Traveling with the Jones — Sharing Travel Discoveries

A Look Inside the Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

by Janis on August 21, 2016

In July, we enjoyed a 2-night post-cruise stay in Amsterdam at the Hilton Amsterdam Hotel.

Located at 138 Apollolaan near the Vondelpark in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter, the Hilton Amsterdam Hotel is famous as the location of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 ‘bed-in for peace.’

Today hotel guests may reserve the 538sq. ft. “John and Yoko Suite” filled with memorabilia from the couple’s stay.

We stayed in room 501, a King Hilton Junior Suite with a canal view.

A Look inside Room 501

first view, Room 501, Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

When you walk into room 501, the first thing you notice is the view. As you get closer to the windows, you learn that they open (a little) for fresh air.

canal view from Room 501, Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

This is the canal view from Room 501 at the Hilton Amsterdam Hotel. The suites facing the front of the hotel have balconies, but we would not trade this canal view.

desk and seating area, Room 501, Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

The spacious seating area is another nice benefit of Room 501, as well as the desk for computer work.

king bed, Room 501, Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

We found the king bed in Room 501 much more comfortable than it appears in the photo above. Of course, we appreciated the bedside lights and plugs.

Normally, we try to avoid adjoining rooms because of potential noise, but this room was blissfully quiet during our stay.

bathroom, Room 501, Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

As a 1960’s hotel, we did not expect a huge bathroom. The Dutch tulip on the shower curtain gave the room a memorable local touch.

bathroom sink, Room 501, Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

The bathroom furnishings such as the sink and the shower were up-to-date and functional.

mini-bar, Room 501, Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

The mini-bar refrigerator was hidden in the wood storage cabinets. While the door reminded NOT to remove anything that you did not want to be charged for, there was a surprising unique addition to this mini-bar refrigerator.

personal use shelf, mini-bar, Room 501, Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

There was one empty shelf in the mini-bar refrigerator for guests’ personal use. Perfect for storing the local cheese and wine we purchased during our food tour in Amsterdam.

view from Executive Lounge, Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

Guests staying in suites and junior suites, as well as Hilton HHonors Diamond members enjoy access to the top-floor Executive Lounge. While the lounge is compact, it has floor-to-ceiling glass windows for fantastic views of Amsterdam, while enjoying drinks and snacks.

While you could have breakfast in the Executive Lounge, we enjoyed the option of the full buffet breakfast in Roberto’s Restaurant on the first floor.

While the hotel’s nautical-themed Half Moon Lounge was designed by Ralph Lauren, the outdoor garden terrace is the place to be on a sunny July day. Stadium-style seating gives all guests a good view of the canal.

drinks and frits, garden terrace, Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

We used beverages and frits with three different traditional dipping sauces, as well as the views from the garden terrace.

evening canal view, Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

We also enjoyed walking around the neighborhood of the hotel. The Hilton Amsterdam Hotel glows over the canal as the sun starts to descend.

sunset view from Room 501, Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

Back in room 501, here is the Van Gogh-worthy sunset view that we enjoyed from our window.

Staying at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel with Hilton HHonors Points

We stayed at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel using Hilton HHonors Points. As a Category 8 hotel, a single night costs 60,000-70,000 Hilton HHonors points, depending on the time of year. Our 2-night July stay required 120,000 points, which is a significant amount of points. We considered the hotel to be a good use of HHonors points.

Our bottom line on the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel:

The hotel has a terrific location in Amsterdam within walking distance to the Vondelpark and the key museums, but outside of the most-tourist-crowded area of Central Amsterdam.
While built in the 1960’s our room was modern and up to date.
We loved the canal view from room 501, as well as the spaciousness of the living area in the king junior suite.
The breakfast buffet in Roberto’s Restaurant offered many choices and was well-staffed to handle the breakfast rush.
The garden terrace is a lovely spot to enjoy a beverage and a snack or lunch on a sunny summer day.
The hotel is a category 8 hotel in the Hilton HHonors program, requiring 60,000-70,000 points per night for a free stay. Still, we considered our stay a good use of points.

Have you stayed in the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel? How would you rate it?

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Menu Favorites from the Tamarind Restaurant on the Koningsdam

by Janis on August 18, 2016

Since the Asian-inspired Tamarind Restaurant has been one of our favorite dining destinations at sea, we couldn’t wait to try it during our July cruise on Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam.

In addition to a new location on the ms Koningsdam, the Tamarind Restaurant featured some new menu items as well as the prior favorites. I loved the new crispy soft-shell crab appetizer, which was perfectly prepared.

