Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Amsterdam - To Do (Diamond Museum, Van Gough Museum Windmill Tour, Erotic Museum)

Amsterdam - To Stay
Amsterdam - To Do
Amsterdam - To Eat 
Amsterdam - To Buy
Amsterdam - To Do
8Aug2013
Click here to see ABBATravel facebook page

Diamond Museum Amsterdam
Three connected buildings make up this Diamond Museum. The diamond shaping and sales room are free to view, but a two storied museum, past a labyrinth of shop showcases await guest with an entry fee of 7.50-5
The museum itself is a replica haven of world famous diamonds, a little history on its creation and its many uses amongst the wealthy. Probably the top floor with its glass sword encrusted with diamonds, diamond racquet, worlds smallest diamond and diamond room just satisfies the minimum entry fee.
The free section is with a gander as you watch Master polish and craft out the multifaceted diamonds, but the rest is purely diamond sales. I must say, the paid section of the diamond room, in the way it was designed and built was the finale to this visit.


Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is a must for the both beer and non-beer drinkers. 
They do not falter on the experience part of it, starting from history, to necessary ingredients of making. Each portion allowing for different levels of interaction as well as tasting at the interim brewing process.
Varied displays, with interactive games, as well as proper drinking technique and an opportunity to pour your own beers from the tap.
The Heineken experience grants you options of either two beers at the end of the tour, or pour your own beer experience which gets you a certificate or you can trade the two standard beers for a larger, super cold Heineken beer, which tastes far superior that the standard two drinks.  
   
The entire factory ground seemed a little smaller than expected, with the finale at the Heineken Bar, lacking the grandeur which it shows in many of its advertisements. The beer pouring did have quite a long wait time to it as each individual was shown how to before their chance at the tap. Spent approximately two hours total to go through the entire self guided tour.
ABBAtip:
- Tickets maybe purchased from Crew Hotel or from Ticket booth which can save you
2 off the entry fee of €17.

Click here for ABBA location of the Heineken Expereince Stadhouderskade 78 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands


Van Gogh Museum
A stunning collection of what is said to be the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh paintings. Follow his life journey and the growth of this artists.
Notable favorites are located here like the Potato Peelers, to the bedroom, the fields and off course one of the worlds most expensive paintings sold, the sunflowers, for €80million. The one pictured above is similar but different and went for €60million.
Whats great about this place, that you can snap as much pictures of the art pieces which belong to the Van Gogh Museum. Those on loan from other museums are a strict no no. A stunning collection that documents simply the evolving artist of Van Gogh, from basics, to style, to color.

A must visit. Queuing up to get in is futile. Purchase timed tickets in advance is the best option. Look to ABBAtips below.

ABBATip:
- Purchase time slotted ticket and arrive early. There are queues which snake around the building and you may have been queuing in the wrong spot all along. Look for museum staff. (Tickets maybe purchased at crew hotel or from authorized dealers such as shop shown above, in front of I AMSTERDAM.)
- Taken from Van Gogh Website: Free Wi-Fi

The Van Gogh Museum now offers free wireless internet throughout the museum . Check-in on foursquare, update your status on Facebook, visit our website, e-mail or just send a tweet to your followers from the museum galleries.

Follow these instructions for iPhone, Anroid smartphone or Windows Phone:

Press the Settings icon and then 'Wi-Fi' (iPhone), 'Wireless & networks' (Android) or tap 'Settings' in the App list (Windows Phone) and select 'Wi-Fi'.

Check if the Wi-Fi is turned on and then select the VanGoghMuseum network.

A disclaimer will appear automatically: read the conditions and press 'Accept'.

You are now connected to the Van Gogh Museum Wi-Fi network.

