Why Amsterdam? First – because it was a direct flight. Second, we only had a layover there (many) years ago and never visited the city. Third, my research said this could be a good starting point for this trip to visit Christmas markets. And, lastly, while we are not in the prime flower season, there was a floating flower market in the city.
Let’s start with the flower market.
These fresh flowers greeted you at the entrance.
Now, since this is the Netherlands, a plethora of bulbs can also be found. There’s a lot of tulip bulbs but other flower types are also available.
Above I mentioned ‘floating’ docks. Really, they are barges anchored in place with the market being in existence since 1862. The photo below shows the greenhouse structures sitting on the connected barges.
Amsterdam has been developing for a millennium. A thousand years ago it was an insignificant fishing village. This history of the city begins in the 12th century when the extensive marshy peat area was reclaimed. Found these maps giving me an idea of location within Europe
Expansions continued when earthen wall dams were built alongside canals. These expansions were not enough. After 1585 a flood of migrants arrived due to its relative political and religious freedom in Amsterdam. Officials realized a cohesive plan was needed. The city council drew up a master plan in a semi-circular fan shape maximizing the canal belt around the medieval center. Sections were developed as needed and funds allowed. So much I didn’t know.
We found a Canal Museum – Grachtenmuseum – that was very informative and gave insight into their planning and the development of Amsterdam. Definitely something we would recommend to others. Plan 45 minutes -1 hour for the visit.
Also saw this sign right outside the Canal Museum. Nice.
We had reservations for a late lunch so most of a morning was free – therefore we wandered.
Came across the Rembrandt plaza and a kiosk was open for Eric’s first gluhwein.
I tried it – Y.U.C.K. No thank you. A tiny sip was all I needed and it was hard to swallow that.
Later on, the ice rink was open and some brave souls were on it. They had these plastic contraptions for balance (or a seat for little ones). That’s another thing we’re not doing. Don’t need broken bones.
That late lunch? Bistro de la Mer
We sat at the bar (where almost all of the sitting was), right in front of these oysters. Eric was in heaven.
This small amuse bouche arrived first – hot salted lemon. It was okay, I tried it, Eric finished most of mine.
We let the server select the oyster types.
Our first courses came next – mine was divine – tiny Dutch shrimp (peeled) w/ celeriac remoulade, horseradish, pepper and OX sauce for myself, langostines pan-fried w/ beetroot, smoked bacon and sauce for Eric.
Eric had additional courses with this arriving next: Mackerel with wasabi ice cream.
We both had the steamed pike-perch w/ autumn truffle and a sauce of chicory and ham, with endive – delicious.
Eric’s meal came with a dessert: pear poached with white chocolate ice cream and red port sabayon. He shared with me. 🙂
Here are some screenshots of the menu.
It was a filling meal and wonderful experience. We would go back again on a future visit to Amsterdam.
Darden Travels 