Helsinki, Finland

Port #5 of our Baltic Cruise

Travel Notes

Transportation

Shuttle buses were waiting at this port to take passengers downtown for a small fee. I can't give details on how much this cost because we happened to hop on the bus, thinking it was free, and didn't find out until we tried to get back to the ship that we needed a ticket. The driver cut us a break and gave us a free ride! Once downtown, it's compact enough to see most of the highlighted attractions on foot.  

Attractions

This was our least favorite city on the cruise. There weren't many sights that left us oohing and ahhing over. The day before was spent in St. Petersburg and it left big shoes to fill. Poor Helsinki didn't stand a chance. If you have at least three hours in this city, check out the following: 

• Senate Square 
• Helsinki Cathedral 
• Tori Quarters 
• Market Square 
• Old Market Hall
• Esplanade Park 

If you have more than three hours, go to Suomenlinna, an 18th century sea fortress that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a 20 minute ferry ride from Market Square to the island. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to visit this.

The Netherlands

At the start of the new year, I began laying out our travel destinations for the next six months. We try to go somewhere each month whether it be a day trip, mini overnight, a long weekend, or at least one week during the summer.  Choosing the destination is always the most challenging part for me because there are so many factors that come into play. Factors for us always include weather, trip length, festivals and events, prices, and must-see's during a specific season. This trip was solely based on must-see's during a specific season. I absolutely love springtime and after endless grey days and dead vegetation, the first sound of birds chirping and a single blossom make me giddy. I sat at my desk envisioning fields of bright colored flowers, windmills slowly turning in the distance, and boats making their way through the canals. No more dreaming, we had to make our way to the Netherlands to see these things first hand, all while hoping that spring would make an early appearance.

Six hours on the highways landed us seven meters below sea level in Kinderdijk, a small village in the province of Holland. This is a UNESCO world heritage site known for its 19 windmills which are kept in their original state. Before purchasing our entrance tickets, we stopped into a souvenir store to pick up a multi-colored windmill for Brecken. A breeze blew through the area as we walked along the canals, spinning his little windmill furiously, making him skip with excitement. We came to a footbridge that led us to a journey through time as we explored the inside of an authentic windmill. It was fascinating to see a 1950's interior set up to exhibit the last inhabitants home. Could you imagine living in such an unconventional space and having to listen to the constant noise from the mill? We didn't stay in the area too long because although our late afternoon entrance gave us a crowd-free setting, it regrettably left us with less time at the site because of early closing hours.

Keukenhof. Inarguably the most beautiful flower garden showcasing seven million spring flowering bulbs. We wandered through the paved paths, in awe of the strikingly gorgeous flowers and their fresh fragrance that filled the air. Brecken was on the loose and yelling "I run, I run!" You can probably visualize us chasing him around the park, policing him from walking on the manicured grass and getting a little too close to picking posies. This place was so magical!

A forty minute drive from Keukenhof took us to Amsterdam where we spent the remaining part of the day. Did you know that this is the most bicycle-friendly city? Bike paths are red in color differentiating them from the roadways and pedestrian footpaths. You will see a mass amount of bicyclist gracefully pedaling to their next destination, but you won't see helmets. It's a laid back culture and one of familiarity with their bicycles. We toured the Heineken Brewery, tasted local cheeses at the cheese museum, walked our way through quiet neighborhoods and lively city streets, devoured french fries loaded with frites sauce, and snuck in a sweet treat of stroopwafels.

Making memories on our rented bicycles. After we returned to our hotel on Saturday night, I knew my eyes were still up for viewing more flowers; honestly, I just couldn't get enough of them. Sunday gave us the most beautiful spring day, bright sunshine and crisp air. We took a leisure cycle through quaint towns, weaving alongside vibrant flower fields, collecting seashells on the beaches of the North Sea, and stopping for ice cream along the route. My bike was awesome and I realized that cruisers with a basket are more my speed these days, like really, if I lived in a flat area I would be tempted to sell my car and bike everywhere.

