23 April 2008: Arnheim is also only an hour outside of Amsterdam. Although we didn’t want to pass up Arnheim, we were also anxious to pack up for the next leg of our trip and get stuff shipped back to the US. Although 2 months in Europe sounded like a lot of time in the planning phase and we are very grateful for the time we’ve had here, we would have loved to stay in many places a few days longer than we had and we felt rushed most of the time. But as we headed north, we were also mentally ready to move on. And, we had a little over a week before returning the camper and heading off to London for 5 days, then Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and Indonesia. So for our first day in Arnheim, we decided to drive into Amsterdam to get our empty luggage and a box of warm-weather/Asia stuff that the camper place was storing for us. The GPS sent us in the wrong direction somehow, then quit and we found ourselves going in circles around the compact streets and construction of central Amsterdam. But, after a few circles, we found our way. Unfortunately, the stuff was being stored in their workshop right outside town. So there we went. Overall, a quick drive into town to get our stuff ended up taking most of the day. At least, we accomplished what we set out to do!
The campground, Campeercentrum de Hooge Veluwe, is a 5 star luxury campground right across the street from the south entrance of the Hooge Veluwe Park. The location was perfect and the facilities were top notch, except the 6 minute hot water timers on the showers that kept running out on me. The only other thing that was a bummer was that I couldn’t get the wifi connected to my computer, especially since it’s been hard the past few weeks to find places to connect to. We really need to book some accommodations for the next phase of our trip too!
The Hooge Veluwe Park is a very large national park. There are paths throughout and the best thing is that they provide free bikes. So the next day, we entered (at the south gate), got on bikes (they even had ones with kid seats, both in front and behind the rider!) and headed to the Kruller-Muller Museum, which is located inside the park. Somehow I pictured that it would be an easy 20-30 minute ride, but it was at least triple that. We went from wooded forest area to dry, dessert brush-like areas and back to forest. At times we looked at each other wondering where the heck we were and what happened to civilization. But, the museum ended up being well worth the ride. We loved everything, from the Frank Lloyd Wright building architecture (if not original, a good copy), to the woodsy natural surroundings outside, to the layout of the rooms and the art. We had a nice, peaceful lunch sitting outside on the patio. Then, we looked at a fine selection of art work from many famous artists, including a Van Gogh collection that, in my opinion, was more interesting than his museum in Amsterdam. Then, we walked outside to the sculpture garden. They even provide free "buggies" (strollers). The weather was calm, the ground slightly moist and bright spring green leaves were just sprouting off the dark winter trees in this wooded area. I love this setting and it took me back to my mountain biking days. On top of that, there were some great sculptures to look at, including a Rodin. By then, our senses went into complete overload! If I had enough money, I would love to fly family, friends and loved one’s here to have a party at the open-air pavilion in the back of the garden, which again was a perfect display for more sculptures. The lighting was hitting so perfectly that we shot off a billion pictures of this area!
If ever coming to Amsterdam, this place is a must see, even with the drive! I would also highly recommend the campground, for the location to the park (although a ride to the museum), comfortable woodsy atmosphere and clean, modern facilities. Even if you aren’t a “camping” person, they have these awesome “cabins” for rent, with modern furniture, their own bathroom and kitchenettes, and patio, that they aren’t even finished building yet (though you pay for it). Also if you aren’t into cooking, there is a handy restaurant that isn’t too bad either. And yes, I was drooling over those cabins. I’ve loved living in our camper and it has suited us very well (big enough, but not so big it’s hard to get around in), but I’m ready for a little more space!
PS: Thanks Rory and Lisa, for recommending the park/museum! :-)
The campground, Campeercentrum de Hooge Veluwe, is a 5 star luxury campground right across the street from the south entrance of the Hooge Veluwe Park. The location was perfect and the facilities were top notch, except the 6 minute hot water timers on the showers that kept running out on me. The only other thing that was a bummer was that I couldn’t get the wifi connected to my computer, especially since it’s been hard the past few weeks to find places to connect to. We really need to book some accommodations for the next phase of our trip too!
The Hooge Veluwe Park is a very large national park. There are paths throughout and the best thing is that they provide free bikes. So the next day, we entered (at the south gate), got on bikes (they even had ones with kid seats, both in front and behind the rider!) and headed to the Kruller-Muller Museum, which is located inside the park. Somehow I pictured that it would be an easy 20-30 minute ride, but it was at least triple that. We went from wooded forest area to dry, dessert brush-like areas and back to forest. At times we looked at each other wondering where the heck we were and what happened to civilization. But, the museum ended up being well worth the ride. We loved everything, from the Frank Lloyd Wright building architecture (if not original, a good copy), to the woodsy natural surroundings outside, to the layout of the rooms and the art. We had a nice, peaceful lunch sitting outside on the patio. Then, we looked at a fine selection of art work from many famous artists, including a Van Gogh collection that, in my opinion, was more interesting than his museum in Amsterdam. Then, we walked outside to the sculpture garden. They even provide free "buggies" (strollers). The weather was calm, the ground slightly moist and bright spring green leaves were just sprouting off the dark winter trees in this wooded area. I love this setting and it took me back to my mountain biking days. On top of that, there were some great sculptures to look at, including a Rodin. By then, our senses went into complete overload! If I had enough money, I would love to fly family, friends and loved one’s here to have a party at the open-air pavilion in the back of the garden, which again was a perfect display for more sculptures. The lighting was hitting so perfectly that we shot off a billion pictures of this area!
If ever coming to Amsterdam, this place is a must see, even with the drive! I would also highly recommend the campground, for the location to the park (although a ride to the museum), comfortable woodsy atmosphere and clean, modern facilities. Even if you aren’t a “camping” person, they have these awesome “cabins” for rent, with modern furniture, their own bathroom and kitchenettes, and patio, that they aren’t even finished building yet (though you pay for it). Also if you aren’t into cooking, there is a handy restaurant that isn’t too bad either. And yes, I was drooling over those cabins. I’ve loved living in our camper and it has suited us very well (big enough, but not so big it’s hard to get around in), but I’m ready for a little more space!
PS: Thanks Rory and Lisa, for recommending the park/museum! :-)
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