and enjoy each piece, up close, is surely worth the price of achy feet!

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Amsterdam Light Festival

  • https://amsterdamlightfestival.com/en/
  • Hours: Amsterdam Light Festival Water colors route, December 1, 2016 until January 22, 2017, 1700-2300.   Illuminade route, December 15, 2016 until January 8, 2017, 1700-2200.  Refer to the website for Amsterdam’s Light Festival 2017-2018 schedule.
  • Many boat companies offer tours starting near Central Station and prices vary among the companies.

The Only One

© 2017 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Rome has many basilicas.

Amsterdam…only one.

Arriving in the Dutch capital via Amsterdam Central Station, one of the first landmarks you spy is the Basilica of St. Nicholas.  Located to the left, in the Old Town district, its two towers mark the skyline.

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Having always noticed this beautiful building, it was my desire to visit one day.  Never quite having the time or being able to arrive before closing, due to its restrictive schedule, I realized that its door were open one afternoon, while passing nearby.

Built over 129 years ago, the city’s main Catholic church, was designed by architect, Adrianus Bleijs and was originally called St. Nicholas Inside the Walls as it sat within the oldest part of the Amsterdam defense works.  It was elevated to basilica in 2012, during its 125th year of existence, during a celebration of Solemn Vespers.

Combining Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance styles, the church’s exterior is easily recognizable with its two identical towers on either side of the ornate stained glass rose window.  A domed baroque octagonal tower is adorned with a large cross.  Above the rose window, a statue of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of Amsterdam and seafarers, can be spotted.

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The basilica’s mixture of styles is carried on within the recently renovated church.  Designed with a three-aisled layout the large baroque dome sits above the crossing.

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Two chapels alongside the apse and the nave are devoted to Mary and Joseph and on both sides of the church and high above the altar, sits the crown of Maximilian I, a symbol seen throughout Amsterdam.

Netherlands Amsterdam St Nicholas Madonna and Child

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Take the time to inspect the beautiful religious murals that line the walls throughout the church, most importantly the 14 Stations of the Cross by Jan Dunselman which were painted from 1891 to 1898.  Interestingly, Dunselman used the faces of parishioners as his models preserving their likenesses for future parishioners and relatives to appreciate.  Other paintings commemorate the Miracle of Amsterdam and the Martyrs of Gorkum, 19 Catholic figures who were hanged in 1572.

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IMG_6286The pulpit, an elaborately designed piece by Pierre Elysee van den Bossche highlights the left of the structure as well as the 19th century Sauer organ at the rear of the church.  The German organ was built in 1889 and attracts large numbers of world renowned organists from around the world during the International Organ Concert Series every summer.  These musicians treasure the opportunity to not only enjoy the music from this magnificent instrument, but to perform on it as well.

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One last thing to note…when leaving the church, take look above you before crossing through the doorway.  A beautiful little wooden sailboat hangs silently, reminding us of Amsterdam’s seafaring ancestry and the basilica’s patron saint.IMG_6280

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St. Nicholas Basilica

  • http://www.nicolaas-parochie.nl/
  • Address:  Prins Hendrikkade 73, 1012 AD Amsterdam
  • Hours:  Monday, 1200-1500, Tuesday-Friday, 1100-1600, Saturday, 1200-1500 and 1630-1745, Sunday 0945-1400 and 1630-1730
  • Admission:  Free
  • Mass Schedule:  Sunday, 1030, High Mass, 1300 High Mass (Spanish), 1700 Gregorian Vespers (Latin), Monday-Saturday, 1230 Mass, (Tuesday-English, Friday-Spanish), Thursday, 1800, Vespers and Mass, Saturday, 1700, Choral Evensong, English

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taking It To the Bank

© 2017 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

One night, while checking the recordings on my DVR, I noticed a title, Banksy Does New York.  Hmmm…spinoff of Debbie Does Dallas?

Discovering that my children were the culprits, they were questioned…who the heck was Banksy?

