The Netherlands: An Ongoing Love Affair

Monday, July 06, 2015

Amsterdam canals

Whenever I'm in Amsterdam I find myself wondering with no small measure of frustration, "Why don't I live here?" This is especially true during the summer, when I can easily imagine an alternate life in which J and I spend our days sipping machiattos on sunny terraces; sailing through the canals with cold Heinekens in hand; biking through the charming cobblestone streets; cozying up on the couch with Indonesian takeout; marathon drinking in the lively bars; and dancing til dark in music festivals. While the picture is crystal clear in my mind, life has yet to get on with my imagined programme ... so for now, I have to be content with living out bits and pieces of the Amsterdam life I've envisioned whenever I can get away. 

Amsterdam rooftops
Beer and bitterballen by an Amsterdam canal

I spent the loveliest week in Amsterdam with (mostly) gorgeous weather: not too hot (as it was this week) nor too rainy (as it was the week prior). It was as if this charming city was conspiring to make me fall even deeper in love. We spent our days having beer and bitterballen by the canal; exploring the city by foot and by boat; hanging out with friends; and squeezing in as many dates in our favorite spots as possible.

Pretty red Amsterdam doorway
Pretty Amsterdam doorway
Vintage record store in Amsterdam

We also took a little trip out to the suburbs to visit family and indulge in classic Dutch poffertjes—heaps of tiny pancakes toped with sugar, butter and, if you please, even a generous splash of Grand Marnier. While I'm not quite sure that I'm cut out for Dutch suburbia (or that Dutch suburbia is ready for a little Asian firecracker like me!), it's always fun to imagine what life could be like in these parts.

Poffertjes restaurant in Dutch suburbia
Dutch suburbia
Holland windmill

Now that I'm back in New York, I am suffering from severe Netherlands withdrawal. I guess there's only one thing to do: Channel all that frustration into finding my way there! Wish me luck ...

Amsterdam canal
Amsterdam canal

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9 comments

  1. I feel exactly the same! I'd love to live in a cool apartment by a canal, spending my spare time cycling around Vondelpark and drinking Dutch beer in the sunshine...but I'm stuck in dreary Manchester, UK.

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    1. So happy to have someone to commisserate with Jade! If it helps, the Dutch folks tell me their weather can be quite similar to Manchester most of the time ;) Here's hoping we have more sunny Amsterdam days in our future though!

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  2. Happy to read you enjoyed staying in my country (once again) :-)
    Do you have family over here?

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    1. You have such a lovely country - and even lovelier people! My boyfriend lives in Amsterdam, which might make me slightly biased perhaps ;)

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  3. That is one country I hate to say I have not been to... and to see the beautiful pictures only makes me hate it more. Hopefully one day, but until then I will have to live through these pictures!

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    1. You should definitely bump it up on your list! Til then, enjoy :)

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  4. Wonderful photos... Now it's definitely on my to visit list:)

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    1. Great to hear! I do so enjoy contributing to people's to-visit lists! :)

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  5. Such a beautiful picturesque country-would love to visit, this has made me want to go even more!

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