room with a view…Amsterdam
It was a bit rainy and blustery when we arrived in Amsterdam Friday evening, and our connecting flight from London was both late and bumpy due to weather. Thankfully it was also a short flight. 🙂
After settling in at the hotel, we grabbed our umbrellas…
…wandered around in search of some dinner, and stumbled onto a great little pub just a few blocks away. It seemed to be quite a favorite with the locals.
This appetizer called bitterballen was SO tasty. They’re like croquettes, some with veal and some had shrimp filling.
Yesterday we took it easy and spent several hours just walking around and getting our bearings. We’ve learned (the hard way) that it’s best the first day or so in a new city and time zone to not schedule anything, and give our bodies and brains a chance to adjust. Walking in daylight is also the best jet-lag “cure” I’ve found yet.
I’ve been taking lots of photos and will have more of Amsterdam to share in the next day or so, once I’ve had a chance to review and upload. I’m also posting snapshots to Instagram and Facebook periodically during the days, so if you follow/like you’ll get first peek.
In the meantime, I wanted to address a couple of questions/requests from last week’s packing post.
Here’s my suitcase all packed. Still some “wiggle room.” I use soft-sided packing cubes, both to help organize and compress clothing. I’ve experimented with different sizes and shapes, have found a mix of small-to-medium sizes seem to work best for me.
As I mentioned in the post, I didn’t count underwear, outerwear, accessories or shoes as part of my 15 items. (But they ARE all in that suitcase.) For camisoles I wear the Eileen Fisher silk jersey ones (here and here). If I need more warmth, I’ve also brought my Adea long-sleeved scoop neck layering tee. I pack lightweight pajamas (“Cool Nights” from Soma) but do not pack a robe or slippers, loungewear or any exercise gear.
I also utilize a “Personal Item” (Lipault 19″ Weekender) that’s the maximum allowable size, and no, this didn’t raise an eyebrow on any of the three flights we’ve taken so far. It fits nicely under the seat. In here go my toiletries, laptop, chargers and adapters, purse, TSA liquids bag and medications, a scarf and my cardigan for the plane.
It has a flap that slides over the handle of my wheeled suitcase. Have been very happy with this suitcase so far, very maneuverable and not too heavy to lift when needed.
I want to digress for a moment regarding the whole carry-on-or-check bags conundrum, and stress that there is no right or wrong answer. It’s about what works best for you and your preferences and needs. I’ve read some travel websites/forums where people get a bit preachy and sanctimonious about carry-on-only travel, and I hope I haven’t come across that way. I do find that packing lighter and smarter has improved the quality of our trips, especially as it allows being able to manage luggage without assistance when necessary. But there are situations or requirements where it just may make more sense to check bags, and in either case (no pun intended), I’d encourage looking at ways to avoid hauling around any more than you have to, and hope some of my tips and strategies are helpful toward that end.
How do you adjust to time zone changes?
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Just curious, do you fly any of the economy inter-Europe airlines, like Ryan Air or easyJet? Their baggage requirements are so restrictive, I’m wondering if the 19″ Weekender would make it a personal item on their flights?
Yea! You made it! You look so cute in your green jacket and blue jeans! Love this outfit on you! To respond to your question, for jet lag, I pack an herbal sleeping pill with melatonin, that I buy at our local health foods store. I take two on the overnight flight and two the first couple nights after arrival. I also take a prescription muscle relaxer on the flight. I used to never be able to sleep on flights and this has made all the difference for me.
What a lovely photo of you Susan! Amsterdam looks gorgeously clear and fresh, also chilly so I’m glad you have warm items with you.
I haven’t travelled overseas very much but, when I have, I have had a dreadful time with jet lag — long haul from Australia is a l-o-n-g way so I’ll read others’ comments with interest. Have fun!
Your prescription for jet-lag is the same as mine…walk around in the day-light as much possible when traveling east (Europe). When traveling to Asia, however, I find that 30 hours of travel pretty much just wipes me out so I generally fall asleep upon arrival at my final destination.
For jet lag, I hit the ground running, so to speak, as you do. I usually take a shower, to freshen up from the long hours of travel and walk around and start getting oriented to the city. I do not go to bed until it’s time to do that, in whatever city I’m in. If you’re out and about, it’s pretty easy to do that by being active. By the way, I saw your photo of the Zot beer. That’s a Belgian beer that I had for the first time in Bruges last October- it’s very good! Have a great trip!
