wyly Posted August 25, 2010 Report Posted August 25, 2010 I didn't think of doing a travel report but since it was requested...not that I know how to do a travel report... Netherlands/Amsterdam-one very very very crowded country, about the size of Vancouver Island with 1000 per sq mile vs the Island's 57 per sq m...the country is one gigantic garden...busy highways traffic can be intimidating and I'm a veteran of the Deerfoot, then there are the smaller one lane roads with two way traffic...locals both ignore and obey traffic laws it seems to be an art form to when to know when to do so, bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, cars, trams, buses you need eyes in the back of your head to stay alive don't assume because you're on a sidewalk you're safe, never change direction of your walk without first shoulder checking,an impulsive change in direction could be fatal... Dutch women have mastered the art of riding a bicycle in a mini skirt and spiked heels with a kid or friend riding on the back, kids grow up on bicycles here...lot's of tourists so lines to enter the popular sites were long but my hotel sold tickets that got me to the head of the line...the Red light district of Amsterdam seems to have spread from it's previous location but no one seems too bothered my hotel was right around the corner but in three days there I never noticed it...my teenagers wanted to visit a "coffee" shop, no they don't serve any coffee that I could tell, having experienced "coffee" in my youth I thought I could handle it with ease luckily I had a teenagers with me to guide me back to the hotel ...that was some wicked "coffee"and it was only medium strength...very friendly people couldn't find anyone who didn't speak English... Paris...Beautiful city expect long lines of tourists at any place of interest, start the day early to avoid long waits(hours)...I came in expecting the worst behaviour from the French but all the stories of hostile Parisians I found to be crap...locals everywhere were very kind and made every effort to help me in English and make our stay a pleasant one...stayed in the city center near the Louvre, numerous cafe's, bakeries, pubs, shopping, museums, this city doesn't seem to shut down at night....Louvre is a monster of a museum 16K of galleries,we did them all in 5 hours, Mona Lisa wasn't so special...Eiffel was impressive, avoided the two hour wait for the elevator and took the stairs, a five minute wait at half the price, climbed to the 2nd level 400 steps?(damn near died)...Notre Dame was free okay but nothing special when it comes to euro cathedrals...Versailles wow what a stunner, I used to feel sorry from king Louis and Marie-A but once I saw it I could understand the rage of the starving masses, you can see the palace in pictures but until you're there in person do you reallyt get a feeling of the cost/waste of it all, 5 hours to see the palace and gardens, take the mini train to see the garden and outer palaces the walk is a killer...took the boat tour on the Seine loved it, the entire river is alive with people day and night...still one of my favourite things was sitting at a corner Starbucks watching the Parisian ladies go by...traffic in Paris is insane. the number of lanes appears only to be suggestion for the number of cars crowding in, scooters and motorcycles rule, drivers can smell fear in the tourists and will squeeze you out of the crosswalks if you hesitate, best guide is do as the Parisians do and cross when they do and show no fear, but still be prepared to run... Quote “Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.”- John Stuart Mill
Shakeyhands Posted August 26, 2010 Report Posted August 26, 2010 sounds like you and the family had a great time! I plan one day to do all of that on my motorcycle, because, really it's the only way to travel. Quote "They muddy the water, to make it seem deep." - Friedrich Nietzsche
wyly Posted August 26, 2010 Author Report Posted August 26, 2010 sounds like you and the family had a great time! I plan one day to do all of that on my motorcycle, because, really it's the only way to travel. europe seems to be motorcycle friendly, splitting lanes in stalled bumper to bumper traffic is allowed,that always gave me a start when it happened...as is pulling ahead of cars stopped at red lights...and parking on sidewalks which is handy since parking spaces are at a premium... Quote “Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.”- John Stuart Mill
