Amsterdam, NL - That Time I Almost Fell Off a Windmill

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR TAKEOFF

"What brings you to Amsterdam, dear?"

The question caught me off guard, I had been so lost in my book that I hadn't noticed the older lady take her seat next to me on the plane (delayed and fully booked flights meant Derek and I weren't able to get a seat together). I smiled at the older lady that reminded me of my Grandma with her short salt-and-pepper hair and easy smile. I had been wanting to go to Amsterdam since we moved to England. As a person that strongly believes in signs, I was a little on edge when our flight from Leeds Bradford Airport to Amsterdam was delayed by eight hours due to Storm Otto's 40+ mph winds that had flung debris against cars and ripped trees from the ground throughout Northern England. We were eventually able to get a later flight from Amsterdam but had to forfeit a pre-booked museum ticket and cruise we had booked for later that day. Truthfully, I would much rather take a later flight than be terrified on a plane that swayed dangerously from side to side.

"My husband and I are just exploring" I answered as I politely set my book aside. The older lady's lips pursed then as she leaned in a little closer to me and spoke in a hushed voice.

"Be careful dear, the coffee shops are not for coffee." She warned me as she settled into her seat. She then spent the next 50-minute flight telling me that brownies are also not what they seemed, she found that out the hard way, and if she hadn't had to visit family she would have much preferred a sunny visit to Italy. Her hands seemed to dance in the air as she recounted her beautiful honeymoon in Italy, "albeit, that was around 40 years ago, and how things have changed!" Before I knew it, the plane had landed and she was asking if I could help her turn off airplane mode.

In a world where people rarely hold conversations with strangers and keep their eyes glued to their phones or the ground when they are walking, my conversation with a small, older woman on the plane was refreshing and oddly comforting. When we finally met up after the flight, Derek asked me how I had handled the turbulence on the plane and I smiled to myself as I told him I hadn't noticed. Thus began our eccentric adventure in Amsterdam.

WINDY WITH A CHANCE OF CHEESEBALLS

Left Image: Safe on the ground in front of windmills.

Right Image: At the top of the windmill; a look of fear is unsuccessfully disguised.

Do you ever re-visit your memories? Like your favorite part of a movie or a chapter, you love so much that the pages are worn and dog-eared? I have a treasure trove that I hold close to my heart, and the Netherlands gave me another one, even if I felt like I was going to get blown away.

The top of a windmill doesn't sound as terrifying as it looks. The breeze that whipped my hair around on the ground suddenly turned into a blow that was trying to push me off my feet. The De Kat Windmill was built in 1664, and I suddenly started to doubt the strength of the thin wood planks that were holding me above the powerful grinding wheel making chalk below and the large rotating wooden blades behind me.

I had to fight the urge to fall to my knees and safety crawl back to the stairs leading down the windmill. The wind and height didn't seem to bother Derek, he was leaning against the thin wooden rail and taking pictures of the view of the small wooden houses and the waterway of de Zaan. He finally saw me, clinging to the doorway and trying to move discreetly out of the way from the crowd that suddenly appeared. Instead of laughing at me, he hurried towards me and offered me his arm as he gestured towards the view. He said something that was lost in the wind, but I could tell he wanted to go closer to the edge. I felt a sudden rush of the wind that made me instinctively steel my legs, and I immediately thought, Oh Hell No.

But I had given up my safe hold of the doorway and was now holding on to Derek's arm, and as we got closer to the side the wind seemed to quiet down and I briefly let myself look out at the picturesque view. Time seemed to stop and I felt Derek's arm tighten around me as we took in the beautiful view of rolling fields, wooden bridges, gingerbread houses, and turning windmills. At the same time, Derek turned to take a picture of the moment, the wind came in full blast, and I hung on to his arm for dear life.

That was one of my favorite memories of our trip because it reminded me that even in times when my fear doesn't make a lot of sense, Derek doesn't question it and he still anchors me and didn't let me miss the beautiful moment.

A PERFECT WEEKEND IN AMSTERDAM

Considering we lost eight hours of our trip, we had to fit as much as possible into two days. I listed some of our favorite things we did each day below (expand for additional details), but please feel free to add any of your recommendations to the comments section. Amsterdam liked to party late and wake up late, but there is something magical about luxurious canal townhomes, charming gabled facades, and unique house boats which makes it so different from other places we have visited. If you're looking for a unique adventure, step into Amsterdam.

Day One:

1. Try traditional Pannenkoeks (Dutch Pancakes).

If you haven't had a dutch pancake before, be prepared, because it is much larger than an average dinner plate. The dutch pancake is thinner than an American pancake but thicker than a crepe. They can also be served either sweet or savory. My Pannenkoek had goat cheese, walnuts, and thinly sliced apples with honey. Derek opted for a classic, bacon and egg. It was so good, but also way too large. There was no way we could eat the entire thing.

Try the pancake with Stroop, a dutch syrup that is made by boiling down fruit (mainly apples, but pears are also common). The result is a sweet and thick syrup that is perfect for savory and sweet pancakes alike.

P.S. We struggled to find a pancake house open before 10:00 a.m., but we finally found Dutch Pancake Masters by the train station. However, two coffees and two Dutch pancakes cost around €50. Was it worth it? Yes - if you can finish the gigantic-sized dutch pancake, but next time I will be opting for the mini version, Poffertjes.

2. Take the train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Village to see the landmark windmills, traditional clogs, and gingerbread houses.

3. Make a custom chocolate bar in Tony's Chocolonely's Superstore.

4. Stop by Fabel Friet for locally-sourced ingredients and homemade cheese fries.

5. Cruise the canal on a classic boat with a live-guide, drinks, and Dutch cheese.

Day Two:

1. Admire art; and for fellow book lovers, the The Cuypers Library - at the Rijksmuseum.

Derek and I didn't book a ticket in advance. Instead, we tried our luck at the ticket counter (online, they said they were completely sold out); however, the ticket counter had plenty of tickets left and gave us two tickets without a problem. I would recommend getting there early (ideally, before opening) to avoid long ticket-counter lines.

I do not have an appreciative eye for art. I can look at a painting and admire the genius and craft it took to create it, but I will quickly move on. However, there is something about the Rijksmuseum that separates it from other art museums (no, it is not just the beautiful, amazing, and majestic research library in the middle of the art museum).

Besides each piece of artwork not only includes the basic information about the art and artist, but also the meaning behind the art. You can look and appreciate exactly what the artist was trying to convey. I discovered my new favorite artist, Gesina ter Borch, who showed that art is eternal, death is not, in her sketching The Art of Painting's Victory Over Death (1660). The theme of which is seen in famous historical artworks like Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait (1887) and Rembrandt van Rijn's Night Watch (1642).

Three hours flew by in this museum, it was such an enlightening and inspiring must-see experience.

2. Make a custom label and enjoy a cold one at the Heineken Experience.

3. Step through history at the Anne Frank House.

4. Try a warm Stroopwafel.

5. Explore the Red Light District - there is much more than you think.

Thank you for reading about our adventures in Amsterdam! Please post your thoughts and additional recommendations below.