Fai Quan
formerly known as "Prosaic Traveller"
Amsterdam (2) – Amsterdam Centraal
Amsterdam Centraal serves as a hub providing excitement and adventure for travellers arriving and departing from this beautiful city. We were one of the many explorers that stood on the platforms to catch our trains to Brussels, Rotterdam and Zaandam.
This gorgeous building stands in the heart of Nieuwe Zijde.
The tower on the left shows wind direction. The tower on the right display time.
A closer look at the clock tower reveals gorgeous detailed design.
Just inside the entrance of the main doors, there is a baby grand piano that is available for anyone wishing to tickle of the ivories. This young gentleman played the “Theme from A Love Story”. Judging by his age, I doubt he was even born when this tune came out of the airwaves.
A shot of the expanse of the station from 15a
There are 6 platforms like these with up to 15 sets of tracks.
Access is by taking the escalator down to the underground medway and through the mall that has various access point to each platform.
Late return from Zaandam allowed me to get a night shot of this beautiful building.
Amsterdam (1) – Bloemenmarkt
The world’s only floating flower market on Singel is in the southern canal belt. For the gardening enthusiast, there are approximately fifteen shops to explore. Because our visit was in the fall, there were mainly bulbs and seeds to be seen. It would be a gorgeous scene in the spring and summer when the stalls are in full bloom.
Amsterdam, Brussels & Rotterdam – Some of My Meals
If I was on the ball and not so ravenous, I would have taken the time to capture a photo of all my meals that I had devoured on my trip. The following photos are just a small portion of the great food I was able to consume. Did I gain any weight? Only my scale will know.
Leek and Potato Soup with Bitterballen at Langendijk Cafe. I had read about Bitterballen in the an airline magazine enroute to Amsterdam. When the item appeared on a menu, I did not hesitate to try it. I loved them!
Granola, fruit and yogurt with Espresso at Burgerij in Amsterdam Centraal. Burgerij provides a great breakfast besides Burgers.
Toasted Sesame Bagel with Lime & Walnut Cream Cheese at Bagels and Beans on Raadhuistraat
I love the rock shaped sugar cubes at the Bagels and Beans
Pulled Pork Open Face Sandwich and Chicken Satay & Peanut Sauce at the Small Talk Eating House in the Museum Quarter
Cannoli at Rene’s on Damstraat. This fantastic little pastry came from Rene’s which is located only a couple of short blocks from my hotel. I also had a Belgian Waffle which I attacked before I got a photo. Just picture a Belgian Waffle with two inches of whipped cream and strawberries, drizzled with chocolate.
Apple Beignets from Rene’s
Coke with Lemon at Snack City in Brussels. Coke appeared to be popular drink in Europe, especially served with a lemon wedge. I haven’t had a coke in years and decided to give it a try. I quite like it.
Macchiato and Espresso at a corner coffeeshop in Brussels. I wish I would have recorded the name of the coffeeshop where we got these drinks. After the rain, the outdoor space appeared so much more colourful.
Cappucino and Macchiato at an Illy Coffee House in the Gare du Midi Bruxelle Station. We stopped for a coffee before boarding our train back to Amsterdam. I liked how they served the cappuccino in a tall glass. I didn’t enjoy the moment of carrying this on a small tray to my table.
Plankies at Markthal (Market Hall) in Rotterdam. I wanted to go local, see we shared a Plankie. A combination of meats, cheeses, bread and things I didn’t know. It was all most delicious.
Saskatoon, SK Canada (8) – Canada Remembers Airshow 2015
The Canada Remembers Airshow was an annual event, which unfortunately the 2015 year was to be its’ final. The Snowbirds has always been a highlight. I have seen their performances at least a dozen times and still am in complete awe each and every time.
I hope these photos reflect their unbelievable skill and beauty.
The Birds rest before action.
