We have been given tickets to Amsterdam for the last 10 days of October. I plan to spend most of the time in The Netherlands and perhaps some time in Paris. It will be whirlwind tour of art museums. The people who gave us the tickets intended to spend more time in Paris. I know it's weird, but I have little desire to go to Paris, except for maybe The Louvre. I don't shop and I am not interested in fashion, fancy food or wine. My idea of vacation is to take long walks, see rural areas and scenery. Using public transportation we can get around to lots of places. So, I would love suggestions for where to go in the Netherlands, overnight or day trips from Amsterdam. I have even thought about Copenhagen, would it be really cold the last week of October?
So if we go to Paris, can I wear my Land's End jeans and tee shirts and sturdy walking shoes?
Paris is an adventure. It's a beauuutiful city but if you don't have the tolerance or patience for some of the people / situations you may face, then it's probably best to avoid it. With that said, I've not been to Holland before, but I've never heard bad stories about others' visits.
Either way, I think you'll have a good time, whichever direction you choose. Not to mention the photos you'll get :)))
Lucky lucky you!! Am so jealous :-)
Amsterdam city is fab for pics, the canal, bikes and the tall narrow buildings are great. It can get pretty wet and cold that time of year tho, similar to the UK, ugg! The Van Gogh museum is pretty interesting (and there is a sex museum too, way odd, lol).
And.. Paris I loved, my only regret isnt I didnt get to see any of the touristy area's other than driving in and out as I drove from London. I was there for work, but I did work and stay in the Saint Germain area which is near the river and is very bohemian, arty, chilled and in parts, quite posh. Again fab buildings eveywhere, lots of little alleyways to wander down and there is the oldest church there too. Hope you do go and have a wonderful time!
susan, I'm parisian and be very happy to give you tips about it and eventually amsterdam where i've been few times... or other places in europe if you need. you can send me an email by going on my profile page, click on my blog (may be you'll see ideas to visit!) and clik on "contacter l'auteur".
Thanks everybody. It seems our kids who offered us the tickets had not checked to see if they could be changed to our name. They are unrefundable. Right now Orbitz is saying they can't transfer them to us, so they are checking with KLM. So, the trip may not take place. I appreciate the advice and hopefully will get to do it someday.
@parisouailleurs
Thanks for the offer. I hope I did not insult your city, it is just that I am a country mouse and not into fashion or shopping or eating. (I might be into both if I had Euros to spend!) Our kids really enjoy great food and would be far more into eating and drinking. They may have to go after all.
@omabluebird do not worry Susan, there's absolutly no reason to feel insult. You don't have to love Paris! the offer is still there for you or your kids...
Ah, I hope you do get to make it. I live an hour away from Amsterdam and it has so many things to see. If you do get the chance, I would definately suggest a canaltour by boat. You see all the sights from very interesting angles, you're never stuck in traffic and a lot of tours are also in English.
Be prepared to spend some time in public transport, you don't want to use cars in Amsterdam. If you're up for it, there are some really good bike rental options, that will get you around. Public transport is the best way though. But for a bit of fun, there are also riksja like cabs that will get you to many touristy places for a small fee. If you get to go and want any more tips, just give me a shout somewhere :-)
@indiannie_jones@parisouailleurs@raymond
Well it is official we are not going. It turns out it is Homeland security law not the airlines that makes the rules. The kids have decided not to go to Paris because of some security concerns, but to take day trips from Amsterdam. Raymond, the things you mentioned are just the kind of things I would love.
Our son and his wife has a very good friend who lives in Amsterdam and plays in the Royal Concertgebouw, so they will have a great tour guide. He got them tickets to a Mahler concert which would be a highlight for me. I am glad they are going even though they had doubts for a while.
I hope to make it there someday and I appreciate your willingness to give me advice. And anyway I have lots to do at home right now. And the last 10 days of October I will be caring for their 5 and 1 year olds.
Been to Amsterdam a couple of times. Can recommend http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/index.jsp?lang=en it's a great modern art gallery. Never been to Paris but hope to one day! Enjoy your trip.
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Either way, I think you'll have a good time, whichever direction you choose. Not to mention the photos you'll get :)))
Amsterdam city is fab for pics, the canal, bikes and the tall narrow buildings are great. It can get pretty wet and cold that time of year tho, similar to the UK, ugg! The Van Gogh museum is pretty interesting (and there is a sex museum too, way odd, lol).
And.. Paris I loved, my only regret isnt I didnt get to see any of the touristy area's other than driving in and out as I drove from London. I was there for work, but I did work and stay in the Saint Germain area which is near the river and is very bohemian, arty, chilled and in parts, quite posh. Again fab buildings eveywhere, lots of little alleyways to wander down and there is the oldest church there too. Hope you do go and have a wonderful time!
@parisouailleurs
Thanks for the offer. I hope I did not insult your city, it is just that I am a country mouse and not into fashion or shopping or eating. (I might be into both if I had Euros to spend!) Our kids really enjoy great food and would be far more into eating and drinking. They may have to go after all.
Be prepared to spend some time in public transport, you don't want to use cars in Amsterdam. If you're up for it, there are some really good bike rental options, that will get you around. Public transport is the best way though. But for a bit of fun, there are also riksja like cabs that will get you to many touristy places for a small fee. If you get to go and want any more tips, just give me a shout somewhere :-)
Well it is official we are not going. It turns out it is Homeland security law not the airlines that makes the rules. The kids have decided not to go to Paris because of some security concerns, but to take day trips from Amsterdam. Raymond, the things you mentioned are just the kind of things I would love.
Our son and his wife has a very good friend who lives in Amsterdam and plays in the Royal Concertgebouw, so they will have a great tour guide. He got them tickets to a Mahler concert which would be a highlight for me. I am glad they are going even though they had doubts for a while.
I hope to make it there someday and I appreciate your willingness to give me advice. And anyway I have lots to do at home right now. And the last 10 days of October I will be caring for their 5 and 1 year olds.