We returned our bikes and drove 30 minutes to The Hague (Den Haag) to have lunch and walk around the city a bit. We roamed the city center but didn't have a ton of extra time to visit highlighted sites.

On our way home, we always like to review a trip and ask each other which part was a favorite. Hands down, biking around the flower fields to the beach won for each of us. It was a memorable day filled with toddler giggles and fresh air. I am grateful for the beauty in this world and for family to enjoy it with.


 Travel Notes

Holiday Inn Leiden
We chose this hotel for two reasons, the reasonable price and its central location to all of the things we wanted to do. It's also only a fifteen minute drive from Keukenhof, so consider this if you want to avoid the longer drive from Amsterdam. This hotel boasts itself for being a family friendly choice. Children up to the age of twelve stay and eat for free and also have access to the Jungle Club for Kids. Brecken loved the ball pit and jungle gym in this area. It was a great space for him to burn off extra energy before bedtime! Highlighted amenities include a swimming pool, sauna, fitness room, bike rentals, and free parking. Hotel website

Kinderdijk
The above link will take you to the official Kinderdijk website with an abundance of information on their schedule, activities, maps, events, history, mills, and much more. Children up to the age of four do not pay an entrance fee. Purchase your tickets online for a 10 percent discount. Kinderdijk website

Keukenhof
With just shy of 80 acres, this gorgeous garden has more than just flowers. There's a small petting farm, windmill, playground, fountains, cafes, souvenir shops, and food carts. People from all over the world visit Keukenhof so don't be shocked when you see rows of tour buses in the parking lot. We arrived at 9:00am and found that it started to fill up about 2 hours later as we were getting ready to leave. Another blogger noted that each year they go 2 hours before closing and find the place to be nearly empty. Entrance fees are 16 euros for adults, 8 euros for children 4-11, and free admission for children 0-3. If you are driving to the gardens, a parking pass will cost 6 euros. This year the gardens are open from 24 March to 16 May 08:00-19:30. Keukenhof website

VanDam Bike Rental
I can't recommend this bike rental enough. The rental is only 10 euros per adult for the entire day. If you're looking to bike around the flower fields, this shop is your best bet to rent from. They have two different locations but we departed from the Keukenhof site, located at the parking lot main entrance. They offer bike baskets, trailers, and baby seats for a small fee. They also provide you with a map highlighting various routes which are marked along the way. Reservations cannot be made in advance, first-come first-served basis. VanDam Bike Rental website

Better Bagels
The owner of this establishment lived in Ramsey, NJ for a few years, how cool! Bagels...Those carbs were calling for me.. actually, we haven't had bagels since we moved to Germany because the bakeries don't sell them here. The bagels were fresh out of the oven and they had a decent variety of homemade cream cheese flavors to choose from. Does anyone else like to add both butter and cream cheese to their bagels? It's a good combo and one that Alex thinks is just not necessary.Better Bagels website

Annie's
A floating barge is home to this restaurant situated on a canal in Leiden. The food was great, service was fast, and the atmosphere was relaxing. Annie's Restaurant website

Heineken Experience Amsterdam
The link above takes you to the site to purchase tickets online in advance.  This was a huge timesaver and allowed us to skip the line upon arrival. Our stroller was kept in a secure area behind the front desk during our tour and no one seemed to mind that a toddler was with us. The 16 euro entrance fee gave us a sample tasting, two free beers, and direct access to the former Heineken Brewery which has been transformed to an interactive display showcasing Heineken. This was a fun activity and I would recommend it even with a child! Heineken Experience website

Stach
A small corner food store in Amsterdam that sells already prepared items such as salads, sandwiches, olives, cheeses, juices, packaged organic brand foods, and fresh baked goods. This would be a great place to stop and grab items for a picnic! Stach Food website

Amsterdam Cheese Museum
If you're a cheese lover, you will be in cheese heaven with all of the free samples. There are a myriad of cheeses to choose from and all can be purchased on site. The museum is in a small space and was definitely cramped with people. I wouldn't advise taking a stroller into this museum due to the limited space. We chose to leave the little guy outside in the stroller and each of us took a turn going into the museum separately. Amsterdam Cheese Museum website

