Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world. Not simply because I have beloved family and friends there, but also because of its fascinating history and inimitable walkable-ness.
I love this city any time of year, but there’s something about late Autumn and early winter that tugs at my heart strings.
I love getting bundled up in woolens and a pashmina, mittens and suede knee boots, and walking wherever I please.
As many times as I’ve walked these streets, I never tire of them. There is always something new to see: luscious flowers at the market, peckish swans, and the ever present old bicycles.
I like the old vines climbing up brick walls, imagining how lush and green they’ll be in the Spring.
It makes me smile to see the names of boats and wonder who the person was that inspired the owner to name a boat after them.
I catch my breathe a little when the sun breaks through the clouds, suffusing buildings with golden warmth and light.
Red shutters never fail to make me happy. One day I will have red shutters too.
When the sun disappears again and icy winds whip off the canal, it’s time for me to go home.
I walk quickly, looking forward to cozying up on the couch to watch movies with my siblings, drinking cup after cup of my favorite Dutch coffee: koffie verkeerd.
This is the Dutch version of café au lait, and translates as “wrong coffee” since it has more milk than is considered right.
Originally it was not served with foamed milk, but nowadays, thankfully, it is. I love good, thick foam that always leaves a mustache if you drink it and needs to be spooned up.
What is your favorite hot drink?
Koffie Verkeerd
Serves Two
Ingredients:
1 cup strong black coffee
1 cup milk
sugar to taste
1/2 cup milk for foaming
Directions:
- Brew coffee according to your strength preference. I like it strong and made in a French press or Italian coffee pot.
- While coffee is brewing, heat milk in saucepan over medium heat. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t scald!
- Pour coffee into cups, add hot milk, stirring well. Add sugar if desired.
- Top with foamed milk.
- Serve immediately.
Holland is a place I would love to spend loads more time in. I will have to rearrange my “visits” list and put it at the top one day very soon! Thx for this lovely visit. (As always!)
I think you would really love it, Paradis! 🙂 It is such a beautiful and interesting place. 🙂
A fabulous walk thanks Krista. I have only had a brief stay in Amsterdam but your photos are making me rethink my wish to return.
I hope you get to return one day, Jenny. There are so many treasures to discover. 🙂
One of my friends went to Amsterdam recently and he came back loving it so much that I KNOW I have to visit! Your pictures are making me want to go also!
Oh that’s fantastic, Joanne!! 🙂 I’m so glad he had such a great time and I hope that you get to go there very soon. It’s not far from NYC! 🙂
I love Amsterdam too for all the reasons you mention – it’s such a beautiful place to wander
It sure is, Andrea. 🙂 I think it may just be my favorite walking city. 🙂
I would love to visit Amsterdam and I feel an even stronger tie after reading your lovely post. That drink sounds lovely right about now — it’s a chilly afternoon and that would be th eperfect thing to warm up with!
Oh Faith, I KNOW you would love Amsterdam!! I can just see you wandering the streets, camera in hand, taking pictures wherever you go. 🙂
Mocha, without a doubt – or bicerin when I am feeling decadent! Amsterdam is a gorgeous city – and so photogenic!
Oooh, I’ve never heard of bicerin, @google-76b7f5617f998f38e3daf83409eb82fb:disqus Now I must look it up. 🙂
I want to visit Amsterdam so bad. This post has made me want to even more!
YARM!!! I think your drink would go down an absolute treat right about now, its a brisk (cold really) morning here in Canberra. Everything in me wants to travel, be anywhere but where I am, a stroll through Amsterdam sounds magical. 🙂
I seriously love Amsterdam.While I like this coffee, my favourite is the mint in the hot water. Bring back great memories.
Wrong coffee – what a cute name. Kind of like an Australian flat white, I guess, but probably stronger? I am not a coffee drinker but after reading your post I want to try this.
I never realised just how beautiful Amsterdam is! Looking forward to trying their coffee – my boyfriend loves coffee so I’m sure it’ll be a hit! 🙂
I remember visiting Amsterdam about 25 years ago, really liked the vibe of the place. Your photos are great!
I love my coffee way too milky too! Good to know that I can now tell my friends that I’m drinking it “like they do in Amsterdam”!
Love Amsterdam as well. A beautiful and green city. Like you my fav hot drink is a cafe au lait. I love the little designs now that baristas add. Just makes it so special!!!