Paris to Amsterdam on Thalys Train

Travelling between cities in Europe by train is a pleasant experience compared with the ridiculously slow speeds that Australian trains go. By booking early I got us a seat in 1st class of the Thalys train for not much more more than a regular ticket. Was it worth it, yes. Heaps more room, unless you were the angry Australian that was across from us who refused to put is luggage in the storage area. He sat with his suitcase between his legs for the 3 and 1/2 hours. The seats were comfortable and we got served quite a lot of food and drinks. Much more than the Business class on the Frecciarossa 1000.

Many European countries have spent a lot of money on renewable energy and you could see this as the train whizzed along at 330kmh between Paris and Amsterdam. There were wind farms everywhere. Yes I think they are ugly and take away from the beautiful landscape, but they are necessary for the environment. Come on Australian government. 

Despite stopping at a few more stations than the regular Paris - Amsterdam train, it still only takes 3.5hrs to make the journey. A change at Amsterdam Schipol and we were on the way to Holten, a small village around 100kms east of Amsterdam. We had to take 3 regional trains to get there. Each train was easy as you just hopped off and walked across the platform to the waiting train.

Holten's population, according to Wikipedia is around 10000 people and is famous for the Holterberg, but more on that another time.