Self Guided
Windmill/Cheese/Clogs
*Self Guided Tour*
Getting to the windmills 
- Step ONE Get to Grand Central Staiton 
Take Tram number 2 or 5 or one can walk 2.4km to the Grand Central Station. 
Click here for ABBA location of Grand Central Staiton 
- Step TWO Take Either Bus 391 or a train to Zannse Schans
*Bus ride takes 40-50mins to at €4 each way and stops directly at the windmills. You can't miss it. Central Station and Zaanse Schans (Where the windmills are) are the first and last stops.
*Train though a shorter travel time, but its a 10min walk to location. Also at
€4 each way, but didn't go by this transport.
Ask the bus driver or station managers where to go for windmills, they will point you in the right direction. 

Alternatively getting there by train.
*Contributed by Roy*
- a tram ride 2/5 to the central station. The ticket cost 2.80Eu and its valid for an hour. However if you are travelling a lot in the city can consider buying the 24 hr ticket which cost 7.40EU. Buy the ticket from the driver.
From the Center station make your way to the ticket counter. Turn towards the left once you enter the Central Station. Buy a 2 way ticket to Koog-Zaandijk, which cost 6.30EU. The train ride to Zaandijk is about 20 min. However if you miss the train, its likely to be half an hour wait.
Once you reached Zaannjik, take the underground tunnel on the left towards Zaanse Schans. Follow the roads sign to the windmill. its about a good 15-20min stroll. Enjoy the stroll.
Tips: Do check the return train timing so that you can plan your time back to the station. Its really frustrating to miss the returning train and wait for half an hour on the freezing platform.
 *Contributed by Roy*
Windmills/Cheese/Clogs Self-guided Tour
A picturesque country side, framed by windmills open fields, with tranquil waters flowing, ducks waddling, and sheep grazing in the fields. 

The tranquility is only interrupted by bus loads of traveling tourist. €3 would grant you entry into one of the many windmills located along side. It is quite impressive to see wind-power alone, moving the cogs and pushing along 4-7tonn stone wheel for milling.

The cheese factory and Clog huts are almost secondary in nature and whose presentations and exhibits over within 15mins or less. 
The clogs of today seem to loose its rustic charm, with automation as seen in the presentation. A clog could be carved within 5mins.
     
You haven't been to Amsterdam until you've seen the windmills. A tourist must check off list in a beautiful place, but other than that, it maybe too slow a pace for some, with very little to see or learnt in the cheese and clog huts. They served better as tourist traps, selling their products.
ABBATip:
- Getting here on your own is definitely the much cheaper option. A round trip with tram ride to central station €2+, round trip bus ride €8 and even a boat ride across the river and back €2. It much cheaper than you would for the tour package which some have fed back is a rush, with no time for lunch. 

Erotic Museum
Located in the heart of the red light district, the Erotic Museum, I must say was quite tastefully done. Each level was themed and covered different genres. Although boasting 5 floors, each floor was approximately the size of a two bed room apartment.

W
ith tickets priced
at €7/entry it was a little on the pricy side but an interesting visit none the less.

Amsterdam - To Eat (Burger Meesters, FEBO, New York Steakhouse)

Amsterdam -To Stay
Amsterdam - To Do
Amsterdam - To Eat 
Amsterdam - To Buy
Amsterdam - To Eat
8thAug2013

Click here to see ABBATravel facebook page

 Burger Meesters

The most popular orders with this chain were Cheese Burger, as well as the Master Burger
Ordered:
Cheese Burger - Beef, Cheddar, Mustard,Ketchup €8
*Simple. But surprisingly good. A good size and definitely filling.*
Master Beef Burger - Beef, Grilled Vegetables, Tarragon Mayo
€8
*Pictured. Refreshing and a good melt on the cheddar. Have never had roasted egg plant, zuchiini in a burger before, but it totally works. Thumbs up. Tarragon Mayo flavors didn't really shine, but perhaps was already too hungry and busy clearing the plate.*
Beef Burger Royale - Beef, Truffle Egg, Pancetta €8.50*Truffle egg concept didn't really come through and seemed to just leave a scrambled mess.*
Located near the Albert Cuyp market, a great place to stop by for burgers. Don't even bother with the mini sized one as seen above. We came here prior to going for the Heineken Experience.

