by Krista | Aug 9, 2011 | Gulliver Tuesday
I have come to love chilly evenings in Amsterdam.
For I know that when my bro and sis-in-law get home from work we will get cozy in our pjs, bring coffees, wine, and nibbles up to the terrace, and snuggle under blankets on the comfy couches set around the outdoor fireplace.
It is truly a happy place for me, one of peaceful reflection, hearty laughter, and the best of memories with people I love to bits.
This weekend we got to share it with dear friends – a couple of jolly British expats living in Amsterdam, folks from Bulgaria and Holland, and an American friend who flew in from Tanzania. It was so wonderful to sit around for hours swapping stories over glasses of Italian wine and German beer, hearing all sorts of marvelous adventures and hilarious tales.
I love this place, these people. And I wish I could bring you all over to join us on these beautiful nights.
And now, dear ones, I must dash and start packing. Tonight I fly to Prague to visit my dear friend Corrie who is in Europe for a few weeks. I can’t wait to hug her tight and talk like mad for the next few days. 🙂
Where is your happy place this week?
by Krista | Jul 26, 2011 | Gulliver Tuesday
This weekend we braved wind and rain to go adventuring outside Amsterdam. We filled the car with sweaters, coats and snacks and drove out to Broek in Waterland.
It is a marvelous place – quite possibly the best adventure I’ve ever had in the Netherlands.
It consists of 6-7 hours worth of canals meandering through 17th century villages and nature preserves. Every meter is filled with more visual delights than you can possibly take in.
Since we chose a day with perfectly ghastly weather, we had the place to ourselves – a perk we loved.
There were six of us so we divided up into two whisper quiet electric boats and received simple instructions, detailed maps and a pile of waterproof blankets.
Then we were off!!
Since a rather wicked storm was approaching, we opted for the 2 hour tour which was supposed to get us back before the rains started. It didn’t quite work out that way, but to be honest, we didn’t mind a bit.
I was utterly delighted by this treehouse. Wouldn’t you have loved clambering up there as a kid? Spying on all the folks puttering down the canals?
I like how the canal boats have their own little “garage” they’re kept in on the water.
And one day I would love to stay in a darling cottage just like this.
I can’t wait to show you more pictures of our watery explorations, but now I need to get back to the workmen in the house and attempt our motley communications of mingled Turkish, Dutch and English.
Do you like boating?
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 11, 2011 | Gulliver Tuesday
by Krista | Jul 4, 2011 | Gulliver Tuesday
Mornin’ luvs! I took yesterday off to spend a gloriously sunshiny day driving and hiking in the mountains with my dear friend Jenny and her Mom’s adorable dog, Nigel.
I’ve never attempted hiking on crutches before, but, although my arms now feel like I could be Popeye’s daughter, it was worth every wobbly-armed, aching hands, oh-good-heavens-how-do-I-get-myself-into-these-things moment. From gushing streams to mountain vistas, stunning beauty at every turn had us gasping in awe and shouting “pull over! pull over!”
Today I’m heading up to Canada to get my brand spanking new passport, so I’ll leave you with a few images of our adventure in the mountains.
I’ll be back tomorrow to tell you all about it. 🙂
xo
What is your favorite memory from your weekend?
by Krista | Jun 28, 2011 | Gulliver Tuesday
