Monday, July 1, 2024

A Holiday in Paris,Amsterdam & Luxembourg

We took a break in Europe this summer before we went to India. It was exciting to be in the city of lights, and Paris really is the city of love. We loved walking down the streets, having amazing food and exploring the culture of this city. It’s not perfect, but Paris grows on you. 

We also had a three day break in Amsterdam. The place was vibrant, much easier to navigate and we also had many fun moments there. Hope this blog helps you! 

Summary of Our Paris Amsterdam Trip and Luxembourg trip


Itinerary Overview


  • Day 1 : Land in London
  • Day 2 : Meta office, Train to Paris
  • Day 3: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Seine River dinner cruise (highly recommend the dinner cruise)
  • Day 4: Luxembourg
  • Day 5: Palace of Versailles, Montmartre
  • Day 6: Exploring Normandy in a rental car
  • Day 7: Mont St. Michel, return to Paris, Eiffel Tower at night
  • Day 8: Art experience, Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, Emily in Paris locations, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe
  •  Day 9 :  Train to Amsterdam, and walking around Amsterdam city + Canal Cruise 
  • Day 10 : Fishing Village Volendam, NDSM and  Anne Frank Museum
  • Day 11 : Zaanse Schanns
  • Day 12 : Van Gogh Museum, vondelpark meeting Ridhu and travel back to London.
  • Day 13: Travel day


Weather


  • Paris : The weather was rainy and unpredictable. It’s advisable to carry a jacket and some fall clothing even in summer. The rain typically stops after a while, allowing you to continue with your plans.
  • Amsterdam : The weather was sunny and perfect and in the afternoons pretty hot. 


Logistics


  • Paris : The Paris metro system is excellent and well-connected. We used the Citymapper app for navigation and bought metro tickets as needed. Note that children also require tickets, unlike in London. Uber is available but more expensive.
  • Amsterdam : The Tram, metro and the intercity trains are all very convinient and easy to figure out with city mapper. We did not take uber at all in Amsterdam.  


Accommodation


  • Paris : We stayed in the 3rd arrondissement. The apartment was small but well-equipped, though it lacked a view and was on the ground floor, making it difficult for Uber or taxis to access. Next time, we might opt for a better apartment with a view and a washer and dryer. There are many YouTube videos on the best arrondissements to stay in.
  • Amsterdam : We stayed bang in the center of Amsterdam and hence the place was expensive. But it really felt great to get rooms done, and walk to all spots easily. 


Laundry


  • Paris : Our apartment had a washer, but we had to use a towel warmer and air dry our clothes. Not ideal, but it worked.
  • Amsterdam : there was no laundry in the hotel, but a cheap laundry service a few blocks away helped in getting our last minute laundry to be washed. 


Food


  • Paris : The food quality was generally excellent. French cuisine is flavorful and tasty, and the baked goods are amazing. Be sure to try baguettes, croissants, and pain au chocolat.
  • Amsterdam : The Dutch specialities we tried were bitter ballen, the fries, the Dutch pancakes (small ones) and the bigger pancake, the stroopwaffles and the best cookie in the world from Van Pastel. 


Bathrooms


  • Paris : Public toilets are hard to find. Most cafes allow you to use their restrooms if you make a purchase, or they may charge a small fee (1-2 euros).
  • Amsterdam : public toilets were available but some were required to be paid. 


People and Language


  • The locals were welcoming and helpful. We managed fine with English in both Paris and Amsterdam.


Safety


  • In Paris, Be aware of pickpockets and fake petitioners at popular tourist locations.
  • In Amsterdam, we let our guard down and did not feel the theft vibe much 