A world renowned contemporary artist, Banksy got his start spraying graffiti on the streets of Bristol, England.  Using a distinctive stenciling technique and dark humor, he has developed a cult-like following throughout the world.  His pieces, pop up randomly, sell for thousands of dollars and are amassed by well-known art collectors.

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But who is Banksy? Is he young or old?  Is he Caucasian or of African or Chinese descent?  He is short?  Is he tall?

Truth is…no one really knows.  Despite his popularity, Banksy has managed to remain anonymous.

IMG_6274Watching Banksy Does New York with my children, I was fascinated.  People scrutinize the internet in order to find his pieces, located on walls, streets, bridges and self-built prop pieces in cities throughout the world, before they are removed or defaced.  Some are just quick stencils on the sides of buildings.  Some have moving parts or actually move through the city, but most have strong political and social statements and almost all are quite humorous.

Imagine my delight to find that Banksy’s exhibit, Laugh Now, was being held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Amsterdam while I was visiting.  No following websites or searching the streets to see a real authentic Banksy!  It was across town at MOCO for the price of admission.

Arriving at the museum, tickets in hand, we managed to avoid the lines that formed later in the day, thus proving what a major draw Banksy is.  The museum, located inside Villa Alsberg, a townhouse dating back to 1904, is the perfect yang to Banksy’s ying..the old meets the new.

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IMG_6263The displays were split between the upper and lower floors of the museum, and was combined with an exhibit on Salvador Dali on the basement floor.  Starting on the top floor, first stopping to admire his piece, Forgive Us For Our Trespassing on the staircase landing, we made our way through each of the themed rooms, Anti-capitalism, Laugh Now, Weaponry, There Is Always Hope and CCTV highlighting some of his classics like Laugh Now and Girl with Balloon.

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The entrance floor showcased some rescued pieces from the rubble of demolished buildings and other sculptural pieces (Rat-With-Umbrella, Cardinal Sin) as well as one of his famous Mona Lisa pieces and a huge canvas of the famous painting Beanfield which has not been displayed anywhere since 2009.

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Finally, moving on to the basement level, we encountered a final, large-scale Banksy…

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…as well as a small room with a film documenting his work around the world.

The Salvadore Dali exhibit was also very interesting with many paintings and his famous Mae West Lips Sofa, designed in 1937 and inspired by the lips of actress Mae West.  A large-scale melting clock is also on display…a tribute to his most famous painting, The Persistence of Memory.

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A gift shop is also located on the lower lever of MOCO selling t-shirts, books and other Banksy and Dali memorabilia.

If taking to the streets in search of a real Banksy is not in the cards for you, make sure to check out one of his exhibitions throughout the world.  Definitely worth seeking if you are a fan of graffiti art (like I am) and much easier than scouring the internet and walking through back alleys!  But, if the hunt is for you and you are in the Los Angeles or London, try and find some pieces still on the streets.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=206833562822512571407.00049d25df7020948a997  http://blog.saatchigallery.com/finding-banksy-london

Let me know if you find any!

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Banksy Exhibition at the Amsterdam Museum of Contemporary Art

  • https://www.mocomuseum.com/banksy-amsterdam
  • Address:  Museumplein, Honthorststraat 20, 1071 Amsterdam
  • Hours:  1000-1800, daily through March 29, 2017
  • Admission:  Adults, 12.50€, Students, 10€, Under 16, 7.50€
  • Getting There:  The Moco Museum is situated on the Museumplein, opposite of the Rijksmuseum and next to the Van Gogh Museum.  From Amsterdam Central Station, take Tram 2 (direction Nieuw Sloten), Tram 5 (direction Amstelveen Binnenhof), stop Van Baerlestraat, Bus 170 (direction Uithoorn, Amstelplein) or Bus 172 (direction Kudelstaart), stops Hobbemastraat or Museumplein.  From train station Amsterdam Amstel, take Tram 12 (direction Station Sloterdijk), stop Van Baerlestraat.  From train station Amsterdam Zuid WTC, take Tram 5 (direction Centraal Station), stop Van Baerlestraat
  • About the Artist:  http://www.banksy.co.uk/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benched

© 2017 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

The Fault In Our Stars. 

