After only arriving in the Netherlands on Monday morning I think Viv and I are doing pretty well (just quietly) to be heading off on another day’s adventure – this time to Amsterdam. We head off on the bus again and get deposited in the middle of Amsterdam. I feel I know this place but struggle to remember lots of the detail from my 7 months living with Jo in 1991. Well it was 25 years ago so maybe I have an excuse?
Its raining when we arrive. The Spuistraat with its promise of funky art and graffiti is all a bit so-so to be honest. So we quickly flag that and head for the Albert Cuyp Markt – apparently one of the biggest markets in Europe. The sun had well and truly come out by this stage so I looked a bit of a dork carrying my umbrella. Stall after stall – some original stuff but lots and lots of standard Amsterdam souvenirs. I got some sunnies to add to my collection of $5 eye protection . . . hey big spender.
Next a cruise to the Vondel Park and on to de Hallen – a really amazing set of trendy cafes and shops all built within an old tram depot. Very very cool. And from there onto dinner with Miriam in Cafe Edel – a new cafe (well it wasn’t there 25 years ago) with a great vibe and seating outside right by the canal. Miriam volunteered with Jolanda in Portugal and so they go way back. Was really nice hanging out with bevende bever and catching up on old times.
Heading home after dinner we detoured via 82 Marco Polo St where Jolanda had her old flat and we lived together for those 7 months in 1991. Jolanda still has lingering doubts about giving her flat up all those years ago. We had some great times there – I have special memories of the old style kitchen and balcony where we put our feet up at the end of the day and shared a heineken – or two . . .
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