Final Stops in Rotterdam

Just in case I haven't yet convinced you to visit Rotterdam,

I have one final post to tie up my first European solo trip.

I've also added Rotterdam to my Travel Destinations Page.

There you can find quick and easy links to posts about the places we've visited on the blog.

There are four last stops on our Rotterdam trip and two of them involve food!

The Port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe and one of the busiest in the world,

so you know they are going to have access to some of the best seafood.

Hotel New York is located in the former headquarters of the

Holland America Line built in 1901.  I didn't see any of the rooms, 

but we did have dinner there one evening. 

The large restaurant combines elegance (sparkling chandeliers

and massive fresh flower arrangements) with a comfortable nautical theme.

And the food, wine and service were exceptional.

Izkaya Restaurant and Bar was a very special dining experience.

I was expecting something completely different and didn't take my camera.

Big mistake (so pardon the iphone pics).

The Asian Fusion menu was wonderful but the Touch Tables made the experience.

The tabletops are completely interactive and using a little mouse pad area on the table,

you can view the complete menu, order your food and drinks, check out the Chef Cam,

play games (You sank my Battleship!), call the wait staff or request your check and more.

My favorite activity was changing the "tablecloth" to match each course.

(And, guess what?  There is one in London!

It's called Inamo and I can not wait to check it out.)

Groos Rotterdam is a store in the Schieblock area of the city.

Groos means Pride and local artists sell their products here.

It is where talent and inspiration meet in Rotterdam.

Everything from pottery to clothes.  I found some great camera straps, but I resisted.

Het Schieblock is a "laboratory for urban development."

 This is where young professionals have come together with a 

very specific plan to revitalize this area of the city. 

We were lucky enough to visit some of the studios and the public space which includes a rooftop farm complete with honey bees.

 

In 1940, the city of Rotterdam was bombarded by the German Air Force.

The city center was destroyed and 30,000 people were left homeless.

When you visit Rotterdam, you won't find the typical European city with 

cobblestones and cathedrals.  I love visiting those cities and I cannot 
wait to visit a dozen more.  

But, Rotterdam charmed me in a completely different way. 

Instead of classic architecture, you find a modern city still working to rebuild

and recovering from the economic crisis. 

There is the funky, edgy feel of a city on the brink of something really special.

By all means, visit Amsterdam and The Hague.
But, if you don't spend at least a few days in Rotterdam, you are missing out.

I hope you've liked my little tour of Rotterdam.
 Have I convinced you to add it to your list?

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This visit was complimentary as a part of the TBU post-conference blog trip "Off the Beaten Path" hosted by Rotterdam Marketing and Holland Tourism.

All opinions and photographs are completely my own.  

I Spy Friday Rotterdam and a Guest Post

Hello, Lovelies.  How was your week?

Mine was okay.  It just flew by.  And luckily we had some wonderful weather.

(I talk about weather way too much since moving to the UK.)

Today you can find me guest posting on one of my favorite blogs

We Took the Road Less Traveled with Casey.

I'm completely guilty of over-sharing, but I hope you will pop over and take a look.

Be sure to check out her recent posts about her cruise.  Gorgeous!!!

(And in a shameless effort to get you to follow me on

Twitter, Bloglovin, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest, 

enter for your chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card while you are there.)

If you are visiting me for the first time from We Took The Road Less Traveled,

I'm so happy to have you here!  Welcome.

Stay for a bit and leave a comment.  I'd love to get to know you.

This weekend we are heading to Ramsgate for an

English Beach Weekend with a group of friends.

We are all taking the train down to the coast (armed with champagne) and renting a huge house.  The plan is to relax, play board games, enjoy the coastline, eat lots of food,

and enjoy some wine.  There is even the promise of Breakfast Tacos!!

Follow me on Instagram to keep up with our shenanigans. 

Now, I will leave you with a few more photos of the wonderful Rotterdam.

Cheers to a wonderful weekend!!!

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A stroll through Delfshaven

Today I'm going to take you on a little stroll through a borough of Rotterdam.

Delfshaven has a beautiful central harbor area that is easily accessible on the tram or tube.

It was quiet the afternoon that we visited, but when the weather is nice,

you can imagine what a charming spot this is for a stroll, some shopping and a meal.

When the puritans fled England, they settled in Holland for several years. This is harbor where they started their journey to the new world to colonize New England in 1620.

The founding fathers knelt in prayer along the quay here before starting their journey.

The  Pelgrimvaderskerk, or Pilgrim Father's Church nearby was later named after them. 

As we walked along, the church bells started to chime which just added to the atmosphere and the feeling of stepping back into history.  We didn't have time to tour the church, but it is on the list for our next visit.

 This is one of the areas that luckily wasn't destroyed during the bombings of WWII.

Isn't it just beautiful?  I can't wait to go back with Matthew.

This area is also home to the only brewery in Rotterdam.

De Pelgrim is a family business that opened in 1996. 

We got a personal tour from the Eric, the Brew Master followed with a beer tasting.

They have a restaurant and a beautiful little beer garden

tucked in right next to the Pilgrim Father's Church.

The beer was fantastic.  They also produce and sell little jars of Bier Syrup and Bier Mustard.

Imagine a hearty cheese board served with both along with a glass of deep, dark Koffiestout?

Erik told us that two direct descendants of the

pilgrim's recently were married here at the brewery.

This place is a gem and you guessed it...

It's on our list for when we return to Rotterdam.

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This visit was complimentary as a part of the TBU post-conference blog trip "Off the Beaten Path" hosted by Rotterdam Marketing and Holland Tourism.

All opinions and photographs are completely my own.