It is true that, traveling over the great big pond from west to east (US to the Netherlands), the jet lag is harder on you than going back to the US. I’m still not tired at midnight, but I want to get up early in the morning, to go sight seeing. It is such a fun and a weird thing at the same time, to explore your home country with Americans. Our plan for the day is a Canal Cruise which includes the Light Festival. This Festival happens every year after the holiday season from half of January till the beginning of February. So, we caught that right on time. Want to know where we are and how we got here? Start at day 1or Part 1 of the trip.

More exploring and shopping…

After we woke up it was time for coffee, but we didn’t have any at our apartment. Did you know that the Netherlands is number 2 in the world where people drink the most coffee?

We are on our way to explore the area near the train station, which I remembered from 2 years ago, when I went to the Netherlands with my husband and kids and met with my cousins.

At the train station we found “Exki”, a cafe with sandwiches and desserts and all kinds of coffee, smoothies and other drinks. Finally this was a place to find almond milk and gluten free desserts for our gluten and dairy intolerant friends.

In lots of places in the Netherlands you need to pay for a restroom. Before entering you’ll put some coins into a machine to get into the restroom area. Restrooms at rest stops on the highway, at train stations or at stores. Just in case, always have some change with you.

After our little coffee break we explored the train station area and the area across from the train station, which are more modern and known brand stores and a good selection of souvenir stands. I didn’t have have good walking shoes and found some for only 15 Euro. At this time of year, most stores have huge sales. I also found a cute little kitty shirt for M.

Back to the apartment, where the other half of the group was staying. We gathered at a fun little restaurant, called “Hummus Bistro d&a”. It was a Middle Eastern place. Nice staff and amazing pita bread, hummus of course and falafel. Not to mention the plates they served everything on were soooo cute!

It was almost 7:30 pm when we walked to the front of “Centraal Station” where the closed and open boats were docked! Time for a Canal Cruise…

Canal Cruise through the Light Festival

It was little chilly on the boat, but there were blankets we could use. Camera’s were ready. It was dark, so we could see all the beautiful light displays from various, famous artists from all over the world. Our captain was great and he told us a lot about the different art pieces and the history of Amsterdam. It was very easy to ask questions! So much FUN!!! Here is an impression of the canal cruise.

After this trip of 75 minutes, the chilly part actually became freezing. You probably think: “Wait a minute! Wasn’t it -20 degrees recently in Iowa? What are you complaining about?” Yes, I know, but this cold is different. It’s a damp cold that can get into your clothes and into your bones. It was dry in Iowa, a different kind of cold, I guess.

We decided to warm up in a restaurant/bar close by. We had soup or hot chocolate. This was actually the first  time I could tell everyone which typical Dutch snacks were on the menu.

• Bitterballen
• Tosti
• Uitsmijter
• Broodje kroket
• Gerookte Paling (smoked eel)

It was so much fun to let them eat “bitterballen” for the first time. They liked it!!!

Back to our apartment and to bed…..gooood night!!! Tomorrow will be part 5 already!

Danielle

Hello everyone,

Welcome to my Crafty Dutch Girl blog! Grab a cup of “koffie” and browse through fun blog posts about our Dutch family expat life in the USA, Dutch history, Dutch recipes, Dutch things to do in the USA and all kinds of crafts and activities. Don’t forget to connect with me for new ideas! “Groetjes en tot ziens”.