Brown and Red

On Sunday, we started the day with a visit to the Begijnhof, which used to be a community for pious Catholic girls, but is now home to a multitude of women humanitarians.  The small community, built around a church and its gardens, was beautiful.  We were not allowed to take pictures; however, it was spectacular to see a community of women joined together by their desire to do good, living in some of the oldest houses in Amsterdam.  


Afterwards, we stopped for a bite to eat, and then anticipated going to a museum that specifically showed how the war affected the Netherlands.  We planned to get to the Dutch Resistance Museum via a "brown cafe" in order to enjoy a hot chocolate.  Apparently these cafes were full of some of the most wonderfully tasty treats for people to enjoy when stoned.  We ended up on a tiny side street, in a very unassuming little cafe.  

We knew that we did not want to partake in any of the wide variety of 'delicacies' they presented to us, but instead bypassed the menu and enjoyed a plain coffee.  The atmosphere was fascinating.  In fact, Jeri befriended a guy that was very much into yoga, and we had a fascinating conversation with him.  I admit that I was a bit reticent initially, but Jeri reminded me that it is in the face of strangers that we may see divinity.  She is an amazing soul.


Although the first cafe did not have hot chocolate, we ended up stumbling upon another cafe recommended in our guidebook that was only one street away.  The hot chocolate there was wonderful, the brownies were astonishingly tasty, and we enjoyed using the free internet computer for an allotted 15 minutes.  


After finishing our treats, we stepped out into the cold anticipating a walk to the museum.  For some reason, we began to see Kiki everywhere.  

Realizing that half the day was through,  we knew that we needed to reassess and re-route via the hotel that was hosting the ETF Conference Jeri was to attend on Monday and Tuesday.  She wanted to get her team the registration packet and all other necessary materials so that she had everything set up for them Monday morning.  It was a long walk over, but we enjoyed the sights.

Actually, we ended up having to walk directly through the red light district.  We figured it would be fine for us to do this considering it was early Sunday afternoon, but we were admittedly leery.  Overall, I would say that it was an interesting experience, and one that we would not want to have after dark.  Like Begijnhof, they do not allow pictures to be taken here, for different reasons of course.  (What a true dichotomy)  I suppose it did look a little something like this, only you should substitute women where you see bicycles.

Needless to say, we were happy to find the hotel on the other side after seeing Amsterdam's most vivid attempt at being on the forefront of interesting features.  


After Jeri got everything in order for the conference we did make it to the Verzetsmuseum.  I was glad because it was the place she had scoped out in the museum guide as a must-see.  Indeed, it was.  We stayed until closing, taking in all of the interactive features, reading the stories, seeing the artifacts, etc.  It was horrifying to learn about the devastation experienced not only during, but after the war.  The impossibility of getting food and water to the people in the Netherlands caused many to die of starvation after the war was over.  A horrific end that goes unmentioned, and a call to action for all people that live in fortunate surplus.  The Resistance Museum posed a question at the turn of every corner.  When atrocities like this occur, will you adjust, collaborate, or resist?


We had a very long walk back to our hotel which was a great opportunity for us to share our thoughts about our experiences that day.  The conversation continued over dinner at a fabulous French restaurant. As would be expected, Jeri found the wonderful food, and I found someone to take our picture.  

It felt especially wonderful to share this time, this experience, this trip, and this new perspective together.  


Amy

I AMsterdam

We started out early on Saturday morning by having a cup of coffee at a small shop just up the road from our hotel.  Since we needed to queue for the Anne Frank House, we were expecting to just grab a huge take-away and head out.  We were a bit bemused when we were jovially instructed, in Dutch, to take a seat and enjoy our espresso.  It seemed that take-away was not even a consideration.  Nor was an extra large coffee.  We laughed, sat down, and enjoyed feeling "european"


After our espresso, we walked down the street to join the queue.  We only waited about an hour, and were quite sedate in anticipation of the impending tour.  It felt surreal to stand on that street and imagine back to a time (not that long ago) when a little girl went from skipping along the canal to hoping for a breath of fresh air.  

