The train from Brussels was quick so before I knew it we were easing into Amsterdam Central Station. I love how the trains are so efficient and with our Eurail Pass we arrive right in the city center.  We had ended up booking a room at the Amstel Botel which was on the other side of the river from the station. Their website mentioned a free ferry transfer from the train station which Sara and I expected was run by the hotel. As we exited the station towards the river, we saw what looked like a public ferry in the final stages of boarding and the signage made it seem like it was going towards our destination. We jumped onboard and hoped that we weren’t supposed to have a ticket. A few minutes later, we neared a dock and cruised past an old decommissioned submarine. In fact, we were surrounded by interesting and antique ships! This was an awesome city so far and we’d only just arrived.

Our hotel, Amstel Botel at NDSM pier

The Amstel Botel looked like a large houseboat. It was permanently attached to the dock and didn’t look like it would fare well if it tried to set sail. Our room was near the waterline and we could listen to the waves lap against the side of the boat. Several times, we looked out the window and saw several Continue reading →