Love that picture of you looking gorgeous and so happy. You travel so beautifully. xox
I’ve been studying your tips very closely as I packed way too many clothes the last time we crossed the waters and would like to plan well the next time….glad you’re enjoying your trip….
Walking is the best way that I have found to beat fatigue. Get to know the neighbourhood, find the grocery store…..Experience with suitcases has definitely taught me that lighter is better because I travel solo a lot of the time. That is a very nice picture of you. It does look blustery though. Definitely jacket and scarf weather.
So Glad you’ve had just a good start to your trip. Your approach to dealing with jet lag is the same as mine — getting out and walking in daylight seems to help reset the body’s clock.
I absolutely agree with you about carry-on. I like travelling this way because it seems so much more manageable getting around during other parts of my travels beyond the flight. But it’s not for everyone nor for every trip or occasion. I think you do a wonderful job of showing how it could be achieved if a traveller wishes, but the principles you demonstrate can apply usefully even if someon uses a bigger case or chooses to check their smaller one. It’s certainly not an issue that has a moral value attached!
The thing I remember about Amsterdam was split pea soup and brown bread. Beyond that I think we ate Indian.
A wise decision. The Netherlands is way off the map of fine cuisine. I live in the Netherlands and Amsterdam is my least favorite of the larger cities. I go there every 10 years or so to renew my passport at the US Consulate, but try to avoid it as much as possible. Leiden, Utrecht, Rotterdam and Maastricht are so much nicer to visit.
Have great fun! Amsterdam is a “city of a certain buzz” and there is something amazing to do whether one is 20 or 70. Packing cubes….what do you cube and what, other than shoes, do you not cube? I have not been successful using them for anything but underwear and camis.
I find that half a prescription sleeping pill (Ambien) helps not only with sleeping on the plane, but also with the first day or two of sleeping when jumping continents. That, plus some activity and sunshine, seems to alleviate the worst of it for me. But still take almost a full week to get over all the effects…has gotten worse with age, unfortunately!
Ditto! Our prescription is not Ambien, but it sure helps getting into the new time zone coming and going.
You look wonderful in this photo! I think your hair and outfit are perfect.
What do we do when jet lagged? We hit the ground running. I remember our last trip to London. We arrived early in the morning, met by our son, his wife and her parents. They said: Are you up for a trip to Windsor? We said, Of course! Interesting sites tend to make you forget how tired your are. We just go with the flow and have a great time. Fond memories of that day and no memories of being tired.
That’s what a well planned and packed trip looks like – you look great and so happy! I haven’t done more than a 7 hr flight for a very long time so can’t remember what I did. However, for shorter time zone differences, I would definitely try to follow the schedule of the new time zone as closely as possible. If I just can’t keep my eyes open then I will nap for no more than an hour. I agree, getting out and moving in the sunlight is the best thing! Enjoy!
You look so happy! And the scenery is wonderful…now when you travel, I always look for that view. Looks like a successful trip so far! Keep those smiles coming!
Your recent travel related blogs have been of enormous help to me (I came from the school of “take everything – just in case….”). It makes so much sense to travel with a pared down, but versatile collection of items – less complication, more time for fun. Particularly impressed with your planning for transitional weather and fitting it all into 2 carry-on size pieces!! I might have missed this information in one of your previous posts – are you and your husband traveling for business also during this trip?
