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817 days ago
Well we have now moved to our new apartment here in Amsterdam and I have to say that it is much better than the old one! We have moved right into the centre of the city and our apartment sits on a really pretty canal. We are only 5 minutes from Dam Square and 5 minutes from the Jordaan area which is full of little shops and cafe (not those sort of cafes!) The apartment is pretty standard but it works for us and I feel much safer being on the first floor. Our landlord is an older guy who is a sculpture artist and as such, the apartment has lots of artwork from his friends and collections on the walls. I almost feel I should hold a gallery night but I think I am more interested in serving champagne and canapes rather than try to talk intelligently about the art itself! The location is perfect and we have a spare bedroom so room for visitors too! Pictures are in the album.
835 days ago
Its now been a month since I have been in Amsterdam and I am really missing one person in particular. Yes its hard to be away from my Mum, and not seeing my sister and her wonderful children is difficult and of course I used to love seeing my Dad too. But I really miss Keith!!! It was hightened recently when I went to a bar and the owners had a tiny kitten that they had got...she was sooo gorgeous! And then whilst sorting out my old emails I came across the following two pics of Keith, he was just so cute. I never thought I would be one of those 'cat lovers' but I am and I'm proud!
839 days ago
This weekend was great as I had two of my best friends come to stay with me from Thursday night til Sunday. It was Lou's birthday on the Thursday so I decided to get her a cake to have when they arrived. I had the cake delivered to work and wrestled with it on my way home on the bike which was quite difficult due to the wind completely slowing me down! They arrived right on time on Thurs evening so we headed into Rembrandtplein for a few cocktails and then back home for a glass of champers and some birthday cake. I couldn’t find any candles so we used sparklers instead when surprising Lou with the cake. The following morning we headed down Albert Cupymarket and had some breakfast before walking into the centre of town and wandering around the canals. Come the afternoon we stopped at a cafe for a beer and some bitten ballen (dutch croquette things) and then decided to do a bit of shopping. In the evening we decided to brave it and head to the red light ...
845 days ago
The weekend of 22nd July saw my Mums and Aunts 50th birthday. They were spending the day celebrating at Thorpe Park as they are both a pair of kids at heart. As I had just moved to Amsterdam the previous week I wasnt going to be able to make the family day so had to explain to my mum how I would treat her to a birthday weekend when she came over to visit me. In reality, the main reason I wasnt able to make the Sunday day out was because my sister and I had organised a surprise trip to Rome the following weekend which meant that my budget wouldnt stretch to two return flights to London as well as the weekend in Rome. As it happened though, I had to go back to the UK for work so managed to get a flight out on the Sunday morning. Surprise 1 for my Mum - I managed to turn up at Thorpe Park and she was happy as it meant the whole family was there. The weather was glorious and we all had a fantastic time. The second surprise was our little trip which we told her about via a ...
845 days ago
I have been terrible so far at keeping everyone posted on 'life in the dam' so apologies! To be honest life in the dam so far has been hectic. Last weekend was really the first weekend I have actually spent in Amsterdam! And what a weekend it was...pretty much the whole of Amsterdam celebrated Gay Pride! The canals were full of boats parading several semi clad men in leather hotpants! Rich and I cycled everywhere over the weekend as it is just so easy to do. I have purchased a proper dutch bike and we even ride to work. It does feel weird on a Monday morning to cycle along a canal to work rather than in the rush hour traffic over the broadmoor hill! I definately prefer the travel to work here and it still only takes 20-30 mins! As for work, its going really well albeit tough. I find it difficult being the 'newbie' but my colleagues are really nice and the dutch certainly know how to end a week at work. Come around 4.30/5ish on a Friday, wine is opened and a few ...
