I have been meaning to write this for the longest time but many things got in the way - not least the coronavirus pandemic. And although none of us can travel, we can at least dream and even make plans for when this turbulent time passes and life starts anew.

In September of last year, my husband flew our little one and I to Amsterdam. It was the most thrilling experience, especially being the first time to Europe as a family. Bubby had only ever visited Sydney as we had decided that the bigger trips would wait till we felt she was ready. We decided that time had arrived when she turned three years old. And oh, what a time we had!

My husband stayed for the first two days and then bubby and I were left on our own for a further three days. I was used to travelling alone before I married, but to be alone with a toddler in a foreign city was a first for me.

After a good sleep, we set off on our first bicycle dodging Dutch outing to De Vier Pilaren for a plate of long awaited poffertjes (Dutch pancakes)! Oh wow! Soft, fluffy, so incredibly indulgent! One plate was certainly not enough (my waistline can still attest to that too!). Just look at this plateful of poffertjes, dripping in butter, icing sugar and Nutella! Bubby was smitten and we ended up having to order another plate. Another reason we loved this little place was the decor. It is ever so charming and pretty. 

Desperately needing to walk off the poffertjes, we strolled over to the very famous Vondelpark (photograph below). Talk about lovely! Our little one was just delighted and dodging bicycles once more, she ran to the beautiful green areas and gorgeous small lakes filled with ducks of all sorts. We wanted to experience the playgrounds but for now, the park space would do. Our bubby was tired as were her parents. It was time to retire back to our room and order room service.

We initially stayed at the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel and then bubby and I stayed at the Hotel NH Amsterdam Centre. Both were lovely hotels with top notch service. I loved the Marriott for the room service with real Dutch offerings. Traditional Dutch split-pea soup (or snert) late at night was a welcome treat and then of course, there are the bitterballen. Trying those with a cold Heineken is to experience bliss!

The Hotel NH Amsterdam Centre was a fabulous choice as the room was incredibly spacious with a lounge and super roomy bathroom! It was absolutely marvellous for a Mum and Bub. The breakfast there too was splendid - yes, splendid! Gorgeous spread and huge too. We ate so much we didn't need to eat much more for the rest of the day. The room service was slightly disappointing however with no Dutch fare but everything else outweighed this quibble.

Travelling with a toddler, we did see less than what we would have normally, but we savoured each moment and it was one of the most memorable trips of my lifetime. Our bubby still talks about Amsterdam almost one year later and we really can't wait to go back.

In my next Amsterdam post, I'll share a few more photographs and recommend some marvellous food and sights that we loved.

See you again soon!

Love, Mei-Ling x

Places featured in this post:

For Dutch pancakes (poffertjes): De Vier Pilaren - Leidsebosje 5 Stadhouderkade 11, 1054 ES Amsterdam TEL: +31 20 363 6831

Vondelpark - Van Baerlestraat & Vondelpark Museum Quarter, Amsterdam The Netherlands

Amsterdam Marriott Hotel- Stadhouderskade 12, 1054 ES Amsterdam, Netherlands TEL: +31 20 607 5555

Hotel NH Amsterdam Centre -Stadhouderskade 7, 1054 ES Amsterdam, Netherlands TEL: +31 20 685 1351