Dutch getaway

Johanna & I departed for Amsterdam immediately after my last exam on Wednesday. It's payback time for me for neglecting her for the past few weeks.

It was Johanna's first visit and my third.

The obvious place to visit was Keukenhof in Lisse. We went there after checking in to our hotel on the morning of our arrival. It was a field day for the camera, but not our other camera - the S2 IS as it had gone blind! We just couldn't get it to work. I hope we can get it fixed in London next week.

We got back to Amsterdam later in the evening and managed to take the canal cruise. We visited the notorious red light district after dinner before calling it a day. The next day we visited Gassan Diamond, famous for its Gassan 121 - the unique brilliant cut with 121 facets. Johanna had the opportunity to place a few lovely diamonds on her fingers. I'm sure she felt very happy with that, next to me buying one for her of course. Hmm... Might need to visit Amsterdam again in the future.

We visited few other places - Rembrandt Square, floating flower market, Begijnhof, Leidseplein, the Joordan area, including walking past Ann Frank House. We had the opportunity to sample some traditional Dutch food such as the pancake. Johanna also bought some traditional cookies - kwekeboom, for her colleagues. We ended our trip with a ride on the tram to the suburbs before heading to Amstel Station to board the coach.

Overall, it has been a great trip, especially being at Keukenhof. It was also Johanna's first time in continental Europe. She had gone through two other countries in the process - France and Belgium. We were both amazed with the port of Dover, where we board the ferry to Calais. Johanna didn't quite like Amsterdam as it was disorganised, with so many bikes lying around like "trash" according to her, and the poor design of the buildings in the old town. Amsterdam was also very dirty, as she thought London is dirty enough. But she did enjoy Keukenhof a lot and the views on and off the canals too.

I've posted some photos from Keukenhof at http://jihying.com/photos/?a=55 and of Amsterdam at http://jihying.com/photos/?a=53.

To view more photos, please click Keukenhof and Amsterdam.