by Krista | Dec 26, 2010 | Bootstrap Monday
As the sun disappeared after dinner, we bundled up to the hilt and braved the snowy streets for a magical nighttime walk.
I do love going for walks, especially with dear folks who make a jolly time of it. We trudged through mounds of snow and found a little park with a working Flying Fox that we simply had to try! We whizzed through the air, hovering over the snow and shrieking with fright as the speed nearly sent us catapulting into the logs holding up either end. It was grand fun.
I loved how the moon hidden behind the clouds rendered the landscape blue and glowy, the tree branches etched beautifully against the sky.
Before too long our jean legs were frozen stiff, our limbs chilled through and we happily trudged home again for eggnog and Amaretto.
by Krista | Dec 25, 2010 | Bits 'n' Bobs
Happiest of Christmases to you from Germany, dear ones! I hope your day is restful, joyous and loving. Biggest of hugs to you and much love!
by Krista | Dec 22, 2010 | Plucky Thursday
Yesterday started off deliciously lazy. We slept, had a leisurely breakfast, rested on Melissa’s oh-so-comfy couches, and visited. By early afternoon we’d had quite enough of laziness and were ready for adventures. Ry and Melissa were at work and Ev and Kendra had other plans, so Mums, Pops and I headed out to do some exploring on our own.
We wandered at will, turning down this street and that alleyway, finding all sorts of lovely spots like The Begijnhof.
It was originally a Béguinage, a home for lay sisters of the Catholic Church. They were women who desired to serve God and made vows of chastity like nuns, but who lived in the world and were free to leave the facility at any time to get married.
Founded in the Middle Ages, The Begijnhof is the only inner courtyard in Amsterdam and has one of the oldest wooden houses in Holland. When the Protestants took over in the 1500’s, The Begijnhof was the only Roman Catholic Institution allowed to remain open, and became one of the few safe havens for Catholics in Holland.
Today the private courtyard is home to single women only, a quiet, safe and peaceful haven in the midst of Amsterdam.
Our next stop was the Bloemenmarkt – a floating flower market in the heart of Amsterdam. It looked much different than any of my previous visits. Gone were the lush flowers of summer and the berry-festooned garlands of autumn.
Instead the stalls were filled with evergreen wreaths and cotton pods and lined with bins and baskets full of gnarled bulbs that in the spring will turn into gorgeous tulips and amaryllis.
After a couple of hours wandering hither and thither Mums and Pops were ready for a coffee break in a warm cafe, so we bid farewell and I entered the Royal Palace which only recently reopened after extensive renovations.
It is rather a somber and austere edifice, but much has been done to bring warmth and color to the cavernous rooms and square lines.
My favorite bits were the lights. How lovely is this fixture against the cold gray marble?
Don’t these exquisite chandeliers do wonders in both brightening and warming this space?
It was a lovely day of discovery and by the time my palace tour was done, I too was ready for a rest. I found a corner cafe whose windows were filled with greenery and fairy lights. I couldn’t resist it. Inside the Cafe Kalkhoven Christmas was in full swing with lavishly decorated swags trimming window frames, mirrors and chandeliers. I found a seat on a plush, red-striped velvet bench, delighted at the ample people-watching opportunities my view of the tram station provided. I had a Kalkhoven toasted sandwich stuffed with old cheese (honestly, that’s what it’s called!), thinly sliced ham and a honey dressing. It was simple yet filling fare and at a mere 3.50 Euros suited the budget perfectly.
As dusk was falling I strode home, stopping briefly at an enticing little chocolate shop where I indulged in one cocoa-dusted truffle. Evan and Kendra made us scrumptious Rosemary Chicken for dinner then we got all dolled up and Ryan treated us to Handel’s Messiah in a gorgeous concert hall. Our seats were right behind the choir so we got to see the antics of the ancient conductor as he teetered precariously on stage, watch the mezzo-soprano and wonder if the seams on her skin-tight dress would hold when she hit the next high note, and observe the organist as he manipulated the massive pipe organ. It was glorious, inspiring, and loooooong. We all concurred that one complete Handel’s Messiah is more than enough for one lifetime. From here on out we are content with the highlights. 🙂
That night we fell into bed exhausted but happy and slept like logs.
by Krista | Dec 21, 2010 | Compatriot Wednesday
Yesterday morning we were delighted to open the curtains and see a sunshiny Amsterdam. It was wicked cold but so beautiful with snow glistening on tree branches and sidewalks, and the canals covered with sheets of crackling ice glittering in the sunshine.
It was the perfect day to stay inside with hot cups of tea reading and watching old movies like “Shop Around the Corner” with Jimmy Stewart. Early afternoon we bundled ourselves from head to toe then carefully walked the snowy streets, popping into charming shops to warm our bones and peruse the wares.
Before too long we were ravenous and freezing and returned to one of our favorite haunts: Singel 404.
Singel 404HS
1016AK Amsterdam
Netherlands
Telephone: (+31) 0204280154
This place has some of the best sandwiches any of us have ever had. My brother Evan brought two of his Army friends here for lunch and they loved the food so much that they said all future sandwiches had been ruined for them.
I like to think that all future sandwiches will be INSPIRED by them.
First take thick slabs of bakery fresh brown bread, spread liberally with pesto or guacamole and add toppings of your choice.
Evan and Ryan chose the tuna melt, Dad had smoked chicken with olives and Brie, and Kendra had ham, roasted sweet peppers and Brie.
I had guacamole topped with smoked chicken, sundried tomatoes, Brie and fresh herbs.
…and Mums had a luscious BLT topped with thick slices of creamy avocado and a sprinkling of chives.
What is your favorite thing to eat on a cold shopping day?
PS – Thank you SO much for all your wonderful notes and comments. 🙂 You make opening my computer each morning so delightful. I will get back to you all as soon as I can. Much love!!
by Krista | Dec 21, 2010 | Gulliver Tuesday
Yesterday was cold, snowy and absolutely GORGEOUS as we tramped through Amsterdam, clinging to each other to keep from falling on our backsides.
We decided that such a heavy snowfall required a walk in Vondel Park, a beautiful expanse of water, trees, and bench-dotted lawns in Amsterdam.
We loved it! We trudged through fluffy white snowdrifts and sand-laden patches that we decided looked and felt just like when you beat together butter and brown sugar for cookie dough, before you add the eggs. Talking about it made me crave chocolate chip cookies!
In spite of the bitterly cold temperatures, all sorts of people were in the park: lovers smooching, cute elderly couples walking hand in hand, little kids sliding down every teensy bit of hill they could find.
The ponds were frozen over, every leaf and tree branch rimmed in white.
Mid-way through our adventure in the park, my brother led us up a metal staircase to a toasty warm cafe overlooking the nearby lake, and treated us to hot chocolate spiked with rum and topped with whipped cream. They even included tiny cookies! It was the perfect warming treat after our stroll.
Before long we were heated through and ready to brave the elements again. All too soon it grew dark and we were heading home, our way lit by snow-topped street lamps and glittering Christmas lights.
