Leaving Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Flower Market, Amsterdam, the Netherland

It's quite extreme that this city appeared to be a sin city (of its legal drug and prostitute), but on the other side it has lots of agricultural produce and for sure a big variety of flower.  Supposed I could have taken more photos but the wind and rain were so hard that I gave it up.

Construction everywhere, Amsterdam, the Netherland

On day 1, I found this city very active in many construction works.  Almost every street corner, I saw one or two constructions underway.   Photo 4: noticed quite a no. of buildings weren't built vertically.

Le Pain Quotidien, Bakery & Communal Table, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Once again, I tried this place because of the local crowd.  I looked at the menu outside the restaurant and noticed they served all day breakfast.  So I tried a dutch breakfast with a fresh orange juice and coffee, bread basket, a boiled egg with cheese and ham platter.  Before the meal, a nougat was served.  Noticed the shop has their own preserve, chocolate paste and a wide range of tea/coffee and cooke...  Though I can't take too much cheese, it's really special and I forget my stomach issue - took most of it.  The bread is very nice with their fruit preserve.  No complaint and the breakfast set is about Euros 12.5 net.

The canals, Amsterdam, the Netherland

When I look at all these photos, I recall how my hands got chilled at 4 degree celsius, raining and windy with my umbrella all the way.   The good thing is that my X100 comes in a very handy way that I can switch the aperture and shuttle speed manually, instead of jumping in the on-screen menu.

Kingdom of Bicycles, Amsterdam, The Netherland

As the shuttle van stopped at the hotel, the driver strongly warned me of the bicycles.  As I stepped out of the van, there it came several bicycles running left and right.  Though they were quite skillful from not hitting the pedestrians, you still found yourself in a racing track.  After settling down in the hotel, I went out for a walk.  The scene is very spectacular with lines of bicycles.

Park Plaza Victoria, Amsterdam, The Netherland

Due to the impression of my favourite Park Plaza soi 18 in BKK, I then tried Park Plaza Berlin and this time Park Plaza Victoria in Amsterdam.  This one used to be an iconic landmark in the downtown of Amsterdam - was called Victoria Hotel.  I guess after Park Plaza took over it, there was a new extension with more rooms as well as its neighbour hip brand "Art Hotel" next to it.  

The room is quite spacious with everything needed.  Overall, the service isn't bad and as you are the club carlson member, you get complimentary internet and late check out too.