Anne Frank Museum
We would have loved to visit but tickets were sold out for over a month! If visiting Amsterdam, and this is on your must-see list, be sure to buy tickets a few months out. Anne Frank Museum website

Little V Restaurant 
Delicious Vietnamese food in an eco-friendly industrial decor setting with patio seating available. There was a little children's nook in the restaurant with vintage toys, a small table for coloring, and leather futon for book reading. The staff was super friendly and the service was fast. Little V Restaurant website

Itinerary- 4 days and 3 nights

• Day 1
• Depart Stuttgart at 8:00am and drive to Kinderdijk (5 hours and 30 minutes) 
• Windmills at Kinderdijk 
• Gift shops at Kinderdijk 
• Drive from Kinderdijk to Leiden (50 minutes) 
• Check-in at hotel
• Dinner at hotel 
• Day 2
• Breakfast on the go 
• Drive from Leiden to Keukenhof (23 minutes) 
• Keukenhof gardens 
• Drive from Keukenhof to Amsterdam (40 minutes)
• Amsterdam
• Drive from Amsterdam to Leiden (45 minutes)
• Dinner on canal in Leiden 
• Day 3
• Breakfast at Bagel shop in Leiden 
• Drive from Leiden to Keukenhof (23 minutes) 
• Rent bikes and ride along flower fields to the sea
• Stop for a snack along bike route
• Drive from Keukenhof to The Hague (36 minutes) 
• Vietnamese lunch
• Walk around city
• Drive from The Hague to Leiden (26 minutes)
• Day 4 
• Check-out and travel day

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Many overlook this tiny country nestled between France, Germany, and Belgium but we felt the need to check it out and see what it was all about. We had two nights booked at a hotel a quick five-minute drive outside of the city center. I initially thought that two nights would be the ideal amount of time but honestly, it turned out to be too much time. Yes, believe it or not, at least in our opinion, this city would be best for a stop over en route to another destination. We arrived on an early afternoon and drove directly to the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Walking through the cemetery we read the names of the fallen soldiers and the states they called home. I felt sad that they were laid to rest in a country a great distance from their loved ones. Our visit was peaceful and reflective. That generation is one whom we have so much respect and appreciation for.

We walked the downtown city in probably two hours and felt all highlights had been seen during that time. Sitting in the hotel room watching the never-ending rain, I was ready to call this trip a bust and drive home a day early. Instead, I picked up the computer and started searching for activities on Google thinking there HAD to be something I missed during my previous search. A WWII museum 30 minutes away, jackpot. What did we have to lose? A quick drive and possibly seeing cool memorabilia seemed better than wasting time in the hotel watching toddler cartoons. This museum took our trip from a bust to a half hit and made me feel like our money spent for the weekend wasn't a total waste. 

Would I recommend this trip to friends? Nah, probably not. Unless of course you are driving through the area, I would insist you input DieKirch, Luxembourg into your GPS and make your way to the National Museum of Military History.


Travel Notes

Parc Alvisse Hotel
This hotel as stated earlier is just a five-minute drive outside of the city center but situated in more of a wooded area. The hotel staff were not friendly and welcoming, something I always make note of. Why do people work in the hospitality industry if they can't show some hospitality.. Anyone else ever wonder this!? The hotel does have a nice sauna and indoor pool area but we didn't think it seemed very welcoming for children. A breakfast buffet was included with our room price and was the typical European breakfast spread. Park Alvisse Hotel website

Luxembourg American Cemetery 
I've linked you to the American Battle Monuments Commission website which provides general information on the hours of operation, location, etc. for this particular cemetery. It's quite interesting to read through the FAQ section of this site to gain a better understanding of the history and burial policies of the American Battle Monuments Commission. Luxembourg American Cemetery website

National Museum of Military History
A treasure trove of so many WWII items and a true must see if visiting the area!
Admission fees, hours, and the address are listed on the website link provided.
Our two year old was fascinated by the different scenes displayed with mannequins. National Museum of Military History website

