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.

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.

Roma, Eternal Beauty

This is my second visit to Roma. And I strongly believe that it will be not the last time when I come to this eternal city. I am endlessly in love with architecture, history, art, beauty and unique atmosphere of the place. Can you imagine that the city is 2775 years old?!

So, we arrived by plane from Prague, and then took the train to the city centre, from where we had underground and some walk to our hotel San Giovanni.

Surprisingly for me, the hotel turned out to be very good, and I am absolutely satisfied with the amenities and personnel there.

To my delight, at this time I have a companion, who I will observe the sights with. Somehow I will be a guide for my friend, because I have already visited the city before, and I can orientate myself here quite easily. Of course, I have not seen all remarkable places in Roma, so for me the new discoveries also will happen for sure.

One of the sights which I have not hit during the previous trip, is the Colosseum. So, for the start we headed there. To say briefly, it is impressive. Just for the information, it is the largest ancient amphitheater ever build, and it is still the largest standing amphitheater in the world. Unfortunately, we did not enter inside, but it will be certainly done during the next visits to Roma.

The second miraculous sight is the Trevi Fountain. Definitely, it is worth visiting at the evening when the illuminations are turned on.

Such a nice beginning of our exciting journey. There will be two more full days of staying here, and I am pretty sure, that with my co-traveler it must be a blast.