Discover Amsterdam’s Bars & Cafes #1 – In‘t Aepjen (In The Monkey Or Ape)

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This is the first of a series of extracts from Paul Clutterbuck’s book Inside Amsterdam in which he re-visits some of his old haunts.

1. In‘t Aepjen (In the Monkey or Ape)
Zeedijk 1
1012 AN Amsterdam
Tel: 020-6268401
Hours: Sun-Thurs 3pm-1am Fri-Sat 3pm-3am
Beer; Belgian draft and seasonal:
Wine; South African
Food: Dutch snacks
.

Historic, bizarre and fun

This café is housed in one of the only two wooden houses remaining in Amsterdam. The other is in the Begijnhof near the Spui. As far back as 1519 this was an inn for sailors as Zeedijk was literally the dyke keeping the sea at bay and ships would dock there or nearby. The café name comes from the 16th century when sailors would not be allowed back on board ships once docked – only an officer’s privilege – until it was time to sign up for the next pleasure cruise.

Sailors would be paid up-to-date by the Dutch East India Company and head off to spend as fast as they could on the dreaded drink, women and gambling. When it came to lodgings, this inn would sleep penniless seafarers in the roof where monkeys given in lieu of money were kept.

The monkeys had been transported from the Far East (probably Indonesia). There is still a Dutch saying used today “jij bent in de aap gelogeerd zeg” which roughly translates to sleeping with monkey’s but in modern day terms means someone who has got himself in some serious problems and needs a friend or relative to help them out.

In‘t Aepjen has an amazing array of artifacts such as the strange gorilla mannequin (note the poor attempt at a monkey) in one ceiling corner. Opposite is what looks like Lawrence of Arabia playing an accordion and making his way up the staircase. I am reliably informed that this is, in fact, the only musical mannequin in Amsterdam or at least the only broken one. The original staircase has been preserved well (no monkey scratch marks) and the high ceiling gives the feeling of being in a cathedral annex. The old and much used bentwood furniture, the rugs on the tables and the ancient looking birdcages are typical of a brown café but the refreshingly (for a change) light coloured walls aren’t.

The beautiful wooden floor is made from German beer barrels and the reason there is no sand to shuffle under your feet might be due to gaps between the boards. The sand must already be in the basement. Normally no music is played but at weekends an accordionist slips in to stare competitively at Lawrence and lead the regulars through a good old fashioned Dutch sing-a-long.
You’ll remember your visit that night.

Get your copy of Inside Amsterdam here and help kids with facial deformaties worldwide enjoy a better life.

Thank you
Cliff

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Cliff Chapman
www.traveljunkies.com
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Discover Amsterdam’s Bars & Cafes, But Before You Get Started #2 . . .

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Last Week I introduced you to a book about the “Boozers of Amsterdam”

htttp://www.traveljunkies.com/blog/discover-amsterdams-bars-cafes-but-before-you-get-started

This book, Inside Amsterdam, was written  a couple of years ago and brings to life the city as seen throgh the eyes of it’s legendary cafes. Stories that will captivate the reader.

In this series of articles, Paul has allowed me to reproduce some of the descriptions of these historic and fascinating cafes, enabling you to find the real Amsterdam and enjoy the difference from the run-of-the-mill city guides.

So, who is Paul and why has he written this book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Clutterbuck

Paul Clutterbuck lives in the South of England with his wife Angela and has two daughters and three grand children. He spent four years living near Amsterdam where he fell in love with the city and especially the hostelries where he soon became a regular. So much so that this month, July 2012, he is cycling around Holland with a bunch of friends, revisiting some of his old haunts.

A keen cyclist, Paul’s plan is to cycle 70 miles a day for five days taking in the countryside, but if I know Paul, the mileage is likely to be reduced and the countryside won’t extend far beyond Amsterdam’s city boundary.

So apart from the obvious, why is he doing this cycle ride at a time when the weather is very much against him?

Paul is riding for a charity he is passionate about and has supported for many years.
His sponsorship and all profits from his book are donated to Operation Smile, an organization providing reconstructive surgery across the world for children suffering from facial deformaties.

Alexandra Talbot, Executive Director of Operation Smile UK said
“Mr Clutterbuck has been a long-term and dedicated supporter of our organisation and has very kindly offered to support us again with the launch of this wonderful book detailing many magical places to visit in Amsterdam”

Like me, Richard Branson has a personal copy of Inside Amsterdam, and he wrote . .
“Paul- Congratulations! Brings back many memories!
[signed, Richard (Branson)]”

Starting next week, I’ll be publishing the first of a series of articles about the cafes that Paul has personally selected from his book.
Why not join me along the way with your own copy, knowing you’re supporting a very worthwhile charity.