Once inside, we spent the rest of the morning walking through the house.  It is unbelievably small, considering Anne was there with her mother, father, sister, and another family of four.  They were found near the end of the war, in 1944, after two years in hiding.  Anne and her sister, Margot, were sent to Bergen-Belsen where they both died of typhoid.  Her father, Otto, was the only survivor.  They had a video of him talking about the discovery of her journal that we watched repeatedly.  Otto's conclusion, after reading his daughter's journal, was that parents do not really know their own children.  I cannot begin to fathom what it was like for him to hold Anne's inner-most thoughts in his hands after her passing.  The tolerance installation, meant to demonstrate the importance of non discrimination, is in the later-built museum.  It was under construction, but the experience was all we needed to comprehend how imperative it is to accept all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, orientation, beliefs, and lifestyle.

After we left, we made our way to the museum district.  At least that was what we were planning on doing...

In our effort to find lunch, we took a wrong turn and ended up at the flower market.  The bloemenmarkt that we stumbled upon just happens to be the only floating flower market in the world!  We were beginning to notice a trend that Amsterdam really does like to be on the forefront of unique features.  We walked through the market, amazed by the beautiful colors.  I would also like to mention that I was amazed by Jeri, who knew every type of flower by name.  

We finally made it to the Museum District after a reassessment with the map.  The line at the Rijksmuseum was around the block, so we ventured over to the Van Gogh Museum via a beautiful park.  The I AMsterdam sign (pictured above) is at the head of this wonderful tree-lined pond.  

There were people out in droves, and we waited patiently for our tickets.  Once inside, Jeri suggested we get the audio tour, which was a brilliant idea.  We learned so much!  We stood side by side in front of each work of art just awestruck.  We saw his Sunflowers, his Irises, his Potato Eaters, and his Blossoming Almond Tree (his Japanese Inspired piece that was painted for his nephew).  It is behind me in the picture below.  Jeri and I both found it to be touching, as we have some pretty wonderful nephews ourselves.  

After a few hours in the museum, we decided it was time to eat.  Rather, we thought it was time to scope out a place to have dinner after our workout.  Of course Jeri found a fabulous restaurant adorned with tons of stickers- Michelin Guide rated, Fodor's, Time Out... none of them had an Urbanspoon sticker though.  Regardless, we made a reservation that gave us just enough time to enjoy a quick workout.  
Certainly there was enough walking during our day, but we enjoyed a quick session of Pilates and weights.  This gave us permission to then indulge in a meal that was an absolute treat.  We ordered the Chef's Selection, one sans meat, and it was divine.  I must say that sitting together and talking was the perfect conclusion to our day. 

Friday Night in Amsterdam

We have just returned home from our 5 day excursion to Amsterdam.  What a wonderful getaway!  I scooped Jeri up from the office Friday afternoon, and we hopped on a little plane that was to take us across the water to The Netherlands.  It seemed impossible to fathom before we departed, but yes, the flight only took 45 minutes.  As soon as we took off, we were preparing for landing.  Jeri and I read through our Amsterdam guidebook on the short trip over, and discovered quite a few wonderful secrets about this city.  To our amazement, the population is about 700,000-- and the number of bicycles in the city is approximately 650,000!  You really had to see it to believe it.  We were shocked as our taxi (the only car on the street) pulled up to the hotel, and we had to dodge cyclists as we crossed the street.  The hotel was beautiful, and my sweet girl had arranged for us to have a room overlooking the canal.  

After we unpacked, Jeri was sure to get us right to the gym.  She is so good!  We did a quick workout, and then got back outside to explore the city as evening approached.  It turns out that we were staying a block from the church under which Rembrandt was buried.

