Europe Travelogue - Day 1: Amsterdam Chapter

I have mixed-feelings upon the invitation to join the trip to Amsterdam. Even though, the invitation was like 'a dream come true' but at the same time it would actually means that I'll be away from home, from the children for a straight 6 days and I've never done that!! Anyway, there's always a first time for everything, and if I survive this, there might be a lot more coming     ;)


Well, the departure day finally sets in and it's going to be a transit in Changi before the actual flight to Schiphol (out of so many places in the world, our transit just turn out to be Changi - well, you cant expect much since you are flying with SIA-duhh).


So, Day1 (it was 18th in KL and 18th again in Amsterdam)

It's actually the first time I set foot inside the International Terminal of KLIA even though I was there when the whole complex was still in its skeleton form and there was dust everywhere in 1997. Unfortunately, I can't really takes my time admiring the complex so forget about KLIA, here come Changi.

Changi Airport Singapore

Changi, being design in such way that really out stand it as a huge air complex by integrating the 'domestic' terminal with the international but other than that, well it's still an airport so nothing much difference from KLIA though.


Upon boarding the plane - it's economy all right with 3-3-3 arrangement and somehow, am stuck with sitting in the middle of the middle row between a malay bloke (one of my entourage) and a danish bloke ( I presume) which interestingly looks like Einstein. Anyway, we were served supper in the middle of the night - talk about timing and the food - what do you expect?!

Schiphol Airport Amsterdam

It was roughly about 6am when we touch down in Schiphol, and it was expected to be negative 4 Celsius. When you are leaving the warmth of the plane loading yourself via the passageway, you can seriously feel the chill and woww, IT IS DAMN CHILL!! It was not a smart strategy by just holding on to your sweater instead of your coat as it does not seriously cover you up. It is freezing cold upon arrival in Amsterdam!!


Walking away from Schilphol Airport in order to get to our transportation was kind of 'challenging' (given the fact this would be the first time that I ever had to brave through minus 3celcius), you had to abstain the freezing cold while dragging your luggage and the windy morning doesn't help much even though it was just 100 meters walk ! Hey, I'm like those in the movies - breathing out cool air - seriously exciting despite the cold.

the lobby of Hotel Terminus (inset-hotel front)

Anyway, it was only half an hour journey to our hotel-Hotel Terminus. OMG!! I had to drag the bag through 2 up-going stairs and another stairs going down upon exit the lift in order to get to my room, and the corridor was very narrow! This is seriously an experience I would never forget! And the room was so tiny, unlike any standard hotel room that I've been with single bed and 3foot wide circulation area in between bed and the wall, but at least it has an attached bathroom and a bay-window overlooking the street!

the stairs leading to my room after the lift

my tiny room (lucky enough to have attached bathroom)

view of Beurs Street from my room's bay window

gloomy skies - flock of birds

After getting refresh, I'm all excited and at the same time, blessed of not having any serious jet legged upon arrival, but 13hrs straight in flight is really something that I'm not looking forward to indulge in near future!!




Walking your way through the streets in Amsterdam really beats you out - It's freezing cold, my nose freezing, and wearing head scarf doesn't makes any difference, you still need something else to cover your head especially your ears, learn my lesson!

And, most interesting of all, I stumble on this particular unit of what should-we-call, a shop or an apartment that is so tiny in width which barely could fit a single door, in between 2 standard size shops!! Also, almost all of the building were constructed to be tilted towards the road, for the reason - goods can be transported inside via the window and not the stairs (remember the narrow stairs of Terminus Hotel?)
 

it looks like the building is collapsing? NOT!!

My group and I went for souvenir hopping from shoppes to shoppes. These guys are serious about shopping - who said women can go nuts for shopping spree - wrong fact here, though  ;)  Anyway, the Orange Jersey cost a bomb and the workmanship was not so neat,so forget about the jersey! Bought some fridge magnet as souvenirs ..before we settle down for kebab as our lunch - the portion was huge!



Later in the afternoon we managed to get a ride on the river cruise boat. Amsterdam skyline was kind of gloomy due to the weather and somehow it suits all the architecture and I enjoy it!

the water is freezing, yet these ducks seems to be okay..

bridge and more bridges..

Red Light District at night!

After dinner we head towards the 'red light district' - the famous legalised prostitution area in Amsterdam ..euwwww grossss!!! all those women wearing skimpy bikini standing in front of the red-lighted bay window calling out for 'customers'...and they're huge-the sort of trans-gender size back in Malaysia!! However, other than that, I like walking through the night passing by all those building - the architecture detailing under low light create the fancy out of it, however walking alone is not advisable!! but imagine this - it could be quite romantic walking hands in hands with your love ones under the clear sky and very cool weather enjoying the architecture!! haiiihhhhh - dream on Medzz!!!



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