… for a walk! out in the crisp cool Autumnal air.
The weather today has been just spectacular. Perfect for walking and enjoying the sunshine. Warm enough that when walking I had to take my jacket off to cool down! Then of course it rained on me and I put it back on to keep me dry. Would you like to know more?
There were several things we did, and you can do, in an effort to get to know our new city. In fact, most of the things I’m about to describe to you were things we were already doing on a regular basis before we moved, so this aspect of the move wasn’t a lifestyle change for us; more a change of scenery.
Once off the plane, with bags dumped at the hotel, key in our pocket, we went for a walk. We were determined to see our first canal. It was only days later when I figured out which canal it even was! (Herengracht, for the curious.)
It’s one of the best things you can do for really getting a feel for the place you’re now going to be calling home. There is so much atmosphere to be absorbed from walking around and just seeing everything there is to see.
I love walking around Amsterdam. There’s always a street you haven’t been down, and even if you have, there’s always something new to see.
This young lady is obviously taking her Frisian cow for a walk in its clogs. What else would you do with your cow? Perfectly normal!
The houseboats have their own gardens. They are often bigger than mine!
How can you not love going for a walk when you’re surrounded by this?
We had a purpose to our wandering this week, and hence were walking up the northern end of town up on Haarlemmerstraat.
We were heading for the Spanish food specialty shop Hollandaluz so Himself could make one of his world famous paellas for dinner that night!
Of course being such a busy strip there are lots and lots of shops up there, both specialty and kitschy. We found this in a home wares store. No, we didn’t buy it.
But I do want a Nijntje (Miffy) night light!
Of course the scenery never stops being spectacular and photo-worthy.
There’s always good sport in searching for all the different types of wall tablets too. Before adopting street numbers these tablets, along with the differing gable shapes, were how different homes were identified. They often told the profession of the inhabitants.
Of course, having been surrounded by all these specialty stores all afternoon, we weren’t immune to the calls of their contents. We may have succumbed to one store, and brought home a variety of samples for later consumption!
I can tell you now with authority that there is a reason the Dutch are known for their chocolate. These were rich, creamy, heaven!
It’s a beautiful day in my neighbourhood!
Oh my! Where have we ended up?!
A patchwork fabric shop you say?
I may have finally realised that I could goggle “patchwork fabric Sydney” and discovered two of the best and most amazing shops are in walking distance of our house. I may have asked Himself if he wanted to go on an adventure. I may have walked away with quite the stash of new and exciting fabrics … But I’ll leave those for another post!
One of the things I love about where we live is the diversity of the street art. This piece has been moving me for quite some time when I see it on my walks, and today I had the time to photograph it and share it with you.
We tried out a new café. One again it was one which I had been wanting to try for some time, and today it was not only open but we managed to walk in at a point where we could have eaten from the breakfast or lunch menus! (handy!)
I ended up with roasted field mushrooms, with sautéed spinach, Persian fetta, dukkah, on toasted olive bread…
And Himself went nuts and had the French Toast, with grilled banana, bacon, and maple syrup!
I can’t walk past the local nursery without going in and having a quick wander and a browse of all the plants that are flowering.
It made me wonder if hanging my plants would protect them from wayward kitties who like to eat my beautiful plants and then barf everywhere! (*looks at Oscar*)
Just so you’re aware, we made it into two more fabric shops before heading home. But I’ll spare you those details and instead share with you one last piece of local street art.
I know they’re fighting each other. But did you notice that they’re watching you?
*grins*
When was the last time you walked around your neighbourhood?
Since being forcibly stopped from my jogging regime by debilitating shin splints back in April, I have missed it more than I can say. So it has been so wonderful this last few weeks that Winter seems to have disappeared! With the days stretching themselves back out I have begun walking home from work again.
I have been able to stop an photograph the magnolias like I wanted to, though I think they really are confused and think it’s Spring! I hope there won’t be another cold snap!
And being able to have this view on the walk home is truly magical!
I love the fairy lights through the branches of the trees reflecting off the water through the boats.
We truly do live in a beautiful city!
ghoti industries 