Whimsically Wandering

Walking through a quaint narrow trail of stands, surrounded by fresh produce, cheeses, jewelry hand crafted, leather bags, and fresh boisterous flowers. Then on the wind is the sound of an accordion, accompanied by a clarinet. It is a lovely tune. We sip the last of our freshly squeezed orange-raspberry juice and mount our bicycles. The bounty from the market strapped carefully to the back rack.It's off to a light lunch before exploring more of the city. 

Simply put, we love it here. 

This is a place that we booked our tickets and lodging at without any concrete reason of why, it just truly felt like we just needed to go there. We when told people this was on our travel agenda, there were often a series of remarks about its seedy reputation. The reality of Amsterdam is, there are only about five square blocks filled with tourists smoking and the gawking through the red light district. Beyond that small highly touristic area is a city full of international culture, enticing architecture, cozy cafes, and amazing people. 

We stayed at a wonderfully romantic studio flat on the top floor of an old brick apartment building. Upon or arrival we had tea with our Air B&B host, Marieke, who gave us her local favorites of things to do and places to eat. She lives two floors below the studio and was extremely helpful and a true delight to get to know. For anyone traveling here, I would highly recommend staying at the studio. However take caution when packing, its four flights of stairs up, straight up. But once at the top you are greeted with your own private balcony, a Heineken, fresh fruit, and a comfortable bed.

When you book travel based on "I just feel like we should go here", you always hope it will become clear what that elusive "feeling" was. Not too long after booking our tickets, I found out that one of my dearest friends, Hillary (whom I've known since the beginning of my time on this earth) would be moving there for work. It has worked out that her arrival day is our last full day in the city. So now, here I am, typing this in Hillary's new home in Amsterdam. The three of us just returned from a marvelous lunch overlooking the city at the Library. I love when people's worlds collide in unlikely places, this is no exception. 

It is strange that a place you've never been before, and so far from your roots, can feel like home. We had no trouble adjusting to bicycling everywhere, sipping creamy espresso and wandering down the history-laden canals. We have just enjoyed wandering together-down alleyways, beside canals, through parks-sometimes chatting, other times quietly reflecting, and many times laughing. We have come across many lovely people, each with a fascinating life journey of their own. I have no doubt that we will come back here someday.