We used this church as our point of reference, as we discovered from our reading that the one and only gay monument that exists in all the world was right there.  Yes, in Amsterdam, half a block from our hotel, on the grounds of this beautiful church, lies the Homomonument.  It is made up of 3 large marble pink triangles that are embedded into the stone and water.  The pink triangle was chosen because gay people were forced to wear a pink triangle patch on their clothing during the holocaust.

Here we are, happily taking our own picture in front of the triangle embedded into the wall of the canal.

Afterwards, we enjoyed a beer at one of the many outdoor tables that line the canals.  The sunset was perfect, the company of my love was divine, and the beer was interesting...

Oddly enough, we had great Indian food for dinner.  This was ironic, being that London is supposed to have fantastic Indian food, and yet we still have not gone out to an Indian restaurant there.  Amsterdam is known for not having good Indian, and yet we had a spectacular meal.  That being said, Jeri did comment that my homemade super spicy tikka masala reigns supreme.  I have happily cooked this for dinner quite a few times now upon her request.

We walked home stuffed and satisfied, and were surprised by the silence as we drifted off to sleep.  Even though we were right in the heart of the city, there was no noise at night.

Well, occasionally we would hear a bicycle bell--

Amy

Saturday Market and Matinee

On Saturday we awoke like children on Christmas morning to venture out to Borough Market.  We had been told that it was a food lovers paradise, so we brought our empty backpack ready to fill with wonderful treasures. 
The market just happens to be located under the London Bridge.  Jeri had the chance to see the bridge in passing when she was on a business call, but this adventure marked our first trip walking across the bridge.  Funny thing is that the bridge pictured in the background is not the London Bridge at all, although it is the one everyone associates with the bridge.  I am standing on the completely unexciting, grey, nondescript London Bridge. Regardless, we agreed that this served as our initiation into true London life.  I was excited... and thought perhaps my niece might be too.

After crossing over, we came upon the land of milk and honey.  Rather, the land of cheese and olives...

It was phenomenal!  Of course we immediately came up with a way to get the family involved, should everyone decide to join us...    Jan, you make the truffles... Mike, you carve out the wood stumps to use as bowls...

We really should have prepared better, and not eaten the day before... they hand out sample after sample, and everything was fantastic!  We purchased a few treats, including some fresh handmade truffle ravioli to have for dinner that night, some hot chilies and spicy sauces, and a handful of sweets.  We decided against purchasing any meat, although I was clearly tempted...

Before we departed for the theatre, we decided to stop into a small deli and wine shop for a glass of bubbly.  It was the perfect way to conclude our first trip (of many) to Borough Market...

As we tubed our way to the Apollo Victoria to see Wicked, I could barely sit still.  I am so grateful that Jeri and I share a love of musical theatre... 

The show was truly amazing!  My cheeks hurt by the end from smiling so much.  Okay, I admit... I cried too.  Their voices were so powerful, and the fact that we could see the cast up close really heightened the experience.  What a special treat!  Needless to say, we walked home singing...

Indeed, the curtain closes on another wonderful London day....

With love,

Amy

Holiday Weekend Kickoff

What a joy it was to have four full days to relax and enjoy London together!  Jeri came home Thursday evening from work with the most beautiful white lilies for me as a surprise... what an amazing way to start the holiday.

We enjoyed a luxurious Friday morning, with plenty of amazing cappuccinos (they are delivered piping hot every morning by my sweet!!!) and breakfast in bed.  It was so nice to read and relax.  We went in search of theatre tickets Friday afternoon, and ended up huddled under the umbrella for the duration of our walk.  I could not believe when Jeri decided to get the best tickets available for the Saturday matinee of Wicked.  It is one of her absolute favorites, so I have been very anxious to see it.  I could barely contain my excitement when I knew we were going to be seated in the tenth row!!!!  Wow.  It seemed only fitting that I should treat her to something equally as lavish in return.  So, I decided to take her to the Pilates Studio across the street from our house and spoil her with my best effort at a challenging advanced workout.  Here is the studio where I will work...

