AMSTERDAM: HIGHLIGHTS Part 2

CANAL BOAT TOUR

Along side windmills and tulips, Amsterdam's is know globally for its winding canals.  So the next day we had a bright early morning trip on a canal boat tour to take in all the beautiful slights.  The 75 minute open boat tour, in the glistening August sunshine was the perfect way to spend the morning.  At €16 the tour took us through all the main highlights, from the Amsterdam Unesco protected canal ring, one of the worlds most unique urban landscapes.  It is known as the most beautiful water network through out the city of Amsterdam, providing a stunning backdrop of culture and architecture. 

The canal tour proved to be the perfect introduction to the city's countless sights.  It highlighted some of Amsterdam's most famous 'coffee shops', with roughly 250 alone in the city including The Bulldog, Green House Centrum and Amnesia.  The route took us past Gaussian Diamonds, Golden Bend, City Hall, Rijksmuseum Van Gogh, Dam Square Anne Frank House, Hermitage Skinny Bridge and eventually past Jordan, back to Central East.

As a design lover, all aspects of architecture Amsterdam's luxurious canal houses and endearing facades definitely drew my attention.  Many of the canal houses were built during the elevation of the Dutch Golden Age.  Among the unique architecture and narrow canals, lay tiny alley ways, quaint gardens and historic stories hidden behind the facades of canal houses.  The canal tour allows you to sit back and inhale the bustling canals, swarming with boats, barges and bicyclists appearing from all directions.

The Bull Dog 'Coffee Shop'

Smallest centre canal house.

BRUNCH vs. BEER
With just a short walk across the canal; seeing as we managed to skip breakfast, we headed for brunch.  After spending 10 minutes or so battling with the wind and the menus, we ordered the ultimate club-sandwich...and of course beer...

 ...and no despite the extent of my hunger, the club-sandwich defeated me.

EXPLORING THE CITY

Evidently after the colossal club-sandwich we has a sudden urge to walk miles.  So we headed to the inner city to explore the tiny alley ways, classic buildings and city bikes.

Everywhere you turn there are marks of the colourful dutch culture.  From music and comedy events, beautiful galleries to urban antique portals. 

AMSTERDAM'S FAMOUS RED LIGHT DISTRICT

Now as most would agree, it would be wrong to visit Amsterdam and not venture into the Red Light District right?  The district is the oldest area in the city.  The area is suitably known for its erotic shops and touristic features, it leaves nothing much to the imagination.  The outlook of the street really does just appear like all the other canals, however as night falls a red outline separates it from the rest.  

As the day drew to a close, we exited the Red Light District to look up to a vivid pink/red sky - strangely ironic I know!

TAKING ON AMSTERDAM: HIGHLIGHTS Part 1

From Budapest to Barcelona, Copenhagen to Paris we finally settled with A...to start with the first letter of the alphabet and head to Amsterdam.  Dominating the city with its famous canals; themselves proving to be a perfect example of the innovative fresh approach taken within the city.  Myself and Emma decided Amsterdam would be the ultimate city break for us to explore.

Tuesday Travels

So with just four days to explore as much of Amsterdam as physically possible, we started off wandering around the area to get our bearings.  First on our hit list was Amsterdam's famous flower market, also known as Bolcenmarkt it is the world's only floating flower market.  Situated on the southern canal belt, the market founded in 1862 is one of the main suppliers of flowers to central Amsterdam.

Flowers...flowers...flowers everywhere.

One of the most colourful enchanting markets.

These vivid coloured wooden tulips are certainly the most popular souvenir when visiting the flower market and Amsterdam in general.  So here, have a photo of a thousand painted tulips.  Which leans perfectly on to our next destination...The Amsterdam Tulip Museum.

 Amsterdam Tulip Museum is located in the heart of historic Amsterdam, surrounded by cafes and fine shops.  The museum itself features all aspects of the tulip, the 'unofficial national flower of Holland/Netherlands'.

After a busy late morning exploring the city streets, we were in dire need of a coffee!!
When we stumbled across Hummus Bistro D&A, a beautifully decorated cafe filled with healthy snacks, coffee, sweets and hummus (duh).

We stopped for a quick pit-stop, and enjoyed a delicious cappuccino each.  Unfortunately we were not lucky enough to sample the mouthwatering menu...but here have a link to get you in the soul food mood, with examples of gorgeous vegan, gluten free and vegetarian dishes.

Together with the quaint setting, the simplistic bright interior the bistro is fresh and welcoming. Combined with the rustic jars and floral wall prints, it is clear the furnishings compliment the gorgeous soul food and fresh coffee.

...

NUMBER 6 RESTAURANT: PADSTOW

Padstow is home to some of the most gorgeous seafood restaurants in the country.  Whenever we visit Cornwall, we stay on the edge of the main hill leading down to the picturesque harbour.  Situated within the centre of Padstow itself is the lovely Paul Ainsworth's Number 6 Restaurant.  Number 6. uses seasonal ingredients with a modern twist, influenced by both local Cornish and British dishes and delicacies.  

It would appear that each time we wondered past, we were drawn to the outstanding menu and charm of the building. At long last back in April this year, on our third visit to Padstow in four years; we finally arranged booking a table...and gosh we were not disappointed. From the moment we stepped through the door the atmosphere was completely relaxed and homely. The staff were extremely knowledgeable on all dishes, wines and were more than attentive. With each course and dish that arrived, the staff would give an explanation on how the dish was created, where the ingredients were sourced and the general breakdown of the dish itself. Personally I feel this added touch allowed an exclusive connection with the food, granting you to appreciate each individual aspect of the meal. This highlighting the reasonings behind the restaurants Michelin star. By all means I am by far a restaurant connoisseur, but the overall experience has surely made me appreciate finer foods.