We also enjoyed a sushi roll appetizer, with samples of three different rolls. If you choose sushi in the Tamarind, you can opt for Sashimi (slices of raw fish), Nigiri sushi (slices of raw fish with wasabi wrapped around rice), or a variety of rolls. Choose six of your favorites for an appetizer or 12 pieces from the list for a main course.

One of our long-time favorite entrees is still featured on the Koningsdam’s Tamarind menu. It’s Penang Red Curry Coconut Chicken, which includes chicken and an assortment of fresh vegetables simmered in a spicy red curry and coconut milk sauce. (You can request the level of spicy heat that you prefer.)

The still-popular Thai Basil Szechuan Shrimp entree is packed with fresh vegetables and is sauteed with a chili pepper glaze.

A new dish for us: the Barramundi in Banana Leaf, which is presented in its wrapped form.

Once the server unwraps the banana leaf, you get to enjoy a beautiful and tasty piece of fish covered with shiitake mushrooms and a delightful mix of Asian spices and flavors.

The signature Tamarind chocolate remains a popular dessert. A shell of bittersweet chocolate is filled with Tamarind-flavored chocolate and ginger mousse, with a little surprise kick of heat, offset by the fresh berries that surround it

For a lighter dessert, we tried the Mango Cloud, a fluffy egg-white soufflé accompanied by mango sorbet. One does feel like they are eating a cloud; a very tasty cloud covered with fresh mango sauce.

We also enjoyed the new location of the Tamarind Restaurant on the ms Koningsdam; it’s located at the aft end of Deck 10, overlooking the Sea View Pool.

During one of our two visits to the Tamarind, we were seated with this glorious view watching the ship sail out of the Netherlands into the North Sea. Along with the view, the restaurant features warm and gracious service, directed by Panca, the manager

In addition to these items we enjoyed on our recent cruise, the Tamarind menu still features most of the favorites from our prior visits, which you can view in this detailed post: A Look at the Tamarind Restaurant Menu on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam.

The complimentary Dim Sum lunch, we also enjoyed, has been unfortunately eliminated. Instead you can order room service Bento Boxes (for a charge.) Personally, we can’t imagine wanting to eat Dim Sum in our cabin, but it much appeal to some cruisers.

Dining at the Tamarind

You will find the Tamarind Restaurant on three Holland America ships: the ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam and ms Koningsdam. Dinner at the specialty restaurant costs $25.00 per person per visit, although 4 and 5 star Mariners receive a 50 percent discount, while 3 star Mariners receive a 25 percent discount.

Dining at the Tamarind is popular, so it is important to book your dinner reservations in advance, either through Holland America’s website, or by calling Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576.

Have you dined at the Tamarind on a Holland America ship? What was your favorite menu item?

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A Spectacular Day in Flam, Norway

by Janis on August 14, 2016

Our day in Flam, Norway was one of the highlights of our July 7-Day Viking Sagas cruise on Holland America’s newest ship, the ms Koningsdam.

After the ms Koningsdam sailed into Norway’s Sognefjord (the world’s deepest and second-longest fjord), and then turned south into Aurlandsfjord, we docked in the picturesque village of Flam, Norway.

From our pre-trip research on Flam, we knew that it’s a small town (pronounced “flom”) with only 350 residents that attracts 450,000 visitors each year.

One of the big attractions for visitors is the scenic Flam Railway. We wanted to avoid the crowds and the expense of this shore excursion, so we headed to the Tourist Information office to learn about alternative ways to explore the area. (You can buy train tickets in the tourist office, but they are generally sold out to the cruise ship’s shore excursions, especially when there are two ships in port.)

We booked a cruise on a sightseeing boat that would transport us through the narrow Nærøyfjord (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), to the small town of Gudvangen, with a return to Flam by bus.

With an hour and a half of time before our fjord cruise, I set out to explore the hiking trails that are well marked and begin right in the town.

Within about 10 minutes of hiking, I was rewarded with this view of the Koningsdam docked in Flam, Norway. I continued hiking while Mr. Jones checked out the local shops to buy a rain jacket.

At the appointed time on our tickets, we headed to the dock to join our sightseeing cruise. The Lykkeper offered both indoor and outdoor seating, plus an open front bow for open-air views and photo-taking.

We sailed past small villages, with minor commentary as to what we were seeing.

Sailing down the narrow Nærøyfjord, you witness dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, with a few farms and villages nestled along the shoreline.

The 1.5 hour boat tour ends at Gudvangen, the small town located at the end of the Nærøyfjord where the Nærøydalselvi River empties into the fjord. There are a few shops and restaurants, but the star attraction is the view of the fjord. Note Mr. Jones’ newly-purchased jacket. While it was quite a warm day for Norway, it is still jacket-weather when you are on an open boat close to the water.

