Amsterdam Canals

[Continuation of the previous post]

Early spring back then, but surprisingly not many Asian visitors, mostly European & Middle Eastern.

The leaning signboard pole looks comical to me....Stay strong, leaning pole!

Walked past the red-light district of the city. There are coffeeshops selling cannabis 'legally' and they smell unpleasant.

Many years ago, I envied my colleagues who had the opportunity to visit Amsterdam's canals during their business trips. I told myself that one day, if I ever had the chance to transit through Amsterdam, I would make sure to visit the canals.

I heard bells ringing from the nearby cathedral that keeps reminding me of the time. Can't stay long. Need to speed up and get back to the airport in a few hours😅

Looking serene and peaceful. I wish I could stay longer here....

Cooling weather too. Natural air-cond.

There are lotsa people dining alfresco enjoying the scenery and cool weather...

[Above] The bicycles parked at the bridge.

[Above] Basilica of Saint Nicholas. I stood outside and didn't know it was open to the public.

Amsterdam Centraal station. Took the train back to the airport around 4pm.

'Sprinter' refers to a local train service that stops at most or all stations along the route.

I bought a return ticket, using the same ticket to enter the platform. Took around 20 minutes to reach Schiphol. Bye bye Amsterdam, see you again next year!

I did the same solo walk again in 2026, posted here.

Chinese Takeout Food @ British Virgin Island

[Throwback February]

It was Saturday, so I took the opportunity to venture the town for some food. I didn’t have mobile data on my phone, so I simply walked around to see what caught my interest along the way. I had done a bit of research earlier at the hotel using their free Wi-Fi.

I stumbled upon a Chinese takeout restaurant, but none of the staff looks Chinese, more like Filipino to me. Later, a colleague at the office told me that they are Vietnamese.

There are trays of chicken, prawns, pork and beef dishes. Something similar to chapfan style, except the dishes are limited and same daily.

Not much variety but is sufficient to rotate every single day😀

It’s open from morning until around 7 or 8pm. The price depends on what you pick, a small box of fried rice or noodles starts at about USD 5, and a medium box with chicken and vegetables is around USD 10, which is pretty cheap by BVI standards.

The main street in Road Town.

[Below] Maria's By The Sea Hotel. I was supposed to stay here but it was fully booked. It is only 5 minutes' walk from the office.

Nearby the sea, there are several colorful booths, but were closed. I think these are rental retail kiosks that only operates during the peak visitor season.

Quiet and peaceful on a weekend evening.

No one around. Looks like ghost town.

Where are the people?

Nevertheless, this is a nice hangout place when the weather is cooling.

Crystal clear sea water. Well, that's how their government spent the US$10 fee imposed to every foreigner. To clean up the water and beach.

The quiet street in Road Town. It is usually busy on weekdays.

Some older buildings. Below is a police station.

I don't know who this man is...

and don't care to read the details....

The buildings here look colonial like those buildings in old KL.

[Below] a Complaints Commission...I wonder what sort of complaints do they handle?

Sir Olva George Plaza

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As I walked, I discovered another Chinese restaurant. Menu as below:

The restaurant is named Lucky Star. What a lucky name.

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I did not dine-in there coz I have already tapao my dinner from the earlier takeout restaurant. Here's my takeout food - fried rice with 2 pieces chicken and stir-fried assorted veggies for USD10.

By default, they provided a fork, but since I look Chinese, they gave me a Chinese spoon as well😆 although I’m used to eating rice with fork😂

 

Cane Garden Bay, BVI

2 days before I left BVI, my colleagues brought me out for lunch at Cane Garden Bay which is located at the other side of the Tortola island.

The restaurant is located right next to the beach, with clear blue waters. Very scenic!😍

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The morning view at Terrance B. Lettsome Airport, taken on my last day in BVI. This was early in the morning, around 7am. There are only morning flights to Sint Maarten.

I was first to check-in!

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After a 45 minutes flight, reached Princess Juliana Intl Airport in Sint Maarten again. It is a nicer, slightly bigger airport than Terrance B. Lettsome Airport. At least here they have a foodcourt and some fast-food restaurants😀

On my way back to Panama!

Along the coast of Panama. The airport is just in the vicinity.

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Finally, back to my home-sweet-home in Costa del Este around 4pm-ish.

Did my laundry and catch-up with some sleep as I woke up early during the day (due to the morning flight).

The Mooring's Yacht Club, British Virgin Islands

On one of the Sundays, went for a walk at a yacht club.

The Mooring Yacht Club is located right opposite the hotel. I just need to cross the road and find the entrance.

I went in through the wrong gate that is for staffs. So, one of the staff guided me to the visitor area which is just a few steps away.

Quite huge area. There are Dock A and Dock B.

[Below] Ice box where you can get some ice to keep your catches fresh.

I noticed a signboard for Charlie's. I wonder who is Charlie....

According to cgpt:

In maritime and yachting terminology, 'Charlie' is the signal flag for the letter C in the International Code of Signals.

More signboards....This place has a bar/restaurant, a pool and a mini mart.

Not far from there was a Caribbean cruise ship that sails among the region. After spending a few days in port, it sailed away, and another cruise ship arrived and docked in its place.

Crystal clear water. I think the environmental fee (USD10) charged to every visitor/foreigner is used to clean their sea water.

[Above] This is the main entrance.

[Above] The mini market. Similar to our KK mart/ 99 Speedmart that sells basic food and necessities but slightly pricey than the normal supermarket. This mini mart comes handy for people who needs to stock up on food and other essentials at the last minute before setting sail for several days at sea.