FEBO
(Absolutely avoid!)
A chain which is located all around Amsterdam. A place to get quick bites for cheap and add odd hours. Don't even bother with this place, and am not even going to justify with a location or review. One is better of buying a hotdog off street vendors and load up with as much sauerkraut, pickles, white onions, crispy bits and sauces as one wants for infinitely better.
ABBAtip:
Don't eat it.

New York Steakhouse
  Ordered:
*Comes with complementary, heated bread and herb butter*
Onion Soup
€5.40
*Really good onion soup. A melted cheese bruschetta was the topper and elevated this sweet, hearty soup to the next level. Really good and I'd order it again,*

Ribeye
€20.90
*The medium rare seemed questionable, but the meat was done to standard. What was enjoyable were the variety of sauces in mini gravy boats you could have ordered from. Its just awesome gravy paring for the fries or steaks.*

Located a stones throw away from crew hotel, this place has a very nice atmosphere about it. Being able to dine on the baloney, over looking/hearing performers in this square is fantastic  Great setting, lively entertainment and good food.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Japan Narita - To Do (Aeon Mall, Narita Village, Naritasan-Shinshoji Temple)

Narita - To Stay
Japan Narita - To Do
Japan Narita - To Eat
 
Japan - To Buy
Japan Narita - To Do
"ÆON MALL"
"ÆON" is a mega mall with all the necessities to meet everyone's interest.
"AEON Supermarket" for packet meals, sashimi and various Japanese tidbits.
ABBATIP: Wait till late. You'll may get up to 50% discount off sashimi/tempura/bento boxed meals.
(Prices are all reduced to clear)
Click here for ABBA location of ÆON MALL
Special shops that maybe of interest in ÆON are:
"Francfrancfranc" & "Muji" designer home ware
  "Shimamura Music"  Specialty music store.

"Narita Village"
A waterholes of sorts with good eats lining these rustic streets, with the elegant "Naritasan-Shinshoji Temple" offering a tranquil escape to peace and serenity. Within this township, there are some dining gems as well. "Narita JR Railway" and "Keisei Narita" train stations operate from here.
Click here for General Area of Narita Village
Naritasan-Shinshoji Temple
@Narita Village
Tranquil surroundings and beautiful nature walk which extends far behind the temple grounds. 

 *10Dec2017 From Left, Sake speciality shops and C/R Staff preparing the Eels for the day*
 Moochi desserts being kept warm
 10Dec2017
 The beautiful park located within the temple's enclosed area.

Can Do:
"Photographer's Lookout point near RWY16"
Located about 2.4km away from ANA Crowne hotel, a walk brings you through local farmlands, to a lookout point overlooking 16L ARR/DEP. This spot is popular with Photographers. Look out for other with large cameras and radio receivers, awaiting for the next incoming aircraft.
Click here for location of "Photographer's Point"

Indonesia - Jarkarta, To Do (C.J's Bar, Plaza Senayan and Senayan City)

Jakarta - To Stay
Jakarta - To Do
Jakarta - To Eat 
Jakarta - To Buy
To Dos @ The Hotel Mulia
C.J's Bar (Second Floor)
A well known bar in the Jakarta circuits. Live Band performances, staring an international band, playing great tunes. Drinks such as juices and local beers start from 120,000rupiahs. The Bar opens at 9pm and closes at approximately 3am.
 Can do
Plaza Senayan and Senayan City
Plaza Senayan
Click here for Shopping directory of Plaza Senayan
ABBATip:
- Plaza Senayan offers more food choices than Senayan City Shopping center.
However , both offer big name and well known brands offering patrons a wide range of shopping opportunities.
 Senayan City

Australia - Sydney, To Do (Sydney Fish Market, Darling Harbor, Sydney Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney's Paddy's Market, Queen Victoria Building, Hobbyco)

Sydney - To Stay
Sydney - To Eat
Sydney - To Do
Sydney - To Do
Sydney Fish Market
 
Laying claim to being the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere, watch as the market processes an array of fresh sea-foods for the day's sale. 