Go here to get your own copy of the book or as a downloadable PDF.

And remeber to tell your family, friends, colleages and followers. You wouldn’t want them to miss out.
After all, isn’t that what Twitter and Facebook are for?

Cliff Chapman
traveljunkies  

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How to Write a Perfect Blog Post .

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Learn how to use psychology to get more traffic and sales with Social Triggers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cliff Chapman
www.traveljunkies.com
New places to go, good value accommodation, great activities and exciting things to do.
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Barcelona vs Madrid – Infographic

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There’s been a long standing rivalry between Barcelona and Madrid.
Let’s stir it up a bit with this cool infographic from HostelBookers.com.
Where would you go?


Hostel Bookers 9001 e1334227339404 City Wars: Barcelona Vs Madrid

HostelBookers.com

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Cliff Chapman
traveljunkies
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Chill Out In Malta For Free

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It may only be 17 miles long by 8 miles wide, but Malta has an incredibly diverse landscape with exciting natural attractions that can all be enjoyed for next to nothing! From the spectacular craggy coastlines and paradise-like beaches to stunning countryside and peaceful fishing villages, Malta is one of the most relaxing and beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Working up from the south to the north, here are the best places to chill out.

 Luzzo Boats, Marsaxlokk

On the south coast of Malta lies the quaint fishing town of Marsaxlokk. It’s one of the few remaining towns in Malta that has been left untouched by the booming tourism trade. Marsaxlokk has stayed loyal to it fishing roots you can find evidence of the still thriving industry at the town’s pretty harbour. Watch the traditional Luzzo fishing boats bob on the ocean whilst enjoying a pint of local beer and a delicious pastizzi (a pastry snack filled with ricotta or broad beans) – a wonderful way to unwind in Malta.

Prices

Bus from Valetta City to Marsaxlokk: €0.47 single (Bus 27, every 30 mins.)
Pint of Beer: €2
One Pastizzi: €0.40

On the east coast, north of Marsaxlokk, is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe. Valetta is only 600m x 1000m but has over 320 historical sites, monuments and statues – making it one of the most culturally dense cities in the world! For a chilled out afternoon, head to the pretty landscaped gardens on top of Valetta’s hilltop. The gardens are great to explore and have magnificent views of the city and the ocean. If you need a quick energy fix to reach them, stop by the Dates Kiosk in the city centre to pick up some tasty mqarets – deep-fried, sugary pastries stuffed with spiced dates.

Prices

Entry to Gardens: Free
One Mqarets €0.20

In central Malta, north of Marsaxlokk, is the charming town of Mdina. This small town, much like the rest of Malta, is packed with cultural and historic sites. It’s also surrounded by the gorgeous Maltese countryside. Find the best views of the rolling hills and even the sea, from Mdina’s high town walls. Spend relaxing hours over a light lunch at the Fontanella Tea Gardens on top of the old town walls, soaking up the warm Mediterranean sunshine. Close to Mdina are the pretty BUskett Gardens, the perfect place to enjoy a picnic in the shade of the olive, oak and orange trees.

Prices

Cakes, sandwiches, meals at Fontanella: €2 – 15
Entry to Buskett Gardens: Free

Head to Malta’s west coast to discover the less touristy spots of this island. Whereas the east coast has the popular resorts of Bugibba and Qawra, you’ll find lots of idyllic spots on the eastern coastline. For a chilled-out day on the beach head over to Golden Bay. This beach has pretty Golden Sands but can be quite crowded in peak times, so instead head to the Blue Flag beach next to Golden Bay, known as Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. This stunning beach has bright blue waters and a long stretch of golden red sand, surrounded by lush green landscapes. The perfect place to unwind by the sea in Malta.

Prices

Bus from Bugibba to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay: €1.16 (Bus 652)
Car Park Tip (if driving): €0.50

From Cirkewwa harbour, catch a water taxi to the enchanting islands of Gozo or Comino. Gozo is much greener and less touristy than Malta. The green hills, romantic coastlines and beautiful beaches are the perfect backdrop to a relaxing day out. You’ll typically see goats wandering the countryside in Malta; exploring the island by foot is one of the best ways to explore Gozo.

