Leaving behind the comfort of our last swim at Center Parcs Hochsauerland, we embarked on a journey towards Amsterdam. The drive was smooth, taking about three and a half hours, and by 4 PM, we arrived at our slightly quirky accommodation in Almere. Little did I know, this would be the start of an ongoing battle with a frozen stopcock. Three times I had to unfreeze it using boiling water—definitely not part of the plan, but it made for some memorable moments.
The next morning, we were up bright and early, eager to explore. A short ride on the Intercity commuter train whisked us to Amsterdam Central, but finding our way out of the station turned into a bit of an adventure. The ongoing construction created a labyrinth of detours, and it felt like every turn led us further away from the exit. Finally, we emerged into the city, greeted by a cold, grey sky and the unmistakable energy of Amsterdam.
Our first stop was a carousel-themed restaurant. It was warm, whimsical, and exactly what we needed to start the day. The girls loved the playful décor while we enjoyed a hearty early lunch to fuel up for what lay ahead.
From there, we strolled to one of Amsterdam’s bustling markets, home to over 250 stalls. Georgia was in her element, darting from one stall to the next, her eyes wide with excitement at the colourful displays of crafts, foods, and curiosities. Dotty, wrapped up warm, joined in the fun, fascinated by the buzz around her.
Ali had booked herself onto a city bike tour, so we split up. While she pedalled through the city, taking in its rich history and hidden gems, the girls and I headed to a nearby park. Despite the bitter cold, the girls couldn’t resist playing in the sand and riding the trikes. Their cheeks turned rosy, and their laughter echoed across the playground, a sweet reminder of how simple joys often make the best memories.
When we met up with Ali later, she was glowing (and shivering!) from her bike ride. She regaled us with stories of her tour, including the old city entrance with its historic prison—a stark but fascinating contrast to Amsterdam’s modern, vibrant streets. A round of steaming hot chocolates was just what we all needed to defrost and recharge.
As the sun set, we made our way to the highlight of the day: a boat trip for the Amsterdam Light Festival. Each year, the canals come alive with incredible light installations designed by artists from around the world. The theme this year was “Celebrating Life and Culture,” and the displays were nothing short of magical. Floating past glowing sculptures and illuminated bridges, we marvelled at how the city seemed to transform into a living, breathing art gallery.
The experience left us all in awe, but by the time we docked, the cold and the long day had caught up with us. We trudged back to the train and returned to Almere, finally getting in around 9 PM. Tired but happy, we reflected on a day filled with unexpected detours, stunning sights, and a fair share of quirky moments (I’m looking at you, frozen stopcock).
frozen stopcocks to glowing canals, Amsterdam gave us a day to remember. If you’re planning your own trip, don’t let a little cold weather stop you bundle up, explore, and enjoy the magic this city has to offer!
Stay tuned for more stories from our family travels.
Learn more about Amsterdam City Exploration!
Learn more about Amsterdam City Exploration!
