3 Days in Amsterdam (May 2019)

I wanted to go to the birth place of Miffy, the Netherlands.

From Brussels, we took the train to Amsterdam.

Went to the Heineken Experience for a tour + tasting. Even though it was touristy, I still wanted to do it and learn about the history of Heineken. I have to admit though, it was pretty commercialized compared to the brewery tour we did in Brussels. I learned that they roast their barley to give it the yellow golden color.

Dinner at the Pantry for traditional Dutch food.

After dinner, we strolled around the city and canals for some night photography.

Day 2

We went on a tour to see the tulips (it was the end of tulips season!)

Great timing because there were no more tours after this day since it was the end of Tulips season.

3 hours at the gardens was enough time.

After that, we went to the Moco Museum which was really cool.

Took a boat tour.

Tales and Spirits was a hip speakeasy-like bar, very cool. I got a really good cocktail with raspberry and chocolate, and then we got these group cocktails – one with a barbie doll in a bath tub and they played the splish splash song.

Day 3

We decided last minute to rent a car to go to Volendam, a fishing town with colorful wooden houses and old fishing boats. Tasted some cheese and saw a demonstration of people making clogs.

We ate herring and eel again, which were pretty good. Then walked along the seashore — there’s a beach, restaurants and food vendors.

I got these mini pancakes with chocolate and banana from a vendor and THEY WERE AMAZING!!!! BEST PANCAKES I EVER HAD. They were like little medallions, perfect size, and a little crispy on the outside. SO GOOD.

Next, we drove to Edam.

We went to the visitors center and got a map, walked around, saw some church, another cheese place, some canals, and it was all really picturesque and pretty! I was glad at this point that we rented a car because we wouldn’t have been able to walk around these random places. Sure, you could take a group tour but I really liked having time to leisurely walk wherever we wanted to. This town was beautiful. So much greenery, and I envy their houses! They all looked so modern and chic and cozy.

Then we drove to Zaanse Schans for windmills. Lots of tourists. We got lots of pictures and got a stroopwafel. So good.

Drove back to the city for the Miffy store where I got a bookmark, keychain and Miffy shaped cookie cutters. Yes, I’m a child.