After landing, I got my bag and made my way to the taxi stand. On the way I passed this cool exhibit for kids teaching them about aviation.
Luckily the weather holding up on the way to the taxi stand.
The famous sign.
As a former early Tesla employee, it was AWESOME to see the taxi lineup!
In a newer Model S, love the all glass roof.
So funny thing, normally I stay at the Doubletree in Amsterdam at the wharf, but this time I wasn't paying attention as I booked and ended up at the one on the north wharf - doh...
At least it had a more boutique vibe.
And really cool rooms overlooking Amsterdam.
Of course the famous warm chocolate chip cookie.
Views from the room.
And the room at night had awesome lighting, much appreciated.
I went downstairs to have a snack before heading to my meetings. A cool vibe in the kitchen and lounge area.
Definitely eclectic.
Faux fireplace.
Then I headed out to take the ferry to the main area and then onto work.
Definitely in the arts district, was actually pretty cool and ultra hipster.
Everyone aboard, a quick 20-minute ferry.
Great views and weather.
Then off to my meetings.
Luckily it was still bright by the time I was done with my meetings and ended up back at the main station and met up with an old colleague who now lives in the Netherlands. We wandered some of the touristy stuff since despite having come several times, never had time to check that out.
Mmmm cheese
The first stock exchange, really cool!
This plaza used to be right by the waterfront before the city filled in more and more.
My friend also being a foodie took me to Foodhallen which was AMAZING! It was the best concept ever with really high quality food from all over the world all in a single hall.
Both being lovers of Spanish food, we had to start with some jamon.
Then onto an entrecote sandwich.
It was AMAZING, probably the best ever with tender and flavorful meat, crunch of fresh lettuce and soft bread.
Then to get a proper gin tonic.
Now onto steamed buns.
Our spread and smattering. Incredibly tasty and flavorful, tried to rein it in a bit, but could come here all the time and highly recommend visiting.
With nightfall in full swing, time to check out the famous red light district.
Sneaking a couple pictures in the not as seedy area.
View from the bridge, honestly the whole thing didn't feel real, more like it's part of a Westworld episode.
Such funny history and having kids and families living right above.
Clearly even the church is into it as well.
Walking back past the stock exchange.
Let's hope the bull market can stay!
Then back to the central station.
Lit up beautifully at night.
And back on the ferry to my hotel.
A funny named bar next to the hotel.
The next morning time to head to the office, and I didn't notice this the day before, but there was a sunken submarine moored nearby.
For lunch ended up at a German restaurant and had one of my favorites, a schnitzel - good but not one of the best.
Then back to work and at the end of the day going back through the main terminal to my hotel on the ferry to freshen up before dinner.
Heading back into Amsterdam for dinner.
The work dinner wasn't anything too exciting and I headed back to the hotel for calls with my team at home base.
When it was time to leave, I ventured back into the Amsterdam area for one final item that I'd been meaning to try for a while.
Wait for it...
The McKroket! Say what you want, but I'm a big McDonalds fan, it simply tastes good. The McKroket is the Dutch speciality based on a croquette.
Looks familiar.
And is actually quite tasty and filling with a potato croquette and sauce. Overall quite good to try at least once.
Then to walk it off, a few pictures of the famous buildings on the canals.
And to the main station again to head to the airport.
Amsterdam is a great city with lots of historic and modern activities. Definitely worth a visit. Follow along to the next part of this multi-part trip when we head to Italy for F1.
Trip links:
- Project
- Dorsia
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