Scenes from Amsterdam

Ah, Amsterdam... :)

With a kickin' arts and culture scene, gorgeous architecture that's archaic yet chic, people so chilled out they are economical with words and emotion (in a nice way), casual cannabis coffeeshops and soulful, hearty traditional grub houses everywhere, I love how Amsterdam has a curiously comfortable way to serve up Heaven and Hell, on the very same plate.  

From the stark practicality of the Red Light district that grates on the Conservative, to the unabashed graffiti that inspires the Artist;  the grandeur of the museums filled with Vermeers and van Goghs, to the quiet grace of a mother-and-daughter run coffeeshop complete with a Zen crystal garden, Amsterdam has no secrets.  She tells you everything, and then leaves you to decide who you want to be.  

And that is why Amsterdam is so the place to just Be. :)

 

 

Common Winter

Apparently, we've had a particularly harsh winter.  Come to think of it, it has been colder this winter than last.  In fact, it's still cold now!

But the Common is a glorious sight on brrrr! winter mornings.  We trudge thoughtfully on the snowed-over gravel path, stopping for a while to skid some stones on the frozen pond.

Everything looks peaceful, and there is a still in the air.  Until Ruhi meets up with friends also on their walk to school, and start a snowball fight.  

Which, I have to say, is the perfect start to a cold winter's day. :)

  

Scenes from Prague

We did Prague last month, and discovered a winter wonderland.  Filled with a gripping political and cultural history, breathtaking gothic, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture, and a museum dedicated to one of my all-time faves, Alphonse Mucha, Prague is truly one of the most beautiful places I have visited.

Everywhere we went, the food was honest, rustic and soulful, and the beer, Pilsner Urquell (naturally).  The people were patient and polite, without the artificial warmth of being too keen to please tourists.

It snowed stupidly, we were freezing our asses off, but, really, we wouldn't have had it any other way...