Amsterdam sights and another blogger meetup!
Sunday was our second full day in Amsterdam, and we’d arranged to meet lovely blogger Greetje of No Fear Of Fashion. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t conducive for the boat tour she’d arranged, but we had a marvelous time talking, laughing, drinking coffee, shopping, eating, drinking coffee, oh, and drinking coffee. (This is a great city for coffee lovers!) Greetje is fabulous company, open and straight-talking, with a great sense of humor. She took me on a tour of the “9 Streets” area which is full of lovely shops and boutiques, including some killer vintage shops. I’ve noticed some really great style on Dutch women of a certain age, and Greetje is no exception. She has an eye for detail, color and fit, and an adventurous sense of style. No Fear Of Fashion, indeed! Thank you again Greetje for a wonderful afternoon. It was such a pleasure getting to know you!
As sometimes happens when we travel, I was hit with a bit of “travelers’ tummy” Monday morning, so spent most of the day yesterday sleeping and relaxing. Fortunately I’m back to normal today, and we hope to get out and see some museums and explore more areas of the city. And there’s a handbag by Dutch leather designer Hester Van Eeghen that wants me to come have another look. 😉 Thanks to Greetje, we got an introduction to the tram system, and are now using it to get around over longer distances.
But I promised more pictures, yes?
These crooked buildings have stood leaning for centuries, and were actually built this way intentionally to make it easier to haul items up to the upper floors using a pulley system.
Have no idea what this was all about (suspect advertising promotion of some kind) but these folks seemed to be having quite a good time on the “Sauna Boat.”
We noticed a lot of groups of young people who seemed to be here celebrating Bachelor/Bachelorette parties, (the latter complete with “Bride” tee shirts or sashes and silly little veils), and drinking and whooping from the party boats. I remarked to le Monsieur that Amsterdam seems to have a bit of a Las Vegas vibe, sans the gambling and bright lights. Later I was talking to a Dutch woman at the hotel, and after exchanging the usual where-are-you-from’s she asked how I liked Amsterdam. “It’s very pretty and very fun,” I answered. “Yes,” she said, “it’s sort of the Las Vegas of Europe.”
We’ll be out and about today, and I’ll be snapping away. I’ve been very pleased with the quality of photos on my iPhone 6. We have two more full days here, then on to London.
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What fun to meet up with Greetje! I love the photo. If you make it to Australia some time Susan I’d love to meet up with you, we can be short together and pretend we are tall. 😉
I feel like I am on the journey with you and Amsterdam is at the top of my list of cities to visit (as I am part Dutch). The 9Streets area sounds like so much fun and I would love to see the vintage shops. The pictures are beautiful and your coffee date with Greetje sounds like great fun. I look forward to hearing and seeing more of your adventures.
Accidental Icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
Ah, we stayed in the 9 Streets area last year when we were there, and now you’ve convinced me that we need to plan a return trip! Your photos are so great that it makes me feel almost like I’m back there…
sigh…
There are NOT enough plane tickets in the WORLD for me!
big hug,
Janice
Next year, I am back to Europe. Your photos inspire me to book a couple days in Amsterdam. There is just so much to see in the world! I have not visited Greetje’s blog before and I especially liked her red boots. It sounds as if you are having fun with your meet ups. That’s a great photo of you and Greetje. I always enjoy travelling along with other bloggers.
Well I had NO idea that Greetje was so tall – now you know why I (a 6 footer) LOVE to shop in Amsterdam! For years, even before I “was one” I’ve noticed what you mention – “some really great style on Dutch women of a certain age” – another reason why I love to shop there. Enjoy!
Ah… this brings back memories. I visited Amsterdam and walked down the same streets. Nice pictures.
Groeten uit Canada. Have you found a shop that sells Dries van Noten yet? Lovely stuff!
Yes! Such great reminders of our own visit a few years ago — so happy you’re enjoying Amsterdam. (and I agree — the iPhone 6 is taking very good photos).
On our visit last May we found the casino, across the street from our hotel! It was fun. It’s in the same area as museumplein. So Amsterdam!!
A tip for you. If you’re going to the Ann Frank Museum (which I recommend) go about an hour or an hour and a half before closing. The lines will be much shorter. In fact there may not be any.
I have never felt so short as when I was on extended stays (at a research institute) in Amsterdam. Fortunately there were a few people there from the Philippines and Indonesia… Even the straps on the trams and coathooks are too high. I bought trousers for a 6ft friend here; she had already lived there (she was originally from London) and knew the brand and model she wanted. I couldn’t borrow the bicycles of most of my friends… Yes, the nine little streets (Negen Straatjes) are charming, as are many other areas, such as the nearby Jordaan.
I also enjoy the Tropenmuseum, farther east (tram 14); it has a café with “exotic” dishes. And of course you have to enjoy Indonesian food; not necessarily a rijsttafel, which is Dutch-Indonesian (along the lines of Anglo-Indian) and probably too much food for two people. I’m sure Greetje can recommend a good spot.
I’m enjoying your posts from Amsterdam so much. We will be visiting there for the first time next Spring.
What a wonderful and beautiful city! I loved Amsterdam! Looks and sounds like you’re having a wonderful time. What are the 5 streets?? Or is it 9 streets? for shopping??
take good care of yourself. Your pictures are wonderful. XO
Oh– you two together are so cute. I took a look at Greetje’s blog… she has great style and a great figure!! Awesome to see “over 40’s” girls who look amazing and embrace fashion–and take some style risks!!
Amsterdam looks like so much fun! I didn’t really know Greetje – but will hop over to her blog! And Hester van Eeghen – do you remember I did a giveaway for one of her bags, back when? I think her stuff is GORGEOUS.
How wonderful to have been able to meet Greetje – she seems like such a fun gal! Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
I knew you would use this picture haha. It is too hilarious not to. I look like a stick with that long coat. I get lots of compliments over it but I think it is only nice when I wear it open.
(For anyone who reads this: I am 5ft7. Susan is indeed a lot smaller.)
It was a great afternoon which I enjoyed very much. You have a lovely personality and I could have spent a much longer time with you. Meeting another blogger in real life is one of the best things to come from blogging.
Greetje
So exciting to meet up with another blogger! Adore both of you … and your blogs! How cool! Amsterdam looks fabulous! Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip with us!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
You met Greetje? How wonderful! I laughed at your opening photo – you are both bigger than life in your blogs, like movie stars, doncha’ know? Amsterdam looks like an enchanting city. Someday I hope to visit.
How nice you girl got to meet! I was there last week but she was not free to meet up. Plus my stay was too short. I think she would ‘marvel’ at my height too had I saw her 😉
Oh Greetje!! I know her from the YLF Forum!
So lovely that you got to meet Greetje. She is a dear friend and so much fun to be around. Such a pity I missed you though as I’m only in Amsterdam next week. No chance that you can come to the blogger meetup in Vancouver in July?