Hellevoetsluis : August 5 th, 2013

Another beautiful day in the Netherlands when we wokeup. Aat and Nel had a typical Dutch breakfast of bread, cheese and cold cuts. After breakfast we got ready to go out. First they showed us the harbor close by Hellevoetsluis .

The. Courthouse, every Dutch city has one. 

The harbor on the front street. Lots of little stores , sidewalk cafes, people walking dogs and children jumping into the canals.

Tony overlooking the canal. 

Trying to decide where to go next with Aat and Nel. We walked to the end of the harbor and had a cold drink at the end . 

The lighthouse at the end of the harbor.

The scenery and different colored boats are always exciting. 

A functional windmill in the town.

For lunch we had deep fried kibbletjes. ( white fish in batter with a delicious sauce. ) I tried the green raw herring with fresh chopped onions. The seagull stuck close enough for our leftovers.

This is Brielle. The market was happening today . Lot of neat little things to buy as well as produce. We walked down the Main Street  and bought some things to take home. 

Of course we had to have ice cream. Especially after the fish lunch!

A little pub in Brielle. 

Time to go,home and get ready for dinner. We went to a restaurant called " The Pannetjes" we had different fishes and beef. Their dishes were cooked in a small pot. The food was very good. Afterwards it was bedtime! The flight back to Vancouver is tomorrow!

Back in Amsterdam : August 4, 2013

We were up at 2:45 am this morning in Prague. There was a massive thunderstorm. Lightening right above the Prague airport. A huge storm of rain.

The Prague airport seemed deserted . Tony went in search of coffee.

 I was concerned about the storm, but by the time our plane left at 6:35 am, the skies were clearing. It was only a short flight to Amsterdam . 

Schiphol is quite large but there did not seem to be too many people around. 

At the airport we were met by our cousins Nell and Aad. They drove us to their home in Hellenvoetsluis. It is very pretty here. Lots of lovely homes on the outside of farm country. 

Tiny streets, small parking spots. The homes seem small but when you get inside there is a surprising amount of space.

We went for a walk and saw lots of canals and green space. 

That night, some of my relatives came to visit. I had not seen my cousins for almost fifty years. It was a great evening with lots of talking and visiting.

Tony and Aat discussing cars, etc.

The whole gang! It was a lot of fun! Tomorrow is our last night and then we fly home. The time has gone too fast.

Our Last Day In Prague : Sat. Aug. 3, 2013

Great dinner last night in the restaurant across from the square. We ate late and still it was not cool. This morning woke up early but did not leave until 9:30 am. Our hotel includes a buffet breakfast.

The Archibald Hotel at the Charles Bridge in Prague .

We walked across the Charles Bridge. We got lost in some of the narrow streets around the Jewish quarter. Lovely old buildings and narrow cobble stones.

The Charles Bridge during the day. Already the vendors are out. They are not as aggressive as the ones in Budapest.

The Garden restaurant behind our hotel. At night this area is very lovely. We plan to have dinner here tonight.

Narrow alleys and waterways in old town. We had planned to walk a lot more but the heat turned us back.

Both sides of the bridge have towers. You cam climb to the top of the tower on the side of old town.

Tony takes off his hat in the shade to cool off. Wear comfy shoes and plan to travel by foot.

Lots of swans and ducks in the river Vlata.

The bridge railings are full of locks. We came back to this place to eat lunch.

The Kampa museum was flooded in June, as was the zoo and other buildings close by the river.

A volunteer cleans the Ghandi statue. Part of the cleanup after the flood.

Lunch at 2:30. Nice salad and chicken wings but expensive. We tried to find a grocery store in the area to buy our own water and beer and wine. There must be some but hard to find. Since we are leaving at 3:45 am, we will have a drink before dinner at the pub.

The riverside of our hotel. Went home at 4:00 pm for a cold shower and a nap. 

After the nap, left at 7:30 for a drink . The Kavka museum has balloon flights.

They are tethered to the ground. But you get a great view of Prague.

Dinner was lovely. I had rabbit, potatoes and spinach. Tony had chicken schnitzel and cucumber salad and potatoes. Bruschetta for an appetizer. The tomatoes here and in Hungary are amazing. Red, ripe and tasty. In bed by ten. We are up at 2:45 to leave at 3:45 for our 6:30 flight to Amsterdam. Wish we had more time in Prague. Amsterdam for two nights and then back to Langley in Canada .

The Train from Budapest to Prague : Aug. 2, 2013

We woke up at 6:00 am . Another sunny, hot day . Had breakfast , picked up water and a sandwich from the grocery store across the street and waited for our cab. He was right on time. The train station was a cacophonous area of people, porters and vendors. Also confusing. One enterprising porter had us on platform 6, the right train, compartment 262, seats 95 and 96. Windows seats across from each other.

The train platforms in Budapest. Tony stepped out to pick up some coffee.

Lots of people going to all across Europe.

We had the whole cabin to ourselves. As the train started to move the cabin opened and in stumbled 4 blokes from Australia who had obviously been drinking all night. They were polite, but needed a shower and a toothbrush. Very apologetically they curled up and went to sleep. It was funny.

.

At about 10:30, the boys were hungry and went to the dining car for goulash and tuna salad. Yup, toothbrush needed more than ever when they came back!

The train crew in Slovakia. Notice the guy sleeping in the cab.

The black specks is the dirt on the outside windows. Even though the train was air conditioned and we had a first class coach, it was soon sure hot and we all were sweating. I was tempted to spray the boys down with water and deodorant .

We went and ate in the dining car. Very warm but great food, beer and wine. We stayed there for an hour.

Lunch in the dining car .

The train was late. We arrived in Prague just before 5:00 pm. Confusing because at least Budapest had some English signs, Prague had none at the station. We finally made it downstairs, note to self, we overpacked! Found a cab who would take Euros ( Czech Republic  takes kroner ) and went to the Archibald hotel at the Charles Bridge. It is quaint, cute and cool. Time for a shower and a look around.

We have arrived!

Tony checking out all the cupboards. Have to go find a place for dinner soon.

Budapest day 3: August 1, 2013

We woke up this morning after 8:00 am. Last night we were up past midnight. I think the Hungarian people come out at night and stay up. The promenade in front of the hotel was full of families, young couples and strollers. Having drinks, sitting in chairs or just visiting.

Good morning Budapest !

Strolling along the promenade in the morning towards the Hungarian parliament buildings.

The castle district of Buda as seen from the Pest side.

Lots of construction happening in front of the parliament buildings. Funny watching the workers as compared to North American standards . No glasses, or ear protection . Three watching while two dig. However it looks like the grounds will be stunning when they are finished. This district was interesting, lots of police, armed guards and gated courtyards. After the parliament we walked to the west side shopping mall. It was huge! Stores were smaller but very North American. Everything can be purchased here. The mall was packed and everyone was buying. 

Wen we walked back we passed the basilica of st. Stephan's . This part of town has many side walk cafes and walking pedestrian malls. We will go back tonight looking for dinner.

The shopping street by st. Stephan's in Pest.

Tonight we had dinner at the same place as last night. Had trouble if finding it but finally managed it. Great turkey breast stuffed with plums and Vienna schnitzel. Another great meal!

Tomorrow we leave for Prague on the train. The cab is booked for 8:15am to take us to the train station. It will be interesting.