20140105-Breukelen (the original Dutch Brooklyn)

Kasteel Nijenrode (now a business school)

Breukelen

Breukelen Brug (Brooklyn Bridge)

Vinkeveense Plassen (Lake)

Lots of people come here for air diving and surfing.

Aalsmeer Flower Auction

Link to photos: https://plus.google.com/photos/113880069774612153445/albums/5964341363777353073?authkey=CKa5kfHL-OrTZg

Inside this the world's 4th largest building housed the world's largest Flower Auction. Flowers come here from all over the world to be auctioned and transported to their destinations. This place is just 30 min away from Schiphol. Here is a very good introductory video on what's happening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2CK2TatM_U

It's quite impressive to see, but I feel that the ticket is a bit pricey (6 euro) for what the "visit" really entails. You pay for the entrance, and then you just walk around on a catwalk and watch what's happening down below. Of course there are little signs here and there to give you some descriptions and explanations. There's really no other guide. I'd say the video link I posted was quite adequate. 

useful link: https://www.floraholland.com/en/about-floraholland/visit-the-flower-auction/aalsmeer/

Random walks in Amsterdam on Boxing Day

Link to photos: https://plus.google.com/photos/113880069774612153445/albums/5964338913400927457?authkey=CNiSlMe21-my3wE

We walked from Nieuwmarkt. Saw de Waag, which is said to be one of the oldest non-religious building in town. From there we walked to Oude Kerk and ventured into de Wallen (the red light district). Too bad a lot of the shops were closed, even despite it was the Boxing Day. From there we walked to Dam Square, up the Rokin to Singel and saw the Bloemenmarkt (floating flower market). Then onto Rembrandtplein.