Attraction Highlights


Paris


  • Louvre: Impressive. Buy tickets online to avoid long lines. Prioritize seeing the Mona Lisa.
  • Eiffel Tower: Long wait to climb, and we couldn’t get online tickets. It was an okay experience, mainly to check off the list. For the night experience, aim for 11 pm in summer.
  • Seine River Dinner Cruise: Highly recommend.
  • Luxembourg: A one-time visit city with a fairytale vibe but felt a bit sleepy.
  • Palace of Versailles: Enjoyed the gardens more than the interiors. No audio tours used. Worth visiting for the beautiful palace and gardens.
  • Montmartre: Highly recommend exploring this area, especially the steps of the Basilica.
  • Mont St. Michel: Best experienced by staying overnight and walking in the early morning before the crowds. Highly recommend exploring Normandy and staying at Hotel Gabriel.
  • Normandy: Other than cider tasting and D-Day beaches and memorials, don’t expect a scenic route. The drive was enjoyable as part of our trip to Mont St. Michel.
  • Luxembourg Gardens in Paris: Recommended for families with small children; the sailboat experience was delightful. A nice area to relax and read.
  • Notre Dame: Check for street performers. The cathedral is closed until December 2024.
  • Arc de Triomphe: Easy climb with good views.
  • Other Attractions: Visit locations from “Emily in Paris” if you’re a fan, and don’t miss the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore.


Amsterdam


  • Canal Cruise : Highly recommend this, and we were lucky to do it at sunset. It was very pretty. 
  • Volendam : a cute fishing village, easy to get to and would recommend 
  • Zaase Schaans - I recommend this place if you want to see many windmills in a row, the cheese tasting here was really nice. Again a cute village. 
  • Amsterdam city : Very nice walkable / bike-able city, and the canals are a highlight 
  • Anne Frank Museum : definitely recommend this 
  • Van Gogh Museum : we took an audio tour here and this really helped understand more about Van Gogh and his paintings and the different stages of his life and how that reflected in his paintings. 
  • VandelPark : I did not go here, but Sree and kids went there and Pranav did some biking


Day 1: June 13th-14th - Travel Day


We began our journey around 3:30 pm, leaving home and heading to the airport. After checking in our luggage, we had a meal at our usual Mexican spot at the airport. With full stomachs, we waited at the gate and boarded our flight at 6:30 pm.


The flight was uneventful but sleep was elusive and uncomfortable. We all ended up watching movies instead. The flight lasted about 10 hours, and while the food was okay, I didn’t eat much.


Upon landing in London, it took us a bit of time to figure out the Uber pickup location at Heathrow Airport, as we had used the London Underground on our previous visit. Once we found it, our Uber arrived, and we embarked on a 1-hour and 15-minute ride to the Crowne Plaza. The traffic was noticeable, and everyone except Sree dozed off during the ride.


We finally arrived at the Crowne Plaza, checked into our room, and took some much-needed rest. The kids immediately fell asleep. Later, we ordered food via Uber Eats from an Indian restaurant, had dinner, and went back to sleep, recharging for the days ahead.






Day 2: London to Paris


We all woke up around 4 am. Pappu and I checked out the gym, and I managed a 30-minute workout. Afterward, Sree had his turn at the gym. Once we were all dressed, we decided to have breakfast at the Crowne Plaza since the kids were really hungry. The breakfast felt better this time than the last, though it was still quite expensive. Conveniently, we stored our luggage at the hotel.

Breakfast! Her favorite baked beans


I then took a nice 1.2-mile walk from the Crowne Plaza to the Meta office. It was chilly and drizzling, but the walk was invigorating. Passing King’s Cross Station, I reached the Meta office, an impressive 11-story building. I took the elevator to the rooftop terrace and enjoyed the view.


At the London Meta Office
After spending some time there, I walked back to the hotel. We packed up and took an Uber to St Pancras Station. Our train to Paris was scheduled for 12:30 pm. With some time to kill, we grabbed some food, explored the upper level, and I took a photo with the statue of the man with the hat, just like SRK in “Jab Tak Hai Jaan”. We then completed the check-in process for the train.
St Pancras Station


Had missed taking a pic here last time
We chatted for a bit before all of us fell asleep. The train arrived in Paris on time at 4 pm. We disembarked at Gare du Nord and took an Uber to our apartment, arriving by 5 pm. The traffic in Paris was intense, but I enjoyed looking at the old buildings along the way.

The path to the apartment in Paris



Our apartment was quiet and well-connected. After dropping off our luggage and resting for a bit, we decided to explore the city. Paris’s walkability was delightful. We headed towards the Seine River and found a wonderful restaurant for dinner. The food was delicious; I enjoyed my French onion soup, and we also tried the cheese platter, lasagna, and burger.






