The title of this week's blog post is in reference to my latest adventure in Holland and Belgium. While in Amsterdam this past weekend, I really wanted to try traditional Dutch cuisine, so I asked my tour guide for some recommendations. His response was "pancakes!" I then asked again about more dinner style options...again his response was "pancakes!" To my dismay, I did not get to eat a traditional Dutch dinner (I did eat pancakes for breakfast and they were delicious)...because I couldn't find a restaurant that served one! Therefore, I am just going to assume Holland does not have a traditional dinner dish, meaning I didn't miss out on anything!
This past week was full of fun stories! Starting off with a night out at the pub on Tuesday night. A friend of mine's mum was in town so we set out for a traditional English pub dinner. We got to a local pub and waited to order food till everyone joining us arrived. As soon as we decided what to order, we were told the kitchen was closed!!!! I think it is crazy to stop serving food at 7:30pm! I would think there is a lot more money to be made after this time in the evening, but oh well....on to the next pub. We quickly ordered because their kitchen was on the verge of closing for the night as well! I finally got to try my first steak and ale pie....it was scrumptious! I don't really know how I made it nearly two and a half months in England without trying a famous pie from a pub. Now that I have tried one, I am a big fan! On Thursday, the food craze continued and I went out for my first cream tea. The scones were delicious, but to my surprise I wasn't the biggest fan of the clotted cream...I think I would have preferred butter. Even my mom highly recommend clotted cream and she does not have the same sweet tooth I have!! Oh well, afternoon tea was a delightful experience (that statement sounds very British...one a side note I was speaking with one of my roommates from back home today and I couldn't remember what a coach was called in America aka a charter bus...I think I have been here too long!).
On Friday, my spur of the moment trip to Amsterdam commenced! I took the train into London Paddington and then the tube to Victoria. Another train to Brighton and finally boarded a coach to Amsterdam. We drove through the night which wasn't too bad, but I was stuck sitting next to the rudest person ever!! He sprawled out and took up more than his allotted portion of the row! We took the Eruostar across to France, which was neat to see the coach fit onto the train. Next think I knew, we arrived in Amsterdam! Since it was around 7:30am on a Saturday, meaning the activities of Friday night had recently ended the city was very dirty and I wasn't a huge fan. As the sun came up and more people on bikes emerged...I saw more of the city's unique character. All the canals were gorgeous. The city isn't too big and I think I was able to cover a large portion of it during the day. I also took a boat tour around the canals to see more of the sights...I think the best way to get good pictures! My only regret is I did not go inside the Anne Frank House...the line was long and at the time I didn't want to wait...oh well maybe on my next trip. That evening I went on a quick tour of the Red Light District to see the oldest profession in the world! It was....um....interesting...actually it wasn't as bad as I imagined. There really were girls in front of glass doors or on beds or chairs...but thankfully there were well covered, at least the important areas were clothed...for the most part.
The next morning I went to a local Dutch village named Zaanse Schans. It was a very touristy area, but worth seeing. I got to see how wooden clogs are make and taste the most amazing cheese! There was this one cheese that was pesto flavor and it looked like green playdough, but it tasted so good! I also got to see working windmills...I love windmills...I know it's a weird obsession, but they are so cool looking! I also learned that the Dutch are famous for their diamond cutting skills, therefore there were many diamond shops and I wish I had the spare money to make a purchase...oh well...maybe next time! Next on the trip, after a three hour drive, was the beautiful city of Bruges, Belgium. I loved it and I tried really hard to follow my aunt's recommendations of trying: waffles, chocolate, and beer while in Belgium. Unfortunately, I only had time for two out of the three things...I had to skip the beer. Although, I didn't realize Belgium is known for over a thousand different brews of beer! One day, I hope to try them all...I know I am ambitious :) The town was lovely and has persevered the Medieval architecture well. Bruges was by far my most favorite place I visited on this trip and ranks in the top five places I have been since I have been in Europe. Back to the food...the waffles...oh the waffles, they were so good!!! Just melted in my mouth...even better than my dad's homemade waffles and that is saying something. Then the chocolate...I would like to think of my self as a die-heart chocolate lover and I died and went to heaven when I tried fresh truffles from Belgium. Belgium chocolate really does live up to its reputation and surprisingly it wasn't too expensive! I would have liked to try the famous mussels or flemish stew while I was there, but there just wasn't enough time. The trip was worth it, but it went too fast! I could see myself visiting Bruges again and maybe even Amsterdam, I am glad I got to see both cities at least once. The ride back to England wasn't too bad and I now have three British visas! The only mishap was taking the wrong train from Gatwick to Victoria and having to pay for a new ticket...thankfully it wasn't too expensive.
I cannot believe I only have two more weeks of classes! I begin my trip to Spain-Italy-France-Ireland a week from Sunday and it seems unreal that it mid-April already. Aron comes in this week and I am so excited to see him. This weekend I am going to a riding competition and camping!! Then, I have my first final next Monday. WOW...I can not believe how fast this experience is going. Well, until next time....I should probably start preparing for my first final!
No comments:
Post a Comment