Flippin' Fun on Amsterdam's Pannenkoeken-Boot

I arrived in Amsterdam a week ago and quickly learnt that Amsterdam Centraal, the main railway station, is the beginning and end of many journeys. Stepping out and seeing the facade of its ornate historical building that was built in the 1880s, is a big change from the sleek modern interior of the station. The central clock tower is a reminder that time waits for no man, especially in this bustling city.

As far as the eye can see, beautiful historical buildings stand proudly. There is way too much to explore in Amsterdam during a short vacation.

The Catholic Church - Basilica of Saint Nicholas. St. Nicholas happens to be the patron saint of both the church and the city of Amsterdam. It was also built during the same era as Amsterdam Centraal, so one can just imagine the hustle and bustle during that period.

The gracious Victoria Hotel, now Park Plaza Victoria, opened during the same era as the Catholic Church and the Amsterdam Central Station building. Of course, the interior will be very modern, sleek, and luxurious today.

My son and his gal planned carefully, and even though we have a full itinerary, there are rest days, like today!

They booked a pancake boat cruise on the IJ River, and that was on our agenda for Wednesday.

Yes, I know I'm not starting at the beginning of my long-awaited trip that was delayed by a sad loss, but a Friday seems like a good day to be talking pancakes and cruises, away from the hustle and bustle of the streets of Amsterdam.

Centuries before the train station was built, cargo sailships used to dock at the IJ River.

We boarded the Pannenkoeken Boot along with other tourists, as well as local young families with toddlers. This cruize obviously is very popular, as my son had to book in advance.

One has an hour to eat as many pancakes as you like while cruising on the IJ River; apparently, the record number of pancakes eaten is 17! We only managed 2 each, as they are huge, and very delicious, but more than enough in one sitting for a mere mortal!

We were seated on the lower deck, and the trip started at the ship dock, on a slow boat ~~to China~~ around the river, taking in some awesome sights which included sleek and interesting modern buildings.

The impressive and unique Pontsteiger stands proud and solid and looks like it's been wedged into the waterfront. The building offers apartments with breathtaking views. It is situated in a historic area that's undergoing revitalization and is set to become a thriving area, with a strong appeal for creative souls.

I was either too busy picking fillings for my pancakes, or too busy eating, that I missed a photo opportunity when we passed REM Island, from where the Pannenkoeken Boot passed Central Station.

Sweet and savoury fillings aplenty - bacon, cheeses, smoked ham, sweetcorn, stewed apples and other fruit, crystalized ginger, cherries, cinnamon sugar, syrups, Nutella, Nuts and sprinkles of all kinds.

The next point on the route is the EYE Film Museum, then the Amsterdam lookout, aka A'DAM Lookout, with breathtaking views over the city, the harbour area, and apparently even rural areas.
There's a swing for adrenaline junkies from the 100 metres tower, it is called OverTheEdge and is the highest swing in Europe.

Passing the passenger terminal we saw Botels, luxury yachts, glass-topped tour boats, cruise ships, cargo boats, and even 'Politie' boats.

Once we disembarked, we realized we could have taken a ferry, instead of walking, jumping on a bus, and walking again, to get to the departure point, but we did have plenty of time on our hands, and the walk got rid of many cobwebs in my head! It also gave us the opportunity to explore the less frequented side of Amsterdam.

As we sailed back on the ferry, tummies full, we all felt this journey on the Amsterdam Pannenkoeken Boot was flippin' fun, and the perfect way to end the day!