Of course, Jeri succeeded in performing the entire advanced workout with grace, precision, and strength.  I hate to admit it, but after a few repetitions of an exercise, I would take a break and Jeri would continue, doubling up on just about every exercise.  It was a blast to see her enjoy it... and I finally think I have convinced her  to include Pilates in her regular workout routine.


We ended the evening by purchasing a few prawns from the local fish stand on Chelsea Green.  Jeri cleaned them, seasoned them, and cooked them to perfection!  What a good Friday dinner we shared:) 

We curled up after dinner (sans couch) and were able to watch a movie, thanks to Jeri's technical prowess.  It had been almost a month without TV, so this felt like a perfect way to enjoy the cold and rainy London night.


With love,
Amy

Happy Easter

We are on the first day of our 4 day "bank holiday" - so cool!  It is great to have a 4 day weekend for Easter.  We are sticking around London, which seems to be a good choice as it's pretty quite.  We started the weekend with breakfast in bed.  I think Amy was feeling like she should make breakfast since I bring her coffee every morning (little does she know that no matter how you slice it I get the better end of the deal - bringing her coffee every morning is the least I can do).  We had bagels with lox, capers, onions, cream cheese, tomatoes - my favorite!  She dutifully informed me that it put us over our grocery bill for the day so it may be a while before we get it again.  She's handling our budget so things are much more "well managed".  No shopping on the horizon for as long as I can see.  A small price to pay.... :)

We're going to try to see a show or two and get some good workouts in this weekend.  Also, we plan on visiting a couple museums, and are very excited about venturing over to the Boroughs Market under London Bridge - it's a foodies paradise by the sounds of it - this will be the highlight of the weekend for me.

The weather here has been a lot like what we're used to at home.  Overcast with some sun breaks, rain now and then, etc.  I do know Amy has gotten stuck in a few torrential downpours... her sopping wet jeans were hung up to dry when I got in from work last night.

Work has been busy, there's a lot to be done here.  Having two 4 day work weeks back to back is fantastic!  We're heading to Amsterdam next Friday for a conference the following Monday and Tuesday.  We are very much looking forward to checking it out over the weekend.  The original tulip festival will be in full bloom when we're there and I'm looking forward to seeing the museums as well as Anne Frank's house.  When I was in Germany I couldn't help but be constantly reminded of what happened there during WWII.  It was a very strange sensation.  The German writing everywhere, the aggressive tone of the language, the intense industrialization everywhere, the focus on precision (ie watches, pens, cars, etc).  It was an eery feeling, I can't really explain it.  I've read a lot about WWII and have always been intrigued by the Holocaust and other genocides in terms of the atrocities that people are willing to commit under the guise of nationalism, religion, etc.  It's beyond comprehension to me that people become lemmings and forgo their own moral compass in such a huge way at times.  I guess we all do that to some degree or else we would get involved in things that are happening around the world right now... Sorry, that's a tangential dialogue for some other day...back to this weekend. :)

We're going to a friends house (Jamie and Brad's) for Easter dinner on Sunday - they're from Tacoma and I worked closely with Jamie at Russell for two years until she decided to come over to London as an expat 3 years ago.  We will be missing all our friends and family from home and thinking of you as you gather together this weekend.

With love,

Jeri Jo

Sunday in the (Hyde) Park with Jeri

This past Sunday, Jeri took me on a tour of her running route through Hyde Park.  On all my outings, I had yet to venture through here (probably because I am not in search of a running path:).  Little did I know what a spectacular piece of nature we have just down the road from our home in Chelsea!  It was absolutely beautiful.  We walked along the water, hand in hand, and enjoyed the afternoon just lolling about.  We made friends with a few dogs, stood quietly in front of the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, and watched little black ducklings trail behind a swan.  I cannot wait until this coming weekend, as it is a holiday and we plan on enjoying a few picnics in the park.  Here are some pictures from our outing.  Note the horrifying animal bits we saw on our way-- 

                                      

The Hair, as requested:)

The Park

The Lovers