Enjoying the beer

French Onion soup

Crembule




After dinner, we continued our walk in search of the Eiffel Tower. To get a full view, we had to walk even further. We took a break for coffee, hot chocolate, and crème brûlée. The kids were getting tired, so we headed back to our accommodation and called it a night.



Day 3: In and Around Paris


We woke up to a rainy morning, disrupting our initial plan for a quick morning walk. With the kids still sleeping, Sree went out alone and came back with some food. Meanwhile, the kids and I woke up slowly, taking advantage of the fact that nothing in Paris opens until 10:00 am. We got ready leisurely and started walking to the Louvre around 9:10 am for our 10:30 am entry ticket.


We arrived right on time at 10:00 am. Seeing the iconic glass pyramid of the Louvre in person was breathtaking, and taking photos in front of it was a must. We even saw some dancers performing to Bollywood music for an Instagram reel. Inside the museum, we grabbed a quick bite and decided to target the Mona Lisa first. The museum food was decent, and it wasn’t too crowded, allowing us to get some great pictures.


Louvre






ok, the Monalisa!



Afterward, we explored other key paintings recommended by ChatGPT. By the time we left the Louvre, the kids were tired, so we took the metro to the Eiffel Tower, being extremely careful about pickpockets. Upon arrival, we grabbed some fries (which were bad) and a hot dog for the kids. We stood in line for lift tickets to the summit, but halfway through, we were informed there were no more tickets available. We settled for tickets to the second floor, which I had heard offered amazing views.


The second-floor views of Paris did not disappoint. We took photos, bought some macarons for the kids, and noticed the summit had reopened. However, since we only had second-floor tickets, we decided not to go back for summit tickets, reasoning the view would be similar. Pappu and I walked down while Sree and Tara took the lift.





Eiffel and me







We took more photos in front of the Eiffel Tower before heading to a nearby café. The waiter, who turned out to be a Malayali from India, was friendly. The kids enjoyed a fruit and Nutella croissant and a chicken wrap, while Sree and I had coffee and cappuccino.




walk along the Seine



After spending a good hour at the café, we walked to the Seine River cruise area. The walk along the Seine was lovely, and we boarded the cruise on time. With live music, excellent food, and great drinks (my Old Fashioned was a hit), the dinner cruise was a delightful experience. We had window seats, enhancing the enjoyment. The one-hour cruise showcased sights like the little Statue of Liberty, which the US gifted to France, and the Eiffel Tower.
















By the end of the cruise, we were tired but happy. Although the weather was amazing, the kids were exhausted, so we took an Uber home instead of walking. We did some laundry, marking the end of a wonderful day.


Day 4: Luxembourg


Did you know Luxembourg is the richest country?

We started our day early, heading out to catch the 8:10 am train to Luxembourg. We arrived at the station around 7:25 am, giving us enough time to sit and relax before boarding. The train journey was smooth, although we arrived in Luxembourg 30 minutes later than scheduled.





Once we arrived, we found the free public tram that took us to the Luxembourg town center. The city was charming with its clean streets and old architecture. We strolled around and soon found the entrance to the Bock Casemates, a network of tunnels built for military purposes centuries ago. Exploring these tunnels, we enjoyed some stunning views of the old city.




Casemates 







For lunch, we had a hearty meal at a Thai restaurant. Afterward, we mapped out a few places of interest and continued our exploration of the old town. We took an elevator down to the lower part of the city and made stops at a quaint bookshop and a delightful chocolate shop opposite the Duke’s Palace. The hot chocolate there was a treat, made by melting chocolate into hot milk.


walking in the park




View of the old town



Relaxing 










We wandered through more of the city until around 5:00 pm, when we found ourselves with two hours to kill before our train back to Paris. We decided to head to the train station early to see if we could catch an earlier train. Unfortunately, our connecting train ticket couldn’t be changed. We thought we might have better luck at the connecting station, but after some dynamic plan changes and 30 minutes without a seat, we were told there was no way to exchange our tickets.


