Business Travel
GOING DUTCH by Maarten Hoffmann
W
hen l got my hands on the new Jaguar F-Pace, l really wanted to stretch the cats legs so where better to go than Holland. As my father was Dutch, l have a few connections there and l was overdue a visit and really wanted to take my kids as, by default, they are a quarter Dutch. The only proviso was that they had to read Ann Franks Diary before we departed or they couldn’t come. I have never seen speed reading like it and the final page was turned in the car on the way. Ok, l relented but it worked. Before l discuss Holland, let us not forget that marvel of engineering that is the Channel Tunnel. I always prefer the ferry as l quite like the whole boarding thing and wandering around the deck as the white cliffs fade away and the French coast hove’s into view but l relented and we went underground. It really is quite amazing and seems to take just a jiffy before we are there. The road journey to Holland is easy and as Jaguar had kindly loaded the latest European Satnav for the journey, l do think the car could
32
ACES
ussex
have done the journey without the lump of meat sitting in the driver’s seat. First to Amsterdam and a city that l have fond memories of. What a beautiful city. Canals, pretty waterside homes, markets and the ever present bicycles that, unlike England, seem to have far more of a right to be there than cars. This is a city in which you are best to dump the car and take to your feet as you see and absorb so much more.
“l do think the car could have done the journey without the lump of meat sitting in the driver’s seat.” I first went to Ann Frank’s house after reading the book as a 12 year old, it had such a huge impact on me that l had to take my girls there as they are her age and the impact would be so much stronger. It was. Tears were flowing as we toured the totally ‘as was’ house that has been meticulously maintained and
throws you straight back to those dark days. Amsterdam was not bombed during the war so is as beautiful as it always was. We stayed the night at the 23-story 5-star Okura Hotel and what a treat. The uniformed doorman whisked the car away as we were ushered into the glorious reception and efficiently checked in and shown to our rooms. Huge rooms and huge bathrooms with sumptuous beds and a room service order form for pillows. I didn’t even know there were eleven types of pillow! Nothing was too much trouble and although we couldn’t eat as it was, by this time, gone 11pm but l left the family and wandered around the hotel. The Nagomi Spa is like an oasis of calm with Shiatsu massage, indoor pool, Turkish bath and full fitness centre. It was a huge mistake to arrive so late as we missed the key to the whole hotel – dining. The Okura has three Michelin star restaurants: Ciel Bleu Restaurant – two Michelin stars with Chefs table and private dining rooms; Yamazato Restaurant – one Michelin star with a superb Sushi counter;