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Experience the World With Kids

Savoring International & Dutch Cuisine in Amsterdam with Kids {Amsterdam Food Tour Review}

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Where to Eat in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a melting pot, home to 176 different nationalities. With all this ethnicity, it’s no wonder the food is incredible.  You can taste authentic Dutch cuisine or sample dishes from around the globe without the hassle of another plane trip.

While it’s true that Amsterdam is a hotspot for food enthusiasts, it is also a tourist mecca. This influx in tourism means that a significant number of dining establishments are sub-par and cater to the ever present flow of travelers. Having been in Amsterdam for several days before our food tour, I can attest to the wide range of mediocre dining establishments.

Navigating the great food spots in Amsterdam is best left to the professionals. That’s why I was pleased to hook up with Eating Amsterdam Tours, to learn the ins and outs of where to dine and what to eat while visiting this bustling city.

History of Amsterdam

Old warehouse in Amsterdam. A pulley on the top of the building was once used to haul up goods.

Our local guide led us through the Jordaan neighborhood, commenting on local sights and history, then delivering us to our  food rendezvous. We were filled up with both tantalizing dishes and knowledge that you just can’t get on your own.  Did you know the Dutch used to eat tulip bulbs?

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Soaring Through the Sky in Châtel, France {Fantasticable Review}

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Fantasticable Review Chatel, France

If your travels take you anywhere near Châtel, France, give this means of transportation a try! Take a flight with Fantasticable.  Of course you won’t be going far, but strapped comfortably into a harness,  you’ll soar over the hamlet of Plaine Dranse at a height of more than 200 meters, seeing the sights from a different perspective.  It is a exhilarating experience with breathtaking views that should not be missed.

As part of K’s 11th birthday celebration, my family went on Fantasticable rides.  K and Derrick each rode alone while Lucy (8) and I rode double.  She was just at the weight mark to ride by herself, but we wanted to experience the thrill together and, to be honest, we were a little chicken to fly solo!

Kids all geared up and ready to soar.

Kids all geared up and ready to soar.

The first line is 1257 m (4124 ft) long and 150 m (492 ft) high.  Adventurers go between 80 and 100km/h (50 – 62 mph), depending on the weight of the passenger and the wind conditions.  Since Lucy and I rode tandem, I figure our combined weight had us going closer to the 62 mph mark!

The second line is the longest and highest of the two – 1323 m (4341 ft) long and 240 m (787 ft) high.  The maximum speed is 120km/h (75 mph).

Derrick getting locked into his harness waiting for the countdown.

Derrick getting locked into his harness ready to fly.

It’s an incredible experience!  The ride is smooth, but the wind whipping by your ears as you fly through the air will keep your heart pumping.

K made a video of his adventure.  Watching him soar over the mountain beats the written word at describing this thrill.

Can’t see the video? Click HERE

Rates:
36€ per person

Restrictions:
Weight must be between 35 and 120kg but can vary depending on wind conditions.

Access:
Use the Pierre-Longue then the Rochassons chair lifts.  You will see the building to get weighed and your gear to the left once you exit the final lift.  Make sure to purchase your tickets at the base of the mountain.

Website:
http://www.fantasticable.com/chatel_anglais.php

Mom and Lucy on Fantasticable

Mom and Lucy on Fantasticable

 

K flying with Fantasticable

K flying with Fantasticable

We would love to hear about your experience with Fantasticable or similar zip line companies.

Don’t miss our article on things to do with kids in Châtel, France for more fun ideas.

Where to Zip Line in Chatel, France

Disclosure:  Our experience was courteous of Châtel Tourism.  As always, all options are 100% my own and may differ from others.

Best Places to Eat in Costa Brava, Spain – A Gastronomers Paradise

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Best places to Eat in Costa, Brava Spain (mussels image)

We spent 2 weeks in Costa Brava and dined on some of the most incredible food – EVER!

Costa Brava  covers 2,272 square miles and is comprised of many different villages.  Each village offers a unique coast and gastronomic experience for tourists.  It’s not surprising that many of the dishes come from the sea, but the greater Catalunya area is also famous for vegetables, beef and wine.  This gives the chefs plenty of local ingredients as a palette from which to create their culinary masterpieces.

We visited the seven Official Family Holiday Destinations along the coast and ate at a restaurant in every village and sometimes two. Each restaurant has the Family Tourist Destination seal of the Catalan Tourism Agency, so you know that the restaurants you wish to dine at welcome children, have children’s menus and have highchairs for the little ones.

Now, that is not to say these restaurants are like Red Robin in the states, teaming with screaming toddlers.  All of these restaurants would be perfect for singles or a couple.  They all just welcome children and make accommodations for families.

