Thursday, March 12, 2015

Amsterdam

After my trip to Amsterdam, whenever someone asked me what's on your wishlist lately and I would immediately respond back that I want to be reborn as a cow in Amsterdam ! Though I personally don't believe in "reborn" part, but I am like kind of stuck to this place and guess what ? I had to admit it...I never wanted to come back. I neither consider it as city of sin nor a place where one can actually get high. Instead it's a little draft of heaven god created and left it there to become every traveler's dream destination.

Here are some of the fascinating things about Amsterdam during my trip..

Windmills

Windmills are quintessentially dutch.It is the most captivating and unique part of  Holland landscape. Anytime your friend sees a picture of you with windmills at the backdrop, they sure knew its Amsterdam !


Awww !!

Wooden shoe factory 


These shoes are nothing like a Steve maddens' wooden heels and cognac straps but it will sure captivate your attention with its unique shape and floral designs. 
The shoe factory in Zaanse schaans will take you to the whole new experience of how an wooden shoe is made unraveling the dutch history of wooden shoes and its uses .The demonstrations and collections were mind blowing and don't forget to click a picture trying on the giant shoes outside the factory !




Cheese factory

One more attraction in Zaanse Schaans other than its picturesque landscapes and windmills is the cheese factory. Apart from the cheese making demonstration which is fantastic, there awaits a feast for your five senses when you follow the sweet smell of the cheese wafting through the place. It leads you to a delicious cheese tasting experience.


Cheese varieties displayed

Young or old...who doesn't love cheese ! 


cheese animated GIF
courtesy : gify.com
Volendam, Fisher village

Never miss this old fishing village in volendam if you want the traditional dutch experience and a more lively sight of the beautiful and scenic little fishing town with numerous beautiful houses. A ferry takes you to this village giving you the picturesque view exposing the beauty of the island.




Maduradom, Miniature Amsterdam

The miniature park is one of the kind in Amsterdam and located in Hague. Visual delight for all ages to see the entire holland in miniature form walking you through the 'idea of Netherlands' or  what I call as 'Holland in a nutshell'.




Fascinating fact is the architects' attention to details !!


Madam Tussad, Dam square

This has been a popular tourists attraction all over the world but the one in Amsterdam has a fantastic indoor amusement park and quite modernized other than life size wax figures to attract its young audience. You will get a spectacular view of the dam from the building housing madam tussad.


Felt proud clicking this one !


The King
View from the building

The amusement park is quite enjoyable for kids as it creates circus like atmosphere and street artist performances.



Spuk castle of doom

And don't miss out the spooky Spuk castle of doom......It was quite a thrilling experience ;)

scared animated GIF
Courtesy : gify.com

Btw, we missed the spectacular view of tulips since the trip was during winter and missed the official start of the Tulip season. However, canal boat ride and bus tours covered with hop on and hop off did the justice of covering the highlights of enchanting Amsterdam and detouring parts of Rotterdam.






They call it a Las vegas of Europe, but to me the city was more of untouched piece of rich history and enchanting beauty. It shattered in me the generalisation of what world has for the place and made me to submerge into the unique experience and gave the best taste of Europe. And ofcourse, best memories !