Blog Archives

CANTA LX

31/7/2014

Just the right amount of cute. The Canta LX. How could you be angry with it, just makes you smile doesn't it?

I've seen quite a few around Amsterdam. Enough to grab my attention and make me want to know more…

It is officially the smallest car in the world, it's manufactured in the Netherlands by Waaijenberg, production commenced in 1998, they are surprisingly expensive, and apparently you don't need a license to drive them. If you can drive a moped you drive one of these guys. Needless to say parking is not a problem, and in fact I've seen them parked alongside bikes more than I have seen them in actual car spaces.

Wonder what they're like to drive?, probably not great. Does it really matter when they are adding a good vibrant pop of colour, and humour to our urban landscape? I think not!

CANTA LX / Wiltonstraat 26, 3905 KW Veenendaal / www.waaijenberg.com
Images; ℅ Google images

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EYE MUSEUM - Amsterdam

29/7/2014

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Just a few minutes away from Centraal Station by ferry sits the Eye Museum. The building is a little bit fabulous. Dynamic, innovative, dramatic yet sleek, with textured facades and enormous windows opening the interior up to views of the river and city.

It was designed by Austrian architectural firm Delugan Meissl, which specialise in buildings that appear to be in motion. The perfect fit for a film museum! It holds 4 screening rooms that showcase a wide variety of films; from old classics to new release arthouse. There is a 1200m2 exhibtion space with 4 changing exhibtions every year, a large terrace with fabulous views, and a bar and restaurant which is open daily.

It's definitely worth a visit. I went yesterday. It was a beautiful summer day, and people were enjoying the restaurant and the surrounding parklands. Some enjoying the shade of the trees and others sunning themselves on blankets by the river. A great picnic place. I lay under a tree admiring the architecture and snacking on a delicious vegan salad of quinoa, snap pea, carrot, pumpkin seed and almond. Lovely!

EYE MUSEUM / IJpromenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam / +31 20 589 1400 / www.eyefilm.nl
Images: ℅ Google images

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Winkel 43

26/7/2014

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Winkel 43. Very well known by apple pie fans, because as far as reputation goes this is the "best of the best" when it comes to apple pie in Amsterdam.

I was taken there for a piece of pie, serving as my second piece of birthday cake for the day, and it definitely didn't disappoint. It was moist, jam packed with apples, a hint of cinnamon, and a rich sweet crust. It disappeared very fast even though neither of us were hungry having already eaten a delicious lunch and lime cheesecake at the Stedelijk museum restaurant.

The pie is definitely worth eating, but the real treasure here was not the food but the company. A true connection with another is the greatest treasure of all, and this is exactly what I am blessed to know.

WINKEL / Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA Amsterdam / +31 20 623 0223 / www.winkel43.nl
Images: ℅ Google images

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VL92

24/7/2014

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Ok so you probably know that the Dutch love their gin - well that's how the story goes anyway.

I have to write about this particular gin. Check out that packaging! Love it. The bottles come in different sizes PLUS there is a fab little takeaway pack. If it wasn't for luggage constraints I would absolutely need to have one of each… hmmm possibly two… sample it and have one to admire… ;)

VL92 / Mathenesserdijk 232, 3026 GL Rotterdam / Distillery: Maassluissedijk 32, 3131 KB Vlaardingen / www.vl92.com
Images: ℅ Google images

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PLAY ME I'M YOURS - Paris

21/7/2014

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PLAY ME I'M YOURS are the words plastered over 1200 pianos in 43 cities around the world.

It's the initiative of British artist Luke Jerram kicked off in 2008, now reaching over six million people worldwide. Play Me I'm Yours pianos are located in public parks, bus shelters and train stations, markets and even at ferries. They are available for any member of the public to play and enjoy. Many pianos are personalised and decorated by artists or the local community. By creating a space for exchange, Play Me I’m Yours invites connection and sharing. It's fabulous!

I discovered this "treasure" in Paris. These colourful instruments are dotted all around town. It was truly the city of music for me this trip. On the trains, in the train stations, and on the streets; buskers and every day people alike. I heard music everyday. The greatest of these was at Montmarte, coming from a Play Me I'm Yours piano. It was a balmy summer night and the stairs leading up to Sacre Coeur were filled with people watching the sunset, and a young teenage boy played a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces. Encouraged by his audience he continued. Inspirational to the extreme, being there and experiencing it made my heart happy.

For a list of current locations visit the website listed below.