Gezzelligheid in Amsterdam

We have landed in Amsterdam! This marks the start of a month-long European leg, and I think that the destinations after Amsterdam are going to have a hard act to follow. Amsterdam just seems to have it all worked out: there are lovely buildings; it has nice water features (the canals); we have seen virtually no overweight people; the only traffic congestion is from the hordes of people on bikes; and we haven seen very little poverty.

Yesterday was a day of museums: The Rijksmuseum, particularly for a spot of Rembrandt, and the Van Gogh museum for a spot of Van Gogh. The museums were lovely, but rather a lot to take in in one day.

Today, we took a slightly different approach - we became (well almost) locals. Basically we hired bikes. First place of exploration was the Jordaan, and some markets with great lunch delicacies, and lots of little tasting plates out, which are always the best part of food markets. Then after a nice cycle around the streets of the Jordaan, we headed to central station to sort out trains. Though this is not exciting in itself, it was exciting to park our bikes in a multi-story bike park complex!

This arvo we went to a couple of photography galleries, one of which was in a lovely old canal house. This evening we went to a bar in De Pijp for the particularly Dutch quality of 'Gezelligheid', which according to my guide book, is variously translated as snug, friendly, informal, companionable and convivial,. Whatever it is, Amsterdam has copious opportunities to experience Gezelligheid!

One year older in name, one day older in reality

Yesterday I turned 27, which in my opinion is a much nicer number than 26, as it is 3 multiplied by 9. Had a lovely day! In the morning I went for a massage - apparently I have a lot of tension in my arms. No idea. Then I met up with Amy and we went to a place on Upper Street for lunch, which was awesome.

When we arrived home we had an afternoon tea of birthday cupcakes which Amy had made on the sly. Betty Crocker devils food cake packet mix and icing with silver ball bearings went down a treat. The poodle and mouse certainly enjoyed them.

In the evening I met up with some friends and friendly cousins for dinner at Cubra Libre, which is a Cuban restaurant. Good food and company and 2 for 1 cocktails. It wasn't a rager though, as I chased my cocktails down with a nice chamomile tea.

Today was my last day in London, and the highlight was going to see Wicked. Though it did not star Mel C, I would have to say it was far superior to Blood Brothers, and I was so into it that I may have shed a tear or two. That is not really surprising though.

Tomorrow morning I depart the mother country for Amsterdam, where I meet up with Tom. It has been about 8 weeks, so I'm pretty excited!

Punkyfish

Back in London for a final few days, and I have spent some good time catching up with mates. Its fantastic to see people that I haven't in a while. Yesterday I wandered around Spitalfields Market with Tess (plus of course my AAA posse - Alice, Amy and Amanda) and I experienced the joy of a half baby jerk chicken at a Caribbean restaurant in Camden with Kerry and Simon.

In fact I was so intrigued my Camden that today I went back to see if I could spot a real punk. I did indeed see the chap below, sporting a very impressive mohawk. Call me a sceptic, but I'm wondering if his look is partly driven by the idea of being in tourists' photos (kind of like the Gladiators in Rome that dress up and stand outside the Colosseum)? No, he must have been genuine. Surely!

This arvo I returned to cousin Lucy's house for Amelia's third birthday party. Wow, some of the presents were exciting! A toy farm set! A play potting shed! Very cool indeed.