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
by Krista | Jul 14, 2011 | Plucky Thursday
Mornin’ luvs!
I’m snatching a moment to hang out with you dear folks in the midst of the hustle and bustle of my last full day here in Washington.
I have errands to run, a car to sell, and a bridesmaid dress to find, but I need to take a few moments and let myself feel sadness, excitement, loss, gain, and to remind myself of the many good things I have to be thankful for:
- friends who stay up late with me getting everything packed.
- friends who come to help me pack and bring cake to boot. 🙂
- a little girl who comes in after all the work is done and asks if she could please do my hair and make-up. Who could resist?
- strapping fellows who haul boxes away with nary a word of complaint.
- folks who give hugs and luvs and remind me it’s all going to be OK.
- a gorgeous hand crocheted scarf from my Mum in the cheeriest colors imaginable.
- looking around my room and seeing that everything really is nearly done.
How are you doing today? How I wish I had time to sit down with you with a strong cup of tea (it’s pouring rain and cold here today) for a good, long visit.
Now I must be off. Make-up must be applied, breakfast eaten, crutches retrieved, and then I’m off to town to bid farewell to my lovely ol’ car and pass her along to a dear soul who both loves and wants her.
Hope you have a wonderful day! 🙂 xo
by Krista | Jul 13, 2011 | Compatriot Wednesday
Where is your favorite place to relax on vacation?
Do you like snuggling under the covers of a comfy hotel bed and losing yourself in a great book?
Or finding a smoke-free perch near the campfire and watching the flames turn into glowing embers?
As much as I love those things, the best stress-reliever for me is a patch of sand, waves lapping on shore and a bag of good books.
This month at “Across the Cafe Table” at The Travel Belles we’re discussing beaches…and bags…and what you’d stuff in your beach bag to create a truly relaxing day at the beach.
When I head to the lake or the ocean, I don’t like to lug a big load. Just a few essentials to keep me from having to interrupt my beach time to dash back to my tent or room.
Krista’s Travel Beach Bag Essentials:
- bottle of water – all that sun and heat can dehydrate a body quickly, so I always bring plenty to drink.
- munchies – relaxing so earnestly can really work up an appetite! I like to bring wholesome but delicious things like salty roasted nuts and dried cherries.
- books – I usually bring two books from two different genres so I can switch back and forth as the mood strikes me. Agatha Christie is always good, but I like to mix it up with a great travelogue or a fun novel.
- hair elastic – windblown hair in the eyes really musses up a good reading experience.
- sunscreen – no amount of relaxation is worth an agonizing day or two from sunburn.
- sunglasses – squinting into the sunshine can bring on a headache quickly.
- camera – beaches just beg to be captured through pictures.
- ID – accidents happen and it’s always good to have something for folks to identify you with in case you need help.
We’re also pondering what our ideal beach would be.
Hmm.
Does “any beach at all” count? Whether I’m strolling a rain-swept beach in Ireland, snoozing on a sunny stretch of white sand in Australia or scouring a pebble-strewn shore for treasures in Washington, the effect is the same: peace, strength, joy.
So, dear folks, what is your ideal beach? And what do you carry in your beach bag?
For more great ideas from other travelers, pull up a chair over at The Travel Belles: Across the Cafe Table.
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