Amsterdam- Day 1 & 2

Time flies! It is like last week we are still planning and discussing about the trip and now I'm back in hometown for 2 weeks already. How sad! I mean I don't want to end this trip, I wanna travel for forever. I am looking forward for coming trips in years. This trip has just opened up my eyes and my soul to Europe and there are many more places I really wanted to go before I hit 30. HAHAHAHA! #lifegoal

I joined Contiki for the 16 days trip, Trail to Rome from Amsterdam, Netherland all the way to Rome, Italy. You can find out more about the trips they offer on their official web. I have been eyeing on trips to Turkey, Russia, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. 

Contiki provides accommodation, transport and breakfast during the trip. Not all the lunches and dinners are included so you get to choose what you want to eat in the city. And the bright side of joining a travel agent is that you can get on travel on time, get to some destinations safe and comfortable. This travel agency provides more me time as compared to those all included tour. You get a map and brief description of the town and you are free to go and explore on your own. Contiki provides some optional tours during the trip which you have to pay to join or explore the town on your own. We are staying in hostel or hotel during the trip. Travel in coach and sometime in public train/ metro on driver's off day.  

So on day 1, we travel from London to Dover, then cross over to Amsterdam using Ferry. It took around 90 min on the ferry. Then drive all the way to Amsterdam, we were there in the evening.

White Cliff, Dover

fish & chips for lunch on the ferry. FYI, this is kids meal but just right for my normal portion.

strawberry tart at the service station. 

I love the facts that they provide a wide variety of fresh and slow food at service stations.

Amsterdam facts:

Language: Dutch

Currency: Euro

Amsterdam is the birthplace of Heineken.

Our accomodation: Hotel Nieuw Slotania 

The painting is a copy of Van Gogh's the bedroom.

checked into our hotel in Amsterdam. It is not located in town area, so instead of walking, we can get back using metro.  The stop is just right in front of the hotel. 

Dropped our luggage, ate our dinner and headed out to the town to explore the red light district. I wonder the nightlife is just all about the red light district? 

Day 2

headed to the 1) Edam Village for a bike ride. I love this place, the weather, view and everything! just perfect!

bike without brake. Paddle back to avoid crushing.

Windmill and I. Photo credit to Jasmine.

Recycle bin

Visited a chesse farm and clog center.

the cheese were so good, I regret not buying much.

2) Anne Frank house, queued 2 hours plus to get in but it is worth the time!

This place for lunch.

my mexican pancake

Jason's, which the name I forgot.

Jasmine's french pancake

3. Singel

I wonder why we didn't see any flower market during summer. ;/

I saw this on TV before and now I see it with my real eyes. *touched

This place provides really cheap eat! 

4. Dam Square

5. Rijksmuseum

I can't never get a clear picture with the sign, photobomb is what you get when you travel during summer. This is the best I could get, photo credit to Jason. 

2 days well spent in Amsterdam, I'm going to Van Gogh museum and Rijksmuseum if I'm coming back the next time.

Capsule Container @KLIA2

I was staying at Capsule container hotel at KLIA2 for a short night. Had been thinking about an ideal place for a few hours stay before I fly off again in the morning. And my friend recommended me about Capsule hotel. Capsule container hotel at KLIA2 has everything I need for a short stay, an ideal location, great facilities for a short stay at affordable rate. It is located in KLIA2 which requires no traffic jam or transport fee to travel around. So no worries about hassle being struck in the traffic jam or transport problem to travel to airport to catch a morning flight. If you're traveling between KLIA and KLIA2 like I do, you can get yourself an express train ticket at RM2 for one way. 

If you plan to stay at the Capsule hotel, I would advise you to book it online in advance because they provide medium size luggage locker for traveler who book via online only. The official web was not working so I booked mine via booking.com. You can check out the price on the web, it is divided by the hours you choose: 3 hours, 6 hours, 9 hours or 12 hours. I choose 6 hours at RM79.

There are some photos I took...

At the entrance after check- in.

Male and female dorms are separated, you can choose mix dorm as well. 

As I was travel alone, I chose female dorm. 

The toilet

It requires card scanning to enter your dorm so bring it along if you're going to the toilet. 

love the interior, modern industry look.

my bed, a plug, and a small safe beside the bed. You gotta bring your own padlock for safe. I wonder why I couldn't feel the aircond (the grey thing) in my container, it was a bit warm. 

You will be given a 500ml bottle of water, towel & toothbrush kit upon check in. The key is for luggage locker. Hair and body shampoo are provided in the wash room.

Foldable table with mirror.

I tried but didn't manage to set the wake up call for myself but you will be reminded at your check out time so no worries about getting oversleep, HAHA! 

The blinder is used as a door to separate your room with outside alley so I called the reception to get a pair of free ear plugs. 

blinders & two hangers.

Overall, I think it was a great choice for a short stay. I have compared the price with the nearest hotels & found this the best since I have only few hours to spend, I am travel alone (no travel mates to divide the expenses) and this is the most budget yet safe & comfy one. 

More travel posts are coming!