JFK American Bar and Kitchen
This was a neat find in the Kirchberg area of Luxembourg City. It was a modern restaurant with an extremely friendly staff and delicious food. You may be thinking, Why would they eat at an American restaurant? Let me tell ya..After a while, you just crave some quesadillas, a good burger, and a philly cheesesteak. JFK American Bar and Kitchen website

Vapiano
An Italian chain restaurant that originally started in Germany but has now become an International franchise. I've honestly never heard of them until this trip. Upon entering, the hostess hands you what appears to be a credit card. This card is their smart-card payment system. Servers do not come to your table here. Instead, you go to the individual chef stations that cook pastas, pizzas, and salads where you place your own order. At these stations, your card is swiped to load the order onto it. When you're ready to leave, hand the smart-card to the hostess and pay your bill. We loved this system, especially because it was fast and convenient if dining with children. The food and atmosphere were great! Vapiano Restaurant website

Itinerary- 4 days and 3 nights

• Day 1
• Depart Stuttgart and drive to Luxembourg American Cemetery (3 hours and 20 minutes)
• Walk through the cemetery 
• Check-in at hotel
• Downtown Luxembourg City 
• Dinner in the city 
• Day 2
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Research indoor activities due to heavy rain and thunderstorms
• Drive from Luxembourg City to Diekirch (35 minutes)
• National Museum of Military History 
• Lunch out and about 
• Dinner in the city
• Day 3 
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Tour more of Luxembourg City 
• Lunch at Vapianos 
• Relax at the hotel 
• Day 4 
• Check-out and travel day

Prague, Czech Republic

The ancient beauty and splendor of Prague, a city beyond compare, left an impression on my imagination that will never fade. - Richard Wagner 

I have to admit, the night before we drove to Prague I wasn't as excited about this trip as our previous destinations. Mixed reviews from fellow travelers had me second guessing if we should have gone elsewhere. I also blame myself for not researching the city and laying out a good itinerary for us. I dropped the dogs off at the kennel and delayed packing for our trip. I so despise this task and always put it off until the last minute. Which in turn causes me more stress seconds before our departure.. why.. why.. do I do this? Alex is the packing and organizing guru of our family and I high-five him for putting us ahead of schedule and on the road in record time.

We've waited months for snow to fall over here and of course it came in the early morning hours just as we were getting ready to be on our way. To bring the SUV or the car was the hot question at 5:30 am. Oh, definitely the car. Thinking solely on the premise of better gas mileage and size for driving those narrow city streets to get to our hotel. The further east we drove, the more snow kept falling, our windshield wipers moving as fast as my heart rate. I was angry at my 5:30am self for choosing the wrong vehicle. Alas, we made it to the city and praised God for safe traveling mercies. 

With temperatures below freezing, we bundled up and headed out to explore the city on foot, walking at least four miles each day, stopping at more than one street vendor cart to buy Trdelnik and potato soup. Everyone told us that Charles Bridge would be tourist central. I'm not one for hordes of tourists because navigating crowds with a stroller is less than pleasant. But, the bridge was quiet. Where was everyone? I'm assuming the frigid temps and the time of year had something to do with it. Well worth traveling the off season! 

Travel Notes

Helpful Website

This website was one of the most inclusive sites I found that offered information about how to navigate Prague, it's history, attractions, and much more. All About Prague website

Hotel Cloister-Inn

I love staying at fancy hotels but those aren't in the budget since we started traveling frequently. This budget friendly find was a real steal with breakfast included AND in a prime location; within a five minute walk to Charles Bridge and the Old Town. It's kid-friendly with high chairs, children's tableware sets, and cribs upon request. Parking is available for 20 euros on site but a reservation must be made in advance since space is limited. Hotel Cloister-Inn website