Susan: first let me say that this particular post is an enormous help to me for my future travels. I’ve been your devotee since I found you on the internet. For me you are the perfect blend of practicality, style and class. Thank you for this incredible post!! It amazes me that you could fit it in while you are traveling, so double thanks for this. The details like what pjs you have, that you don’t take robe and slippers, size of the packing cubes–perfect!! I’m in awe. I also appreciate the explanation of the Lipault under the seat as your ‘personal item’ and what it contains. I had used my Tumi tote last time but the Lipault looks sturdier and roomier. Fabulous. I love that you’re doing this trip–it’s very much like the last trip my husband and I did: 5 days in Amsterdam (the Van Gogh museum!), 5 days in Paris (or so) and 6-7 days in the Dordogne at a lovely B and B run by two fabulous Californians. Merci mille fois! (I hope I got that right…)
For the what gets packed in the packing cubes question – for me, everything except toiletries and shoes. On a 2 week, part work trip to Amsterdam et al last month, I used one medium cube for underwear, bars, tights (one pair nylon, one wool), socks, pajamas and camisoles, all packed rolled. One medium cube for 5 long sleeve or 3/4 sleeve tops and a light weight cardigan, all rolled. One large cube for a blazer, pants, skirts, scarves, all folded. One extra pair of shoes, and three small toiletries bags, and some work papers, and there was room to spare in a 22″ carry-on. I am now size 14, so my clothes are no longer teeny-tiny, alas. The only other bag was my purse, which only had my book and purse things. I wore a another cardigan, another long sleeve shirt, ankle boots, and jeans on the plane. I was amazed at how easy the cubes made everything, and how easy it was to do a trip with a small amount of clothes and a little hand washing every evening.
Your lighting in your photographs is always so appealing. I am wondering what type of camera you use? Have a wonderful trip.
Hi Carole, thank you. All of my travel photos have been shot with an iPhone 6. The light here really is wonderful.
Even though I do sleep on the plane, the time zone change really gets to me – my best remedy is swimming. My husband’s is too, so we always stay in a hotel with a pool for our first destination. Something about the ionization of the water. You look glorious.
You look so happy! Makes me happy along with you.
I’m writing this at 3.40am having arrived in London yesterday morning. Travelling from the Southern Hemisphere (Melbourne) really does mess up your body clock. Melbourne/Singapore 8 hours and Singapore/London 13 hours. The best thing is walking on arrival and trying to stay awake all day. Even so it takes a good couple of days. Re packing I have got the bag down to 13 kilos in a spinner bag and a Longchamp cross body bag for carry on. I take a pair of loose pants to change into for the overnight flight plus a change of underwear and T shirt. A shower at stopover point also helps.
Long haul is difficult. There is no easy way!
I’ve done the Australia/Europe trip a few times ( now that really is jetlag) since I now live in France. I suffer from air sickness and take an over the counter medication that helps me and I don’t eat airline food and only drink water, after all who needs to eat and drink for 24 hours without doing anything else. I try to doze as much as possible and find that I arrive without jetlag and ready for anything. While I’m all for packing lightly I still put my luggage in the hold because carryon baggage is one thing that I find really annoying. Next time , just take a few moments to watch the inconvenience to other passengers caused by those carrying too much luggage on board and filling up the overhead storage just to save a few minutes at the other end. Sorry for the rant, but sometimes what is convenient for one person is just a lack of consideration for others. Travel is a wonderful experience so enjoy everything. You are making great memories.
I think you might be a little unfair here. You’re noticing the people that OVER packed their carry on bags and equating them to people that kept their carry on to the correct size and simply slipped them into the bins. More and more airlines are now enforcing the size and weight of the carry on bags so I expect things to get better in the future as they catch the scofflaws. It’s hard to find the sweet spot of competing needs.
I would also note that those of us that carry on are not merely trying to save time (though there is that). We’re also trying to protect ourselves against theft and lost luggage. The airlines used to regularly lose my bags when I checked them. That quickly puts a damper on a fun vacation.
I am from Sydney and have also had to “suffer” passengers bringing too much luggage on board. I think the difference is that when Australians travel it tends to be for longer periods. Six weeks is not unusal for a European holiday, we are going such a long way that we want to make the most of it . However the end result is most pack far too much and it should be stored in the hold.
Amsterdam,this beautiful city made me remember movie “the fault in our stars” so romantic and classic movie,a lot to learn in it.
great pics Une BTW.
Oooh, Amsterdam. Be sure to find a piece of apple pie – they make it there like no place else on earth! What a wonderful city…
big hug,
Janice
As a proud Dutch woman, I fully agree to this.
Greetje
What clothes do you wear on the plane? I find jeans too restrictive and boots too hard to slip on and off.
Oh, I did not find your luggage carry on comments the least bit unkind. I took them as constructive in nature.
