The first time I heard about the Netherlands was during primary school? The country was known as Holland, or "Belanda" in Malay. I first learnt about the country not in Geography, but History. The Dutch once ruled over some territories in the Malay Archipelago in the 17th century, one being
Malacca, a state in present-day Malaysia. Further reading from the
Encyclopaedia Britannica (the wikipedia of the 20th century :)), introduced me to the country which was famous for its canals, windmills and clogs. Learning about the Netherlands in Geography a few years later, I remembered being intrigue with the fact that a considerable part of the country was below sea level. Just can't imagine how the land would look like...
Well, as fate would have it, I did reach the Netherlands many moons ago. Remembering what I learnt in Geography class, I was scrutinizing the lands along the highways for any 'abnormalities'...
hahaha! Manalah nak nampak dengan mata kasar, kan?? Tanah di bawah aras laut... :P
After the stopovers in Den Haag and Lisse, we proceeded to Amsterdam. I don't remember whether it was the satnav or the
forever map @IPad which eventually led us to our hotel, but
Alhamdulillah we safely reached our destination without much hassle.
 |
| Our budget accommodation |
Our hotel,
T.Inn Hotel, in Spuistraat, was right smack in the middle of the city. I knew that the red light district was a few minutes walk away but I did not know that business had now spread beyond that area... practically up to the hotel's doorstep and backyard...
Ayoyo! 18 SX!! :P. Walking out of the hotel and into the street, you practically have to keep a 'straight face'! That aside, halal food was aplenty on this stretch, among them, a kebab take-away and an Indonesian eatery.
Depan pulak orang 'berniaga'.
 |
| Dalam halal... |
 |
| ... ada haram :P |
Our hotel was within walking distance to
Dam Square, where the
Royal Palace, the
New Church, Madame Tussaud Wax Museum and the
National Monument were situated.
 |
| the neo-classical Royal Palace |
 |
| 15th Century Gothic Niuewe Kerk |
 |
| The National Monument |
 |
| Madame Tussaud's Amsterdam |
 |
| Giant clog in Dam Square |
to be continued...
