AMSTERDAM
Cold winter wind mingles with the sweet tones of the violin, echoing through the vaults untherneath the Rijksmuseum. Musicians entertaining the lined up tourists on their way to see some of the masterpieces from times gone by. Back on my bike navigating the liveliness of the city, crowded paths along the canals leads us to Cecconi’s.
While sipping a splendid Bellini, the long Italian lunch gives the day a stretch. The elegance of interior could easily come straight out of a scene from La Grande Bellezza.
We weave the day together with food. Passing The Duchess, a place with such a grandeur, say Great Gatsby meets Wes Anderson, an all time favorite. But tonight calls for a different vibe, and we’re off to the more unpolished part of town. By ferry to the North, destination Goudfazant. The no nonsense attitude does not detract from the quality of the food; superb. Belly full of deliciousness and head full of inspiration, the journey back to the hotel is a vivid dream. Lights shimmering on inky black water, old brick roads guiding us over narrow bridges; with a little imagination it’s being in one of the 17th century paintings admired earlier this morning.
Conservatorium is where my head hits the pillow, legs tired from biking. Stedelijk flirts through the duplex high windows, hide-out of some of my fav Expressionists. But for now, lights out, enough to dream about.
PHOTO AND TEXT BY AFRA RE
