We got into Prague Sunday afternoon and just explored the city a bit. It's a really fun city to wander through because it's full of old buildings and town squares and cobblestone streets. Around dinner time we were pleased to discover that you could get two large beers, two main dishes and two desserts for about $25. From that first dinner on we knew we were going to enjoy Prague. After sampling a few more of the local Czech beers and getting in some quality people watching, it was time to call it a night. The next morning we had a tour that took us all around Old Town, New Town, up to Prague Castle, and finally on a boat tour. We had lunch at a very traditional Czech restaurant and although Jill wasn't so sure about the whipped cream and jam on top of her pork, the potato pancakes that came with it were like little slices of heaven. The rest of Prague consisted of wandering, eating, drinking the famous Czech beer and people watching. Before we knew it it was time to head to London.
We got into London around noon and were greeted by some cold and rainy weather. Our solution was to seek solace in a pub and treat ourselves to fish and chips. After the weather had cleared up a bit we walked around and saw Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The London Eye and Trafalgar Square. Then we wandered through the National Gallery and saw some really beautiful artwork, plus the museum was warm, dry and free so it was a most enjoyable experience. That night we watched the Arsenal vs. F.C. Barcelona game at a local pub. These British men definitely took their football seriously-- I think tears were shed when Barcelona scored and two men nearly kissed each other when Arsenal was awarded a penalty kick to tie the game. After a whirlwind day in London it was time to head off to Amsterdam.We got to Amsterdam and made our way to our home for the next two days--a botel! Boat + Hotel = Botel! It was very cozy and after a quick nap we went out to explore everything this city had to offer. We saw the "I Amsterdam" sign, toured the Van Gogh Museum and wandered through the flower market. Then we went to
the House of Bols, a cocktail and Genever experience. There was a room where we explored all of the senses and learned how they all contribute to the way we taste things. We also learned a little bit about the history of Genever and all of the science that went into making Bols Genever, the perfect alcohol for cocktails. Then we got to taste it for ourselves with a free cocktail at the end of the tour. Let me tell you, this Bols guy got it right. There is also a bartending school associated with the House of Bols so we got to learn how to do a bit of flair bartending. Luckily they gave us plastic/rubber bottles to toss around because it took me a while to master it. Day two in Amsterdam was short lived because we had to catch an afternoon flight but we did manage to get in the Heineken Experience. We toured the brewery and learned all about how they make beer. We even went through a 4D brewing experience where we were the beer. We were all shook up and got brewed and bottled and whatnot, very entertaining. After the Heineken Experience it was time to go back to Copenhagen where we enjoyed one last Danish meal together and then Jill headed home this morning. So all in all it was a jam packed week full of sight seeing, eating and drinking--very successful! Tomorrow I'm off the Venice to start week two of my Eurotrip!Some picture from the trip:
Rosenborg Castle
Prague:On our boat tour in front of Charles Bridge
St. Vitus Cathedral
Prague Castle
Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square
Lennon Wall
London:
Jill being a tourist in London
Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square
Amsterdam:
I Amsterdam Sign
Flower Market in the heart of Amsterdam
Our tiny but cozy room at the Botel Zebra
Smelling all of the flavors of Bols Genever liquors at the House of Bols
Red light district
Heineken horses trotting through the streets of Amsterdam
The middle stages of the brewing process in the Heineken Brewery
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