Travel with Julie

Houseboats In Amsterdam

Amsterdam's waterways are lined with houseboats.  Approximately 2,400 families live on houseboats.  They came about after WWII when there was a housing shortage and a surplus of cargo ships.  Some saw the opportunity to turn the cast off ships into a home.

In the '60s and '70s, houseboat living really began to take off, forcing the city to adopt a policy limiting the number of houseboats in its canals.  No more new mooring permits are released.  This means, the price of houseboats with permits have increased substantially over the years.

There are three basic forms of houseboats.  The houseship is an old cargo ship with a refurbished bay and captain's quarters.  The housevessel has had its deck and steering house removed to make room for a structure meant for living in.  The ark (pictured above) is a houseboat with a square hull for the sole purpose of housing.

It's fun to walk Amsterdam's canals and sneak peaks into the various houseboats.  Some have been fabulously restored while others are in serious need of repair.  You can let your imagination run wild with ideas of what life is like on a houseboat.  Or, you can visit the Houseboat Museum, a former freighter that was converted into a houseboat housing families for over 20 years.  Visitors can see for themselves what it's like to live on a houseboat in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam's Pee Can

Anything goes in Amsterdam!  And that is certainly true for its pee can.  That's right.  A circular tin can for men to pee in.  Why the prejudice to only supply men with a public urinal?  I don't know.  But, that's not why I find them disgusting.

As you see in hubs' demonstration above, the 'can' doesn't leave anything to the imagination.  Don't inch too close, it reeks of urine.  Don't stand nearby, or you feel wet splatter on your feet and legs.  If you are a guy and choose to use the pee can, you stand in . . . well . . . pee.  

This particular pee can is located in the square of an old church.  Why?  Because they can (no pun intended)!

100 Places In Italy Every Woman Should Go Giveaway

Every once in a while, something, or someone, comes along with information about Italy that makes me realize how little I really know about the country.  (That's a bold confession from a travel planner specializing in travel to Italy!)  Recently, it was the book 100 Places In Italy Every Woman Should Go written by Susan Van Allen.

If you are content in only seeing the major sites in Italy, then stop reading now and click to another post.  This book is not for you.  However, if you are like me, and enjoy getting off the beaten path, learning the back-stories behind the places and sites you're seeing, and take delight in experiencing life as a local, then this book is a MUST for you!

For example, did you know that Raphael's biographer claims that Raphael died from too much sex?  Or, did you know that the Virgin Mary wore a girdle, and that girdle is safely locked away in a chapel in Prato? (I won't tell you how it got there...you'll have to read about it in the book!) What about the treasured Ste. Catherine?  Did you know that her body is enshrined in a Roman church while her head is in Siena and a foot rests in Venice? That's a story worth reading!

But that's not all. Would you know where to find the ooh-la-la lingerie worn by those sleek sexy Italian women?  Or, would you know how to find the nearest yoga retreat? (That chapter made me wonder how to say "Downward Dog" in Italian!)  And, if shoes are your thing...just turn to page 235!  From cities to churches, beaches to beauty parlors, and adventures to Italian crafts, Ms. Van Allen takes you into the Italian culture where few travelers dare to go.

To the traveler (whether you're planning your first trip to Italy or your 10th): 100 Places In Italy Every Woman Should Go is an excellent supplement to your standard guidebook.  It will inspire you to go beyond the main attractions and taste a little of the local life.  

To the travel agent and travel planner:  Susan Van Allen's book is a tremendous resource that will help you encourage and design more meaningful vacations for clients.  You will take them to places they would never discover on their own.  My copy is already tagged and highlighted for not-to-miss places on my next visit!

EDITED TO ADD:  Contest has ended.  Thank you for your entries.  The winner is announced in the comments below.

 

And guys, if you think this book is only for the girls, then let me set you straight.  My husband was grabbing it out of my hands before I could finish the final chapter!  So, I hope to see your entries, too!

Contest rules: This contest will be open until 12 pm, August 21.  You are allowed ONE entry per person.  One lucky winner will be selected via a random number generator and announced here on this site.

Good luck!

Outdoor Markets In Amsterdam

Who doesn't love an outdoor market?  In Amsterdam, there are two that shouldn't be missed.

Minutes from Dam Square, you will find the Flower Market.  Of course, when you think of Amsterdam and Holland, you think of tulips. But, dream up any color or variety, and you're bound to find it at the Flower Market.  It is a floral paradise!

But flowers aren't all you will find at the market. You will admire many Dutch treats including sculptures, ornaments, cheeses, and wooden clogs. The colors and aromas surrounding the market tantalize all of your senses!

You will be tempted to buy up an array of bulbs to bring home.  But before you do, look into what is legal to bring into your country.  Most merchants in the market will know exactly what is acceptable for the U.S., and some go so far as to mark packages with the countries' flag indicating the item is considered legal for import into that country.

Be wary, however, of Canabis seeds and starter kits.  Canabis is another name for marijuana.  It is legal to buy marijuana seeds in Amsterdam.   Nevertheless, U.S. Customs will not find it amusing if you are caught "smuggling" them home.

The flower market is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, except Sundays.

Near the Rembrandt house, is the Waterlooplein Flea Market.  More like a bazaar, stalls are filled with bric-a-brac, second-hand clothing, old military items, leather goods, books, record albums, electronics, toys, and more.  At first glance, it looks like a tacky garage sale.  But for the treasure seeker, the flea market is Utopia.

Waterlooplein Flea Market is open Monday through Friday, 9 am - 5:30 pm; Saturnday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm.

Things To Consider When Booking A B&B In Europe

Staying in a Bed and Breakfast can save you money, as well as offer a more spacious and comfortable place to stay. Yet, there are some things to consider when searching for a B&B in Europe:

LOCATION:  B&B's are typically rooms for rent in homes located in residential areas. Make sure the location is centrally located to the places you want to visit, or convenient to public transportation systems.

BATHROOM:  Some B&B's offer private baths while others offer shared baths.  A shared bath means you are sharing the bathroom with other guests.  A private bath means a bathroom in the house that is for your use only, or an en suite bathroom.  If an en suite is important to you, be sure to inquire about the location of the bathroom.

STAIRS:  Typically, there are no elevators in B&B's.  When booking a room, find out what floor the room is situated on--this may matter to you since you will be responsible for lugging your luggage up and down them!  Also, remember the first floor in Europe is actually the 2nd floor in the U.S.

BREAKFAST:  Breakfast may or may not be included.  And, if it is included, it may not be free.  Be clear on what is in included in your room rate at the time of booking.

SERVICES:  Daily room cleaning and fresh towels most likely will not be provided.  If it is important to you to have your bed made and bathroom cleaned daily, a B&B might not be for you.  It is also a good idea to find out what amenities will be provided in the bathroom.  You would hate to arrive needing a shower and find there is no soap available.

PAYMENT:  Many B&B's require cash payment upon arrival.