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Trip Report

Netherlands - An experience to savour.

Pride parade of Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam+ 3
  • Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam
  • Netherlands - An experience to savour.
kanwaljeet70242
About Me:I'av passion for travels and have done a bit. It brings me sense of belonging, helps me expand my horizon. I am relaxed easy to go with A Free Bird!! read more

EuropeNetherlands6 days / August - September - October 2016

Highs & Lows

Gay pride

Weather was cold even thou it was summers

Itinerary Overview

The dutch trip happens to be the most sort after in terms of learning and accepting and it all started with a cool bla bla car from Hamburg to Amsterdam 

Amsterdam - I reached the city in wee hours around 6 am with the most amazing car ride ever however upon reaching the center everything seems to be quite and cold but about an hour later the center was buzzing with bands and in no time people gathered started dancing, shouting, soon I realize that I am in middle of gay pride.

Haarlem - The  Haarlem is the seat of the city's government. It was built in the 14th century replacing the Count's castle. Its known for its medieval European architecture and serene ponds in city best way to get here are trains for 25 Euros from Amsterdam 

  Naarden -  Its a small city around 23 km from Amsterdam you can use bla bla car to reach there as its cheap and fast compare to public transport its known for its river vecht.

  • 4 Nights: Amsterdam
    To wear rainbow colors
  • Day trip: Naarden
    DANCE FESTIVAL
  • 2 Nights: Haarlem
    Medival archetecture
Amsterdam - To wear rainbow colors
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Amsterdam To wear rainbow colors

Amsterdam - To wear rainbow colors - null
Amsterdam - To wear rainbow colors - null
Amsterdam - To wear rainbow colors - null1+

I reached Amsterdam at a god speed of 150 MpH in BMW S series bla bla car. Upon arriving at Amsterdam central it was cold and quite so I made myself comfortable in a coffee shop across the station near the canal while sipping my hot coffee I had an glimpse of everyday life of  people as they bicycle around for work. Soon it was bright, sunny and what seems to be quite before suddenly became buzzing in no time with tons of people dressed up for the carnival. I had no idea until i found that's the gay pride 

I got rid of my heavy backpack  for 7 Euros at Amsterdam central where you can easily find lockers however I was back at the pride but this time being a part of it. I met people across every part of the world at same point it had appeared to be the ghetto of the whole world. I danced laughed and smoked on tunes of the band 

After well spend morning hours I went to the famous Heineken Museum walking past dam square where I encountered some amazing buskers however Heineken museum was just breath taking while the beers were on the house because of the pride.

During my stay I visited the famous red light district it was something unusual yet challenging for me to understand the fact that girls were put behind those glasses to feast upon. well while hanging out at a local bar I met David a Swedish guy who was about to leave for Naarden for some dance festival so I  tagged along.

Naarden - DANCE FESTIVAL
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Naarden DANCE FESTIVAL

Naarden - DANCE FESTIVAL - null

Me and David boarded a train to Naarden from Amsterdam central for 40 Euros (please take other mode of transport as trains are very expensive) however we reached in 45 minutes and booked an uber to the location of festival which was somewhere on the banks of river vecht. Good techno music was there with lot of vegan food joints. I danced my heart out as it was my first ever music festival. 

Haarlem - Medival archetecture
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Haarlem Medival archetecture

Haarlem - Medival archetecture - null

Harleem is very close to Amsterdam known for its small ponds and cathedrals you can board a train for 25 Euros from Amsterdam. I spent 2 nights there visiting old monuments and hanging around ponds overlooking the sunset. If you want to take a break from Amsterdam you can solicit in Haarlem

Windmill De Adriaan was something very amusing built in 1779 .The windmill is fully functional, and is capable of grinding grain. However, it is not often in use - it works for tourists, mostly on Saturdays and holidays. Inside the windmill is a small museum, and the interior can be seen.

In Haarlem I mostly enjoyed home cooked  traditional dutch food at my friend's place 

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    Take the train
  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    nothing
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Have warm clothes in Netherlands as it quite cold in summers as well
  • Packing tips?

    Pack light
  • Transportation Tips?

    Use BlaBla Car (carpool website/app) - they are cheap and easily available
  • Any surprises?

    Gay pride

Lodging