Never knew how hard a day job is…wait, I lie. I do know and was probably able to tolerate it better than I do now. A break was due even though Vienna wasn’t that long ago and I needed something different, something that would let me think about the plans for Spring/Summer 2020.
First stop, Amsterdam!
A city that intrigued me when I was denied of it the last time my sister, Lisa, and her husband came to visit and decided to forbid me from going with them because I was hobbling around with an injured knee. I would take a step back whenever she gave me the ‘no’ look and she was right back then to tell me off too. So, this was a treat for myself and even better, I have someone who’d been before to explore the city with.
From my experiences visiting cities, I do lower my expectations just because I don’t enjoy them as much as the countryside with peace, quiet and nature. It might be the heavy two weeks running up to the break or the curiosity cat within me or combination of both, I was excited to visit the city plus I had a great company to boot that gave it a boost. My only aim is to have a quality chill time in the city, go back if I need to and boy, I definitely need to go back there again.
It was easy to walk from where we were staying to all the places we went in the city and the beautiful rivers and canals alone were well worth the trip. Kostas remembered this awesome pub he stumbled upon before, where we just hang and chatted for hours about life and enjoyed one of the best drink I’ve ever tasted, La Trappe Quadrupel Oak Aged in Bourbon barrels. I will never forget this drink…ever! This devil of a man knows his drinks, from wines to beers including cocktails and any liqueurs. I’m sure this is just the tip of the iceberg, more yet to come.
The red light district, one of the most talked about thing about Amsterdam, was less grand than the photos I’ve seen years back and the place was busy yet felt a bit subdued. I have yet to read and educate myself about the industry and the state of it over the years in existence. Still, it was an experience.
Food was delicious especially at Cafe de Klos with their ribs, it was worth the wait. I usually keep myself away from pork cos I still get bad after taste from the meat even though they are fine and cooked deliciously. The ribs in this place, I would go back with no hesitation. The Scandinavian Embassy has one of the best cakes and spritzers for an afternoon break or whatever the hour is, and the park opposite the cafe is serene and peaceful for a quiet deep conversations.
The Rijksmuseum housed beautiful paintings and artefacts, one of the best museums I’ve visited over the years. The painstakingly detailed work on Rembrandt’s The Night Watch has just started and in its investigation stage at the museum. It was amazing seeing experts meticulously scanning the painting, small patch at a time enhancing them to investigate the state of the masterpiece.
There are still a few more places to explore and parks to enjoy long walks in. I know that I’ll be back there soon…how can I not when I get to create photo like this!
Oh…that look!
Reflect-Action > Reflection 
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