nicky10013 Posted August 26, 2010 Report Posted August 26, 2010 I didn't think of doing a travel report but since it was requested...not that I know how to do a travel report... Netherlands/Amsterdam-one very very very crowded country, about the size of Vancouver Island with 1000 per sq mile vs the Island's 57 per sq m...the country is one gigantic garden...busy highways traffic can be intimidating and I'm a veteran of the Deerfoot, then there are the smaller one lane roads with two way traffic...locals both ignore and obey traffic laws it seems to be an art form to when to know when to do so, bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, cars, trams, buses you need eyes in the back of your head to stay alive don't assume because you're on a sidewalk you're safe, never change direction of your walk without first shoulder checking,an impulsive change in direction could be fatal... Dutch women have mastered the art of riding a bicycle in a mini skirt and spiked heels with a kid or friend riding on the back, kids grow up on bicycles here...lot's of tourists so lines to enter the popular sites were long but my hotel sold tickets that got me to the head of the line...the Red light district of Amsterdam seems to have spread from it's previous location but no one seems too bothered my hotel was right around the corner but in three days there I never noticed it...my teenagers wanted to visit a "coffee" shop, no they don't serve any coffee that I could tell, having experienced "coffee" in my youth I thought I could handle it with ease luckily I had a teenagers with me to guide me back to the hotel ...that was some wicked "coffee"and it was only medium strength...very friendly people couldn't find anyone who didn't speak English... Paris...Beautiful city expect long lines of tourists at any place of interest, start the day early to avoid long waits(hours)...I came in expecting the worst behaviour from the French but all the stories of hostile Parisians I found to be crap...locals everywhere were very kind and made every effort to help me in English and make our stay a pleasant one...stayed in the city center near the Louvre, numerous cafe's, bakeries, pubs, shopping, museums, this city doesn't seem to shut down at night....Louvre is a monster of a museum 16K of galleries,we did them all in 5 hours, Mona Lisa wasn't so special...Eiffel was impressive, avoided the two hour wait for the elevator and took the stairs, a five minute wait at half the price, climbed to the 2nd level 400 steps?(damn near died)...Notre Dame was free okay but nothing special when it comes to euro cathedrals...Versailles wow what a stunner, I used to feel sorry from king Louis and Marie-A but once I saw it I could understand the rage of the starving masses, you can see the palace in pictures but until you're there in person do you reallyt get a feeling of the cost/waste of it all, 5 hours to see the palace and gardens, take the mini train to see the garden and outer palaces the walk is a killer...took the boat tour on the Seine loved it, the entire river is alive with people day and night...still one of my favourite things was sitting at a corner Starbucks watching the Parisian ladies go by...traffic in Paris is insane. the number of lanes appears only to be suggestion for the number of cars crowding in, scooters and motorcycles rule, drivers can smell fear in the tourists and will squeeze you out of the crosswalks if you hesitate, best guide is do as the Parisians do and cross when they do and show no fear, but still be prepared to run... I only got a couple hours in Amsterdam on my way back from Warsaw with friends. Had a 6 hour layover at Schiphol, so, while we were waiting we just hopped on a train and went straight into central Amsterdam. The people we met were very nice and the city itself looked beautiful. Would love to go back. I spent 10 days in Paris in October. I found the history really interesting but it wasn't necessarily as fun and hip as Berlin or even Krakow, though I think we got lucky in Krakow. After doing all the museums I wouldn't mind going back just for the boulangeries and the cafes. The food was the best. Versailles was fantastic. We also did the walk all the way out rather than take the trolly. The walk itself I didn't find long, but the cobblestones really do damage to your feet. To anyone who wants to go to Paris and avoid the lines I've got some tips. Do the Eiffel Tower at night. The lights are incredibly amazing, there's actually a light show every hour you can watch from Trocadero Square before or after you go up. I went a week after my sister and she said she went during the day and the line was 8 hours long. I went at 10 at night and the line was 40 minutes. 40 minutes is still long but a lot better than 8 hours. For things like the Louvre, early is better, think about being there 30-40 minutes before it opens. We did that with the Louvre, Musee D'Orsay and Versailles and we got right in as soon as it opened. As for everything else, think about going late or early in the season. I went in late October, it was 20 degrees every day, the city is actually open because during the summer most of the city is on vacation and the flights and hotels are cheaper. Finally, if you don't like paying full price or are contemplating a museum pass, check to see if you have a student card. Though I had graduated, I showed my university student card and I never paid anything more than half price for any museum or attraction and got discounts for the metro. Quote
