Amsterdam and other things...
Remember last year when I met up with O after his Germany business trip and we went to Brussels and Antwerp? Well I am doing it again this year, except we are going to Amsterdam! Our trip is planned for mid March.
Its exciting cuz we get to travel and see art and hang out and have adventure, but I also love it for two big reasons. 1. I get to fly alone across the atlantic, thats pretty fun. For some reason I always like the feeling of traveling alone, I did it a lot when I was younger and living in Spain, like a bajilion years ago. I get into major efficiency mode and I love just being in my own head, listening to music, observing. Its like an adventure just getting myself where I am supposed to be, I can be a bit absentminded (everyone in my family is rolling their eyes right now). Last year I just slept the whole trip. Not real sleep, airplane sleep. You know, shitty sleep.
Check out those ceilings! Its a cute little attic apartment, how cozy is it!
I want to do some cycling, and I am surprising O with dinner here (don't worry, he never reads my blog, do you O?) I also want to have some amazing food, and cheese and shop, and walk, and look at flowers and go on a boat and climb things, and look at art and have coffee and people watch and stroll and lay around on the grass on a sunny day and have a picnic and generally enjoy that totally in-the-moment time that you seem to get on vacation more than any other time. You know what I mean?
Ok, any suggestions? Things I must do? Places we must eat? A particular pair of boobs to find in the red light district? I have already been warned about the spontaneous singing in bars, which honestly sounds totally amazing. Like I would feel like I was in that part of Beauty and the Beast when the whole village sings. Right? Yes damnit, agree with me.
I wish I had some suggestions and must-sees for you, but I've never been and am just green with envy. That apartment? Effortlessly chic. And spontaneous bar singing? What could be more fun?
ReplyDeleteI thought so too! Excited to go pop over and see your guest room reno!
Deletehey...how exciting! but please remember that amsterdam in march (or july or any other time) MAY be cold and wet, so check the weather before you come! i would suggest this lounge bar/restaurant: http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/netherlands/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-amsterdam-centraal-station-AMSCSDI/dining/index.html - even though it is in a chain hotel, it has the best views of the city as it is one of the only places high enough to see amsterdam from above! :-) have fun!!! amy
ReplyDeleteAmy, thanks for the reminder! Thanks so much for the reco! I can't wait to check it out.
Deletesmoke a whole lot of good wizzy. you can't not. then take pictures of yourself and instagram it. ok, that's what i would do. in fact don't do that. it's a fools game.
ReplyDeleteI know thats what you would do! hmmmm...how do we get you to Amsterdam...or just my bathroom! ha!
DeleteI feel the same way about traveling--I love being alone, and the feeling of transition involved.
ReplyDeleteSuper-jealous of the trip, I want to plan one too.
Speaking of Antwerp, did you see this amazing-gorgeous-sumptuous post from A Bloomsbury Life?
http://abloomsburylife.blogspot.com/2014/01/straight-outta-antwerp.html
Thanks Jen. I did see that post! I love love love her sense of style, and just thought I want to piggy back on her trips to Europe, b/c she seems to be drawn to the same things I like, but she makes them look so glamorous doesn't she!? Loved Antwerp, recommend it over Brussels even (actually its no contest for me.)
DeleteGoing to Belgium had never been on my list, and definitely not Antwerp, but Lisa's post changed my mind. Gloomy, damp weather, art, moody interiors, and french fries with curry ketchup? Sounds like my perfect vacation.
DeleteI know nothing about Amsterdam singing, but when I was in L.A., Santa Monica, about 15 years ago and enjoying one of my first trips out to a real bar - an Irish pub - we stayed until 2 am which was closing time. The song "I'm a creep" came on and everyone in the bar - all standing I guess because it was time to go - sang. It was magical.
ReplyDeleteI just visited AMS last Thanksgiving and my world was rocked! It is my new favorite city in the world! Rent a bike, get lost along the canals, visit as many museums as possible! It's such an amazing art-driven city! You will love it!!!
ReplyDeleteI posted on your instagram but not sure if you saw... I think you'd probably like Amsterdam Made by Hand if you don't already have it (by Pia Jane Bijkerk). She has tons of great suggestions for wonderful shops and the book is beautiful. I think you'd like the Noordermarkt, some handmade things, antiques, junk, produce, meat, veg, flowers. I listed some places on my blog from the last time we were there (post in travel section) but it's all pretty much in Pia's book anyway! Hope you have a great time. You might not want to go home! Be sure to walk around at night and look into people's windows :)
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