by Krista | Jul 21, 2011 | Fabulous Friday
After nearly a solid week of rain, we were so happy to get out in the sunshine yesterday evening for a walk through the neighborhood.
The air smelled wonderfully fresh and clean and window boxes overflowed with blooms that glowed lush and brilliant in the setting sun.
I love this neighborhood. It’s both quiet and companionable, cafes and restaurants filled with locals chatting away over Italian wine, Dutch beer, and scrumptious food.
We met up with our Bulgarian friend Diliana at De Italiaan, a bustling spot known for wood-fired thin crust pizzas and high quality ingredients shipped directly from small farms in Italy. I love the lighting and convivial atmosphere and was especially charmed by the stacks of cheery red blankets scattered about for the use of chilly guests.
Most of our group ordered their favorite pizza, but as soon as I heard the Special – handmade ravioli filled with Dutch cheese and asparagus and topped with a pesto cream sauce – I had to have it.
We eagerly tucked in and happily swapped a bite of this for a slice of that until we were thoroughly stuffed.
We strolled home as the sun set over the rooftops, lamplight dancing across the canals.
What is your favorite neighborhood to stroll through? What do you love most about it?
by Krista | Jul 20, 2011 | Plucky Thursday
I absolutely love my brother’s rooftop terrace.
He’s been working hard cleaning it all up, power-washing and sealing the wood, hauling out old plants and nurturing new ones. It’s going to be a gorgeous oasis right in the heart of the city and we’re already smitten.
Every chance we get us girls (bro’s fiance, Mum-in-law, sis-in-law) are here soaking up sunshine, reading good books, and gabbing away happily as we watch boats chug by on the canals below.
Today we were up there and saw this chap across the way, hanging FOUR STORIES up in the air with nary a rope nor bit of scaffolding in sight as he painted the molding. Yipes! It made my stomach queasy just watching him.
Once he made it back inside without tumbling to the courtyard below, we settled back into our chairs with cups of lemony tea and disappeared into our books.
It was a perfectly lazy sunny afternoon.
Where is your favorite spot to escape to on an unexpectedly free afternoon?
by Krista | Jul 20, 2011 | Compatriot Wednesday
Every morning in Amsterdam I wake to this view.
I have a lovely, enormous window right next to my bed that swings wide open and provides the perfect place to sit and write, read or dream.
It overlooks a courtyard that of late has been the scene for ping-pong tournaments for the downstairs neighbors. They are very serious about their game, switching places for each serve like pro tennis players, and we’ve had grand fun watching the spectacle.
I love mornings here.
Cool breezes come in through open windows and I hear the city wake up as neighbors creak open their own windows, construction guys start up their equipment, and bikes come rattling down the bricked and cobbled streets.
We’ve been having the most splendid breakfasts – strong coffee with the thickest, must scrumptious foam I’ve ever seen, and Holly’s (sis-in-law’s sis) fantastic breakfast sandwiches made with dark grainy bread, crispy bacon, fresh eggs, and strong cheese she brought over from Scotland.
Yep, I’m feeling thoroughly spoiled. 🙂
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast on lazy, sunny mornings?
by Krista | Jul 19, 2011 | Gulliver Tuesday
Hello luvs! I’m writing to you from my comfy bed in Amsterdam, the window open to catch cool breezes and welcome in the sounds of seagulls crying and tram bells clanging.
I had a safe trip (nothing like traveling on crutches for adventure!) and am so glad to be settled again. 🙂
I absolutely LOVE my brother’s place in Amsterdam! It’s quiet and spacious with enormous windows that let in lavish amounts of light and provide gorgeous views like the one below.
My first night here I got to be my brother’s sous chef, chopping onion and garlic for his fantastically creamy pasta studded with sun-dried tomatoes and roasted peppers. We topped grainy bread with a mix of butter, mayonnaise, herbs, garlic, and crispy bacon and broiled them until they were toasty brown. Mmm. Ry poured us wine and then we tucked in!
I got a nap in that afternoon – thank goodness! – then we got all dolled up, hopped in a taxi and drove to a friend’s house for a birthday party/wine-tasting. It was so fun visiting with new friends and tasting wines and champagnes from all over Europe. I am by no means a wine expert, so I was content to sip quietly and listen to marvelous descriptions and assessments from such learned folks as the Wine Department Head for Christie’s. We had such a grand time and can’t wait for the next one later this week.
Now I must be off! I’ve promised to make a vegetarian feast for everyone tonight. 🙂
How was your weekend?
by Krista | Jul 15, 2011 | Fabulous Friday
In less than five hours I’ll be on my way to Amsterdam, starting my journey to Australia by way of the Netherlands. It doesn’t seem real. 🙂
I’m excited, nervous, and already miss my dear ones here in the States and Canada. And I’m really, really happy.
It’s been a very difficult and painful year, and I’m looking forward to starting over with a clean slate, putting all this wretched stuff behind me.
There are so many good things to look forward to in the months ahead: seeing family and close friends in Italy for my brother’s wedding, meeting up with dear folks all over Europe for good talks and new adventures, and taking a lot of time to rest and heal up before I start my new life in Australia.
As soon as my torn ligament heals (a few more weeks yet), I’ll be heading out to explore Amsterdam. I love this city so much and am very excited to share it with you.
Now I must fetch that last load of laundry, finish stuffing my bags, and get started on this grand adventure.
Much love to you all. I will write to you soon from my new home in Amsterdam.
xo