Ever read the book by John Green?  Saw the movie?

A few years ago, I read the book.  Absorbed in the tragic, star-crossed lovers’ story and sobbing while sitting at the pool in Dakar, a co-worker actually came over to me to make sure that I was okay.  When the movie finally arrived in the theaters, I was there…tissues in my pocket, ready for what I knew was to come.

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A couple of weeks ago, while searching for a restaurant in Amsterdam, I noticed the words “Fault In Our Stars Bench” marking a spot on the map.

Remembering that I had heard that the bench had been stolen, presumably by fans or neighbors tired of the constant traffic, I had never thought to look for it in the city.  Well, apparently, it was back!

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While the bench had actually disappeared in 2014, it reappeared in its original location shortly after, with city officials confirming that it is the original bench on which characters Hazel and Augustus sat while visiting Amsterdam.

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Today, the bench now hosts a few locks securing the devotion of other lovers hoping to have the romantic connection that Hazel and Augustus shared.  You need not to be in love to go out in search of this movie prop…just a little adventurous and seeking a good photo op!

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The Fault In Our Stars Bench

  • Location:  Leidsegracht #4, where Herengracht and Leidsegracht meet.
  • Check out other film locations throughout the city, Peter van Houten’s house (Vondelstraat 162 near Vondelpark), Rijksmuseum (1 Museumplein), Anne Frank House (Prinsengracht 263-267).

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Gliding Along

© 2017 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

How do you spend a winter’s day in Amsterdam?

Warming near a blazing fire with a steaming mug of hot chocolate?

Hunkering down in a cozy pub with a hearty pint?

Heading over to the Museumplein and checking out one of the many museums in the area (Rijksmuseum, MOCO, Van Gogh, Stedelijk, to name a few)?

Grabbing some skates and hitting the ice?

Years ago, the Dutch spent time in the winter, skating along in the many canals that run through the city.  Today, the temperatures do not get quite cold enough, not does the constant tour boat traffic allow for the water to stand still long enough to freeze.

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Now, if you want to ice skate, you need to find an indoor ice rink or one of the outdoor arenas that pop-up throughout the city during the winter months.

The Museumplein reflecting pond, turns into a frozen wonderland from November through early February.  A temporary building is erected next to the pond and offers a ticket window, rentals and a café.  A small bridge sits over the pond and allows non-skaters to get a birds’ eye view of the activity below as well as a beautiful view of the Rijksmuseum.

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So, when the temperatures, drop and you are searching for a great outdoor activity, grab a coat, mittens and hat and head over to the Museumplein for some good old fashioned winter fun!

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Ice Amsterdam

  • http://www.iceamsterdam.nl/en/home
  • Open November 18 through February 5, 2017.  Ice rink open, Sunday-Thursday, 1000-2100 and Friday-Saturday, 1000-2200.  Check website for next winter’s operating schedule.

 

 

 

Waterland

© 2016 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Edam, Volendam and Marken…what do they have in common?

Edam, Volendam and Marken are some of the cities, towns, villages and districts that make up the municipality of Waterland in the Netherlands.

Having been to many parts of the Netherlands, it is sometimes hard to find something that I haven’t already done.  Arriving at the train station on the early side, we were still undecided as to our destination.  One option was Kinderdijk in the north, the other was to revisit Volendam, but with the addition of Edam and Marken, two cities that I had not seen before.  After realizing that the Marken ferry was still in operation, we decided to head to the back of the train station to the bus departure area and buy a Waterland ticket.

The Waterland area comprises picturesque fishing villages and beautiful countryside built on polders and is a wonderful day trip while visiting the Amsterdam area.  It is easily accessible by the EBS bus system from Amsterdam Central Station.

