Cliff(y) Goes Travelling

[AF209] SXM-CDG (8h 20m) Airbus 330-200 ETD: 3.45pm  (GMT - 4) ETA: 6.05am  (GMT + 2) It's been two years since I last flew with Air France when it decided to end its fifth freedom service between Singapore and Jakarta, Indonesia. The last time I had its long-haul flight, however, was six years ago. Last June, there was only one flight per week from Sint Maarten to Paris, France and vice versa.

AMS-CUR (9h 35m) Boeing 747-400 ETD: 9.15am (GMT + 2)  ETA: 12 .50pm (GMT - 4) My BFF and I could've flown straight to Paramaribo, Suriname from Amsterdam, the Netherlands by Suriname Airways. However, we decided to have a stopover at Willemstad, Curaçao in the Caribbean before flying to South America. That was my very first long-haul daytime flight, which turned out to be the worst flight ever.

Evert van de Beekstraat 202, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Situated 9 km southwest of Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport isn't only the main international airport of the Netherlands, but also the third busiest airport in Europe in terms of passenger volume. Started operating as a military airbase in 1916, it was destroyed at the end of World War II, but the airfield was quickly restored with the new terminal building completed in 1949.

Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, the Netherlands Daily: 9.30am - 4.30pm De Kat is the world's only remaining windmill that makes paints using traditional methods. Built in 1646, it originally functioned as an oil mill. The octagonal mill sitting on top of the storehouse was that of the former paint mill known as De Duinjager that was torn down in 1960.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands The capital city of the Netherlands has always been one of my favourite places in the world. Originating as a small fishing village in the past, Amsterdam literally means a dam in Amstel River. It's colloquially known as the 'Venice of the North' due to the numerous canals that contribute to the wonderful landscape of the old town area.

Dam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Dam Square is a bustling town square in the capital city of the Netherlands. There's always something going on there regardless of the season. Originally a dam on Amstel River built in 1270, it formed the first connection between the various settlements on either side of the river.

Singel, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Mon-Sat: 9.00am - 5.30pm Sun: 11.00am - 5.30pm Founded in 1862, Bloemenmarkt (lit. Flower Market) used to be the world's only floating flower market. While most of the stalls are now perched on piles, the market is still a popular to buy real tulips when in season and bulbs all year round. It goes without saying that the market is one of the major suppliers of flowers in Amsterdam.

Albert Cuypstraat, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Mon-Sat: 9.00am - 5.00pm Named after Aelbert Jacobsz Cuyp, a leading Dutch landscape painter of the 17th century, Albert Cuyp Market has been around since 1905. It used to be operating once a week, only on Saturday to be specific. It's the largest day market in not only the Netherlands, but also the entire Europe with more than 300 stalls.

Prinsengracht 279, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Mon-Fri: 10.00am - 3.00pm Sat: 10.00am - 3.00pm (1 April to 1 November only) Sun: 10.30am - 12 noon (service only) Westerkerk is the largest Protestant church in the Netherlands, which is situated in the westernmost part of the Grachtengordel neighborhood in Amsterdam. Designed by a renowned sculptor and architect named Hendrick de Keyser, it has also got the highest church tower in the capital city.

Prinsengracht 112, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Daily: 9.00am - 7.00pm It's a museum, but I dare say many people don't really bother to take a look at the exhibition. Perhaps it's more appropriate to call it a cheese specialty shop, which showcases quite an impressive range of products, with a small museum below to satisfy those curious souls on the history of cheese making.

Jan Plezierweg 2, Amsterdam, the Netherlands If you're looking for a trendy hotel that's not too exorbitant in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, you may want to consider CitizenM (4*). Since we'd be getting an Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket each, my BFF and I decided to stay near Schiphol Airport since it takes only 20 minutes to reach Amsterdam Centraal by train.

WAW-AMS (2h 15m) Boeing 737-400 ETD: 7.20am (GMT + 2)  ETA: 9.35 am (GMT + 2) LOT Polish Airlines is the flag carrier of Poland, which is a member of the Star Alliance. Established on 29 December 1928, it's one of the oldest airlines in the world that's still in operation. It uses Lufthansa's frequent flyer programme: Miles & More.