So here I am, in 24 hours I went from 38C to 9C.
Damn it is cold!
For those that don’t know, my background is Dutch, I was born in Holland and moved to Australia when I was 18. I met my husband in Oz and the rest is history!
My sister and I were to meet in Bali this month to celebrate her 50th Birthday, but she was diagnosed with breastcancer earlier this year and is now in the middle of undergoing chemo therapy. No problem, I will come to you, I said…
So after 18 years, I am back in the country I was born. In particular Amsterdam, where my mum and sister still live. My brother lives in another town.
I have been enjoying the company, the warmth of being in a families arms, and I have fallen in love all over again with Amsterdam.
I arrived on Saturday, and Sunday we were already scouring some great undercover (thank God, because it was cold and raining!) second hand markets. I picked up a few bargains!
On the way to the markets, we bumped into Sinterklaas and his Zwarte Pieten. The Dutch celebrate Saint Nicholas’ birthday on the 5th of December and the good Saint had arrived by steamboat from Spain as per the tradition the day I arrived from Australia!
I truly love this tradition, and I have many fond memories of this time.
On Monday my sister talked me into going into the centre by bike. Now, riding a bike is something I used to do daily, but there are SO MANY MORE DAMN BIKES!!!
A great way to see the city though.
We started off going to some local markets. A great mix of new and second hand clothes. We parked our bikes and had a leisurely stroll.
After a coffee, we got on our bikes to explore the old part of Amsterdam, the Jordaan. Great little boutiques all along the streets lining the canals.
Off to the centre of Amsterdam, where we parked our bikes and continued on foot to the Kalverstraat, one of the shopping streets off Dam Square. High Street shopping at its very best! Heaven!!
A full day out and it was getting dark by the time we got back to our bikes to ride back home.
Great day out!
Have you ever been to Amsterdam? What was your favorite part?
Til Next time,
Omg Barbe, I just love this post! All your pics are beautiful and my fave is the one of you on the bike…you look like the child in you is bubbling! More pics, more pics…Amsterdam is stunning x
Thanks Jen! More pics to come! x
I love Amsterdam. My first visit there was this year. We had the best time and seeing your photos brings it all to life again! Though it was really hot for our stay. People were stretched out on the grass outside the wonderful Van Gogh museum. Love the herring vans!
I am glad you loved Amsterdam. I have fallen in love with it all over again. Summer has a great vibe in Amsterdam. And I hope you tried the herring! x
Gorgeous photos lady. I loved seeing them all on instagram. I spent 6 months living in Amsterdam in 2007 (I did a semester at UvA) so this is bringing back such happy memories! I lived right next to the Anne Frank house so I was super lucky, such a gorgeous part of the world!
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Thanks Liz! I actually went to High School on the Canal behind the Anne Frank House, it is no longer there. So glad you have happy memories like me, but I actually think it the city as such has improved! Also the people seem to be happier and more welcoming. Thanks for commenting x
Ooooo Barbe,
Been loving ur blogs. I knew in my heart u were Dutch. U reminded me so of my friend Winnie, very artistic and great flair.
So saddened by reading that u battled breast cancer and now ur beloved sister. I shall keep her in pray. My thoughts are with u my darling.
U know I would have flown out to AMS to meet up with u. Another time!
i love this pictures and what a nice blog! looking forward to read more here.. thank you for sharing!!