Blue Lagoon, Comino Island

Comino Island is home to the Blue Lagoon – although it’s quite popular with locals and tourists and you won’t find as many secluded spots as you would in Gozo, the Blue Lagoon is definitely worth a visit to witness the breath-taking beauty of the turquoise waters and white shores.

Prices

Water Taxi to Gozo from Cirkewwa: €4.65 return ticket
Water Taxi to Comino from Cirkewwa: €10 return ticket

About the author: Stephanie is the local expert for Malta holidays with lowcostholidays.com.  Having fallen in love with Malta’s natural beauty and rich culture, Steph hopes to show that there’s a lot more to discover in Malta than just the beaches and sunshine.

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Cliff Chapman
traveljunkies
New places to go, good value accommodation, great activities and exciting things to do.
Get a free listing in traveljunkies for your travel or activities business!

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Discover Amsterdam’s Bars & Cafes, But Before You Get Started . . .

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Hello Fellow Travelers and Welcome to the “Boozers of Amsterdam”.

 

Over the next few months I’m going to introduce you to some of the the legendary bars, cafes and coffee shops of Amsterdam.

When I say “I” that’s not exactly true.

 

Paul is a good friend of mine who lived in Amsterdam for four years back in the late 70’s and because he enjoys the occasional pint of beer, he spent most of those four years hunting down all the places he could find to see if Amsterdam’s legendary reputation for bars and cafes was justified.

He decided it was, and so he wrote a book about them. Not all 1402 of them, just the 60 which became his regular haunts.

In my next post I’ll introduce Paul and tell you about the other reason he’s written this “Guide to Amsterdam’s Boozers”, and then over the coming months, I’ll publish articles from his book about some of his favourite bars to give you an excellent reason to visit Amsterdam to check them out.

So look out for this and tell your friends. You wouldn’t want them to miss out.

More next week.

Cliff

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Current Travel Warnings

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Current Travel Warnings Issued by TRAVEL.STATE.GOV
A service of the bureau of consular affairs

Travel Warnings are issued when long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable lead the State Department to recommend that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government’s ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff. The countries listed below meet those criteria.
Nigeria    06/21/2012
Haiti    06/18/2012
Somalia    06/15/2012
Philippines    06/14/2012
Mauritania    05/24/2012
Saudi Arabia   05/18/2012
Lebanon    05/08/2012
Algeria    05/04/2012
Iran    04/27/2012
Cote d’Ivoire   04/23/2012
Burundi    04/18/2012
Eritrea    04/18/2012
Mali    04/09/2012
Niger    04/06/2012
Kenya    04/04/2012
Chad    03/29/2012
Yemen   03/27/2012
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza    03/19/2012
Syria    03/06/2012
Nigeria    02/29/2012
Colombia    02/21/2012
Mexico    02/08/2012
Pakistan    02/02/2012
Iraq    01/19/2012
Congo, Democratic Republic of the    01/12/2012
Sudan    01/11/2012
Central African Republic    01/04/2012

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Walking Home From Mongolia

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Congratulations Guys . . .

Home. Finally.

by Rob Lilwall

 

 

 

 

 

 Dear All

Well, Leon and I have finally finished our 5,000 km walk (about 5,000,0000 steps on each foot) through China! It was a tough expedition in many ways, carrying all our heavy camera gear through the extreme cold at the start, and then the heat and humidity at the end, with lots of very long roads and paths to walk down in between… But it was also a privilege to pass through the heart of China at ground level, at walking pace, and we have many happy memories of the local people taking such good care of us.

Now it is just great to be home again, to be back with Christine, and to no longer be having to get up at 6am and walk for twelve or thirteen hours.#

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wanted to again say, thank you so much for following and encouraging us during the expedition, you were an amazing support. Leon and I are also excited about things arising from the expedition – a book each (which still need to be written), the Nat Geo TV show (I’ll keep you posted when it’s coming out), and motivational speaking – Leon in the UK, and me in Hong Kong. We’ll keep you posted with how these things development.

Thank you too to everyone who has supported the expedition through generous donations to Viva. Viva does amazing work around the world through supporting and harnessing local communities and people to help children at risk, and if you have not done so already, I would love to invite you to consider continuing the long walk to help these children, by giving to Viva either as a one-off gift, or a regular donation. You can do that here. If you would like to find out more about the work of Viva, please do go to the website, or click here to read an article I wrote in the South China Morning Post.

Thanks so much again, very best wishes

Rob

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