We caught the bus heading northeast on the highway to Flam. Much of the highway route is through the 7.1 mile-long Gudvanga Tunnel, so the views are limited on that part of the return.

Upon our return, we had plenty of time to explore more of the village of Flam. The weather was spectacular for a July day in Norway, with no jackets required.

We glanced at the fresh fish at the N.I.F. Seafood stand. The gentleman at the counter insisted that we try a free taste of his seafood curry.

vat of seafood curry, N.I.F. Seafood stand in Flam, Norway

He dipped into this huge vat of seafood curry, and gave us each a spoonful to taste. One bite and it was clear why he was so insistent: it tasted incredible.

seafood curry, N.I.F. Seafood stand in Flam, Norway

Having tasted it, of course we had to purchase an order of the seafood curry, which was served over rice. The curry seasoning was light, not overpowering the four different types of fresh, local fish and seafood included in the dish. Food in Norway is expensive; this one order cost about $20 US, when you figured the conversion from Norwegian kroner. We both agreed this dish was worth every penny.

Next, we were ready to try one of the local beers from Ægir Brewery. Since the day was so beautiful, we enjoyed beers (and complimentary Wi-Fi) at the outdoor seating of a restaurant very close to the ship’s docking location. Along with the fellow travelers at the table next to ours, we celebrated a perfect day in Flam, Norway.

Have your visited Flam, Norway? What was your favorite highlight?

Resources for Flam and the surrounding parts of Norway:

The Ferryboat from Flam
DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Norway
The Norwegian Fjords

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Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s the Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth, Minnesota

by Janis on August 11, 2016

Partially out of curiosity, and partially out of the need to break up a long, boring drive down I-35 between Minneapolis and Kansas City, I made a detour.

At Albert Lea, Minnesota, I headed west on I-90 for about 40 miles out of my way. Why?

Green Giant Statue, Blue Earth, Minnesota

I wanted to see the Green Giant Statue in Blue Earth, Minnesota.

The small, (population 3,236) southern Minnesota city of Blue Earth gets its name from the Blue Earth River that surrounds the town. Blue-black clay soil is found in the river’s banks.

Blue Earth, I learned, is also the center point of the 3,020.54 mile-long Interstate Highway 90 (I-90) that runs across the United States from Seattle to Boston. In 1978, construction teams working from the east and west met here to lay the final mile of I-90. As a tribute, there is a golden stripe of paint on the shoulder portions of the roadway at Blue Earth, and details describing this special segment of I-90 pavement can be found at the Blue Earth rest areas.

Why is this Giant in Blue Earth, Minnesota?

Blue Earth also has a long history with the Green Giant company. Peas and corn are still grown and canned in Blue Earth.

In 1978, local businesses donated money to have a statue of the Jolly Green Giant created to coincide with the Interstate 90 dedication. The 55 ft tall giant cost $43,000 to manufacture. He arrived on a flat bed truck two days before the dedication, and was hoisted in a sling by a 65-ft crane to oversee the event.

Green Giant Statue off Giant Drive in Blue Earth, MN

The 8,000-pound fiberglass statue was completed and placed in his current location off Giant Drive in Blue Earth on July 6, 1979.

Every winter the Green Giant is draped with a red scarf. This pays homage to the 1961 Green Giant logo when the company first entered the frozen food market.

back view from stairs, Green Giant Statue, Blue Earth, MN

Visiting the Green Giant is free, and visitors can get a close-up view of the statue’s back side by climbing the stairs at the back of the monument.

What’s the history of the Green Giant?

The Minnesota Valley Canning Company first introduced the “Green Giant Great Big Tender Peas” brand in 1925 in response to the discovery of a new variety of pea that were huge compared to other pea varieties. The original Green Giant mascot was a scowling caveman wearing a bearskin rather than foliage.

In 1935, when a young copywriter named Leo Burnett revised the brand icon, trading the bearskin for a leafy suit, giving the Giant a smile, and putting the word ‘Jolly’ in front of the Giant’s name. The Jolly Green Giant made his first television appearances in 1954, while the booming “Ho, ho, ho” became the Giant’s signature tagline in 1961.

In 1972 the Little Green Sprout was introduced to represent the consumer. In Blue Earth, the Little Sprout character decorates a water-collection barrel.

I learned about the location of the Green Giant through the Atlas Obscura website that promises to help you “discover 9,743 curious places—in your neighborhood and around the world.” The website is a terrific source of random, fun and often bizarre places to visit.

Now there’s a book

Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders

Have you visited the Green Giant Statue in Blue Earth, Minnesota?

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