Charleston SC (4) – Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, The Swamp Garden
The Audubon Swamp Garden is located on the edge of the Plantation. I recommend stopping here on your way out. It was a surreal moment being so close to the animals, birds and plants that exist in the backwater. The high temperature of the day added to the effect.
We were privileged to see young hatchlings make their first appearance.
Charleston SC (3) – Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Main House and Garden
The gardens around the main house has many paths that provides sights of beauty and tranquility.
The main house.
A gorgeous tree gave us lovely shade from the scorching sun.
A thick bamboo forest
Heat and Green
Visible waterlines at the base of trees
A crane and an alligator share the water.
A closer look at the alligator
A brightly coloured rooster makes the plantation his home.
A bench provides a good rest stop.
A few of the many flowers that exist in this wonderful place.
Charleston SC (2) – Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Rice Field Boat Tour
Rice Field Boat Tour glides us on the Ashley River where we get to explore old flooded ricefields. We catch glimpses of alligators, egrets, wood ducks and grackles.
Savannah GA (2) – Skidaway Island State Park
Skidaway Island State Park is located approximately 24km southeast of Savannah. This 588 acre park is a haven for summer fun providing numerous campsites and cabins. There is approximately 10km of hiking trails through thick spanish moss and oaks. Some wildlife may be spotted and there were signs to watch out for alligators. We did not come across any…alligators, that is.
We were there in the offseason so the only people we saw were staff at the entrance of the park. Our solitary walk through the trails was a bit of adventure. Good thing there were plenty of trees for shade since the day was very hot and humid.
The following photos depicts a small portion of the 10km trail.
Shaded refuge in the 30+ celsius heat.
Watching out for alligators
Spanish Moss
A closer look of the Spanish Moss
Some small critters makes this humid environment their home. A frog sitting still, thinking we don’t see him.
Hiding from us or the sun?
From the outpost, you can see the Skidaway River
Charleston SC (1) – Fort Sumter
This sea fort, located in Charleston Harbor, SC, is best known as the site where the first shots fired that started the American Civil War in 1861. By maintaining as much authenticity as possible, you truly felt that 1861 spirit.
Approaching the fort
A view of the interior from the top of the fort
Right shoulder angle
Small patch of greenery attached to the Fort.
Viewing Charleston from the Fort
Savannah GA (1) – A Gorgeous City
What drew us to this particular place was our appreciation of the movie, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”. There was something about the heat and character of the city that was so pronounced in the film. We knew it had to be one of our vacation destinations. Not only the laid-back vibe made this trip most relaxing, but the history added interest and the passion of the paranormal added excitement.
The following photos are mainly shot in the Historic District which is full of charm and character.
Marshall House Hotel is known to be haunted. Once used as an Union Hospital, ghostly encountered were to be experienced in the basement of this hotel.
Located on the corner of Congress and Abercorn, this beautiful theatre is home to both live performances and film presentations.
Located along the bluff above the Savannah River, Thomas Gamble Building is used for government offices.
Old Savannah Cotton exchange
A couple of many buildings on East River Street alongside the Savannah River. A popular tourist destination, full of shops and eateries.
Historical architecture
An interesting parking garage on W Bay Street
Inside one of the parking garages along W Bay Street
Colonial Park Cemetery
The Colonial Park Cemetery at night. Hoping to catch a ghost wandering through
The Talmadge Memorial Bridge over the Savannah River.
Along E Bay Street, City Hall lit up in the distance.
Lower walkways along E Bay Street
A gorgeous staircase to the entrance of many beautiful brownstones.
One of many similar residences within the Historic District
Mercer Williams House on Monterey Square. This was the home of Jim Williams from the famous book and movie, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”
The monument is a silent testimony to the Haitians that fought in the Revolutionary War
Sidewalk on Whitaker Street with Forsyth Park to the right. The shade of the trees were much appreciated during our high heat visit.
Built in 1858, this fountain is a landmark at Forsyth Park.
Fai Quan 