Get High in the Netherlands

by Justin Glow on

What were you thinking?

Just outside of Amsterdam, at a dock in Harlingen, a huge crane has been converted to a luxury hotel for two. One guest writes of his experience:

“I stayed here in December 2006 and was amazed by this property. you don’t get much more unusual than a room in a dockside crane. The accommodation was funky, and as good, if not better than many designer hotels. Mind you, the flat screen plasma wasn’t really necessary – who needs to watch videos when you’re able to spin the crane around in your pyjamas at 1am?”

You get to control the crane? How awesome is that!

Anne Frank’s Chestnut Tree to be Cut Down

by Neil Woodburn on

“From my favorite spot on the floor I look up at the blue sky and the bare chestnut tree, on whose branches little raindrops shine, appearing like silver, and at the seagulls and other birds as they glide on the wind. … As long as this exists, I thought, and I may live to see it, this sunshine, the cloudless skies, while this lasts I cannot be unhappy.”

These are the words of Anne Frank whose remarkable diary has been required reading for teenagers worldwide. Today, one can visit the Amsterdam house in which she and her Jewish family hid from the Nazis during World War II. Even more amazing, one can still look out on the same, 150-year-old chestnut tree that so inspired Anne Frank. But not for long. The tree has fallen sick to fungus and the Amsterdam City Council has granted approval for it to be cut down.

This is a very sad, but necessary action. I recall visiting the house myself and being overwhelmed by the history contained within. To be able to look out the window and gaze upon the same chestnut tree truly hammered home the sobering reality of what happened there less than a century ago.

The good news is that a new tree will be planted from a sapling from the original. In the meantime, Anne Frank’s chestnut has about six more weeks before it will be felled–still plenty of time to fly over and check it out yourself.

Fuel for Travel in Amsterdam

by Justin Glow on

Always on the cutting edge of airport innovation, Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and Samsung have recently combined forces to offer a new service called Fuel for Travel. Essentially it’s a storefront with a catchy name — travelers can stop by (in terminals 1 and 2, after passport check) and pack their digital devices full of fresh music, movies, videos, audiobooks, and travel information before they board the plane.

The list of devices compatible with the store is pretty short and Samsung-heavy, and things like the industry-leading iPod are not included, which is like building a toll road and not letting the most popular make of car pay you to drive on it. Almost every single device out there connects in a similar way, so not supporting the extremely popular is really uncalled for.

Interesting idea, I guess… but you’re way better off loading up with content before you leave; I’m sure that everything offered at Fuel for Travel is overpriced for it’s convenience. Still, this could come in handy if you do run out of music and happen to have one the compatible devices. Check out their (horribly designed Flash) website for more details.

Pancake Memories

by Jamie Rhein on

With Pancake Week finally here, I didn’t want it to pass by without mentioning the best pancakes I have ever had. They will forever be one of my high point dining experiences when I backpacked through Europe. Granted, when I backpacked through Europe any meal that wasn’t bread and cheese was a highlight, but the pancakes at The Pancake Bakery in Amsterdam are more than just batter that is poured on a griddle then slathered in butter and soaked in syrup. They are more than the potato pancakes that are my preference.

The Pancake Bakery versions are glorious concoctions that can be either savory or sweet. The menu seems as long as a fine wine list. Be prepared; it can take awhile to make a decision. To help you find the flavor you’re looking for, the international section is a good place to start. Greek? Mexican? Egyptian? Indian? If you have a sweet tooth, chocolate is good. Add some zip by making it chocolate liqueur. Or, add rum–I think that’s what I did. Since the Pancake Bakery is just a few doors down from Anne Frank’s house, it’s easy to combine great eats with one of the places in the world not to be missed if you happen to be traveling in that direction.

Since I was there the restaurant has expanded but it is still in its original location at Prinsengracht 191 in a 17th century warehouse on one of the canals. The pancake in the photo is the Caprese Pancake, a savory selection topped with pesto, tomato and mozzarella.

It’s a Nice Day for an Airport Wedding

by Justin Glow on

I’ve heard of couples getting married in all sorts of ridiculous places like hot air balloons, under water, at a church — but this one takes the cake: Lovebirds traveling through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport can now tie the knot in the departure terminal right before heading off on a honeymoon.

It’s called Schipholweddings, and if their website had an English version I would be more than happy to tell you all about it! For now, I’ll just give you a link to their website and — unless you speak Dutch — you can look at the pretty pictures and imagine all the bad gift ideas for a couple getting married in an airport.