wyly Posted August 26, 2010 Author Report Posted August 26, 2010 I spent 10 days in Paris in October. . After doing all the museums I wouldn't mind going back just for the boulangeries and the cafes. The food was the best. Versailles was fantastic. We also did the walk all the way out rather than take the trolly. The walk itself I didn't find long, but the cobblestones really do damage to your feet. in Paris save the feet and buy a pass for the river bus or the red bus get off and and on as much as you like....the cobbles and gravel walkways are what did my kids feet in, good shoes are the key to avoid the pain...To anyone who wants to go to Paris and avoid the lines I've got some tips. Do the Eiffel Tower at night. The lights are incredibly amazing, there's actually a light show every hour you can watch from Trocadero Square before or after you go up. I went a week after my sister and she said she went during the day and the line was 8 hours long. I went at 10 at night and the line was 40 minutes. 40 minutes is still long but a lot better than 8 hours. night is ok on the Eiffel but then you you can't make out the landmarks, buying tickets to the resturaunt on the 2nd level lets you bypass the lines but at 80 euros per plate it's pricey...if you're healthy the stairs is half the price and only a 5 minute wait when I went mid-afternoon on a very busy day...For things like the Louvre, early is better, think about being there 30-40 minutes before it opens. We did that with the Louvre, Musee D'Orsay and Versailles and we got right in as soon as it opened. As for everything else, think about going late or early in the season. I went in late October, it was 20 degrees every day, the city is actually open because during the summer most of the city is on vacation and the flights and hotels are cheaper. Finally, if you don't like paying full price or are contemplating a museum pass, check to see if you have a student card. Though I had graduated, I showed my university student card and I never paid anything more than half price for any museum or attraction and got discounts for the metro.want to avoid lines at the Louvre go early as you say or late...but you can also pre pay for your tickets on-line and print out the email ticket which allows you to bypass the ticket lines which can be several hundred meters long and avoid the entrance under the Pyramid there are side entrances for pre paid ticket holders...my kids walked directly in the Lourve(zero wait time) on a 2nd visit using the side entrance through the underground mall... Quote “Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.”- John Stuart Mill
nicky10013 Posted August 28, 2010 Report Posted August 28, 2010 in Paris save the feet and buy a pass for the river bus or the red bus get off and and on as much as you like....the cobbles and gravel walkways are what did my kids feet in, good shoes are the key to avoid the pain... I got a metro navigo pass. Neat souvenir (which I can relaod and use whenever I go back) and I got unlimited travel for the week. night is ok on the Eiffel but then you you can't make out the landmarks, buying tickets to the resturaunt on the 2nd level lets you bypass the lines but at 80 euros per plate it's pricey...if you're healthy the stairs is half the price and only a 5 minute wait when I went mid-afternoon on a very busy day... You actually can make out all the landmarks in stunning clarity. They're all lit up at night and I could easiy find all of them. want to avoid lines at the Louvre go early as you say or late...but you can also pre pay for your tickets on-line and print out the email ticket which allows you to bypass the ticket lines which can be several hundred meters long and avoid the entrance under the Pyramid there are side entrances for pre paid ticket holders...my kids walked directly in the Lourve(zero wait time) on a 2nd visit using the side entrance through the underground mall... That's a good tip. We went through the pyramid but since we were there early we got in no problem. I loved how the the final scene from the Da Vinci Code, with the two pyramids meeting, was actually in the mall. I don't know about you but I really liked the Louvre. I know a lot of people who liked Musee D'Orsay a lot better, but to me, a wall full of Da Vinci's can't be beat. Furthermore, it's not even just that, the historic work they have there is just mind boggling. Liberty Leading the People, Raft of Medusa, the Coronation of Napoleon (spectacular!!!!!!) is just mind boggling to stand beside. I felt very much the same way standing next to Napoleon's tomb. It's earth moving realising that you're standing to one of the most historically important people the world has known. Quote