Ultimately, we waited for our scheduled connection, which was a bit inconvenient but part of the travel experience. We made the best of the wait and reflected on our day in Luxembourg.


We arrived back in Paris at 10:30 pm and reached home by 11:00 pm, tired but satisfied with our day’s adventure.


Day 5: Versailles & Montmartre


Today, we woke up, got dressed, and were trying to get an Uber to Versailles as we were already running late for our 11 am entry. The friendly guy who runs the cafe next to our apartment suggested we try hailing an Uber a few blocks away.


We followed his advice, and soon we were on our way, reaching the Palace of Versailles in about an hour. The interiors of Versailles were impressive, but the highlight for us was the gardens, where we spent a delightful hour. Our lunch at Angelina in Versailles was a standout moment. They managed the crowd efficiently, and the food was delicious. I finally got to try their famous hot chocolate, which lived up to its reputation.


Palace of Versailles





Angelina's hot chocolate! Yummm










After lunch, the kids were getting restless, but we were determined to explore the Montmartre area. We took an Uber, and everyone took a much-needed nap during the hour-long ride.


Upon arriving in Montmartre, we instantly fell in love with the place. The iconic love locks, often seen in movies, were a charming sight. The view of Paris from the steps of the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur was breathtaking. We spent about 40 minutes to an hour enjoying the scenery and indulging in some yummy crepes.


Sacré-Cœur



Streets of Montmarte


Emily in paris location 

The most beautiful street in Paris




The love wall




Next, we wandered around Montmartre, visiting spots like the Love Wall and the charming Café Maison Rose. The entire area had a unique, vibrant atmosphere that made us so glad we decided to come.


After soaking in the beauty of Montmartre, we took an Uber back to our apartment. We spent the rest of the evening packing for the next day and then called it a night, content with the day’s adventures.


Day 6: Driving Around Normandy


We woke up early to pack and head to Paris Nord train station to pick up our rental car. Our goal was to leave Paris before rush hour. Navigating the city streets was a challenge, but we finally made it to the highway.


Our first stop was an overlook near Rouen, where we enjoyed a scenic view of the city from above. Then, we drove to the World War II memorial in Caen. The memorial was profoundly moving and meticulously curated, highlighting the immense loss of life during the war, including the American soldiers who perished on D-Day.



WW2 memorial Caen



City of Rouen

After Caen, we followed the cider route, a delightful part of the Normandy experience. We sampled some local cider, calvados (a type of fruit brandy), and cheese, particularly Camembert.


Apple cider tasting!








Next, we visited the American cemetery just before closing. The sight was somber and powerful, offering a view of Omaha Beach, a pivotal D-Day location.


We then drove to Bayeux, where we spent about 30 minutes exploring the town. Despite its historic charm, it felt a bit sleepy, perhaps due to it being a weekday.


Bayeux!







As the day progressed, we headed straight to Mont Saint-Michel, where we had a dinner reservation at a restaurant near our hotel. After a bit of confusion finding the location, compounded by language barriers, we finally arrived and enjoyed a delicious three-course meal.


Our hotel, Hotel Gabriel, was perfectly located, just across from the restaurant and within walking distance of Mont Saint-Michel. We checked in and settled into our unique two-story room, calling it a night after a long and fulfilling day.


Day 7: Mont Saint-Michel


I woke up early today, around 6:30 am, and went for a walk. It was the highlight of the day—a peaceful morning with a light breeze, the first rays of the sun, and happy sheep grazing nearby. Soon, Sree joined me, and seeing Mont Saint-Michel in the early morning light was spectacular. I’m so glad we did this walk before the crowds arrived.


Early morning view!







I returned to the room a bit early to get the kids ready and give them breakfast. Sree joined us shortly after. Once we checked out, we took the shuttle to Mont Saint-Michel.


The sight was still breathtaking. Entering Mont Saint-Michel felt like stepping into Hogwarts or Diagon Alley. Our first stop was the abbey, as we had tickets for the 9-11 am entry. The abbey exuded rustic charm, and the views from there revealed the low tide and the surrounding area.

