Whilst contemplating which starter to choose, I decided on my 'go to' drink which without a doubt has to be Gin & Tonic on ice.

 So after chopping and changing my mind, as a starter I settled on the Smoked Haddock.  
This dish, if I had to agree on a favourite would have to be the one.  The fresh creaminess of the haddock, accompanied with the light smokiness was perfect. Together with the additional foam tied the dish together faultlessly.

Cod, with Kohlrabi, Padstow Crab Mayonnaise and Fenugreek

Of course, being an insane chocolate lover...dessert had to be the trio of Chocolate, Pistachio, Ceramic and Dark Chocolate Sorbet

Cheese (Two Hoots Farm) Barkham Blue, Port and Eccles Cake

(As you can see, I have only managed to name one of the four dishes above...disappointing I know)

Ultimately, to accompany the most incredible Baileys Liquor Coffee, we were given the sweetest after dining chocolate/refreshers.  Served on a bed of light coffee graduals, in a vintage style chocolate tin.  It is unique touches like these that make the dining experience at No. 6 extraordinary and memorable. 

Number 6 succeeded in providing the most wonderful evening of unique and well thought dishes, combined with extra special touches.  So I shall conclude by highlighting a key quote I came across at No. 6 "unpretentious, uncomplicated food, bound to put a smile on your face" 100% accurate.

Sarah

CORNWALL vs DEVON: A MINI-GUIDE

Now, back in April I had a lot on my mind so it proved to be an ideal time to escape to; in my opinion one of the most peaceful and breathtaking places in the country.  I have been lucky enough to visit this part of the west country five or six of times.  With each visit, you are guaranteed to discover more and more of the peace and tranquility it holds.

Clovelly: Fishing Village

This quaint fishing village defiantly scores highly with its charming cobbled streets.  Amidst clusters of daub cottages, among its steep main streets; sledges are commonly used to transport everyday things.  This I feel highlights the villages great quaint character.

So...as if walking down the steep cobbled streets in dry weather didn't prove to be challenging enough...not only had we sheltered in the car for a least thirty minutes or so for the torrential rain to pass.  But yes, me being me I wore highly inappropriate footwear (so FYI go for walking boots or wellies).  Despite my cautious walk down to the harbour, I still managed to take in the striking sea views of the pier and disappearing coastline.

Well trekking down was one thing, back up was another story.  So of course it would have been wrong not to stop in The New Inn Pub for some traditional beer.

ST. IVES: Exploring

St. Ives is renowned for its ever growing number of artists and commercial fishing harbour.  Having visited Cornwall and Devon a number of times, believe it or not this was my first time in St. Ives.  The majority of my time here was spent exploring the quaint back streets, and food stalls.  First things first was to visit the popular 'harbour fish & chips'.

...who could resist a salted caramel, strawberry and nutella crape?

We spent the remainder of the afternoon wandering around the cosy alleyways, admiring all the beautiful quirky shops.  I came across a rustic local farm and deli shop, which stood out from the crowd with its hand-drawn chalk blackboards, and pastoral cauliflower crates. 

Situated next door was St Ives Bakery.  This again caught my eye due to the simplicity of the chalkboards, and the huge mountain of homemade meringues overflowing in the window.

TRURO: ARCHETECTURE, SHOES, GIN & TONIC

Cornwall is renowned for its beautiful architecture and sculptured coastlines.  Truro holds one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in England.  It was built between 1880 - 1910 to an incredible Gothic Revival design.  The magnificent spires soar heavenwards dominating the city skyline.  Truro was on my 'to go to' list this time around, mainly as it is acclaimed for its beautiful architecture and famous Lemon Street, with its attractive Georgian design.

Yes...a visit to Truro obviously resulted in some shopping too.  So have a monochrome photo of stripes and leather sandals.

Evidently admiring stunning architecture and a quick shopping spree, concluded in an extremely cool cucumber gin and tonic...the photo says it all.

As a little family tradition, each time we venture down to the west country, we always visit Wadebridge The Regal Cinema.  The cinema was originally knows as the 'Cinedrome' in the 1960s, and still holds great retro character and prices...I was amazed at the ticket price of only £2.80!!!

The cinema has two small screens, each showing alternate films.  We watched 'The Water Diviner' which proved to miraculously hold my attention through out (which is saying something for me).  Although what made the whole experience for me, was the intermission in-between, just like a theatre.  In my personal opinion all cinemas should still be doing this.  I loved the fact that the traditional ice cream and confectionary were bought around on retro trollies, with red and white striped umbrellas.  Defiantly worth a visit.

MILFORD BOTANICAL GARDENS: Photo Diary

After a fabulous week of incredible views along with spectacular architecture, we stumbled across this hidden gem. Along the heartland Quay across the coastal path Concealed among the narrow roads of the Devonshire countryside, by complete accident we were led here to Docton Mill and Gardens.  Doctor Mill is just down the stream from the famous Spekes Mill Mouth waterfall and beach cove.

As if the Devonshire scenery wasn't stunning enough, we dropped in to the Milford tea room for the most dreamy Devon cream tea.  However given that...I managed to miss an amazing food diary photo opportunity. 

Sarah