Amsterdam

We were strangers to the Dutch way of life but we developed a sixth sense for avoiding the tram and the bicycles quickly enough. We had to because there were thousands of cyclists in the city. We hid from the hustling and bustling at the van Gogh museum where security was tight, but the paintings are beautiful. The depressed artist, whose work was not appreciated in his own lifetime, had painted some daring and bold paintings for us to look at. In his lifetime he had painted about 2000 artworks and at the museum there were more than 200 of his paintings on display.

Amsterdam bikes, The Netherlands by redjar

The other part of the day was spent wandering along the canal through cafes, the sex museum and picturesque shops. Everywhere we went there was an exotic smell of hash or weed. In the afternoon we went to the Anne Frank house where she wrote her famous diary while she and her family were hiding from the Nazi’s. Behind a bookcase there was a secret door, where the family hid from the Germans. In the two floors and the attic she and seven others lived for two years before they were betrayed. We went back to the swift caravan to get some rest for the second day and second destination. We took the train to Utrecht which is only a half an hour journey.

Utrecht

Utrecht felt like the living, beating heart of Holland. The city was built around the old Dom tower. We climbed up the tower to have a view over the city. We saw lots of cellars, terraces and cafes along the canal. There are also a lot of modern houses and a large and modern shopping centre where we spend the whole morning shopping.

Utrecht Dom Cathedral Tower, The Netherlands by Pepijntje

Gouda

From Utrecht we took the train to another tourist hotspot: Gouda. This small city with its gorgeous old city square is world famous for their production of cheese. They sell many varieties at the Gouda market place, which is dominated by a beautiful 15^th century Gothic town hall. With a belly full of cheese and dutch frieten, and with some lovely experiences of the country, unfortunately we had to go back to catch our boat again. Although we’ll definitely visit the Netherlands again!

Gouda Cheese Market in a city of Gouda, The Netherlands by Johi

The post Must-see places in Holland appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Terry Whalebone

Very few airports in the world can handle what is known as “Code F” aircraft, but this one can, and in fact, has been having the Concorde land there for a long time. Now it even handles the Airbus A380, which is currently the biggest passenger airliner today. This plane is even a double decker besides being a wide-body.

Wartime and After

During its time, the Ringway Airport was of tremendous importance to the RAF, and this location trained a great number of parachutists. Its various terminals have been added to since the war of course, and there is a tremendous amount of room for expansion, especially since the 1972 opening of the M56 motorway for use to reach the airport. Furthermore, since wartime, sky links and travelators have also been added.

Currently, the airport boasts three separate terminals all of which are in constant use. Also added have been special rooftop smoking terraces, many additional executive lounges as well as some great shops and of course restaurants. Evidently, the airport also has a very large World Freight Terminal that opened in 1986. Security at the airport is being handled by the Greater Manchester Police.

The Manchester Airport has its own railway station called the Manchester Airport Railways Station, and it came into use in 1993. It currently has three different rail platforms handling over 300 trains per day to take care of the huge amount of people who come to the airport by train. The airport also receives over 500 buses daily as well as over 100 coaches. There are plans to open a Manchester Airport tram station in 2016.

Aircraft Spotting

Because the public has always been interested in aircraft spotting, a Runway Visitor Park was opened in 2010. In addition, there is now a café and a store located there, which sells aviation-related items. A number of retired aircraft are available for sightseeing as well. Although there are a number of Manchester Airport hotel accommodation in the area, there currently is one hotel on Ringway road that also has a public house for those who wish to have a beer.

Accidents

Ever since the Manchester Airport has been open, there have been very few accidents. However, in March 1951, a cargo aircraft crashed, which was caused by icing in the carburetor intakes. The captain had unfortunately failed to utilise the plane’s heat controls. In 1957, a plane on final approach crashed due to flap failure. In 1967 a plane had to abort its approach to Manchester Airport and suffered a loss of engine power and therefore, crashed. Finally, in 1969, a small plane crashed on takeoff, and in 1985, a larger plane carrying 55 people suffered engine failure due to incorrect repairs, and it failed to take off causing a fire in the cabin.

Pam is a full time freelance writer and works on guest posting projects. If you are interested in her services please contact Pam at pdowlin@gmail.com.

View Manchester Airport Hotels Are Lovely To Stop In United Kingdom in a larger map

The post Manchester Airport Hotels Are Lovely To Stop In | United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by admin

First of all, a rented villa offers much more space than a hotel at a much lower price. Most villas are airy and well maintained. Some even have terraces where you can have open-air meals or just sit down and enjoy the view all around you. Others come with a pool where you can take a relaxing swim or entertain guests and friends.

Renting a villa during your cheap holiday in Italy will also offer you the privacy that you cannot get at a hotel. You can have peace and quiet and you can be sure that you won’t be bothered by the crowds especially during the peak season.

If you love to cook, then a villa is perfect for you since it is equipped with a working kitchen and other comforts of home. You will be able to have the foods that you are used to at a much lower price. This will also give you the chance to explore the local markets and get to know the local people. When you stay in a villa on your cheap holiday in Italy, it is basically living in your home away from home.

So if you are just in looking for some accommodation in Italy, think about this tip!

The post Benefits of renting a villa for your cheap holiday in Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

Aquapalace Prague is divided into internal and external parts. In the inner part there is a 19-meter long swimming pool. For entertainment there are 6 toboggans, 3 slides for both younger and older visitors. There are spacebowl or outdoor wild river for those who like adrenaline adventures. If you like sea bathing you will certainly welcome the wave pool producing sea-like waves in regular intervals.

There is also an aquarium, where you can observe starfish, corals, sea urchins, plenty of colourful sea fish and three blacktip reef sharks. For the relaxation there are a swimming pool, whirlpools, massage benches, saunas and relaxation terraces with deckchairs.

There are also some water pools for the youngest visitors as well.

You can also try a test drive in an 8 meters deep diving tube.

Then there is the sandy beach, a cocktail bar with seating and some restaurants. If you don’t know swim you can attend some of the courses. Aquapalace Prague is open daily from 10:00 to 21:45.

There is one special day dedicated to World Day of Naturism when you cannot access aquapalace in swimming suit. It is usually on first Saturday in June from 20:00 to 23:00.

View Aquapalace Prague – the biggest aquapark in Czech republic in a larger map

The post Aquapalace Prague – the biggest aquapark in Czech republic appeared first on Europe Explored.