wyly Posted August 28, 2010 Author Report Posted August 28, 2010 (edited) You actually can make out all the landmarks in stunning clarity. They're all lit up at night and I could easiy find all of them. my next visit I'll do at night after dark, the elevator lines should be shorter as well...advanced tickets for Versailles can also be purchased on line from here, again saves you time avoiding the ticket line and proceeding directly to the entrance... I don't know about you but I really liked the Louvre. I know a lot of people who liked Musee D'Orsay a lot better, but to me, a wall full of Da Vinci's can't be beat. Furthermore, it's not even just that, the historic work they have there is just mind boggling. Liberty Leading the People, Raft of Medusa, the Coronation of Napoleon (spectacular!!!!!!)Louvre was great it's one of those touristy spots you must see even if you don't like museums, my only issue was it's soooo big that after a while all the pictures blur together, my kids who are graphic arts students focussed on certian pieces that were most relevant in art, my favourite exhits were the winged bulls from Iraq and Hamarabic Code...I also heard from those who have done both Louvre and D'Orsay that they liked the D'Orsay better but we were short time and as we had seen a lot of impressionist art in Amsterdam decided to pass on this one... is just mind boggling to stand beside. I felt very much the same way standing next to Napoleon's tomb. It's earth moving realising that you're standing to one of the most historically important people the world has known.or like standing on the spot where Louis and Marie A were beheaded, thousands of years of history, walking and sitting in the same places as Kings, Emperors, Tyrants have, people who shaped the world the way it is today... Edited August 28, 2010 by wyly Quote “Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.”- John Stuart Mill
nicky10013 Posted October 1, 2010 Report Posted October 1, 2010 my next visit I'll do at night after dark, the elevator lines should be shorter as well... advanced tickets for Versailles can also be purchased on line from here, again saves you time avoiding the ticket line and proceeding directly to the entrance... Louvre was great it's one of those touristy spots you must see even if you don't like museums, my only issue was it's soooo big that after a while all the pictures blur together, my kids who are graphic arts students focussed on certian pieces that were most relevant in art, my favourite exhits were the winged bulls from Iraq and Hamarabic Code...I also heard from those who have done both Louvre and D'Orsay that they liked the D'Orsay better but we were short time and as we had seen a lot of impressionist art in Amsterdam decided to pass on this one... or like standing on the spot where Louis and Marie A were beheaded, thousands of years of history, walking and sitting in the same places as Kings, Emperors, Tyrants have, people who shaped the world the way it is today... So, I'm in the process of planning my family Euro vacation. Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Florence, Naples and finishing up in Rome. OR, the other way around. I've been to Berlin so I know the city fairly well, but if you or anyone has any tips for the other cities that would be great. Quote
wyly Posted November 19, 2010 Author Report Posted November 19, 2010 So, I'm in the process of planning my family Euro vacation. Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Florence, Naples and finishing up in Rome. OR, the other way around. I've been to Berlin so I know the city fairly well, but if you or anyone has any tips for the other cities that would be great. sorry I can't help you out on any of those, planning my next trip Rome and Barcelona...then another trip east, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghi, Bangkok, Singapore are all on my wish list...best tips I can advise... venere.com for hotel bookings, read the guest reviews but ignore comments from americans they're out of touch with reality...check for museum passes on line they can save you time and money, book as many things as possible on line... rome tip(from my cousin), when visiting the vatican arrive very early an hour before opening and avoid long waits to get in (4hrs)or you can pay double the price and get to the head of the line, ladies must cover up or be refused entry, I think men are not allowed short pants...going early for any popular museum is a good idea to avoid the crush then relax in the afternoons on the sidewalk cafes and free scenic spots... general eating tip, bakeries and sandwich shops where the locals snack will save you a small fortune... keep your clothes in plastic bags in the hotel rooms and bags zipped to reduce the chance of bringing back unwelcome guests (bed bugs)... as much as possible learn a few words in the language of the country even if it's only hello, please and thank you they appreciate the effort no matter how bad you are... Quote “Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.”- John Stuart Mill
bush_cheney2004 Posted November 19, 2010 Report Posted November 19, 2010 ...best tips I can advise... venere.com for hotel bookings, read the guest reviews but ignore comments from americans they're out of touch with reality...check for museum passes on line they can save you time and money, book as many things as possible on line... LOL! Venere.com is owned by Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE)....an American company headquartered in Bellevue, Washingtion, US of A. Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
