Amsterdam has my heart.
So, we've done a lot of traveling, seen a lot of cities & still one of my favorites is Amsterdam. Then, when you add a reunion with friends we haven't seen in 3 (count 'em 1 - 2 - 3 ) years ... I love it even more! Our friends, the Kims, are serious jetsetters. They have traveled the world together so why not travel with their little baby bump in tow, too? They planned their BabyMoon getaway to Europe. And, luckily for us, their first stop was Amsterdam! An easy (if baby doesn't scream the whole way) 4 hr. drive - on a weekend we were actually in town! It was so refreshing to see familiar faces and catch up on 3 years, 1 baby & 1 bump's worth of chit chat!
As I was writing this post, I took a look back on our first trip to Amsterdam and... WOW. Asher has grown SO much in allllllmost 6 months. I mean. It's kind of bananas. I know everyone tells you that time flies, but it's almost like you don't realize it until you compare photos side by side. Okay, you've grown enough for now, Mr. A. Slooooow down, please. Thanks.
Now, you may be asking yourself, what were babies & bumps doing galavanting around Amsterdam. Because when people hear about or think about Amsterdam, there is likely one smoking, RED LIGHT that comes to mind. But I just really really REALLY want you guys to know that there is SO MUCH MORE to Amsterdam than that. If you're traveling to Europe and are near The Netherlands, you just have to see it for yourself. But since, you might not be in Europe or near The Netherlands - at the moment ...
I'll show you a few reasons why Amsterdam is my favorite city in Europe.
(so far)
1) The city is beyond charming. The canals running through the city & the houseboats floating along them are just - no other word is better than - CHARMING. Every whichway you turn is a photo opportunity. Baby (ahem Toddler 😬 ) Asher LOVES boats & water, so as long as the canals were in view he was a happy camper. The last time we visited, it was pretty chilly. So it was awesome to see the city in full swing in the warmer weather.
2) FOOD. Amsterdam is known for a few delicacies. You probably remember my frites-fanatic post, but there are some sweets to go along with the savory. When in Amsterdam you MUST try the Poffertjes (pronunciation: paw-fur-chez). They are tiny-little-pancake-dream-bites. We found a pastry chef whipping some up while we walked through the Albert Cuyp Market (see #3). You can top them with Nutella, fruit, chocolate, caramel or keep it simple (like we did) with butter & sugar.
See this whole plate. Yeah, the hubs ate 1 - Asher & I devoured the rest.
3) Shopping & Style. Everyone walking around Amsterdam is so well-
dressed. Very euro-street-style. A mix of eclectic & trendy looks right alongside classic-sophisticated styles. I love putting together outfits, mixing old with new & I really feel inspired when I'm walking around in Amsterdam. There are plenty of shopportunities throughout the city. You can read more about the shopping areas on this great Amsterdam site, but we also visited a cute market called the Albert Cuyp Market in di Pijp. There were SO many cute boutiques and vendors set up selling everything including Anthro-y homegoods, affordable fashion & of course delicious foods. Put this on your list! BUT NOTE: We learned that it's actually closed on Sundays!
PS that adorable bowl with the birds now lives in my kitchen 💙
4) History, Culture, Musuems. See our trip to the Van Gogh museum here, but did you know that Amsterdam boasts the most museums per square mile than any. other. city. I didn't make that up. No fake news here. See for yourself. We STILL HAVEN'T BEEN to the Anne Frank House, but are planning to go when my grandparents visit in October! Amsterdam here we come, again!!, and we couldn't be more excited.
Also, how freaking CUTE are they? And..umm Cutest Bump Award... 👇
5) ENGLISH. Bahaha! Okay, so this is probably a top reason for me RIGHT NOW because of the expat-struggles I've shared about recently. But it's just so EASY to be in Amsterdam. English is widely spoken, though you'll see & hear plenty of Dutch too. So you still know you're in a European city, but it's just. SO. easy. So, if you're planning a fun euro-trip, put Amsterdam on your list -- if for no other reason than to give Google Translate a break.
Speaking of English (pun intended) I just LOVED catching up with this pretty mama-to-be. Come back & visit with your little lady as soon as you feel brave enough to get on a plane with her! xoxo!
So, if I haven't convinced you that Amsterdam is one of Europe's gems, yet ... have no fear. Another Netherlands blog post is to come following our next trip. I hope to be adding Anne Frank, Windmills & more tasty snacks to this list of reasons.
ever yours,
lindsey
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