Category Archives: travel

Visiting Amsterdam for the first time 

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Red Light District

Canal Tour

Amsterdam Museum

I visited Amsterdam for the first time with my girlfriend in February over the Valentines weekend. If you’re looking to go expect it to be busy then (and expensive) but that’s to be expected anywhere. We went for 3 days flying out early on the Friday so we got a full day out of it.

We flew with easyJet from Stanstead with my Dad doing taxi duties. My parents kindly let us stay the night before as we were closer.

Flight is so short that you spend more time at airport security and departure lounge than in the air 🙂

Once we landed we got the train from the airport to the main train station where we got off to buy tickets for the tram network. Trams are great in that you pay for a day ticket and you just get on and off swiping on the machine when you get in which checks you in/out. Very civilised! Our hotel was the Best Western (just outside of town, link to TripAdvisor review to be added).

We visited the Sex Museum, Red Light District, main museum (check name) and ate a lot of good food including crepes which they do really well with fruit and cream etc!

My parents also gave us tickets to get a river tour which was a good way of seeing lots of sights and history in a short amount of time so would definitely recommend that if you are planning on going!

The rest of the time it rained a lot and was freezing cold! We got wet and a bit moody having to lug heavy rucksacks around so would definitely recommend paying the extra and taking a suitcase… This will allow you to enjoy your trip more. I could write more but I’m running out of time so will add the links to reviews and fact check later.

The general consensus is that we would definitely like to go back and maybe spend some time in a coffee shop 😉

Hope you enjoyed the read.

Travels with Toby

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Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before – Dalai Lama

I try and do my best to discover new places. I’m a true advocate in using social discovery apps such as Foursquare.

I love Laterooms and there is no better resolve than getting a real deal on a hotel room or B&B for a great price. I always try and compare taxi prices with a great night in a different location, most often made better by a cracking slap up breakfast to start the following day. Most often soaking up the remnants of the boozy fueled night the night before.

I love supporting local businesses. Whether it’s checking out a new restaurant, or different pub or club. Every pound you spend is supporting that business. I love real ale and the Untappd app is really cool in this respect and helping you find new beers to try!

Quite often I will drive quite a distance to pick up car parts from another part of the country, but that is all part of the fun, and discovery if you like, that allows me to widen my visiting places that I normally would not visit.

So, ultimately, what I’m saying is get up and get out there!

P.S If you’re on Twitter keep up with me using the #tobygoesontour or #travelswithtoby

Visiting Wales (in a 24 year old MX-5)

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Bangor at NightA couple of weeks ago, I drove my friend back to Uni in Bangor, Wales for the next term. I could have driven my Audi, but I decided to drive my 24 year old Mk1 MX5… to test my mechanical expertise (it didn’t fall apart which is a good thing), and to give the engine a good run.

Needless to say it didn’t skip a beat … it took two of us, plus luggage, a roundtrip of around 236 miles, and me back, in total more or less 500 miles.

It ran cool, and cruised quite happily at 70… keeping up with modern traffic. Weighing in at under a tonne, that’s not surprising.

Bangor was an interesting night out, and I enjoyed it so much I’m going back for my birthday in  a week or so…

Want a cheap and fun to run roadster, you can do no wrong with buying a Mk1 MX5. £1000 will get you a very smart number, or if you’re willing to do a little work, then £500 will get you a runner!

More news on the roadster and projects can be viewed here: https://tobywhite.de/blog/?cat=2493