Best Places to Eat in Costa Brava, Spain:

I initially intended to do one large post and write about all seven of the restaurants at which we dined.  As it turns out, that made for an extremely long article.  Click the links below to read a dedicated article on each restaurant.   Be prepared, you will be drooling after reading the first one!

El Ventall Restaurant in Blanes

We started our culinary journey from the Southern most village of Costa Brava in Blanes.  El Ventall Restaurant is conveniently located between Blanes and Lloret de Mar serving high quality food using seasonal, local ingredients.

scallops at El Ventall

Read all about our experience at El Ventall Restaurant in Blanes.

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Restaurant Sódemar – Cooking, Tasting & Learning About Catalan Cuisine

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Restaurant Sodemar Review

Restaurant Sódemar in Roses

For the last meal of our Costa Brava food extravaganza, we dined at Restaurant Sódemar in Roses.  Roses is the Northern most village that is part of the Costa Brava family holiday destinations.  Keep a look out for the “Family Tourism” logo displayed in the entrance of establishments.  You know these locations have services that are especially designed with families in mind.  It just makes traveling with kids a little easier!

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Restaurant Sódemar is located at the water’s edge in the village of Roses.  It’s the perfect location for dining with a view. If you have a boat, you can dock at the pier and enjoy a waterside meal.

We were treated to a superb meal and an excellent wine selection as we concluded our culinary journey.  We learned all about the local food and libations and were were given a lesson on cooking paella as we watched the chef prepare our meal.

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Farm to Table, Vine to Bottle in Costa Brava – Mas Ponsjoan Wine Tour

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Mas Ponsjoan Wine Tour Calonge, Spain

One of our favorite stops in all of Costa Brava, Spain was the Mas Ponsjoa winery. An almost five century old family run business,  it boasts one of the oldest farmhouses in the village of Calonge.

Transportation to the vineyard was by bicycle.  The views of the countryside along the way were fantastic. Upon arrival, we were welcomed  with a glass of water from the well that, by the looks of it, is as old as the farm itself- established in 1660.

Growing produce at Mas Ponsjoan Vineyard

The owner seemed to enjoy taking us on the tour as much as we enjoyed being on it.  The pride he felt was obvious as he walked and spoke, not only of the vineyard, but of the olives, strawberries, cherries and other produce grown on the farm as well.  All the produce and wine is sold to locals. They come to the vineyard to purchase a bottle (or two) of natural wine or what ever else might be in season. Some of the produce is also sold at the market or canned and sold locally.   Nothing is wasted at Mas Ponsjoa!

Wine barrels at Mas Ponsjoan Winery

Wine bottles in cellar at Mas Ponsjoan Winery

The tour continued with a walk through the wine cellar – absolutely amazing!  It was two stories under  ground with two different levels used for different wines stored at different temperatures.

After the tour, we gathered at a large outside table ,under a covered area, to sample the various wines,  have a few snacks and learn about some of their wine making processes.

We were flabbergasted to learn that the wines are only sold at the vineyard, are organic and cost anywhere from 1.50€ for the white to 3.50€ for the dessert,  with the rosé and black/red falling in between.  Seriously, a bottle of fabulous, organic wine for 1.50€ ($1.68) is insane!

Kids Learning about wine at Mas Ponsjoan

Kids making a new friend

Kids making a new friend

The kiddos were treated to a mini lesson on wine barrels and wine making after finishing their snacks and cooling offwith mor e water.  They learned that if you move the wine barrel, the wine will be ruined.  They really must have been paying attention because each day, for several days, they told us more bits and pieces about what they learned.  All three kids sat in a half circle and listed attentively -a well designed lesson to keep the kids attention.

I found it fascinating that school tours are held here as well.  It’s a great way to teach children about wine, growing fresh fruits and vegetables and local farm living.

By the end of our tour no one wanted to leave.  It was a lovely place with beautiful views and wonderful people. Thank you Mas Ponsjoan winery for an excellent experience!  Derrick said he’d go back to work a day on the farm for more wine and education!

Mas Ponsjoan in Costa Brava

Mas Ponsjoan uses traditional wine making techniques and sells direct to the customer from the farmhouse.  A visit should definitely be on your list when visiting the area!

Address:
17251 Calonge (Girona)

Phone:
972 65 16 26

Website:
http://www.masponsjoan.net/index.html

Tours:
Tours are held on Wednesdays by appointment with a cost of just 3€  – 10 € , depending on option. Tours are organized for groups with a minimum of 10 and a  maximum of 25 people.

How to get There:
Bike from the center or rent a car and drive.   A detailed map and GPS coordinates are available on their website.

See more Calonge tourism options for help planning your next visit.

Mas Ponsjoan Wine Tour wine tour with kids in Calonge, SpainWine Tour in Costa Brava Spain - Mas Ponsjoan

Disclosure: My family was invited as guests to experience family-friendly destinations in Costa Brava.  All opinions are 100% my own and may differ from others.

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