Guest American Woman Posted November 19, 2010 Report Posted November 19, 2010 best tips I can advise... venere.com for hotel bookings, read the guest reviews but ignore comments from americans they're out of touch with reality...keep your clothes in plastic bags in the hotel rooms and bags zipped to reduce the chance of bringing back unwelcome guests (bed bugs)... This is too funny to pass up..... Ignore the comments from "out of touch with reality" Americans and listen to wyly instead ... and end up booking a hotel that has bedbugs. :lol: Quote
dre Posted November 19, 2010 Report Posted November 19, 2010 So, I'm in the process of planning my family Euro vacation. Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Florence, Naples and finishing up in Rome. OR, the other way around. I've been to Berlin so I know the city fairly well, but if you or anyone has any tips for the other cities that would be great. I went earlier this year and thought Amsterdaam was great. One bit of advice Id give is to not spend your WHOLE trip in cities that are mega tourist destinations. Theyre expensive, and hectic. I went to the netherlands and france and spent about 1/2 of my trip in places like Paris, and Amsterdaam, and the other half in a cottage that I rented in a commune in the South of France in place called Ceret. I hiked around the mountains, played a bit of golf and relaxed by the pool. My 2 bedroom cottage with a swimming pool cost me less than half per night of what a crappy hotel room in Paris did. Quote I question things because I am human. And call no one my father who's no closer than a stranger
wyly Posted November 21, 2010 Author Report Posted November 21, 2010 (edited) I went earlier this year and thought Amsterdaam was great. One bit of advice Id give is to not spend your WHOLE trip in cities that are mega tourist destinations. Theyre expensive, and hectic. I went to the netherlands and france and spent about 1/2 of my trip in places like Paris, and Amsterdaam, and the other half in a cottage that I rented in a commune in the South of France in place called Ceret. I hiked around the mountains, played a bit of golf and relaxed by the pool. My 2 bedroom cottage with a swimming pool cost me less than half per night of what a crappy hotel room in Paris did. it is hard to avoid the mega tourist locations because they have a lot to see in one location...so while it is expensive it saves you travel time you can see a number of sites in one day where as in the country side there great equally great sites but it can take up the entire day to see just one...and there is just so damn much to see...I agree the countryside is a great place to unwind, I stayed with a relative in a small town for a week away from the tourist mobs and enjoyed that, my kids weren't to happy preferring the excitement of city life .... travel tips... there are boutique hotels that now have GLASS bathroom walls, the glass is frosted but it can be a wee bit awkward depending on who your traveling with...fleshy bits are obscured but still visible through the glass...read the hotel reviews and study room photos carefully before booking...again don't pay attention to american reviewers they expect a perfect Vegas suite in every hotel, chances are if the review is really bad it's from an american guest so take it with a shovel full of salt...if a european gives a scathing review, stay far away it's most likely true... this is europe these hotels are generally not like ours, sometimes hundreds of years old and very small, all you really need is a clean room and friendly service... if you're really brave don't prebook hotels or cancel when you get there...simply phoning hotels the day of arrival can get you great deals, there are often cancelations and hotels want those rooms filled and there are deals to be had...I tried it once in amsterdam and it worked, I got awesome 5 star hotel for $60...I wouldn't do this with kids in tow... if you want to stay for a week to a month in one location like Paris, there are city center apartment rentals that can save you thousands... Edited November 21, 2010 by wyly Quote “Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.”- John Stuart Mill
bush_cheney2004 Posted November 21, 2010 Report Posted November 21, 2010 ...again don't pay attention to american reviewers they expect a perfect Vegas suite in every hotel, chances are if the review is really bad it's from an american guest so take it with a shovel full of salt... ...I tried it once in amsterdam and it worked, I got awesome 5 star hotel for $60... More LOL! This irony is delicious....don't pay any attention to some Canadian travel reviews because they tend to be really really cheap and are the worst tippers too. Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
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