Breakfast in Bergen, lunch in Amsterdam

It was a cloudy day in Norway today – the first cloudy day we have had all week which made us very appreciative of the cold but clear days we have enjoyed so far. After an early breakfast at the hotel we did the short walk to the airport and checked into our flight to Amsterdam via Oslo. It was snowing very lightly when we landed in Oslo and after a very brisk walk through the airport – we only had a 45min transit time – we then sat on the tarmac in the plane for 50min waiting to take off – there were delays caused by the low fog and snow. Eventually we got underway and landed in Amsterdam to foggy grey skies just before 1pm.

Thankfully our bags joined us in Amsterdam – we were a bit worried that they may have been left in Oslo – and after collecting them we made our way to the train, then into central Amsterdam. From the central train station, we caught the number 4 tram to Rembrandtplein which is then only a short walk to our air BnB above the Preachers Son Tattoo parlour.

Check in was not until 3pm so we went into an English style pub for a drink and a snack to while away the next 30min. Rembrantplein is a bustling square surrounded by restaurants and night life. In the centre of the square is Rembrandts statue along with a group of life sized statues giving us the Night Watch in 3D. At the moment there is also an ice skating rink and lots of pop up bars and food stalls. By the time we had finished our drinks – and Lauren had finished befriending the pub cat – it was after 3pm so we went to check in. Our apartment is above the tattoo parlour at the top of 2 very steep, narrow, winding staircases – a bit of a challenge with suitcases but luckily our bags are not too large and we managed to get them up there. From the living area it is up more narrow stairs firstly to mine and Ian’s room and then up another flight to the very top of the building where the girls bedroom is. It is very small but clean and cosy and will certainly do us for the time we are in Amsterdam – the location is awesome.

After dumping our bags we headed back out to get our bearings and buy some food. Evening was already drawing in even though it was only 4pm and all of the beautiful Christmas street lights were coming on. It is a very pretty city with its unique architecture and many canals - made all the more beautiful at this time of year by the Christmas lights. Walking around is slightly challenging as you need to not only look out for cars and trams before crossing the roads but the many bikes that hurtle around the place as well – with no regard for ignorant tourists who don’t know which way to look before stepping on the pavement!! We decided to cook our own dinner tonight so after a bit of a wander we found a supermarket and stocked up on supplies. Then it was back to the apartment to sit and relax with some local cheese and a wine before cooking spaghetti bolognaise for dinner. Not long after dinner we were all ready for bed ready for a day exploring Amsterdam tomorrow.