After a thirty-minute bus ride, we disembarked in Edam for the beginning of our adventure.  A picturesque little town, everything seemed so quiet that I had to stop and think about what day it was.  Seeming more like a Sunday, no one was on the streets and many stores appeared to be shut down.  After crossing one of the town’s lift bridges, we enjoyed the local homes with their quirky artistic displays and the Carillon tower on our walk towards the center of town.

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imageThe Carillon tower is all that remains of a late gothic church and is the oldest clockwork in the Netherlands, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.  The belltower for the Church of Our Dear Lady still stands despite the demolition of the church in 1882.  The tower, threatening to fall, in 1972, was shored up with steel girder sand restored.  The tower was not open for inspection, but we learned that it houses the Association for the Conservation of the IJsselmeer.  The bells, made by Pieter van den Ghein, ring a short melody every fifteen minutes and we were serenaded as we made our way into the center of town.

In the town center, Damplein square, we located a nice cheese shop with a friendly owner who chatted with us as we purchased some goodies…cheeses, of course and the most delicious curry mayonnaise.  Ducking into a small café, we had a quick drink while we inspected the map for things to do and see.

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Originating from the twelfth century, Edam, became prosperous through ship building and merchant trading.  Not as busy as its neighbor, Volendam, it is quiet and famous for its cheese, which is named for the town.  The cheese, sold in rounded cylinders, is semi-hard, pale yellow, coated in red paraffin wax, ages well and does not spoil.  Because of these qualities, it became a popular cheese between the 14th and 18th centuries due to its stability.

imageDeciding to skip the Edam museum, a crooked building near the Damplein, we headed toward the Grote Kerk.  Arriving at the 15th century Sint Nicholaaskerk (St. Nicholas Church), we discovered that it would not open until after one o’clock.  Walking around the cemetery at the rear of the building we inspected the many unique gravestones and statues.

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Our next stop was the Kaaswaag.  Though the weighing and demonstrations take place in this square during the summer months, we were able to see the exterior of the building and the bronze statues of two traditional cheese carriers hauling a cheese cradle.

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imagePassing the 18th century baroque-style Town Hall, we headed down the main street towards Fort Edam.  After a 20 minute walk, we soon found ourselves at the gates of Fort Edam.  Theme of the day in Edam?  Closed.  Peering in, we eyed the aged structure that was once the line of defense from attacks from the north. Not able to enter, we turned around and made our way back from which we came, aiming to catch the next bus and a busier city.

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Catching the next bus to Volendam, we were excited for what the town would hold for us, besides lunch!

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A couple of years prior, I had visited Volendam during the month of November.  Cold, rainy and blustery, it was not an optimum day as we made our way to the waterfront where the wind whipped the waves over the seawall.  After a quick lunch, we had visited one of the photo shops, dressed in traditional costumes and had a great time taking an assortment of pictures with the help of a friendly photographer.

This time, with much nicer weather, we traced the same path into town.  The streets were still filled with tourists, despite it being so late in the season.

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imageThe Dutch town of Volendam, located on the Markermeer Lake is known for its colorful wooden houses, red roofs and old fishing boats that rest in its harbor.  There are many seafood vendors lining the harbor and two fascinating museums, the Volendam Museum, featuring paintings, sculptures, pottery, traditional costumes and art from 19th century artists who visited the area and the Palingsound Museum, which chronicles the local music scene.

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Seeking out the fish and chips restaurant that I had dined in prior, we ducked in for a quick but delicious lunch.  After our meal, we posed with the statues along the waterfront, admired the fine views of the Ijsselmeer (former Zuider Zee), visited the many shops and then unbelievably found the same photography studio with the same photographer!   The studio had changed a bit, but the photographer remembered me and my friends who had visited on that day.

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Changing back into our own clothing, we headed across the pedestrian walkway to the Marken ferry.  Climbing aboard, we were soon sailing out of the harbor and across the Markermeer Lake to the island of Marken.

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Marken’s harbor was filled with boats, restaurants, shops and other tourists waiting to take the ferry on its return to Volendam.  The small town was equally as quiet as Edam had been.  The buildings, however, were much more unique.