Felt like walking in Hogwarts



After exploring the abbey, we grabbed a bite to eat, took a few more photos, and then took the shuttle back to the car. We set off for Rennes and, after an hour’s drive, dropped off the car at Avis at Rennes station. We grabbed a quick bite to eat before boarding the train back to Paris.


The train journey was uneventful. During the trip, Kungu and I looked up some locations to visit the next day in Paris. Upon arriving in Paris, we took the metro to our apartment and walked a bit.


Once we reached the apartment, we rested and ordered dosas from Chennai Dosa, enjoying a very satisfying meal. The food was delicious, especially the Sambhar Vada and Sambhar.


Indian food!



Around 9 pm, we set off to see the Eiffel Tower flicker. We reached around 9:54, expecting it to flicker at 10:00. However, since it was still dusk, it didn’t flicker until 11 pm. We sat around for an hour, along with many others who were there for the same reason. There were even some people taking photos in gowns in front of the tower, and one person proposed!


The wait was worth it—the flickering was mesmerizing, and now the kids can proudly say they saw the Eiffel Tower flicker at night.







Exhausted but content, we took an Uber back to the apartment and called it a night.



Day 8: Paris!


We began our day with a delightful coffee at the café next door. Energized, we caught an Uber to the immersive art experience. We chose the exhibit on Egypt, but there were multiple options available. The visuals were stunning, and we highly recommend this experience to everyone.


This was a great experience 






Afterward, we walked to Notre-Dame, stopping for lunch at a nearby pizza place. The salad was unique, and the pizza was delicious. We then continued our walk to Notre-Dame and took some photos.



Notre Dame 


Next, we visited the Shakespeare and Company bookstore. It was a charming place, and we all spent some time exploring its nooks and crannies.



Enjoying her books 


From there, we made our way to the locations featured in Emily in Paris, including the Pantheon area. We saw the front of Emily’s apartment, the café, the boulangerie, and the fountain. The area was tranquil and beautiful. The kids even got some boba from a nearby shop.


During a restroom break, the kind lady at the boba shop allowed us to use the restroom in the apartment complex. It was an Indian-style restroom, which was a new experience for the kids, but they managed fine.




Emily's apartment behind me

Gabrielle's restaurant 



We then headed to the Luxembourg Gardens, a picturesque spot where we all relaxed. Kungu found a cozy corner to read, while Pappu and I discovered sailboats for rent in the main fountain area. Renting a boat was a lot of fun for him and Sree. I took a stroll to see the Medici Fountain before we left.








Our next stop was the Champs-Élysées, a famous street lined with branded shops. At the end of the street stands the Arc de Triomphe. We enjoyed some ice cream, took a break, and then walked further to the monument. We crossed the road via the underground tunnel and reached the Arc.


A talented violinist was playing beautiful music near the monument. The line to enter wasn’t too long, and after climbing about 250 steps, we reached the terrace for a breathtaking view. From there, we could see the Eiffel Tower, a fitting sight for our farewell to Paris.









As we returned to our apartment, the Friday evening party vibes were in full swing. People were dancing to loud music in different segments. We made a quick stop at a store to buy some shampoo before heading back.


Once at the apartment, we freshened up and packed for our departure in the morning. We ended the day by savoring the Calvados and Camembert cheese we brought from Normandy. Although the cheese was quite smelly, it paired wonderfully with the drink.


Goodbye, Paris! We loved exploring your streets, riding the metro, and enjoying a bit of the countryside. I’ll always cherish the sight of the illuminated Eiffel Tower and how Paris truly lived up to its reputation as the city of love.


Day 9: Travel to Amsterdam


We woke up early, packed the last of our belongings, got dressed, and checked out of our apartment in Paris. After a quick Uber ride to the Paris-Nord station, we had about an hour to wait before boarding our Eurostar to Amsterdam.


The 3-hour train ride passed quickly. I worked on my blog, the kids entertained themselves with their iPads, and Sree alternated between reading and napping. The only downside was that the café on this Eurostar wasn’t up to par.


We arrived at Amsterdam Central Station and immediately found the tram stop right outside. Using Citymapper, we easily navigated our way to our hotel, which was conveniently located in the heart of the city. Our room was spacious and comfortable.


