More news and some I forgot…

I totally forgot to write about our private canal dinner cruise we were treated to.  Back in November when Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug were over here, we enjoyed an amazing dinner cruise on the canals by the design company that is designing the new offices and warehouse.  It was a small, what we would call antique, canal boat that we literally climbed in and sat on benches on either side of the boat and up to a long table facing one another, which meant there was no room to move around, but very cozy and friendly.  Now the food and drink were outstanding – for my vegan and vegetarian friends, you can stop reading.  J  The table was set with china and linens, bread, butter and olives.  We started with champagne and a small appetizer of smoked sausages and apple.  Then the wine started flowing and the real appetizer came – it was quail with different types of little condiments on the side – beautifully presented and delicious.  The entrees were either sea bass or red deer with potato au gratin and vegetables; I selected the fish.  Then a beautifully presented array of desserts along with cappuccinos followed.  Now what I haven’t explained is that since this boat was so small with a very tiny galley, for each course we stopped at a different restaurant and the course was brought onboard.  All of this was enjoyed with wonderful friends and new friends while cruising the canals which were absolutely beautiful at night with all the lights.  Dave said the canal cruise is a lot of fun during the day also since you can see the architecture of the buildings and they go out into the bay also.  This is an experience I will not forget.

Last week was a mixture of weather.  All of the snow from the weekend before has melted.  On Thursday I went to a coffee that was at a department store café on the sixth floor and had an incredible view.  It was a pretty cool place to be that day since the weather was so fickle.  First the sun was out, then sleet, then snow flurries and then it would repeat the cycle.  Quite amazing to watch from that far up.  By the time we left it was sunny but not warm!

Over the weekend, Dave and I enjoyed venturing into the centrum to walk around and explore some more.  It seems you can walk and walk and always see new streets, buildings, shops and cafes.

On Saturday, we stopped in a little pub that was managed by an African-British guy who seated us at one of the six tables.  It was quite quaint and cozy; again what we would call antique furnishings and lots of dark wood.  The tables were covered with small wool, oriental rugs which I thought was quite creative.  The menu said “homemade” hamburgers so we asked him, are they good?  He said well I’m going to go back and make them for you right now and you can let me know.  So, of course, we had to try them and for Holland they were quite scrumptious, topped with melted cheese and grilled onions.  No chips or fries but alongside a beer it was a quite tasty lunch.  While sitting there Dave laughed and said we have to get one of those and I said, What?  The café was very small but up on the wall behind me was a screen with Yuletide logs burning and Dave said I feel warmer just watching them.  We both had a good laugh but thought it was a good idea since we do not have a fireplace in our apartment.

 

On Sunday we decided to go to a movie – hmmm, what to see?  We wanted to go to the Tuschinski Cinema which is a historic theater located at Rembrandtplein.  Well there were only three movies in English so we decided to go see the new Harry Potter movie.  The movie was entertaining but the theater was absolutely beautiful.  Very Art Deco – the lighting fixtures were incredible and the wallpaper was inspiring to me but a little too “busy” for Dave.  He said he didn’t know where to look because there was so much, but to me, oh my goodness, I loved it!  I guess that’s why there is chocolate and vanilla, right?

Also want to share this photo of Dave in front of the new Taylor Guitars Europe Center and Warehouse.

Today I am sitting in my apartment while the plumber works on our clogged drains.  It’s a cloudy, cold day so all OK with me.  I don’t really need to go out this morning so will just spend time reading, writing and drinking coffee!

Hugs to all!