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The beautifully painted wooden buildings were built on man-made hills called werven and those that were not, were built on stilts to protect in times of flooding.  We made our way along the streets almost lost in time.  Many of the buildings were decked out with unique Halloween and Fall displays, even some with authentic cobwebs.  Because it was so late in the day, we did not visit some of Marken’s attractions, The Marker Museum, The Original House of Marken, the Lighthouse and the Wooden Shoe Factory, opting only to revel in the beauty of the architecture and charm of the town.

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Eventually, all paths lead to the bus stop and we were on our way back to Amsterdam.  Back to the hustle and bustle of the capital city and away from the simplistic lifestyle of Waterland.  While visiting Amsterdam, if you want to experience the Netherlands of old, be sure to take a day to head out to the Waterland area…you will not be disappointed.

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Getting to Waterland

EBS bus service runs throughout the area and covers all the main towns, villages and places of interest in Waterland.  There are two types of EBS buses, the standard yellow EBS buses and the red and grey R-NET branded buses.  All buses have free Wifi and are wheelchair accessible.

EBS Waterland buses depart from the IJ waterside upper level bus terminal of Amsterdam Central station.  Bus departure times are clearly marked on the screens and there is an EBS ticket and information office.

Sint Nicholaaskerk

  • http://www.grotekerkedam.nl/
  • Address:  Grote Kerkstraat 57, 1135 BC Edam, Netherlands
  • Hours:  April 2 thru October 23, 1330 to 1700
  • Admission:  free

Kaaswaag (Edam Weigh House)

Fort Edam

  • http://www.fortbijedam.nl/
  • Address:  Oorgat 10, 1135 CR Edam, Netherlands
  • Hours:  Open every 1st and 2nd Sunday of each month, April to October.  1100-1600.
  • Admission:  free

Volendam Museum

  • http://www.volendamsmuseum.nl/
  • Address:  Zeestraat 41, 1131 ZD Volendam, Netherlands
  • Hours:  1000-1700, March to October, daily
  • Admission:  Adults, €3, Children, ages 0-13, €1.75

Palingsound Museum

Marken Ferry

  • http://en.markenexpress.nl/
  • Address:  Haven 39, 1131 EP Volendam, Netherlands
  • Hours:  1000 (first departure, Volendam-Marken), 1700 (last departure, Volendam-Marken)
  • Tickets:  Adults, return ticket, €9.95, one-way, €7.50, Children, ages 4-11, return ticket, €6.95, one-way, €5.00.

Marker Museum

  • http://www.markermuseum.nl/
  • Address:  Kerkbuurt 44/47, 1156 BL Marken, The Netherlands
  • Hours:  April 1 thru September 30, 1000-1700, October 1 thru November 1, 1000-1600, Sundays, 1200-1600
  • Admission:  Adults, €3, Children, ages 0-12 years, €1.50

Original House of Marken

  • http://infomarken.com/en/attractions/original-house-of-marken/
  • Havenbuurt 22, 1156 AM Marken, The Netherlands
  • Hours:  Monday thru Sunday, 1030-1800, daily

Wooden Shoe Factory

 

Not This Girl’s Best Friend!

© 2016 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Diamonds are forever…unless you have a small museum and don’t have the adequate security to display them!  What’s the tagline then?  Replicas are forever?

So what do you do on an Amsterdam layover when you need your diamond fix?  Go to the Diamond Museum.  Only you find that there are no diamonds?

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Located in the Museumplein, across from the Rijksmuseum, the museum was created by Coster Diamonds, a large Amsterdam based diamond polishing and trading firm.

Starting with a short educational film, offered in both English and Dutch, the museum takes you through information and exhibits detailing the geologic creation of diamonds and the history of human affection of diamonds.

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imageNot a very large museum, it is filled with replicas of famous jewels, some old equipment used in processing diamonds, information on the history of the diamond industry in Amsterdam and the diamond influence on fashion, entertainment and everyday life.