After a brief 30-minute rest, we set out to find a place to eat. We settled on a restaurant where we ordered Amsterdam’s specialty, bitterballen, along with ricotta pasta, a salad, and two avocado sandwiches. The food was mediocre, but it fueled us for the rest of the day.






bitterballen



Next, we discussed booking a canal cruise and decided on an 8:30 pm slot. We then explored the floating flower market and wandered around the Jordaan area on foot. We passed by the Anne Frank House and stopped at a nearby pancake place. I tried a cheese pancake, which wasn’t to our liking, and the coffee was just okay. Unfortunately, our culinary experiences in Amsterdam hadn’t been impressive so far.



Floating flower market





Pancake!











We returned to the hotel for a 40-minute rest as the kids were tired. Later, we made our way back to the central area for our canal cruise. There was a bit of confusion about the pier location, but we eventually sorted it out. The 8:30 pm boat was crowded, so we opted for the next one at 8:45 pm. This turned out to be a great decision as we enjoyed the golden sunset during our 1-hour cruise. We marveled at the slanted houses, churches, houseboats, and the narrower canals of the Red Light District. The vibrant nightlife of a Saturday evening was a sight to behold. A kind lady from Egypt sitting next to us gave Pappu a stroopwafel, which he enjoyed along with a Fanta.


However, Pappu soon felt uncomfortable, likely due to the aerated drink and being hungry. After the cruise, we walked to a Turkish restaurant called Istanbul. Pappu complained of stomach pain and spent some time in the bathroom before feeling better. We ordered a delicious meal, and everyone was satisfied.


We took the tram back to our hotel, carrying Pappu part of the way from the tram stop. He seemed to be feeling better, and we were all ready for a good night’s rest.



Day 10: Amsterdam!


Sree and I woke up early and decided to take a morning walk around 8 AM. We stopped for coffee at the Coffee Company cafe, where we enjoyed a great cup of coffee. The early morning walk was really refreshing.


Morning walk along the Canals





After returning to our hotel, we got the kids ready and set off to visit the fishing village of Volendam. This quaint town, with its charming color scheme of orange, black, brown, and green, reminded us a bit of Santa Cruz. We strolled around, soaking in the picturesque surroundings. For lunch, we chose a local restaurant. Though the food took a while to arrive, it was worth the wait. The chicken curry with rice was delicious, and the kids enjoyed their tomato soup.





Volendam




Orange, green and brown!


After exploring Volendam a bit more, we headed back to Amsterdam Central, planning to visit NDSM next. However, just as the bus was about to arrive, Pappu needed a bathroom break, causing us to miss the bus. We caught the next one to Amsterdam Nord, but with more delays due to additional bathroom breaks, it took us a while to finally reach NDSM. Tara then wanted to stop at Starbucks, adding another 15-20 minutes to our journey. We eventually took the ferry and arrived at NDSM around 4:10 PM.


We visited the Straat Museum, and since it was close to closing time, they reduced the ticket price for us. The museum was amazing! We were captivated by the street art.









After the museum, we met up with our friends Div and Dwarak from California. It was such a pleasant surprise to meet them in Amsterdam! We spent some time catching up, took the ferry back to Amsterdam Central, and enjoyed some delicious fries and bitterballen at a local fries place.



Meeting Div!




Our next stop was the Anne Frank Museum for our 7:15 PM tour. After the tour, which ended around 7:45 PM, the kids and Sree were exhausted from the day’s activities. Although we had planned to join Div and Dwarak for dinner at Anna Vilas, we decided to head back to the hotel and call it a day. It would have been great to dine together, but the full day of walking had left everyone super tired.


Day 10: Windmills


We started our day leisurely, with a slow morning and a trip to the nearby laundromat. Our first notable stop was the Van Stapele cookie shop. The aroma inside was incredible, and after buying a pack of eight cookies, I found that the taste truly lived up to the Instagram hype—these cookies were excellent.


Next, we strolled through Dam Central and found a spot for breakfast. The portions were huge, but the chicken shawarma pancake, churros, omelette, and Sree’s eggs were all delicious.