*Taken 20Sep23 AUD24*
It has a variety of cooked and fresh sea-foods, from lobsters, prawns, fresh oysters and various shashimi cuts. Dine outdoors, whilst enjoying the picturesque view of Blackwattle Bay. A seafood platter, shown in pic, for two went for about AUD52.
ABBATip: - The Sydney Fish Market is at its most lively from the early mornings till about 1330hrs.- Guard your food from the Seagulls. They will go for a quick snatch and grab if given the opportunity.
Click here for ABBA location of Sydney Fish MarketLocked Bag 247 Bank Street

Darling Harbor
A short 10min walk from Hyatt Sydney hotel brings you to Pyrmont bridge and the Darling Harbor. A wide range of eateries are available as well as attractions like the Australian Maritime Museum and Sydney Aquarium.
Click here for public transport which takes you under the darling harbor.

Things to Do @ The Sydney Cove

The Sydney Cove is home to the  the world famous Sydney Opera Houses as well as the Sydney Harbor Bridge  which are definitely must sees. At the cove there are also various ferries which you can offer a scenic ride or bring you to other great attractions like the Taronga Zoo. The Rocks which line the cove as well are a great place to wine and dine.
Click here for ABBA Location of the Sydney Cove

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House has a recognizably factor of 4Billion, sealing its place as one of the many architectural wonders of the world. A scenic view of ferries going up an down the bay, framed by the picturesque Sydney Harbor Bridge with the sunset in the background. 
Enjoy the Opera House Tour, learn its design history and have a greater appreciation of its use of materials and modern design. Tours last for an hour every half hour and tickets are readily purchased at location.
Click here for ABBA more details and tour pricing


Museum of contemporary Art Australia
Located along The Rocks, this Free Entry Museum showcases some of the many new Art Works. 
Not an Art Buff? No worries. On the 4th Floor there's a cafe which gives you a panoramic view of the scenic cove. Watch as the Opera House changes colors through the day. 
ABBA Details :
*Free Entry
- 1000-1700hrs
- 1000-2100hrs Thurs
Sydney Harbor Bridge
Its large steel and concrete structure is like a Bridge out of Christopher Nolan's the Dark Knight Rises scene. Another great icon in Sydney.
Click here for public transport which takes you under the darling harbor.
Can Do
Sydney's Paddy's Market
Paddy's Market is a large enclosed building which sells an array of fresh groceries, Australian souvenirs, home-wares and miscellaneous items. If you look hard enough, you'll be able to find some gems within this place.
ABBA Recommended Buy @ Paddy's Market:
DicaPac,a product from Korea provides a great, cheap alternative to using your cameras, smart phones and even tablets underwater. Surprisingly, interaction of Ipad through waterproof casing still possible without problem!
An array of products for Generic Compact Camera AUD25 Ipad AUD35/Iphone/PhoneAUD20 and DSLR Camera Protective covers are available.
Click here for ABBA Details on DicaPac
*Open 0900-1700hrs Wed-Sun and Public Holidays

Click here for ABBA location of Sydney's Paddy's Market Hay Street and Thomas Street, Haymarket, Sydney
Click here for more ABBA Details on Paddy's Market and Opening Timings 

QVB: Queen Victoria Building
Located directly opposite of Hyatt Sydney, QVB is an architecturally stunning building, restored from back in the day and retrofitted to house a medley of known brands, eateries and shopping. All of which are built above and beneath ground and interconnected via tunnels. You can stay sheltered from the weather and continue to shop in the grand architecture. 
*Special Mention Hobbyco at QVB 

Located at the top floor of QVB, it is chock-full of things for the modern fanboy. 
The lower floor has an extensive assortment of hobby kits, toy weaponry and a model railroad track in the toy train section. The upper floor has the latest Lego kits and radio control cars with a working racing track.
Click here for ABBA location of QVB 455 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
*Contributed by Denison Tan