For me, I follow my dad’s method (he travelled internationally for business for many years.) 1. Don’t drink alcohol the night before or during travel. 2. Get up when it is morning at your destination, no matter how tired you are. 3. Eat a healthy breakfast and either walk or go running. He could outlast people 30 years younger than himself on grueling trips.
I have a torn rotator cuff, so I always must check a bag. But I make sure I have enough in my fit-under-the-seat carryon to get me through a day if the luggage is lost.
Have a fab trip!
Our packing styles are almost identical and I am pretty much a “carry on only” packer – and I don’t think you came off as preachy at all but simply shared how taking just a carry on and personal item really does work! I agree with you there are some situations where checking a bag is fine. I think the decision comes down to the nature of the trip.If you are going to be getting on and off trains and using other types of public transportation, a large suitcase or cases simply isn’t feasible. I almost missed on of my train connections in France because a family had a number of very large cases and were blocking the door to the cabin since the cases were so heavy they were having trouble lifting them down the stairs!!!
You look so happy here. It’s hard to imagine that such a short time ago you were in Seattle!
Like you, I follow the sun. Virgin actually has an app called “Jet Lag” that I also use ahead of time and at my destination. It tells you the optimal times to eat, exercise, etc. before and after you get to your destination.
I also find that taking a Benedryl the first full night keeps me from waking up at 3 am. Once I’ve had a full nights sleep I’m in pretty good shape.
Your iPhone takes wonderful pictures. Mine (an iPhone 5) never does. Or perhaps it is because I always want to take pictures indoors with bad light.
I have thorougly enjoyed meeting you and your husband. A shame we couldn’t go by boat because of the weather, but I loved our conversations, the lunch (thanks again for that) and the coffees.
Hope you have a wonderful stay in my little country.
The bitterballen are indeed by the famous Loetje. My husband couldn’t figure out where this branch was either. We don’t know this address, but all Loetjes serve the most fantastic steaks.
Greetje
I’m glad your bitterballen were good – they can be tasty or utterly horrid (the worst being at a fastfood chain called FEBO which is like the old Automats). Don’t forget to pick up some old cheese at a public market or cheesemonger’s. The Dutch also make lovely cheese biscuits (for l’apéro), which you can even buy in supermarkets (Albert Heijn is the largest chain). If the Dutch didn’t cycle and walk as much as they do, they’d be huge sideways as well as tall…
That looks like the Amstel, more than one of the wider canals, but my mind can play tricks. Beautiful view. I like the look of the neighbourhood where you are staying; it seems a distance from the sleazy area near the Centraalstation where far too many tourists wind up (there are good-quality hotels near there, but it is nasty late at night, though Amsterdam is a safe city overall). Pickpockets and handbag snatchers are anywhere tourists and others congregate in cities; I did have a wallet stolen waiting for the tram near Albertcuypmarkt, but there was only a bit of market-shopping money in it, not major money, no debit or credit cards or i.d.
This looks like a wonderful start to your trip! You look happy and pretty. I think you have given great tips. Everyone has their own needs/wants, but your tips have been great for those of us like to travel via carry-on. Thank you!
Best,
Michelle from simplysantabarbara.blogspot.com
I actually prefer to check all bags, then I resent the extra time it takes for everyone else to haul their stuff out of the overhead bins. I wish airlines would charge for carry-ons and check 2 bags for free, but it will never happen.
Pseu, I’m wondering what museums and other attractions you are planning on – considering that we have to take the interests of Mme and Monsieur Pseu into account. I’m sure you’ll want to see the just-restored Rijksmuseum; but doubt you’ll still be there for the exhibit on fashion prints: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/new-for-now which are often discussed in 19th-century novels in Europe and the Americas.
I don’t want to take over your blog with a long post, but can provide other ideas… Men often like the Naval Museum (merchant as much as military).
Happy for you that you’re on such a lovely trip and that you have brought us along by sharing your photos.
As someone who’s married to a Dutchman, I’m sooo glad you got to sample bitterbollen! It’s one of the first things we always have to eat anytime we visit The Netherlands! And yes, the apple pie is quite unlike anywhere else.
Thanks for sharing such lovely photos of Amsterdam. Such a beautiful city. Enjoy the rest of your travels.
I am new to your blog and I’m loving it. We will be in Amsterdam in Sept. I would love to know where you stayed. We are currently looking for a hotel.