Vinohradsky Parlament Restaurant

Ok, I found a really cool "foodie" type of restaurant that cooks with local ingredients and makes some mighty tasty Czech food. The highlight, wait for it... A separate children's playroom complete with a free babysitter.  Oh no, she didn't just say that. Yes, people, It DOES exist. Children ages 3-8 may use the playroom unaccompanied by parents. Children under the age of 3 must have a parent with them. Now can more restaurants jump on this idea? Is this a thing in the US? It needs to be. Vinohradsky Parlament Restaurant website

Petrin Hill Funicular Schedule

We weren't about to walk the many steps up to Petrin Hill with the stroller, cause that wouldn't be fun. So, we thought we would just hop the Funicular to the top, uh, wrong. Remember how I mentioned I didn't do much research and planning for this trip? yeaaaa... apparently the Funicular is closed down until March 2016 for reconstruction. This site will provide you with the information we wish we would have known in advance! Petrin Hill Funicular Schedule

Itinerary- 4 days and 3 nights

• Day 1
• Depart Stuttgart by 7:30am and drive to Prague (5 hours)
• Check-in at hotel 
• Lunch at a street side cafe 
• Charles Bridge 
• Old Town Square 
• Dinner in Old Town Square
• Day 2
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Charles Bridge 
• Petrin Hill 
• Castle 
• Roam the streets
• Dinner at Vinhoradsky (so good!) 
• Day 3 
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Astronomical Clock
• St. Vitus Cathedral
• Shopping 
• Lunch at a street side cafe
• Roam the streets near the castle 
• Dinner on the go
• Day 4 
• Check-out and travel day

Lots of Three P's Lately

I'm sure you're wondering, just what are the three P's? If you aren't into bathroom talk, then I suggest you x out and save yourself another minute of reading about pee, poop, and the royal potty. Over the last few months B had been showing interest in using the potty. We encouraged him to use it at his leisure but I was not prepared to train an 18 month old on all that jazz, seriously. Diapers are easy, way too easy, especially while traveling. I had visions of potty training Nahla as a puppy and remember how downright awful that was. Not comparing my child to a dog or anything, but toddlers can be quite stubborn.

Obviously, I'm no expert. I was totally clueless in this and overwhelmed after reading so many strategies on how to properly train your child. I gathered advice from friends who have been there, done that, jumped on amazon to buy books for me and him and potty seats and a travel potty and made a special trip to the store for reward snacks, yummy beverages, boxer briefs.. blah blah blah. Nothing like gathering up all your ammunition to get ready for battle.

Day 1: World's greatest family bonding activity: wiping up pee off the floor more times than one can count. No son, you cannot stand there and pee yourself while playing with trains. The Elmo potty dvd  is on repeat for hours which leads to your husband walking around humming the potty song. Totally exhausted by bedtime, let's open a bottle of valpolicella.

Day 2: Off to a better start than day 1. "Let mommy and daddy know when you have to pee pee, okay!?, this phrase, every 5 minutes, for real. Poop in the pants which results in a bath mid day. Elmo still on the tv. Multiple successful trips to the potty = a treat each time, sugar high anyone? 20 minutes of playtime outside, praying we make it home dry. Jumping around like crazy people clapping, cheering, and dancing with positive praise for our little dude. Day 2 completed and we ask each other if the last day of training is going to be a hit out of the park or a huge relapse.

Day 3: No accidents. Woke up dry from a 2 hour nap. We. Are. Shocked. Big boy undies forever!

Day 4: Is it safe to leave the house now? Wait, no one told us that our child will still desire to poop in his pants every day, but that pee skill is legit.

Present day (3 weeks later): Leaving the house on a daily basis for a few hours at a time with no accidents.. yet. Still laughing at the fact that every family member is amped up to hear about B's potty progress. Never imagined we would become so comfortable with cheering about pee and poop, #parentlife.


Supplies

Baby Bjorn Potty Seat
Infantino Travel Potty
Tidy Tots Disposable Liners
Potty Book for Boys
Oh Crap Potty Training Book // Toilet Training in Less Than a Day // 3 Day Potty Training *Mainly followed 3 day potty training method but took points of information from the other books and added to the training.
Elmo Potty DVD