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imageAlthough much of the museum was devoted to displays, it was interesting to learn about the history of the diamond industry. My favorite part of the museum, however, was the space devoted to stories detailing famous jewel heists.  Another fascinating part was the exhibit on historical crowns decorated with diamonds.  The crowns were well displayed, colorful and a highlight of the mediocrity of the gallery.

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Athough my Museumkaart was expired and I had to pay the full price of admission, the museum was good to occupy an hour of time, especially since the weather was not optimum.  But, if you are looking for an outstanding way to kill more time and see real works of art, walk across to the Museumplein and the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or the Stedelijk Museum.

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The Diamantmuseum Amsterdam

  • http://www.diamantmuseumamsterdam.nl/
  • Address:  Paulus Potterstraat 8 1071 CZ Amsterdam
  • Hours:  0900-1700, daily
  • Admission:  Adults, 10€, 65+/students, 7,50€, Children, 13-18, 7,50€, Children, 0-12, free, Museumkaart holders, free, I Amsterdam card holders, free
  • Getting There:  Take Trams, 2, 5 or 12 or Bus 145, 170, 172, 174 and 197 |

Noord Nourishment

© 2016  Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

When in Amsterdam, everyone seems to gravitate towards Thai food…maybe because there is a Thai restaurant near our hotel, but also because there are a lot of Thai options in Amsterdam.  Occasionally, I like to indulge my Thai taste buds, but more often than not, I like to try other things.

Remembering the first time I went to the Eetcafe Mosveld  (not to be confused with Eetcafe Number One, also in this area), I was officially hooked.  Chicken schnitzel is what they are known for and with extremely good reason.  It is truly divine and probably the best that I have had outside of Germany.  The accompanying sauces  are outstanding and the home-churned seasoned butter placed on the table with the freshly baked bread has caused me to break my diet more than once.  Other dishes are offered as well, as nightly specials, such as fresh grilled fish and occasionally stuffed potatoes as an option other than French fries.
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 And then, there is the fabulous service!  The owner is aware that many crew members frequent his establishment and we are treated very well, though I have always seen his hospitality extended towards all patrons.  At the end of our meal, we are always treated to an after-dinner drink.  The thing that has most made an impact on me, though, is that I have only eaten here about six or seven times over the last three or four years, but the owner remembers what I like and what sauce I usually order.
Another thing that we adore about this place, is that as a group, sometimes it becomes a little difficult trying to remember “who had what” and trying to split the bill, especially after a few beers are involved.  No heavy duty math skills are involved, as we each go up to the bar and the owner charges us individually for what we owe.  Come prepared with cash, however, no credit cards are accepted.
Last year, when my family spent spring break in Amsterdam, with all of the options available to us in the city center, we made the trek across the river, to Amsterdam Noord, just to eat here at my recommendation.  Yes, I heard many gripes about why we had to go so far when there were so many other places to dine, but after our meal was complete,  not one complaint was heard from my picky eaters.  In fact, my family still talks about this restaurant today and the owner still asks about my family!  Now, that’s the kind of place I like to give my business to!
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Night view…you’ll know it by the twinkling lights on the ceiling inside!
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Eetcafe Mosveld

  • Mosveld 47, 1031 AC Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Hours:  10:00-01:00 Sat, 15:00-1200 Sun, 10:00-1200 Wed, 03:00-12:00 Thu, 11:00-0100 Fri, Closed Monday and Tuesday
  • Phone:  +31 20 632 7348

 

 

Wynand Fockink

© 2016  Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Wynand What?  Many have never heard of this place nor know exactly how to pronounce it, but there is a wonderful little surprise that hides behind the NH Krasnopolsky Hotel in Dam Square.  Built in 1679, the Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal (Dutch for tasting tavern) and liquor store resides in the adjacent alley.

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Beginning as a liqueur distillery, a Proeflokaal was added where customers could taste and buy the products.  Today, you can still visit the tasting room, using the time honored way of bowing to the drink and slurping the first sip from a traditional tulip glass.  There are many liqueurs to sample in many flavors, such as butterscotch, lemon and creme brulee as well as genevers, brandies and draft beers.

