The FastDay Forum

[Tracieknits]

BruceE has a conference coming up in Brussels, so the offspring and I are going to join him and we're all going to have a short holiday in Amsterdam. I'm pretty excited - I've never been to either city. We have three nights in Amsterdam and four nights in Brussels.

Does anyone have any fun suggestions? I'm feeling fairly ok about Amsterdam - we already have tickets booked for the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh museum, and I have information on how to take a canal boat ride, as well as a few walking tours or other museums we can see if it's very rainy. I have no real restaurant ideas though. We're staying in near Dam Square, right in central Amsterdam.

Then for Brussels - we're all going to go to the Magritte museum after we get off the train and check into the hotel. That's a Tuesday afternoon. Then Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the 13 year old and I are going to wander and loiter around Brussels while Hubby earns his keep. My son is very excited that there's a FNAC in the mall near our hotel

So if anyone has any favorite little spots, or great restaurant suggestions, I would love to hear them - thank you!!

[Debs]

What is a FNAC? You just want to make us jealous don't you?

[Tracieknits]

FNAC will only make teenagers jealous - it's a giant store with cd's, dvds, video games etc etc.

I don't expect I'm making the Europeans terribly jealous - it's not a long or expensive train ride from London. But yes, that's quite the long haul for an Aussie

[Debs]

Ah, clearly out of touch with modern youth!!!

I'm jealous. You are going to have a great time. I worked in both cities in my 20's and had a ball. You will not be disappointed with Anne Franks House. It is very poignant. If you can get out to the coast down to The Hague or Scheveningen, you might get to see something that is slightly away from the tourist traps. It's an easy train ride.

In Brussels, Grand-Place can be very touristy but there are loads of fabulous eateries and beer houses around but do your homework first as the quality changes alot. (tripadvisor). Jardin du Petit Sablon is pretty. Again if you have time, pop up to Bruges. The small canals are beautiful and there is plenty to do and a chocolate shop on every corner.

ENjoy.....

[Tracieknits]

My son and I are contemplating taking the train to Bruges. I feel a bit guilty leaving BruceE to work while we go gallivanting about without him >.< Of course you know you sold me with "a chocolate shop on every corner." LOL

Thanks for the recommendations