Triangle. The Hague.

It was many years ago when I visited Amsterdam for the first and the last time. So, I would like to refresh my memories and to see the canals, narrow streets and Van Gogh inheritance again. Unfortunately, the hotels rates are like Boeing wing there. And I came up with the idea to stay not only in Amsterdam, but also in other cities of the Netherlands.

My first city is the Hague. The Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands. It is home to the Dutch royal family’s working palace. And many international organizations are based here. For example, it hosts the International Court of Justice and many embassies.

I should mention, that trains in the Netherlands are fast, clean, and easy to use, with frequent connections between major cities. So, from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you can take a direct train to The Hague in about 35 minutes.

The Hague features a mix of historic and modern architecture. Modern skyscrapers rise near classic Dutch townhouses from the 17th century here. 

But before exploring the city I have to check-in to the hotel Ibis, located very close to the Binnenhof, the parliament complex.

My hotel is housed in a historic building designed by the renowned Dutch architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage. Constructed in the 1890s, this building showcases Berlage's distinctive architectural style, characterized by robust brickwork and geometric forms. I was astonished by the look of the hotel itself, but most of all I loved the grand view through a big window of my room.

The city has the canals, so many bicycles and very cozy streets with summer cafes. A very relaxed atmosphere today. It feels like Amsterdam already.

 

The weather is perfect for walking. Around four kilometers from the city centre, and I am already can feel the breeze from the North sea. The Scheveningen Beach is the most famous beach district in The Hague. Many local people are sunbathing, making promenade here or even swimming in the cold waters.

It was a very walkable day today. I have made almost 30 thousand steps! Tired, but happy. And tomorrow I set off to another remarkable city of the Netherlands.

Milano Weekend. Day1

As my friend asked me, "Do you have someone in Milan, so you travel there so often?". Well, I do not have, so far. I am simply willing to come to this city again and again, because it is already very familiar to me and I can orientate myself there very easily, and moreover I always find something new and exciting for myself at this gorgeous place.

Before checking-in I had some time for early lunch. And luckily, close to my hotel, I have found a nice Mexican place with authentic food.

As usual, I am staying not far from the main railway station. The main reason is of course more affordable prices there.

At this time a new hotel for me, kind of a boutique hotel, without the reception. Nicely decorated rooms and common spaces. Needles to say, that this hotel also hosts some kind of art gallery.

I always start my big walking in the city from the Duomo area. It is still February, and it is quite chill outside, but it makes me walk faster to get warmed and burn more calories.

The new spot in Milan for me was the Triumph Arch, located behind the Parco Sempione. It is a 19th-century neoclassical monument, built to commemorate Napoleonic victories. Still, after Napoleon’s fall in 1815, the arch’s purpose shifted - from celebrating military victory to symbolizing peace following the Congress of Vienna.

Some chill time in the courtyard of the Sforzesco Castle. 

There are actually three courtyards in the Castello Sforzesco, and they are absolutely free to visit. The Piazza d’Armi is the large central area, once used for military drills. The Corte Ducale is more refined, with elegant arches, once reserved for the Duke’s residence. And the Rocchetta, the most fortified, used as a last line of defense.

Continue walking down the central streets of Milan. Its getting dark, and the illumination is turning on, which makes the city look magnificent.

I could not miss visiting the Starbucks Reserve and ordering the brewed coffee there.

And a slice of pizza (or maybe it is called focaccia) for the dessert in some street-food place.

Only 22417 steps at the end of the day, but I feel tired and quite satisfied. Tomorrow I will try to make the day even more exciting.

Milan, Christmas Mood 2

Two weeks before Christmas, and I am ready to set off for the new Christmas experience.

The next flight is to Milan. It is quite cheap from Prague and it is quite fast, only one hour and 20 minutes.

There is no snow in the streets of the city, but its not very warm neither. Still, I could not refuse myself the delicious gelato. Some Italians would judge me eating gelato in winter, but I am fine. And one more bonus of eating gelato in winter is that it is not melting.

Now it is time to visit the main square and to see two main Christmas trees in the city. One is in front of the Cathedral. And another is inside the Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II. This year the tree in the gallery is decorated by Dior, and it looks really beautiful. But the tree on the street looks very simple, and it is leaning as the Pisa tower.

I am quite satisfied with what I have seen, but I need to go to the hotel for the check-in.

The hotel 21 House of Stories Citta Studi is located not very far from the central station, and it is absolutely to my taste - modern, clean, quiet, not very expensive and with very good breakfast.

At the hotel is good, but I need to continue my exploration of the city.

Visiting Italian city and not trying local focaccia would be a crime. So, I found some trustworthy bistro, where I tasted Margherita with lots of cheese. One of the best focaccias! 

And the evening I was finishing with the coffee in flagman Starbucks, the special Christmas blend. Just perfect.

The Christmas mood in Milan is achieved, and it is such a nice completion of my trips in the current year.