I spent a part of the Summer 2005 in Amsterdam. I stayed with a Dutch family in a big house in the west of the city, near the Sloterplas. It was beautiful, with a view on the lake and colourful sunsets.

I enjoyed going biking in the city centre and taking photographs. I also liked going shopping on the Kalverstraat or in Osdorp. I went to the cinema a couple of times. I also spent some time with the family where I was staying, especially with the children. I got to practice my Dutch, I do not want to forget it!

On weekends I went on different trips, to Belgian, Danish and Italian cities. I love Europe and how everything is relatively close. A few hours on a plane and you can be in a totally different culture, surrounded by a new language, eating different food, etc.

I left home with one suitcase and came back with two. I loaded it with new bought stuff but mostly food! I brought back a lot of Dutch treats including ontbijtkoek (breakfast cake), hagelslag (chocolate pieces for on bread), poffertjes mix (mini pancakes mix) and Goudse kaas (gouda cheese).

I do not know when my next trip to The Netherlands will be but I know I will go back some day (soon I hope)!

Groetjes van
xox

Amsterdam in Black & White Exhibition
(Some of the photographs on the left have been transformed to black & white with a frame).