While I get it that Amsterdam is a city that most go to on a vacation and to be a tourist in, I really just went to hang out with Christine and her new baby, Teun. It helped that I had been there so many times when my parents lived there. I really didn't feel the need to do much other than walk around the city, eat and drink. And, as it turns out, that is exactly what we did!
Not to brag, but seriously - I bring sunshine with me every time I visit Amsterdam. And, this time was no exception. It was literally perfect weather the entire 4 days that I was there.
Not to brag again, but seriously - I was quite the traveler on this trip. I landed on Thursday AM and obviously was not going to waste any time napping, so we went. All. Day. Long. In her defense, Christine did offer to stop and let me rest for a bit, but I knew that if I did, I would never wake up. I have to say - I have done a fair bit of international traveling in my day, but this time around was maybe one of the better trips in terms of jet leg. I really think that by staying up all day, I just forced myself to get onto that time zone. It was great.
Anyway - we started off with a great breakfast right down the road from C's apartment. I ordered a large cappuccino and it literally came in a cereal bowl - delicious.
After that, we walked around a bit and then headed towards the Rijks Museum. Unfortunately, the majority of the museum had been under construction the entire time that my parents lived there. They just finished it this last year, so C and I felt an obligation to at least go to the museum to check it out. Turns out, as part of the construction, they also put in a really cool fountain thing that is surrounded by flower gardens and...seats. Right in the sun. I'll let you guess whether we actually made it into the museum....
After our trip to the museum, we walked back through one of my favorite spots - Vandel Park - and stopped at one of my favorite bars/cafes to have a glass of wine and some croquets. This is the café that we always went to when we had Avery, as they have a playground attached to it. It was definitely different being there without her, but somehow, just a bit more relaxing.
That night, C cooked a great dinner and then it was early to bed (look at these fun appetizers you get when you visit friends in Europe! - granted pretty similar to what a friend in America would serve, but that friend isn't in Europe!).
Friday was our day in the country. We headed out to the city that C and Friso got married in. It was so fun being back there (and being sober enough to remember it!). We dropped the baby off with C's Sister-In-Law who watched him while we went into town and had a fabulous lunch outside.
Then, we went back to her sister-in-law's house and spent the rest of the afternoon sitting outside in her backyard eating, drinking and laughing. I mean it really couldn't have been a nicer afternoon. And, what was really crazy is that C's niece and nephew and son were all there, but no one would have known it. It is such an amazing neighborhood. They live on this small street where the houses are really close together and it is safe enough that the kids can pretty much go back and forth between their house and their neighbors on their own. It may also have something to do with the fact that Dutch mothers in general and just far more relaxed than us crazy Americans. Seriously - what is with all of this stress we put on ourselves? Whatever. That's a topic for another day (or, another paragraph below...).
Saturday, we walked around the city again and did our best to keep up the rhythm of walk, look for a café with seating in the sun, sit in said sun, eat, drink and then do it all over again. We got pretty good at it by the end of the weekend.
That night, we went out with some of C's friends and started off on this rooftop bar that neither of us had ever heard up, much less been to. But, as it turns out, it was really gorgeous and had amazing views of the city. After that, we had dinner. Another cool thing about Dutch women? They just don't have the self image issues that we have (maybe because they are all just naturally beautiful). There were 5 of us girls - 4 of us ordered steak and frites (an order made for 2) and split that and the other ordered Lamb. And, when bread came to the table to begin with? We DEVOURED it. Like, never thought twice. If I were in America? You know damn well every woman at the table would stare at that bread and salivate while doing so, but would never touch it. And, steak? HA! It would be fish or salmon with no starch of course. Now, I'm not saying we're all like this, but you have to admit -it is the general culture with us American women. Then again, we also don't bike and walk as much as Dutch women, so maybe this is why they can have this approach? Who knows.
The next day, we had a relaxed breakfast and then a quick tour around the outskirts of the city and then off to the airport. And, I would be remised if I didn't include our numerous attempts at selfies. Mind you - the only reason I'm even including these is because the only people who I know who read these things are near and dear to my heart and realize that I really do look better in real life....right? Don't worry, C, I've ensured them that you are really cute too.
It really was one of the best trips I've had. The baby was adorable. One of the happiest I've ever seen. And, C and F were fantastic hosts. Thank you, thank you!!!! Can't wait to see you guys again soon! Next time, in RI ( I swear, I won't judge if you eat the bread...). :)
