Lars & Laura's Travel Tips: The Netherlands

1. Always carry loose change with you. 

All toilets charge atleast 50 cents, even Mc Donald's. They do not accept 5c coins, so expect to come home with a lot of bronze. #getbronze

2. Be vigilant while crossing the road. 

This sounds like a general life tip, but remember that in Amsterdam you have to contest with a bike lane, then a car lane, then a tram lane... And that's just to get to the middle of the road! Luckily most places have traffic islands with separate crossing signals in between each lane. And don't forget, like the rest of Europe they drive on the wrong side (i.e. the right, which is wrong!!)

3. In the city, there is no need for public transport.

Even though trams are wonderful, they are slow. Because of the amazing cycle ways you can cycle everywhere. Or you could walk everywhere, like we did. It works off the abundance of chocolate sprinkles you ate for breakfast, as well as giving you a good lay of the land. If you are catching the tram, in the middle of the carriage is a ticket booth so you don't get in anyone's way trying to buy a ticket at the door.

4. As mentioned above (twice) there are cycleways, everywhere.

If you didn't know already The Netherlands is famous for its biking culture. As a result the cities are ruled by the cycle, and each village is stitched to the next by a series of interconnected, nationwide cycleways that are better maintained than most roads. Buy a cycle map and head off, everywhere has a handy numbered sign system; find your next number and pedal away. Couldn't be easier. 

5. Venture out and take a day trip, or two.

Amsterdam has so much going for it, it is famous for so many things that you can't keep up. Everyone has their different priorities. So if it is too sunny for museums and exhibitions, or you don't ever plan on spending your whole time sitting in a coffee shop, get on a train (or bike) and see the land. We went to Zaanse Schans to see the windmills, Edam and Volendam to eat all the cheese, and Delft to soak in the adorableness and see the Delftware. Go and explore!

6. Know the difference between a Coffee Shop, Brown Café, and Café. 

A Café is as expected. An establishment for coffee, tea, cakes, and biscuits. 

A Brown Café is a pub. Somewhere that you go to to buy beer primarily, sweet sweet Trippel Bier. 

Finally the Coffee Shop. You go here to buy coffee, and visit Mary J. Remember to only visit reputable shops, look out for the green & white certified Coffee Shop sticker to be sure. 

7. For all your grocery needs, visit Albert Hein. Or as we so tenderly named it: Albert Heinstein.
The blue and white sign of an A turning into a H. Oh how happy I was to see that sign. Lots of different meats to try, we got some things that we knew were pork and were Translated to Swine Treelogs. All the cheese and bread you could ask for. A cooler full of the sweetest chocolate milk you could ask for (that isn't Lewis Road) Chocomel. And a whole row of Dutch and Belgian beer. My favourite being La Chouffé. And if you get home sick, they also stock Monteiths!

8. Cards vs. Cash. 

Contrary to what we've gotten used to in London, the Dutch not only have heard of the concept of electronically paying for goods, but have embraced it, even more than back home. Everywhere takes card, some places even go as far as refusing cash. All train station ticket machines only take card or coins, no notes! A lot of shops don't do cash, and the self checkout's at Albert Heinstein only do cards. Basically make sure you have a travel card, it'll make life a lot quicker, which was a shame for us when the currency conversion store's machines were down and we could only get cash... sigh.

9. Don't fall into the canals.

I was told this by Kirsten. She was telling the truth. The are no steps in or out of the canals, so if you fall in, you stay in. 

10. Eat like the locals do.

All healthy recipe books say it's best for you to eat local food when you go travelling. I don't think they were talking about The Netherlands. 

For breakfast we had bread with butter and chocolate sprinkles on it. And one day we had a huge chocolate pastry covered in Nutella and pistachios. 

For lunch one day we had a big cone of Frites, smothered in mayonnaise.

For snacks we ate all the free cheese we could find.

For the ultimate dessert to eat at anytime do the day, we had Stroop waffles. Two small waffles cuddling together, drizzled in caramel syrup. Best served warm!

Do they fit?

Look out Laura!!

*Strooooooop, click clock clock*

Laura needs to step into the map...

Frites

Giant fans for the hot weather...