Out and About in Amsterdam & Haarlem
It feels like this trip is just flying by! After a couple of full days in London, I hopped the Eurostar, headed to Amsterdam.
Adventures in train travel…
It was supposed to be a simple 4-ish hour ride, but things went sideways midway through. We stopped in Brussels for a crew change, but apparently the driver who was supposed to take over never showed up. After waiting for an hour, they announced that we’d have to leave the train, and catch another one that was to arrive in a few minutes.
After much confused milling about, an announcement of a track change sent a few hundred of us scurrying to the other end of the station. I’m SO glad I decided to bring a smaller suitcase, as we had to go up and down a couple of flights of stairs to get to the new platform. Once there, we were told to board a local train headed for Amsterdam. That one seemed to stop every few miles, but at least it was going in the right direction…
Until we were just about to pull into Antwerp, when it was announced that we would have to get off at that stop, and wait for the next Eurostar train. (Which fortunately was due on the track across the platform.) But the train was already full, so we had to stand in the aisles for most of the ride. Fortunately, most everyone was taking it in stride, and I arrived in Amsterdam just a couple of hours late.
Out & about in Amsterdam & Haarlem
I was met in Amsterdam by Greetje of No Fear of Fashion. She had very kindly offered to put me up for a couple of days, and be my tour guide. Her husband cooked us a delicious dinner of mussels while we caught up.
Blustery day in Amsterdam
The next day, we headed back into the center of Amsterdam to do some sightseeing. But the weather wasn’t cooperating. It was raining with very high wind gusts. Too windy for umbrellas, so I was very glad I’d thrown in that packable rain jacket with a hood! (It’s from Weekend Max Mara, purchased a couple of years ago in Paris. Here’s one in an similar style.)
We tried to find some fun indoor activities. After a stop for coffee, some shopping, and lunch, we hit the Rijksmuseum and spent a couple of hours enjoying the art.
This was a beautiful cafe near the Bourse (Stock Market).
The next day, Greetje offered to show me around Haarlem, where she lives. It’s a beautiful older town not far from Amsterdam.
Blustery day in Haarlem
It was wet and windy that day too, so Greetje steered us to some of her favorite indoor spots when the rain picked up.
And it was Greetje’s birthday, so we celebrated with coffee and apple cake! One of the reasons I like spending time with Greetje (other than the fact that she’s SO much fun), is that she’s always up for a coffee. ☕️
She took me to one of her favorite shops, kpa Haarlem, where I picked up this waterproof tote to put my bag in.
(My hand is in my pocket, not down the front of my pants, I swear! 😁)
We had lunch at a delicious little vegan place.
(Yes, those are new glasses, just got them a few weeks ago. They’re from SEE Eyewear.)
And then we decided to take a tour of the Old Church in the center of town (St. Bavo’s Church).
And later in the afternoon, we hopped in the car to head out to see the tulip fields. The colors really are just as stunning and vibrant in person, even on a cloudy day.
The next morning, I had a train to catch…to Paris! I’ll have lots to share from my favorite city very soon!
More packable rain jackets
How do you cope when your travel gets “sidetracked” or delayed?
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Fabulous post! Your photos are so good. I feel like I have taken a trip, all while sitting here in my jammies drinking coffee. I hope you continue to have a fun and safe trip and continue to share your style which you have hit outta the park!
Thanks so much, Arlene!
What a fun trip! I’m new to your blog and love your style. We were in Amsterdam in early October. Loved the city!
Hi Christy, welcome, and thank you!
Welcome to the Netherlands! It looks like you’ve had a bit of a rocky start and thank goodness you’re an experienced and flexible traveler! The waterproof bag as a purse cover is a fantastic idea!
I’ve always loved your Roxanne Assoulin bracelets & they’re on my list to buy next time I’m in the US.
Enjoy your travels!
Thanks, Jill!
I love everything about this post; as I sit here drinking my coffee living vicariously through you. The places you visited are so amazing and peaceful. Please tell Greetje there are a whole bunch of followers out here who need those “man repellent jeans.” They look much like your Ruti. Love love love.
Thanks so much, Beverly!
Wonderful post! I love seeing my two favorite bloggers together.
SO awesome you dined vegan!!! BTW—I think you look fab in navy blue
Thanks, Kimberly! There seemed to be a LOT of great vegan options in both Amsterdam and Haarlem.
I love your pictures! When travel goes sideways it really depends on how sideways. If we can get to where we’re going, I can usually handle things okay. Love your new glasses and that rain jacket! Can’t wait to see Paris–
Thanks, Trish!
We took this exact train (London – Amsterdam) about 2 weeks ago with zero issues! Sorry you did not have the same experience!
I rarely travel without a raincoat, especially not in Europe (the only exceptions being those very dry places where it rarely rains); and for the same reason, I always travel with a light weight purse made of waterproof fabric. I usually pack a small umbrella as well. I haven’t used a suitcase bigger than a carryon size in a couple of decades. As far as transportation, I have had pretty good luck with trains, but I live in a cold climate and have had many trips disrupted by weather and have spent quite a few nights sleeping in airports. (I could probably write a whole book on the topic. )In the end, those disruptions become part of the story of the trip
Thanks for such a lovely post. Sorry about your delays, but when mishaps happen, Nothing to do but take them in stride and adjust the best you can.
Beautiful pictures, lovely style and such a sweet friendship. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. PS- Love the new glasses!
So glad you got to Haarlem- we’ve stayed there a couple of times preferring it to staying in Amsterdam (yet a quick train ride away). It looks like you’re having a terrific time, even if interrupted by those inevitable hiccups one experiences when traveling! Hope your trip continues to be filled with joyous experiences, and thanks for sharing it with us.
It was a lovely few days together with you. You are such a sweet and fun person.
Greetje