After breakfast, we headed to Central Station and caught a sprinter train to Zaandam. We paused for about 10 minutes to take photos of the Instagram-famous building there, then took the train to Zaanse Schans.



Zaandam


Upon arrival, we spotted the iconic windmills and wandered through charming Dutch cottages. The local shaved ice vendor was a lifesaver in the scorching sun. After exploring and taking photos, we visited an antique shop and a cheese shop. The cheese was amazing, with a variety of flavors. We bought two types and made it back to the train station just in time for our train back to the city.













Back at the hotel, we took a much-needed two-hour rest. Feeling hungry, we decided to go to Anna Vilas for dinner. We ordered the banana leaf porotta that Divya had recommended, a South Indian thali, dosa, starters, and filter coffee for the kids. The food was tasty, and we had a satisfying meal. However, the lack of air conditioning on a hot day left us drenched in sweat by the end of it.




We returned to the hotel, enjoyed the comfort of the air conditioning, and turned in early for a restful night.


Day 11: Last Day in Amsterdam


We packed up and checked out of the hotel in the morning. Our main plans were to visit the Van Gogh Museum, meet my old friend, Ridhu, and do some biking.


At 9:30 am, we entered the Van Gogh Museum and took audio tours. The kids followed along, and we took a break at the cafe when they got hungry. I hurried through the remaining exhibits to meet Ridhu at 11:30 am.





Vangogh Museum


I took the tram to our meeting spot. It was wonderful catching up with Ridhu after 16-17 years. Meanwhile, Sree and the kids finished the museum and headed to Vondelpark for some biking.


We reconvened at a restaurant for lunch. After some souvenir shopping, we went back to the hotel to collect our luggage and made our way to the central station. We arrived early, taking a few final snapshots of Amsterdam as we waited for the train.


Met Ridhu!

Once on the train, we were enjoying the ride when we learned it was delayed by 45 minutes. We hoped our connecting train to London from Brussels would also be delayed, but it wasn’t. The train company arranged for us to stay in a hotel in Brussels and catch the first train to London the next morning.






Arriving in Brussels late, Sree stayed back while the kids and I took an Uber. We had to find restrooms, which took time, and locating the Uber pickup was challenging. At the hotel, we were redirected to another hotel a kilometer away. We walked through lively but occasionally shady streets with our luggage. The second hotel could only provide us with two rooms instead of one, which we accepted. Sree joined us shortly after, and we finally got some rest for about four hours.



Day 12: Back to London and flight to India 


So today early morning we woke up and went to Brussels midi. We woke up at 4:30 am and dressed and reached Brussels Midi by 5:40. The information center had not opened. But since there were two lines, one of us stood in one line and the other in the information line. We also met Ankur, who is a plastic surgeon, from Kent who was in the same situation as us. 

Finally the doors opened and we were able to get into the first train that left Brussels. 






It was an hour and a half journey and we reached London around 9:00 am. Because the London is 1 hr behind Brussels. 

We got into our room, and they also gave us late checkout. 


We rested for a while and then repacked for our flight to India. We went down and stored all our luggage. Rested a bit in the room while the kids napped and then figured out a place called Masala zone for lunch. It was in Covent Garden. I wanted to go to hoppers but since butter chicken was priority for Tara, we went to masala zone. 

The food was decent and kids were happy. I really enjoyed the Nimbu Pani with mint that they made. 







Post a heavy and hearty lunch we walked around Covent Garden. Pappu likes to watch street performers and volunteer for their shows. Last year he had done and he remembers and wanted to do it again this time. We watched the street performer shows and he got a chance to volunteer. I enjoyed walking around Covent Garden today and clicking some snaps. And in an hour we decided to get back to hotel.




We collected luggage, called Uber and then did the 1.5 hr drive to the airport. I slept an hour during this time. 


All check in procedures went smoothly at the airport and we also was able to get into the lounge. In a short while we will board and there I want to end my vacation diary of this trip. 


I always enjoy exploring places - this time what will stay with me is walking around the seine in Paris, the early morning walk in Amsterdam, the street art museum, the early morning walk in Mont St Michele. 














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