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Space here is limited but always interesting and I always get very excited when I find out that someone I am with has never been here.  It’s a “must do” on anyone’s visit to Amsterdam!  Ask the bartender to surprise you with something unique…and if you love it, you can wander over to the adjoining store and purchase a bottle to take home!

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Wynand Fockink

  • http://wynand-fockink.nl/nl
  • Address:  Pijlsteeg 31, 1012 HH Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Hours:  Daily, 15:00-21:00

 

 

 

A Utrecht Stopover

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After our visit to the opulent De Haar Castle, the return to Amsterdam was taking us back again through Utrecht.  Seeing an opportunity to circumnavigate the ancient city center, albeit quickly, we decided to hop off of the train and make quick work of seeing a few landmarks.

Finally exiting the train station, after wandering aimlessly through the adjacent shopping center, a quick stop was made for soup and a sandwich.  Realizing that the day was drawing to a close, I wanted to show my friend, Leianne, a few of the things that I had appreciated on a prior visit.

While at the castle, we had learned of the destruction that had been caused by a hurricane in 1674.  The same storm had torn through the city and destroyed the nave of St. Martin’s Cathedral, or the Dom Church as it is more commonly known.  The Church and the Dom Tower still stand separated by the non-existent nave, now the Domplein, a square with trees.  Once the Netherlands’ largest church, dedicated to St. Martin of Tours, it was also the cathedral of the Diocese of Utrecht during the Middle Ages.  The tower, the hallmark of the city, is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.  Standing at 367 feet high, it is on the spot where the city of Utrecht originated almost 2,000 years ago.

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St. Martin’s Cathedral (Dom Church)
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Cathedral interior
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Dom Tower

As we walked up the street toward these two magnificent structures we passed underneath the Dom Tower.  Exiting on the church side, it was easy to imagine the hurricane force winds that caused the destruction many years ago.  The wind was blowing so hard that we were almost unable to put one foot in front of the other.

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Walkway through Dom Tower

Although we did not have time to do so on this day, climbing the Dom Tower can be a wonderful opportunity to see Utrecht from a higher vantage point.  On a prior trip, I climbed the 465 steps to the top, stopping halfway to view the historic bells and the 17th century Hemony carillon.

Once we completed our visit of St. Martin’s Cathedral, we ducked into the Pandhof (courtyard) which is located between St. Martin’s Cathedral and the University Hall at Domplein.  The Pandhof is a peaceful and picturesque monastery garden, where ornamental plants and herbs bloom.  In the center of the garden is a fountain with a bronze statue of the 14th century priest Hugo Wstinc.  One of the most beautiful enclosed gardens in Holland, it is worthy of a few minutes to step inside…and if you are lucky, there will be someone utilizing the magnificent acoustics and playing music for your enjoyment (or for a euro or two!)

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Pandhof Entry and corridor
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Pandhof
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Musician utilizing the acoustics at Pandhof

As the day ended, we walked around a bit more, just checking out the beautiful architecture and relaxed atmosphere that Utrecht has to offer, before making our return to Amsterdam.  Having previously visited Utrecht, I know all that the city extends to visitors. Hopefully, despite the short time here, my friend gained some insight in to what a great place it is to spend time and she will return to inspect it further!

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Utrecht

  • Getting there:  Amsterdam Central to Utrecht, approximately 25 minutes, 5-6 departures per hour, approximtely 17€ roundtrip

Dom Tower

  • http://www.domtoren.nl/en
  • Hours:  Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00-17:00, Sunday and Monday, 12:00-17:00
  • Admission:  Adults, 9€, Children (ages 4-12) 5€, Students/+65, 7,50€

St. Martin’s Cathedral

  • http://www.domkerk.nl/
  • Admission:  Donations accepted
  • Daily, May-September 10:00-17:00, October-April 11:00-16:00, Saturday 10:00/11:00-15:30, Sunday 12:30-16:00